Maha Sarakham: Archaeology, Nature and Traditions
Accommodation in Maha Sarakham
Maha Sarakham Province is an important archaeological region. Its discoveries include laterite shrines, museums and distinctive temple buildings; natural attractions include reservoirs, wetlands and a mixed forest. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether cultural sites, nature or both should be the focus of your trip.
Archaeological Sites and Temples
Gū Mahathat, also called Prang Ku Ban Khwa, is an important archaeological monument in Ban Khwa, Tambon Khwa, Amphoe Mueang Maha Sarakham. The shrine belongs to Khmer art in the Bayon style, is made of laterite and has a square, tent-like shape. Two important sandstone images were discovered there, including Bhaisajyaguru, the Buddha of healing. This combination of architectural form and images makes Gū Mahathat a specific destination for anyone interested in the province's archaeological history.
Another Bayon-style shrine is Gū Santrarat in Tambon Gū Santrarat, Amphoe Na Dun. It is also made of laterite, has an east-facing entrance and a library building. Its construction is associated with the reign of Jayavarman VII, or dated approximately to 1700–1750 in the Buddhist Era. The two sites therefore offer different architectural details that can help guide a visit to archaeological sites.
Phra Borommathat Na Dun is located at an archaeological site associated with the ancient city of Champasri. The grounds include the Champasri Cultural Museum, an arboretum and a medicinal plant garden. Also in Amphoe Na Dun, in Tambon Phra That, is the Nakhon Champasri Museum. It collects and displays archaeological objects and works of art; the objects mentioned include clay votive tablets from the Dvaravati period.
Temple buildings and images also offer distinctive highlights: Wat Nong Hu Ling has an ornately designed, boat-shaped ubosot in the form of an Anantanakarat and is considered Thailand's first “boat temple.” The ubosot is approximately 20 metres wide, 40 metres long and 30 metres high. In Amphoe Kantharawichai, Wat Phra Yuen Kantharawichai houses a standing Buddha made of red sandstone from the Dvaravati period. Dvaravati stone sema markers surround the grounds in two rows and in all eight directions.
Reservoirs, Forest and Wildlife
The Kae Dam Wooden Bridge, which is over 100 years old, is located at the Nong Kae Dam reservoir in Amphoe Kae Dam. It is used to cross the reservoir and has been developed as a place for taking photographs and a tourist attraction. The reservoir is also a natural destination, with fish breeding grounds and aquatic biodiversity. Ducks from Siberia stay there in winter.
The Kosamphi Forest Park on the Chi River offers a different nature experience: the approximately 125-rai area is mixed forest and habitat for more than 800 macaques. It is also home to golden-furred macaques, which are considered the only ones of their kind in the Asia-Pacific region. The Bun Pha Khao Ling tradition takes place every year on 1 or 2 April and invites residents and the general public to bring food for the monkeys in the park. Those looking for natural attractions will find both a forest habitat and a special annual event here. Dun Lamphan is another natural attraction: this wetland in Ban Na Chueak, Amphoe Na Chueak, is of national importance.
Places for Recreation and Crafts
Kaeng Loeng Chan includes a spacious health garden, a lakeside recreational area and spaces for exercise. Visitors can tour the freshwater fish station there or visit it for study purposes. Kaeng Loeng Chan is located on the bypass road section between the turn-off to Amphoe Kosum Phisai and the turn-off to Amphoe Borabue, and borders the Maha Sarakham municipal area.
Crafts are also among the things to discover: Ban Nong Kheun Chang is a weaving learning centre that continues to receive study groups. Silk, cotton and Mudmee textiles are made in the village. The destinations mentioned are located in several amphoe in the province, so choosing by archaeological sites, wildlife or crafts can help you decide which places are right for your trip.
More Places in the Province
If you would like to explore Maha Sarakham further, you can also find the subpages for Na Chuak, Ku Thong, Yang Sisurat District, Talat and Kham Riang.
For the main travel overview: Thailand.
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