Isan Province Profile

Maha Sarakham

Maha Sarakham is situated in the heart of Isan and is the center of education in the northeast so the name "Taksila of Isan" (Taksila was a city where education of all branches were centered in ancient India) is given to it. Maha Sarakham is 470 kilometers from Bangkok. It occupies 5,000 square kilometers across rolling plains through which the Chi River flows. The principal occupations in Maha Sarakham people are cultivation and animal husbandry. Other industries in Maha Sarakham are sericulture and silk fabric production. Maha Sarakham hand woven silk and cotton carry original patterns and are very beautiful.

maha sarakham map

Capital City Attractions

Isan Cultural & Art Center is located near Rajabhat Institute Maha Sarakham and contains pictures telling background and history of northeastern arts including handicrafts such as weaving, various fabric patterns. In addition, there are also beautiful palm leaves recording northeastern literature, culture, and traditions of Isan.

Loeng Chan Rapids is a large sized reservoir with a fishery station. The station’s main duty is to grow and provide fish to stock various places in Isan. The scenery around Loeng Chan Rapids is beautiful and people like to relax there during holidays.

Provincial Attractions

Phra That Nadun Pagoda was constructed to house Lord Buddha's relics found in a small pagoda discovered in the area which is located two kilometers northeast of the present location of the monument. It features a pagoda having a square 3 - tiered base. The first tier is for ceremonies while the second tier and third tier bases are decorated with replicas of chedi at all of the four corners. In addition, there are replicas of Buddha images decorated around the second tier base too. From the top space of the third tier base onward, stands a big bell shape pagoda body which is topped with a lotus, and a finial. The pagoda is 35.7 meters wide and 50.5 meters high and believed to be constructed in the 8th - 10th century A.D. during the Dvaravati period. This area used to be the site of the ancient Chamsa Si city. Archaeological objects found in excavations are displayed at Khon Kaen National Museum. The most important items found are stupas housing Lord Buddha's relics kept inside gold, silver, and bronze containers. It is presumed that the objects were made in the Dvaravati period during the 8th-10th century A.D. The grounds of Phra That Nadun cover 902 rai (1400 km²), and has a religious and cultural museum, arboretum, and herb garden.

Mongkhon Standing Buddha and Phra Phuttha Ming Muang are two large standing Buddha images which date from the Dvaravati period and are made of red sandstone. It has been said that the two Buddha images were made at the same time when there was a drought near Kantharawichai, the men arranged to make Ming Muang Buddha image while the women arranged to make Mongkhon Standing Buddha. There was a great celebration of the two images after completion. The people of Maha Sarakham believe that these images maintain regular seasons for them. There have been regular rainy seasons causing perfect cultivation in the area since then.

Kosamphi Park is situated on the banks of the Chi River. The park resembles a forested garden with a variety of plants and trees creating a dense canopy. Many animals inhabit the canopy, including plenty of birds and harmless monkeys. A beautiful natural brook flows by, creating a pleasant, scenic environment.

Festivals

Bun Pha Kao Ling (Buffet Dinner for monkeys) takes place on the 2nd of April every year at Koamphi forest park. There is a buffet of food and fruits for the monkeys who live there. People bring foods and fruit for monkeys and seeing one of the rarest species of the world - the Golden monkey.

Bang Fai Festival is celebrated every year during May-June in Nacheuak. The festival features the contests of Bang Fai (firework rockets). A procession and rocket launches also mark the event. At night, there are religious rites and entertainment.

Bun Boek Fa and Red Cross Fair is an annual celebration which takes place around the beginning of rice farming season. The main features of the fair are Bun Boek Fa Procession which commemorates the rice goddess spirit and the Bai Si Su Khwan ceremony. Among the main features are cultural activities, local entertainment, folk music performance, and several ceremonies