'''Maha Sarakham Province''' is in Isaan.

'''Maha Sarakham''' (?????????) is the provincial capital of Maha Sarakham Province.

Understand

Maha Sarakham is located in the heart of Northeast Region of Thailand or Isan. With lots of educational institute, the province is a significant educational hub of the region. Hence, it is called Taxila of Isan (Taxila was a learning centre of India in ancient time). Maha Sarakham is actually Buddhist centre of Isan, as many Buddhist archeological artifacts are found here, which include Relic of Lord Buddha in Amphoe Na Dun. Such evidence leads to the theory that such place once was the location of ancient kingdom dating back to 1,500 years ago. Thus, pagoda is built there to mark the glory day of Buddhism and to serve as venue for important rite of Buddhism.

Districts

The province comprises 13 amphoe:- Borabue; Chiang Yuen; Chuen Chom; Kae Dam; Kantharawichai; Kosum Phisai; Kut Rang; Mueang Maha Sarakham; Na Chueak; Na Dun; Phayakkhaphum Phisai; Wapi Pathum; Yang Sisurat.

'''''Distance from Amphoe Muang to other Amphoes'''''

  • Kantharawichai 18 kilometres
  • Borabue 26 kilometres
  • Kosum Phisai 28 kilometres
  • Kae Dam 28 kilometres
  • Wapi Pathum 40 kilometres
  • Chiang Yuen 55 kilometres
  • Na Chueak 58 kilometres
  • Na Dun 64 kilometres
  • Yang Sisurat 70 kilometres
  • Payakkhaphum Phisai 82 kilometres
  • Sub-Amphoe Chuen Chom 40 kilometres
  • Sub-Amphoe Kut Rang 74 kilometres
  • Cities

  • Maha Sarakham - the provincial capital
  • Other destinations

    Boundary

  • North - Connects to Kalasin
  • South - Connects to Surin and Buri Ram
  • East - Connect to Roi Et
  • West - Connect to Khon Kaen.
  • Get in

    By car

    From Bangkok, motorist can head north via highway 1 and get into highway 2 at Saraburi, via Nakhon Racthasima. Then use highway 226 to Buri Ram, highway 219 via Amphoe Satuek of Buri Ram, and Amphoe Payakkhaphum Phisai, Borabue, of Maha Sarakham. This route is 475 kilometres.

    By bus

    State-owned Transport Co, operates many buses and air-conditioning coaches between Bangkok and Maha Sarakham. For more information, call Northeastern Bus Terminal at 0-2936-2852-66. The private-owned bus service providers include Mongkol Tour (0-4371-1072) Cherdchai Tour (0-4374-0359)

    Tourist traveling by train or air plane can travel to Khon Kaen first then drive to Maha Sarakham, 72 kilometres away.

    Get around

    See

    Amphoe Mueang Maha Sarakham

    '''Isan Cultural Centre (??????????????????????)''' Located in Rajabhat Maha Sarakham Institute, the centre features history of Isan_fs art, as well as handicraft such as weaving, clothes_f patterns. The centre also exhibits rare item such as Isan_fs literature on the fan palm_fs leaves, photo regarding tradition and culture of Isan.

    '''Isan Tradition and Art Research Institute (????????????????????????????????)''' Located in Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, the institute features permanent exhibition regarding all aspects of Isan_fs art and culture

    '''Kaeng Loengchan (???????????)''' The big reservoir is situated back of Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, some 3 kilometres from Maha Sarakham city. Around the area is fishery station which breeds and distributes different kinds of fresh water fish to provinces in the region. Beautiful scenery around the reservoir attracts a number of people to enjoy holiday here.

    '''Pottery Village (????????????????)''' The villaged is situated in Tambon Khwao, 4 kilometres from Maha Sarakham city via highway 23 (Maha Sarakham-Roi Et). The villagers here inherited ancient method of pottery from their ancestor. From water pot and cooking pots, they have diversified their products into various designs to cope with modern living style.

    '''Ku Mahathat (??????????)''' The Khmer ruins is located in Ban Khwao. Built in the 13th Century to serve as a hospital during the reign of King Chaivoraman VII, the laterite ruins was created in Bayon style in rectangular shape. With 8 metres high and 4 metres wide, the ruins houses two gods made from terra cotta, sitting legs crossed with conchs in hands. The ruin is situated in the embrace of laterite wall and it can be accessed via eastern gopura (gate) only. There is a small building located southeast of the wall. The eastern gate is the only real gate while other three are fake doors. Door frames and lintels made of sandstone. The site is already excavated and renovated by the Department of Fine Art.

    ''How to get there''From Maha Sarakham city, sue Chaeng Sanit Road (highway 23: Maha Sarakham-Roi-Et), for 13 kilometres.

    '''City Shrine (???????????????????)''' Located in front of Lak Mueang Maha Sarakham School, the shrine was built since 1865 by Thao Mahachai, the first ruler of Maha Sarakham who has moved from Roi-Et to build new city here. The city shrine was built as a sacred icon of the city where Maha Sarakham people pay lot of respect.

    '''Khong Kut Wai Fish Sanctuary (?????????????????????)''' Situated 10 kilometres from Maha Sarakham City, the lake is home to over 100 species of freshwater fish. It is a nice place where people can enjoy feeding the fish and relax.

    Amphoe Na Dun

    '''Ku Santarat (????????????)''' Located in Tambon Ku Santarat, the Khmer Ruins was built in Bayon style (1157 -1207 AD) during the reign of King Chaivoraman VII. Like Ku Mahathat at Ban Khwao, it is built from rectangular laterite blocks. Standing in the rectangular wall with a pool outside, the ruins has lintel and nicely carved door arch.

    ''How to get there'' Use highway 2040, via Amphoe Kae Dam and Wapi Pathum, turn right into highway 2045 (head to Amphoe Na Dun) for a kilometre, the ruins will be on your right.

    '''Phra That Na Dun: Buddhist Park of Isan (???????????? ?????????????????)''' Located in Amphoe Na Dun, Phra That is in the area once was ancient town called Champasi. Lots of archeological artifacts, such as Buddha images and Buddha amulet, are found and now kept in Khon Kaen National Museum, Khon Kaen province. The most significant items found was the stupa housing relic of the Lord Buddha kept in gold, silver, and bronze boxes. All of such precious artifacts, probably from the 8th-10th Century in Dhavaravadi era, were found inside a mini-size stupa. Thus, the government decided to set up Phra That Na Dun on 365-acre area in 1982 to be Buddhist Centre of the region. With the height of 50 metres, Phra That or stupa which houses Lord Buddha_fs relic has the shape of mini-stupa found. Around the stupa are museum exhibiting Champasi culture, antique, art pieces, and information of Champasi ancient town, park and herb garden.

    ''How to get there'' From Maha Sarakham City, use highway 2040 via Amphoe Kae Dam and Wapi Pathum, turn right into highway 2045 to Amphoe Na Dun. Prathat is 65 kms from Maha Sarakham City.

    '''Walai Rukavej Research Institute (??????????????????????)''' Located east of Phra That Na Dun, the institute makes research on conserving, improving, and distributing flora of the region. It has bamboo terrain, herbal garden, Isan Cart Museum, and Isan traditional house museum that features different kinds of house in Isan such as Phu Thai house, Isan fishery house, Isan musician house, animal traps house, doctor house, and weaver_fs house. Tourist can stay overnight in these unique and interesting houses. For more information, call 0-4379-7048, 0-4372-3539.

    Amphoe Na Chuak

    '''Dun Lamphan No-hunting Area (??????????????????????????)''' Situated in Amphoe Na Chueak, 60 kilometres from Maha Sarakham City, the area features two forest types namely deciduous dipterocarp forest and peat swamp forest which is nourished by stream all the time in particular spots. The area is rich in endemic and rare species for both flora and fauna. The most famous endemic species found here is Mealy Crab Thaipotamon chulabhon Naiyanetr, 1993, or Pu Thunkramom (named by HRH Princess Chulabhorn). A bit bigger than ricefield crab, this kind of crab is quite colourful in purple, orange, yellow, and white. Now, this endemic crab is enlisted as protected animals. This No-hunting area is also good for bird watching and studying the ecological system. For more information, call 08-1817-9441, 08-1799-5795.

    ''How to get there'' Dun Lamphan No-hunting Area is situated on highway 219 (Borabue- Na Chueak-Phayakkhaphum Phisai), some 3 kilometres from Amphoe Na Chueak Office.

    Amphoe Kantharawichai

    '''Phra Yuen Mongkhon Buddha Image (?????????????????)''' Housed at Wat Phuttha Mongkhon, Tambon Kanthanrat, the statue from Dvaravati is a sacred icon of Maha Sarakham. Like Phra Phuttha Ming Mueang, the stature is carved from red sandstone. Legend says people in Kanthaarawichai has built Buddha images to ask for regular rain after drought. The men has built Ming Mueang Buddha image while the women has built Phra Yuen Mongkhon Buddha Image. After the images were completed, big celebration was held and regular rain has greatly nourished this area.

    ''How to get there'' Use highway 213 (Maha Sarakham-Kalasin), the Buddha image is on the left, 14 kilometres from Maha Sarakham city)

    '''Phra Buddha Ming Mueang or Suwan Mali Buddha Image (????????????????)''' Located at Wat Suwannawat, Tambon Khok Phra, the red sandstone Buddha image from Dvaravati period is a sacred icon for Maha Sarakham people.

    Amphoe Kosum Phisai

    '''Ban Nong Khuean Chang Handicraft Village (??????????????????????????????????)''' Located at Mu 7, Tambon Thasongkon, the village produces silk, cotton textiles, and other products such as scarf, shoulder cloth, cotton shirt, Isan style trousers. Tourists can visit to see production or shop the souvenir. How to get there. From Maha Sarakham City, use highway 208 (maha Sarakham-Kosumpisai) for 12 kilometres turn left at kilometer 47-48 into highway 1027 to Ban Nonetan, the village is 2 kilometres away.

    '''Ban Phaen Slender Sedge Mat (??????????????)''' For earning extra, villagers of Ban Phaen produce high quality mat from slender sedge in unique weaving pattern. They develop and diversify their products to pillow, or bag and now the products are available nationwide.

    ''How to get there'' From Maha Sarakham City, use highway 208 (Maha Sarakham-Kosum Phisai). The village is located between kilometre 20 and 21, some 9 kilometres from Amphoe Kosum Phisai and 18 kilometres from Amphoe Mueang.

    '''Kosamphi Forest Park (???????????????)''' Acquiring total area of 125 rais (50 acres) in Tambon Hua Khwang, by Chi River, the park was established on October 1, 1976. The shady park is home to different big trees such as Yang, Tabaek (Lagerstroemia floribunda Jack) and Kathum (Anthocephalus chinensis (Lamk.) A. Rich.ex Walp.) whose canopies connect to each other. With natural pond and scenery, this park is home to different kinds of bird, big herd of crab-eating macaque, as well as rare golden crab-eating macaque.

    ''Attractions in the park include''

  • '''Kaeng Tat (???????)''' Rapids in Chi River is situated at north and east of the park. Base rock acquires wide area in the river. When the river descends between November and May, shallow water allows rapids to appear. It has beautiful setting around the area.
  • '''Lan Khoi (???????)''' The terrain is occupied by toothbrush trees. Today, over 200 of them are bended into different shapes.
  • '''Crab-eating macaque (??????)''' The animals make this park their home. There are two kinds of crab-eating macaques in the park, the grey and golden macaque.
  • ''How to get there'' From Maha Sarakham City, take highway 208 for 28 kilometres. At Kosum Phisai Intersection, get into asphalt road and keep going for 450 metres.

    '''Bueng Bon (??????)''' The lake packed with elephant_fs ear plants is a nice place to picnic for people in Kosum Phisai and nearby. Situated in Tambon Hua Khwang, 100 metres from Kosamphi Forest Park, the lake is 2.50 metres deep and acquires total area of 120 rais (48 acres).

    ''How to get there'' Use the same way with Kosamphi Botanical Park.

    '''Hat Wangko (????????)''' The 500-metre-long beach on the bank of Chi River is situated in Ban Tha Duea, Tambon Nong Bon. Tourist can get there via Kosum Phisai-Tha Phra-Khon Kaen Road. With clear and shallow water, the beach is a good place for relaxing. Facilities available on the beach include, beach beds, speed boat, banana boat, jet ski, donut ski, life vest and etc.

    Do

    Buy

    Local products and souvenir

    Maha Sarakham has different kinds of local products such as silk, mat-mi cloth, khit cloth, khit pillow, which are available at the follow shops.

    Festival

    '''Bun Boek Fa Fair and Red Cross Fair (?????????????????????)''' Held annually on the third lunar day of February to celebrate the early period of harvest season, the fair aims also to conserve Isan cultural heritage. There is parade to honour the goddess of rice and Baisee ceremony. Moreover, fair goers can enjoy various local performances.

    '''Phra That Na Dun Festival (??????????????????????)''' The Celebration is held annually on the full moon of February in Maka Bucha Day at Buddhist Park of Isan. The week long celebration will features Buddhism-related activities such as giving alms to the monks, vipassana practice, dhamma lecture, and the glory performance _gChampasi-Natakan_h.

    '''On Son Klong Yao Festival (????????????????????????????????????)''' The annual festival is held during March 12-16 at the field by Amphoe Wapi Pathum Office. The fair features long drum contest, float of long drum, Isan traditional performances, beauty contest, performances and shopping.

    '''Monkey Feeding Festival (???????????????)''' Held every April 2 at Kosamphi ForestPark, Amphoe Kosumpisai, it is festival that people can feed monkey in Kosumpi Botanical Park. Fund for monkey_fs food will be raised.

    '''Rocket Festival (????????????)''' Held every May and April at the field by Amphoe Na Chuak Office, the festival organizes rocket contest and float. At night Buddhist ceremony and performances will be available.

    '''Candle Festival (????????????????????)''' The festival is held at Amphoe Kosum Phisai to mark the Buddhist_fs Lent. The festival features float and candle contest.

    '''Boat Race, Loi Kratong, and Candle Boat festival (????????????????????? ???????? ?????????????)''' Held annually to mark the end of Buddhist_fs Lent at Bung Bon, close to Kosum Phi Botanical Park, the festival feature boat race, Loi Kratong, and candle boat. Kratong float and cheer leader contest will be held.

    Itinerary

    Half-day tour

    '''Programme 1'''

    ''08.00''

    ? leave for Ban Nong Khuean Chang Handicraft Village, production base of silk and cotton handicrafts.

    ''09.00''

    - Go to Ban Phaeng where villagers can earn a little money from weaving mats. The village is the production base of high quality mats of Maha Sarakham.

    ''11.30''

    ? get back to the hotel.

    '''Programme 2'''

    ''08.00''

    - Visit Isan Tradition and Art Research Institute, Maha Sarakham University, the knowledge hub of art and culture of the region.

    ''08.45''

    ? Leave for paying homage to Yuen Mongkhon Buddha Image, Amphoe Kantharawichai.

    ''10.00''

    - Leave for Kosamphi Forest Park, home to hundreds of crab-eating macaque. You can enjoy feeding the macaque and scenery of Chi River.

    ''11.30'' - Get back to the hotel.

    '''Programme 3'''

    ''08.00''

    - Leave for long drum production base in Amphoe Wapi Pathum. See the production procedure and enjoy performance by famous ban.

    ''09.30'' ? Visit Phra that Na Dun and Santarat Khmer ruins, sacred icons of Maha Sarakham. And visit Valai Rukavej Research Institue in Isan Traditional House Museum, bamboo terrain, Cart Museum, and herb garden.

    ''11.30''

    - Get back to the hotel.

    One-day programme

    '''Programme 1''' ''08.30''

    - Visit Isan Tradition and Art Research Institute, Maha Sarakham University, the knowledge hub of art and culture of the region.

    ''09.30''

    ? Leave for Amphoe Kosum Phisai and enjoy scenery of Chi River.

    -Visit Ban Phaeng, Mat producing village

    -Lunch time.

    ''13.30''

    ? Pay homage to Phra Phuttha Ming Muang Buddha image at Wat Suwannawat, Amphoe Kantharawichai. The Buddha image was built synchronically with Phra Yuen Mongkhon Buddha image.

    ''15.00''

    ?Pay homage to Phra Yuen Mongkhon, Wat Phuttha Mongkhon.

    ''16.00''

    ? Leave for Maha Sarakham City and stop over at Kaeng Loengchan for sunset view.

    -Get back to the hotel.

    '''Programme 2'''

    ''08.00''

    -Leave for Amphoe Na Chueak, watch the mealy crab or Pu Thunkramom and enjoy nature in Dun Lamphan No-Hunting Area.

    ''10.00''

    -Pay homage to Phra That Na Dun, Amphoe Na Dun, and Santarat Khmer Ruins, sacred icons of Maha Sarakham.

    -Visit Valai Rukavej Research Institute, Cart Museum, Herb garden

    -Lunch time.

    ''14.30''

    -Leave for Amphoe Wapi Pathum and see long drum production procedure and famous performance.

    ''16.00''

    -Leave for Maha Sarakham City, stop over at Kaeng Loengchan for sunset view.

    -Get back to the hotel.

    Sleep

    Amphoe Mueang Maha Sarakham

  • Nitsarawan Resort (????????? ???????) 144/8 Nakhon Sawan Road, (Tel: 0 4372 1084, 0 4374 2753 Fax: 0 4374 2755) 32 rooms : 350-700 baht
  • New Phatthana (????????) 1227/68 Somthawinrat Road (Tel: 0 4372 5700-9 Fax: 0 4371 1988) 95 rooms : 350-800 baht, www.taksilahoTel:.com
  • Phatthana (?????) 1227/4-8 Somthawinrat Road (Tel: 0 4371 1979, 0 4374 1000) 120 rooms : 240?350 baht
  • Wasu (???) 10 Rama IX Chaloem Prakiat Road, (Tel: 0 4374 0888) 68 rooms : 550-1,500 baht
  • Sunthon (?????) 72 Worabut Road (Tel: 0 4371 1201 Fax: 0 4372 5322) 15 rooms : 150-350 baht
  • Suan Warun (???????) in Rajchaphat University Maha Sarakham (Tel: 0 4374 2618) 20 rooms : 400 baht
  • Maha Sarakham (?????????) 720 Mahachai Damri Road (Tel: 0 4372 1217)22 rooms : 90 baht
  • Bungalow Bua Daeng (?????????????) 648/19 Chuthangkun Road (Tel: 0 4372 1506, 08 9715 8450) 14 rooms : 140?240 baht
  • Takkasila (???????) 1227 /68 Somthawinrat Road (Tel: 0 4371 9999, 0 4371 9909 Fax: 0 4371 9978) 77 rooms : 810-2,140 baht, www.taksilahotel.com
  • Eat

  • Ko Liang (????????) Maha Sarakham ? Kosumphisai Road, Tel: 0 4371 1927
  • Chan Ngoen (???????) 253 Phadung Withi Road, Tambon Talad, Tel: 0 4372 2415
  • Chaew Hon (????????) Thinanon Road, Tel: 0 4374 9098, 0 9422 2961
  • Pu-Paeng (??-????) in Rajchaphat University Mahasarakham, Tel: 0 4374 2619
  • Marin (????????) Chaeng Sanit Road, Tel: 0 4371 1395
  • Metsai Seafoos (???????? ??????) Srisawaddamnoen Road, Tel: 0 4372 1722
  • Phalai (????) 17 Rimklong Somthawin Road, Tel: 0 4372 1066
  • Soem Thai (????????) 1210 Somthawinrat Road, Tel: 0 4371 1051
  • Suan A-Han Paendin Thong (??????????????????) 65 Soi 33 Chonprathan Road, Tel: 0 4371 1120, 0 6227 7549
  • Suan A-Han Nitsarawan (?????????????????) 114/8 Nakhonsawan Road, Tel: 0 4372 1084
  • A-Ko (????) Kammalasai Road, Bannontum, Tambon Koen, Tel: 0 4371 2316
  • Call

  • Provincial Public Relations Tel: 0 4372 2231
  • Maha Sarakham Provincial Office Tel: 0 4371 1356, 0 4371 1003
  • Amphoe Mueang Maha Sarakham Office Tel: 0 4372 1396, 0 4374 2613
  • Maha Sarakham Municiple Office Tel: 0 4371 1504, 0 4371 1163
  • Tourist Police Tel: 1155
  • Highway Police Tel: 1193
  • Police Office Tel: 0 4371 1205
  • Maha Sarakham Hospital Tel: 0 4374 0993-9
  • Tourism and Recreation Center Tel: 0 4372 3346
  • Get out