Maha Sarakham is situated in the middle of lsan.  Although small in size, the province is considered to be a regional education centre and it is the site of the ancient Dvaravati city of Nakhon Champa Si.

   Maha Sarakkham is 470 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of approximately 5,291 square kilometres.  the province is divided into the following districts: Muang, Kantharwichai, Kosum Phisai, Wapi Pathum, Borabu, Phayakkhaphum Phisai, Na Chuak, Chiang Yun, Na Dun, Kae Dam, Yang Si Surat, Kut Rang and Chun Chom.

ATTRACTIONS

AMPHOE MAUNG

   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

   Isan Arts and Culture  Centre  is in Maha Sarkham 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.

   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 Sarkham Fishery Station is based here.  The area also includes a health park and a fish species display.  It is a popular place for relaxation in the evening.

   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 course divergence of the Mun River, a main waterway of the Northeast.  The island is covered with shady rubber trees and road circling it makes sightseeing most enjoyable.

   Ku Maha That (Prang Ku Ban Whwao)   is 13 kilometres from town on Chaeng Sanit Road.  This ancient site dates from the 18th Buddhist century.  It is built of laterite in the shape of a square tent.  The doorways and lintels are of sandstone.  Two clay statures are inside.  A laterite wall surrounds the site.

AMPHOE NA DUN

   Ku Santarat  is on the way to Na Dun.  To get there, take Road 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 remarkable beautiful lintel.

   Phra That Na Kun  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 is from the Dvaravati period in the 13th-15th  Buddhist century.  This model for Phra That Na Dun comes alive every Makha Bucha Day.

   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 Tahat 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.

AMPHOE KANTHARAWICHAI

   Yun Mongkhon and Ming Muang Buddha images are the most important Buddha images in 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.

AMPHOE KOSUM PHISAI

   Sosamphi Forest Park  is at Tambon Hua Khwang.  The park is mainly a forest area on the Mun riverbank very popular with locals.  To get there, take Road No. 208 for 28 kiloetres and 500 metres from Kosum Phisai.  The park is home to numerous monkeys that are always asking for food from tourists.

EVENTS

   Bun Boek Fa and Red Cross Fair  is a celebration 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.

LOCAL PRODUCTS

   The most sought-after products of the province include silk, Mat Mi fabrics, Khit fabrics, basketry, reed mats, and reed products.  All can be purchased from their production sources, the provincial product shops behind the provincial hall and souvenir shops in town.