FESTIVALS
Bun Boek Fa and Red Cross Fair
is held at the start of the harvesting season in February. The event is held at the provincial hall to revive and preserve Isan’s cultural heritage. It features the Bun Boek Fa procession, which is a story about Mae Hosop, beautiful decorated Bai Si Su Khwan pedestals, folk plays, local music, and many rituals.
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Welcome to Maha Sarakham
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
Situated in the heart of Northeastern Thailand, the small province of Maha Sarakham is considered to be a regional education centre, earning the name "Taksila of Isan" (Taksila was a city where education of all branches centered around in ancient India). The province also houses a sacred Buddha image and has many historical sites, with the province being the former site of the ancient Dvaravati city of Nakhon Champa Si. Maha Sarakham's beautiful hand woven silk and cotton fabrics are sought after for their original patterns.
Maha Sarakham is 470 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of approximately 5,291 square kilometres. The province is divided into the following districts: Muang, Kantharawichai, Kosum Phisai, Wapi Pathum, Borabue, Phayakkhaphum Phisai, Na Chueak, Chiang Yuen, Na Dun, Kae Dam,Yang Si Surat, Kut Rang and Chuen Chom.
Attractions
Chi Long Forest Park
Chi Long Forest Park is at Ban Wang Wa, 10 kilometres from town on the way to Kosum Phisai. The park is on an island that was formed by a course divergence of the Mun River, a main waterway of the Northeast. The island is covered with shady rubber trees and a road circling it makes sightseeing most enjoyable.
Isan Arts and Culture Centre
Isan Arts and Culture Centre is in Maha Sarakham Rajabhat Institute. The centre has exhibits on the origin of Isan art, Isan literature on dried palm leaves and handicrafts such as weaving and fabric designs.
Isan Arts and Culture Research Institute
Isan Arts and Culture Research Institute is in Maha Sarakham University. The institute has exhibits on Isan arts and culture. Of particular interest are displays on the origin of weaving, the development of local fabrics, basketry and woodwork, metalwork, the development of pottery, household items, animal traps and related tools, musical equipment, literature, ancient language inscriptions, and contemporary art of students, as well as various media on regional arts and culture for sale.
Kaeng Loeng Chan
Kaeng Loeng Chan is 3 kilometres from town beside Liang Muang Road on Highway No. 213. Kaeng Loeng Chan is a large reservoir that is used to breed freshwater fish. The Maha Sarakham Fishery Station is based here. The area also includes an exercise park and a fish species display. It is a popular place for relaxing in the evening.
Ku Maha That (Prang Ku Ban Khawao)
Ku Maha That (Prang Ku Ban Khawao) is 13 kilometres from town on Chaeng Sanit Road. This ancient site dates from the 13th century. It is built of laterite in the shape of a square tent. The doorways and lintels are of sandstone. Two clay statues are inside. A laterite wall surrounds the site.
Mu Ban Pan Mo (pottery village)
Mu Ban Pan Mo (pottery village) is at Tambon Khawao, 4 kilometres from Roi Et on Highway No. 208 and 1 kilometre on a left-hand road. Villagers here still practice centuries old techniques for making clay pots which Isan people use for keeping water and soup.
Wat Maha Chai Museum
Wat Maha Chai Museum is in the town. It houses artefacts found in the region, like stone temple markers, ancient Buddha images, door panels, and woodcarving over a century old. In addition, it has a large collection of Isan literature and dried palm leaf scriptures.
Transportation
Bus
Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Maha Sarakham every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 or Mongkhon Tour at Tel: 0 2936 3638-9 for more information
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 and Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima and use Highway No.226 to Buri Ram, then take Highway No. 219 via Satuek, Phayakkhaphumphisai and Borabue to Maha Sarakham, a total distance of 475 kilometres.
Train
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Maha Sarakham. Visitors can take a train to Khon Kaen and connect a bus to Maha Sarakham. for more information, call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20.
Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Khon Kaen and then connect a bus to Maha Sarakham. For more information, call Thai Airways, Tel: 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000.
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