MAHA SARAKHAM

Maha Sarakham

Maha Sarakham

Maha Sarakham

Maha Sarakham

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Geogarphy

The province is mostly a plain covered with rice fields, only in the north and east are little hills. The province is between 130 and 230 m above sea level. The main river in the province is the river Chi.

History

Maha Sarakham was originally a satellite town of Roi Et founded in 1865. The governor of Roi Et sent 9,000 people to populate the new town, and one of his cousins as the its governor. In 1868 the central government in Bangkok declared Maha Sarakham a province of its own under the supervision of Bangkok, one of the reasons was that this step weakened the power of Roi Et.

Attractions

Wat Mahachai Located in Maha Sarakham municipality, this temple is the center where the northeastern literature and arts are collected.

Kaeng Loeng Chan Reservoir about 3 kilometers from town center, is a popular holiday spot, with peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.

Mongkhon Standing Buddha is the principal Buddha image of Maha Sarakham, also of the Dvaravati Period. Made of red sandstone, and located in Amphoe Kantharawichai, it is believed to have been cast at the same time as the Phra Phuttha Ming Muang. Legend has it that ever since the two images have been in existence, rainfall has been plentiful and regular.

Phra Phuttha Ming Muang (or Phra Phuttha Rup Suwanmali) is a sandstone Buddha image enshrined at Watsuwan-Mali in Amphoe Kantharawichai. It is of the style of the Dvaravati Period.

Ku Santarat a laterite sanctuary of ancient Khmer style, is located 60 kilometers from Maha Sarakham along the route to Amphoe Na Dun.

Phra That Na Dun located in Amphoe Na Dun about 65 kilometers from town, is an important monument of the ancient city named "Nakhon Chanpasi", more than one hundred years old. Its surrounding area is allocated to be a shady arboretum.

Ban I San Museum Situated near Phar That Na Dun, Amphoe Na Dun, the museum puts on an exhibition of the northeasterners' Iifestyle in the form of local houses installed with implements, northeastern musical instruments as well as carts of different periods.

Local Woven Cloth is hand-made by villagers of Ban Nong Khuan, about 14 kilometers from town along the route to Amphoe Kosum Phisai. Silk and cotton here are woven in delicate designs and are put on sale in souvenir shops in Maha Sarakham.