:: Na Dun

Phra That Na Dun, or the Buddha Monthon of Isan, is the area where historical and archaeological findings that proved the magnificence of the ancient city of Champa Si were made. Artefacts found here are now on display at the Khon Kaen National Museum. The most important piece is the stupa (pagoda) encasing the holy relics of Lord Buddha in gold, silver and bronze caskets. The site was from the Dvaravati period of the 8 th -10 th century. This model for Phra That Na Dun comes alive every Makha Bucha Day.

Ku Santarat is on the way to Na Dun. To get there, take Highway No. 2040 past Kae Dam and Wapi Pathum, then turn right onto Road No. 2045 and drive for 1 kilometre. The site is a stone sanctuary built in the reign of King Jayavoraman VII. This Bayon-style building was completed during 1157-1207. This square laterite structure is similar to Ku Maha That. The front doorway has a remarkably beautiful lintel.

Ban Isan Museum is another interesting place that shows the way of life of the Isan people. It is located a short way from Phra That Na Dun. The museum is a research project of Maha Sarakham University. It comprises model houses of the various tribes in the region and there are exhibitions displaying household items.

:: Na Chueak

Dun Lam Phan forest is a damp forest where rare plant and animal species can be found, such as the Lam Phan plant and Thun Kramom or Paeng crab which is orange, purple, yellow, and white. The forest is 56 kilometres from town.
:: Kantharawichai

Yun Mongkhon and Ming Muang Buddha images are the most important Buddha images of the province. They are at Tambon Khan Than Rat on Highway No. 213, about 14 kilometres from town. The images are in the Dvaravati style and are made of red sandstone. It is believed that they can make rainfall in the rainy season. Legend says a man built the Ming Muang image, while a woman built the Yun Mongkhon image.

:: Kosum Phisai

Ban Nong Khuan Chang is at Moo 7, Tambon Ban Song Khon. This village is renowned for making quality silk and cotton materials. It is 12 kilometres from town on the Maha Sarakham-Kosum Phisai Road. Turn left at the 12-km marker onto Highway No. 1027 and drive for 2 kilometres.

Kosamphi Forest Park is at Tambon Hua Khwang. This park is mainly a forest area on the Mun riverbank that is very popular with locals.

To get there , take Road No. 208 for 28 kilometres and 500 metres from Kosum Phisai. The park is home to numerous monkeys that are always asking for food from tourists.

Ban Phaeng village is famous for making reed mats. It is 38 kilometres from town (Highway No. 208). The mats are local products that are used widely in Thailand. The village does extensive reed farming and has set up a reed-mat-making co-operative to demonstrate the process of making mats and sell them at very affordable prices.

:: Festival

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.

:: Hotels and accommodation

New Phatthana :: 1227/68 Somthawinrat Road Amphoe Muang [Tel: 0 4371 1922, 0 4371 1933] :: :: 280-500 baht

Nitsarawan Resort :: 144/8 Nakhonsawan Road Amphoe Muang [Tel: 0 4372 1084, 0 4374 2754-5] :: :: 500-1,000 baht

Phattana :: 1227/4-8 Somthawinrat Road Amphoe Muang [Tel: 0 4371 1473] :: :: 100-200 baht  

Suan Warun :: Inside Mahasarakham Ratjabhat Institute Amphoe Muang [-] :: :: -

Sunthon :: 1157/1 Worabut Road Amphoe Muang [Tel: 0 4371 1201] :: :: 150-350 baht

Wasu :: 1096/4 Sisawat Damnoen Road Amphoe Muang [Tel: 0 4371 1201] :: :: 150-350 baht

:: Restaurants

Local Cuisine

Ban Suan :: Maha Sarakhram-Kosum Phisai Rd.

Bua Kaew :: Nakhon Sawan Rd., Tel: 0-4372-1066

Jaew Hon :: Maha Sarakhram-Kan Thorn Wichai Rd.

Marine :: 1110/20 Chang San it Rd., Tel: 0-4371-1396

Nisarawan Resort :: Maha Sarakhram-Kosum Phisai Rd., Tel: 0-4372-1084

Pan Din Thong :: 1632/2 Charoen Rajadet Rd., Tel: 0-4371-1120

Pu Pang :: Within Maha Sarakhram Rajapat Institute, Maha Sarakhram-Kosum Phisai Rd.

Ruan Thip :: Chonprathan Rd., Tel: 0-4371-1212

Serm Thai :: Rim Klong Samathawin Rd., Tel: 0-4371-1217, 0-4371-1051

:: How to get there

:: By car :: By bus

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.

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.
:: By train :: By plane

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.

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.