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Maha Sarakham
General Information
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.
Symbol
The provincial seal shows a big tree in front of big rice fields, symbolizing the richness of resources in the province.
The province's flag shows the seal in the middle, in a brown horizontal strip. Above and below is a yellow strip. The brown color
symbolizes the strength and the perseverance of the people in the province, who live in the rather dry climate; the yellow color as the color of the robes of Buddhist monks symbolizes the faith of the people.
Provincial tree is the Woman's-tongue Tree (Albizia lebbeck). The tree symbol was assigned to the province in 1994 by Queen Sirikit. Provincial flower is the West Indian Jasmine (Plumeria alba).
Getting there
By 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.
By 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.
By 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.
By 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.
Festivals
Boat Race, Loi Kratong, and Candle Boat Festival
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.
Bun Boek Fa and Red Cross Fair
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 Posop (The goddess of rice), beautiful decorated Bai Si Su Khwan pedestals, folk plays, local music, and many rituals.
Candle Festival
The festival is held at Amphoe Kosum Phisai to mark the Buddhist’s Lent. The festival features float and candle contest.
Monkey Feeding Festival
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.
On Son Klong Yao Festival
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, eauty contest, performances and shopping.
Phra That Na Dun Festival
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”.
Rocket Festival
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.
Interesting Products
Silk Products
Famous products of Kalasin include Phrae Wa silk from Ban Phon in Kham Muang, bamboo and cloth bags from Ban Nong Hang in Kuchi Narai and Pong Lang which can be purchased at the Provincial Cultural Centre in Anukun Nari School, the Arts and Culture Promotion Centre in Thirawat Hospital and souvenir shops in the city.
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