Maha Sarakham, 475 km from Bangkok, is the first of the heartland provinces on the route traveling south-east from the Khon Kaen gateway towards the Mekhong River basin. It is mainly dependent on agriculture, but has historical and cultural attractions and a growing handicraft business. Its provincial town of the same name stands on the banks of the Mae Nam Chi which flows from Khon Kaen, 76 km to the north-west.

Straddling Highway 208, the town is sometimes described as the old "takkasila nakhon" or "city of education" because of its many educational institutions.

From here travellers can follow Highway 213 south-east to Roi Et and Yasothon, staying in the Chi River valley that eventually joins the Mun River in Ubon Ratchathani, a key destination of the lower Isan region. Or at Yasothon they turn north-east towards Mukdahan on the banks of the Mekong River.  

Maha Sarakham Attractions:
Wat Mahachai houses an impressive collection of ancient religious objects, such as Sema stones, Buddha images, 18th and 19th century carved door panels and Buddhist teachings written on palm leaves.

The Isan Art and Culture Research Institute at Srinakarinviroj University of Maha Sarakham exhibits Isan art and culture. Subjects featured are: cloth weaving; bamboo weaving; pottery; household tools, musical instruments and modern art presented by students.

Kaeng Loeng Chan, a large reservoir at the fish hatchery centre located at the Maha Sarakham Teacher's College, 3 km from town, breeds freshwater fish for farming projects in Isan.

Phra Buddha Ming Mung in Wat Suwanmali in Kantharawichai district is a Buddha image of the Dvaravati period. Built of red sandstone, the image is believed to have the power to induce regular rainfall.

Mongkon Standing Buddha Image, made of red sandstone in the Dvaravati style, is one of Maha Sarakham's most important images. A local legend says that it was built at the same time as Phra Buddha Ming Muang in hope of ending a drought in the district. Since then rainfall has not been a problem for the district.

Prang Ku or Ku Ban Khwao, an ancient ruin built in the 10th century, is located 13 km from town.

Potters' Village, in the sub-district of Khwao, 5 km from town, is a community of families who earn a living from traditional pottery-making.

Ban Nong Khuan Chang, 14 km from town, is famous for silk and cotton weaving, and the production of knit pillows. Located on Maha Sarakham Kosum Phisai Road, it is a popular place for souvenir hunters

Kosamphee Park, a 125-rai forest reserve in Kosum Phisai district, 28 km from town, has a variety of trees and wildlife such as birds and monkeys.

Ku Santarat is a Khmer-style sandstone building constructed from 1100 to 1150. Its square architecture resembles Ku Ban Khwao but the lintel above its front gate is more impressive. Ku Santarat can be found in Wapi Pathum district.

Phra That Na Dun, in Na Dun district, south of town on Highway 219, is the site of historical structures including a pagoda containing Buddha relics. The pagoda probably dates back to the 7th century. A religious and cultural museum, which includes a medicinal herb garden, is located nearby.

Festival
Boon Berk Fa and Red Cross-Fairs, in Maha Sarakham, promotes the cultural heritage of Isan. Fair highlights are a processions honouring the God of Rice, concerts of Isan music, plays and other cultural presentations.