Much like many smaller provinces in Isaan, Maha Sarakham is often overlooked by travelers. In fact, even many Thai people tend to visit its bigger neighbors like Khon Kaen or Roi Et instead of exploring Maha Sarakham. I don’t blame them, though, since there isn’t much information available about the province.
That’s exactly why I decided to visit, explore the hell out of it, and create this travel guide as a result. If you’re wondering what there is to do in Maha Sarakham, keep reading as I highlight the best activities and share useful information to help you plan your trip. Let’s get planning, shall we?
Maha Sarakham Things to Do Map
9 Best Things to Do in Maha Sarakham
1. Walk Mai Kae Dam Bridge
First on this list is one of my favorite places in the province: Mai Kae Dam Bridge, a beautiful wooden bridge built by the local community and temple to connect neighborhoods across a peaceful pond filled with blooming lotus flowers and birds.
The bridge was built between 50 and 100 years ago and spans almost a kilometer across the pond. You can come visit, park your car by the temple there, and walk along the bridge. You will be surrounded by a peaceful body of water filled with stunning lotus blooms and birds chirping away.
I was there in the early morning just after sunrise, and it was pure bliss. You can see birds flying around, and local farmers and their water buffalos are heading out into the field for the day. For the best experience, I highly recommend you come at sunrise or sunset. The sun's reflection on the pond during the golden hour should create quite a stunning scene for photos.
- Ketsara Hotel (Budget)
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Mai Kae Dam Bridge is located about a 30-minute drive from Maha Sarakham City. It's open 24/7, and the entry is free. If you are looking for a nice chill place to visit and explore in Maha Sarakham, this is a great place to be.
Where to Stay in Maha Sarakham?
2. Visit Phra That Inthaplang
One of the lesser-known temples, even among locals, is Phra That Inthaplang, a newly built temple located right on the border between Maha Sarakham, Surin, and Buriram. It features one of the most unique architectural designs in the area, with inspiration drawn from contemporary styles, Isaan traditions, and even ancient Khmer architecture.
When you arrive, you’ll find the temple right alongside the main road, with a striking central prang reminiscent of the ancient and sacred “Mahathat” pagodas found in Nakhon Phanom. The top section draws inspiration from another temple we’ll be visiting in Maha Sarakham, Phra Borommathat Nadun.
The temple complex itself is stunning, with its ornate exteriors and symmetrical layout featuring water pools on all four cardinal sides of the chedi, inspired by ancient Khmer temples like Bayon and Angkor. The exterior also showcases intricate stucco work in a Balinese artistic style, which is a rare sight in Buddhist temples here.
It's truly a work of art, and you'll want to take your time walking around it. Inside, you'll find a striking gate adorned with gold-colored decorations, and at the center, a beautiful Buddha image crafted in Khmer style.
Be sure to also head a little further to see the massive reclining Buddha image located behind the temple. Perched above the treeline, you can see it from Phra That Inthaplang. The statue is absolutely massive, and I’ve never seen a Buddha painted in such soft pastel tones before.
I’m not sure if the coloring is due to ongoing construction or intentional design, but it’s beautiful nonetheless and absolutely worth seeing. If you’re looking for a unique and impressive temple to visit here, Phra That Inthaplang should be on your list. The temple is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free.
3. Explore Phra Borommathat Nadun
Next up is Phra Borommathat Nadun, one of the most sacred and highly revered temples in Maha Sarakham. You will often see Thai people from across the country come and make merit here as they pass through the province. The temple is best known for the massive white pagoda that stands on the very site where archaeologists unearthed an ancient relic stupa containing the Buddha’s remains inside, likely dating from the Dvaravati period (circa 6th–8th centuries).
The temple sits on a vast 355-acre site, with its centerpiece being a large white pagoda that houses the Buddha’s relics. A tree-shaded parking lot is located along the road that circles the pagoda, and nearby you’ll find shops selling drinks and snacks in case you want to recharge before exploring the temple grounds.
There’s quite a lot to see here. Behind the pagoda, you’ll discover a quiet Buddhist park perfect for a peaceful stroll. The park is beautifully decorated with Buddhist sculptures, waterfalls, and fountains, all set beneath a canopy of shade trees, making it a great escape from the midday heat. Entry to the park costs just 20 THB per person.
Not too far from the pagoda, you will find a massive structure resembling a cave wrapped by a giant naga sculpture. Inside is a museum you can explore, although it was under renovation when I was there. It’s clear that this site is deeply revered by many Thais, and it would be a shame to travel all the way here without visiting one of the most famous temples in Isaan.
The temple grounds and pagoda are open 24/7, while the museum and Buddhist park are usually open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with the museum closing a bit earlier at 2:30 PM. Entry to the temple and museum is free, while the Buddhist park costs 20 THB per person.
4. Check Out Prasat Ku Santarat
Located not too far from Phra Borommathat Nadun, you will find Prasat Ku Santarat, a small but charming Khmer ruins that were used as a medical outpost during the Khmer Empire period. The ruin is dated between the late 12th and early 13th century, and travelers of the empire often relied on places like this to keep them safe during their travels.
You can find many of these small ruins across Isaan, but this one is a little more well-preserved with the structure, and the wall's foundations are pretty much intact. It's also not too far from Phra Borommathat Nadun, which makes this a great side trip as you explore the area.
If you like history and want to see a really nice Khmer ruin in Maha Sarakham, be sure to drop by Prasat Ku Santarat. The ruin is open 24/7, and the entry is free.
5. Admire the Beauty of Wat Nong Huling
Wat Nong Huling, also known as "Wat Ruea", which translates to Boat Temple, is exactly what you’d expect, a temple shaped like a boat. Well, technically, it’s a royal barge, fully decked out with gold-colored decorations from top to bottom. The amount of detail put into building this boat temple is truly mind-boggling!
The boat design symbolizes a journey towards enlightenment, with the prow facing east, representing the direction of the rising sun and spiritual awakening. You can enter the barge from the front and see the interior of the ordination hall. The details both inside and outside are immaculate!
The temple was also building a lovely golden pagoda when I visited. When it's finished, you should be able to hike up to the top of the pagoda and get a great view of the boat temple from above. To think that all of this was built with the support of the local community alone is pretty amazing.
Apparently, they are also planning to build a replica of Borobudur Temple, one of the most ancient and sacred Buddhist historical sites located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, here. So if you visit when it’s completed, let us know in the comments how it was 😉. Wat Nong Huling is open approximately from 8 AM to 6 PM daily, and entry is free.
6. Check Out Wat Puttha Wanaram
And now we are entering the premise of Maha Sarakham City proper, and one of the places I highly recommend you check out while here is Wat Puttha Wanaram, another extremely sacred and highly revered temple here with tons of beautiful architecture and sculptures waiting for you to explore.
With the support of the royal family, this temple has gained popularity among the Thais, and you can see the increase in scale as they continue to expand and build more awesome Buddhist structures right in the heart of Maha Sarakham City. Right from the get-go, you will find a massive head of Buddha image at the parking lot looking at the temple itself. It's beautiful, and we have not even entered the temple.
Once you enter the temple grounds, you will find yourself surrounded by many massive structures. One of the highlights is the world’s largest wooden pavilion, constructed entirely from golden teakwood. This two-story building is supported by 112 large teak pillars and serves as the main hall for ceremonies and worship. It’s truly a sight to behold.
Not far from the pavilion, you’ll find the Sri Maha Sarakham Chedi, a golden pagoda that enshrines relics of the Buddha. The chedi is connected to the temple grounds by a bridge adorned with colorful naga sculptures. The scale and detail of everything here is simply phenomenal!
If you are staying overnight in Maha Sarakham or just passing through the city, be sure to check out Wat Puttha Wanaram. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6:30 PM, and entry is free.
7. Drop By Ku Mahathat
Ku Mahathat is another impressive Khmer ruin you can visit in Maha Sarakham. Located about a 20-minute drive from Maha Sarakham city, it makes for a great quick trip if you have some time while staying overnight.
Much like Prasat Ku Santarat, this temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century as a medicine hall. Here, you'll find the main prang constructed in the Bayon architectural style, with the surrounding stone walls still largely intact.
It’s quite similar to Prasat Ku Santarat, but this site sits right beside Nong Krathum, a small lake, providing a lovely view from the temple grounds. If you are visiting Maha Sarakham city, be sure to check out Ku Mahathat. The temple is open 24/7, and entry is free.
8. Bike Around Kaeng Loengchan Health Park
If you are spending the night in Maha Sarakham City and looking for a nice place to hang out and watch the sunset, head to Kaeng Loengchan Health Park in the evening. You can rent a bike and ride or jog around the lake on the dedicated bike path to find a quiet spot by the water and enjoy the sunset.
The park features a well-maintained 10-kilometer loop around the lake, ideal for jogging, walking, or cycling. It is very popular among locals, and you will often find many people exercising and jogging in the evening. With the lake right next to it, it makes for a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
The area is not very commercialized, which makes it great for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If you want to rent a bike, there are small shops where you can rent one or buy some snacks. You won't find many shops to replenish your supplies along the way, so be sure to pack enough water for the trip.
Try to visit either early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler, as there is little shade. Avoid coming at noon, as it can get extremely hot and uncomfortable. The area is open 24/7 and the entry is free.
9. Drive Around Kosamphi Forest Park
Last but not least, if you are looking for lush green nature and a riverside view where you can drive around, safely interact with monkeys from your car, and enjoy nature without being too active, Kosamphi Forest Park is the place to be.
Kosamphi Forest Park is a 50-acre lush forested sanctuary located along the Mun River, best known for its resident monkeys, which are often seen interacting with visitors. While they are the highlight, it’s advisable to keep a respectful distance and avoid feeding them, as they can get quite aggressive.
There are several viewpoints by the river and picnic spots within the park. You can also drive around and observe the curious monkeys who often try to coax food from passing cars. It’s quite entertaining to watch.
If you are visiting Maha Sarakham and passing through on your way to Khon Kaen, be sure to stop by Kosamphi Forest Park. The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and entry is free.
How to Get to Maha Sarakham?
By Flight: The fastest way to get to Maha Sarakham is to fly from Bangkok to Khon Kaen Airport operated by AirAsia, and it should take about one hour. You can browse more flights via Skyscanner.
Once you arrive, you can rent a car from the airport and drive to Maha Sarakham, which takes about 1 hour. There are many car rental places at the exit terminal of the airport, so you can pick one from there, or you can rent a car through DiscoverCars.
By Bus: You can also take a bus from Bangkok to Maha Sarakham. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and will drop you off at Maha Sarakham Bus Station in about 7 hours. The price is about 500 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.
That said, it will be quite difficult to find a place to rent a vehicle in Maha Sarakham, as the province is relatively small. Your best bet is to take a bus to Khon Kaen instead and rent a car from there. You'll find more options and much more reliable service. You can check the schedule and book tickets to Khon Kaen online here.
By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Maha Sarakham. The journey should take about 6 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.
How to Get Around Maha Sarakham?
By Car: The best way to get around Maha Sarakham is to rent a car from Khon Kaen Airport and drive to and around the province or you can rent one from J.U.I. Car For Rent once you get to the city via buses. You can also rent one directly from Bangkok’s airports and make the drive up. It’s a long journey, but if you have the time, there’s plenty to see along the way. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.
What to Pack for Maha Sarakham?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Maha Sarakham, Thailand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Maha Sarakham, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Tired of the well-trodden parts of Thailand and looking to really go off the beaten path? How about a road trip around Isaan? My itinerary covers all 20 provinces in the Isaan region, and more, so be sure to check it out: One Month Itinerary for Isaan.
- As the gateway to Isaan, you can't travel to the region without passing through Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat for short. To help guide you through the province, check out 10 Impressive Things to Do in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
- Home to Phanom Rung, one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand, Buriram is an awesome place to visit as you explore Southern Isaan. If you plan to visit Buriram, check out Discover Buriram: 11 Awesome Things to Do and More.
- One of the best times to visit Phanom Rung is during the Phanom Rung Festival, where you'll find parades, light and sound shows, and more. Here's a complete guide to visiting the Phanom Rung Festival: Phanom Rung Festival: A Complete Travel Guide
- Passing through Surin and wondering what to do? Check out this travel guide: Visit Surin: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More
- Curious about the coolest things to do in Si Saket? Check out: Discover Si Saket: 11 Amazing Things to Do and More
- One of the best places to visit in Isaan is Ubon Ratchathani. If you're looking for things to do there, check out: Ubon Ratchathani: 14 Amazing Things to Do and More
- If you're passing through Ubon Ratchathani and only have time to explore the city, be sure to check out: Ubon City Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- Planning to cross the land border between Thailand and Cambodia to visit Siem Reap? You might want to stop by Sa Kaeo, a Thai border province full of awesome things to do. For the full guide, check out: Exploring Sa Kaeo: 8 Best Things to Do and More
- Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
- Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
- As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
- Want to explore Loei and its mountainous scenery and vibrant culture? Check this out: Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Looking to explore Chiang Khan and its wonderful tourist attractions? You are going to need this travel guide: Chiang Khan Travel Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Want to experience the colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival, where locals wear elaborate costumes and ghost masks? Check out this guide: Phi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel Guide.
- Nong Khai is often overlooked by many travelers traveling between Thailand and Laos, but there's so much to do here. If you are interested to explore more of the frontier province of Nong Khai, check out: Explore Nong Khai: 12 Best Things to Do & More.
- Bueng Kan is emerging as Isaan’s new adventure hotspot, known for the famous Naka Cave, Phu Tok mountain, scenic waterfalls, and more. If you're planning a trip to Bueng Kan, don't miss this: Discover Bueng Kan: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- The walking street and riverside views along the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom are absolutely legendary, and a must-visit in Isaan. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss my full guide here: Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Sleepy Sakon Nakhon is full of surprises—from the colonial French buildings of Tha Rae Village to hidden Khmer temples tucked away in the jungle. Check out this complete travel guide to Sakon Nakhon: Exploring Sakon Nakhon: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Udon Thani is a big city with tons of things to do. If you plan to visit Udon Thani, be sure to check out this travel guide: Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- If you’re driving through Nong Bua Lamphu and wondering if there are any places worth seeing, check out this travel guide: Visit Nong Bua Lamphu: 8 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Khon Kaen is a big province with plenty to do. If you want to visit but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you: Discover Khon Kaen: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Kalasin may be a small province in Isaan, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. If you’re passing through, be sure to check this out: Kalasin Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Mukdahan may not be as popular as other Mekong towns like Chiang Khan or Nakhon Phanom, but it offers a laid-back vibe and chill atmosphere unlike its larger counterparts. Don’t skip Mukdahan! Here’s a complete travel guide to help you explore this lovely province: Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- If you are passing through Amnat Charoen and are wondering what there is to do there, then check out this guide: Visit Amnat Charoen: 9 Best Things to Do & More.
- Yasothon is where the famous Bun Bung Fai Festival or rocket festival takes place, and it's home to some really charming Isaan attractions not many people know about. Here's a complete guide to Yasothon: Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Roi Et is definitely one of my favorite provinces in Isaan, thanks to its beautiful and modern city center, iconic landmarks like the Roi Et Tower, and more. If you’re interested in visiting Roi Et, be sure to check out Explore Roi Et: 12 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you like mountains and are looking for a true hidden gem of Isaan, which is already a hidden gem in itself, you might want to check out Chaiyaphum, all as I called it the land of beautiful cliffs. Here's a complete guide to Chaiyaphum: Discover Chaiyaphum: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Interested in learning more about the unique music of Isaan? Check out this guide: The Sounds of Isaan: Thai Psychedelic Music Unknown to Many – A Guide to Mor Lam.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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