Talk:Maha Sarakham/Listings

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.

Amphoe Mueang Maha Sarakham
Isan Cultural Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปวัฒนธรรมอีสาน) Located in Rajabhat Maha Sarakham Institute, the centre features history of Isan’s art, as well as handicraft such as weaving, clothes’ patterns. The centre also exhibits rare item such as Isan’s literature on the fan palm’s leaves, photo regarding tradition and culture of Isan. Isan Tradition and Art Research Institute (สถาบันวิจัยศิลปะและวัฒนธรรมอีสาน) Located in Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, the institute features permanent exhibition regarding all aspects of Isan’s art and culture Kaeng Loengchan (แก่งเลิงจาน) 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 (หมู่บ้านปั้นหม้อ) 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 (กู่มหาธาตุ) 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 thereFrom Maha Sarakham city, sue Chaeng Sanit Road (highway 23: Maha Sarakham-Roi-Et), for 13 kilometres. City Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อหลักเมือง)  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 (อุทยานมัจฉาโขงกุดหวาย) 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 (กู่สันตรัตน์) 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 (พระธาตุนาดูน พุทธมณฑลแห่งอีสาน) 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’s 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 (สถาบันวิจัยวลัยรุกขเวช)    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’s 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 (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าดูนลำพัน) 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 (พระพุทธรูปยืนมงคล)  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 (พระพุทธมิ่งเมือง) 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 (หมู่บ้านหัตถกรรมบ้านหนองเขื่อนช้าง) 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 (เสื่อกกบ้านแพง) 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 (วนอุทยานโกสัมพี) 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 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.
 * Kaeng Tat (แก่งตาด) 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 (ลานข่อย) The terrain is occupied by toothbrush trees. Today, over 200 of them are bended into different shapes.
 * Crab-eating macaque (ลิงแสม) The animals make this park their home. There are two kinds of crab-eating macaques in the park, the grey and golden macaque.

Bueng Bon (บึงบอน)  The lake packed with elephant’s 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 (หาดวังโก) 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.

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 (งานบุญเบิกฟ้าและกาชาด) 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 (งานนมัสการพระธาตุนาดูน) 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 “Champasi-Natakan”. On Son Klong Yao Festival (งานออนซอนกลองยาวชาววาปีของดีพื้นบ้าน) 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 (งานบุญพาข้าวลิง) Held every April 2 at Kosamphi ForestPark, Amphoe Kosumpisai, it is festival that people can feed monkey in Kosumpi Botanical Park. Fund for monkey’s food will be raised. Rocket Festival (งานบุญบั้งไฟ) 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 (งานแห่เทียนเข้าพรรษา) The festival is held at Amphoe Kosum Phisai to mark the Buddhist’s Lent. The festival features float and candle contest. Boat Race, Loi Kratong, and Candle Boat festival (งานประเพณีแข่งเรือยาว ลอยกระทง และล่องเรือไฟ)     Held annually to mark the end of Buddhist’s 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.

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.

Amphoe Mueang Maha Sarakham

 * Nitsarawan Resort (นิศราวรรณ รีสอร์ท) 144/8 Nakhon Sawan Road, (Tel: 0 4372 1084,    0 4374 2753 Fax: 0 4374 2755) 32  rooms :  350-700 baht
 * New Phatthana (นิวพัฒนา) 1227/68 Somthawinrat Road (Tel: 0 4372 5700-9 Fax: 0 4371 1988) 95 rooms : 350-800 baht, www.taksilahoTel:.com
 * Phatthana (พัฒนา) 1227/4-8 Somthawinrat Road (Tel: 0 4371 1979, 0 4374 1000)       120 rooms : 240–350 baht
 * Wasu (วสุ) 10 Rama IX Chaloem Prakiat Road,  (Tel: 0 4374 0888)  68 rooms : 550-1,500 baht
 * Sunthon (สุนทร) 72 Worabut Road (Tel: 0 4371 1201 Fax: 0 4372 5322) 15 rooms : 150-350 baht
 * Suan Warun (สวนวรุณ) in Rajchaphat University Maha Sarakham (Tel: 0 4374 2618)        20 rooms : 400 baht
 * Maha Sarakham (มหาสารคาม) 720 Mahachai Damri Road (Tel: 0 4372 1217)22 rooms : 90 baht
 * Bungalow Bua Daeng (บังกะโลบัวแดง) 648/19 Chuthangkun Road (Tel: 0 4372 1506, 08 9715 8450) 14 rooms : 140–240 baht
 * Takkasila (ตักศิลา) 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 (โกเหลียง) Maha Sarakham – Kosumphisai Road, Tel: 0 4371 1927
 * Chan Ngoen (จานเงิน) 253 Phadung Withi Road, Tambon Talad,  Tel: 0 4372 2415
 * Chaew Hon (แจ่วฮ้อน) Thinanon Road, Tel: 0 4374 9098, 0 9422 2961
 * Pu-Paeng (ปู-แป้ง) in Rajchaphat University Mahasarakham, Tel: 0 4374 2619
 * Marin (มารินทร์) Chaeng Sanit Road, Tel: 0 4371 1395
 * Metsai Seafoos (เม็ดทราย ซีฟู๊ด) Srisawaddamnoen Road, Tel: 0 4372 1722
 * Phalai (พาไล) 17 Rimklong Somthawin Road, Tel: 0 4372 1066
 * Soem Thai (เสริมไทย)  1210 Somthawinrat Road, Tel: 0 4371 1051
 * Suan A-Han Paendin Thong (สวนอาหารแผ่นดินทอง) 65 Soi 33 Chonprathan Road, Tel:  0 4371 1120, 0 6227 7549
 * Suan A-Han Nitsarawan (สวนอาหารนิศราวรรณ) 114/8 Nakhonsawan Road, Tel:          0 4372 1084
 * A-Ko (อาโก) Kammalasai Road, Bannontum, Tambon Koen, Tel: 0 4371 2316

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 07:39, 6 February 2010 (EST)