Situated 470 kilometers from Bangkok, Maha Sarakham is a small province in the North East part of Thailand. Being the educational hub of the region, this place is also known as "Taksila of Isan". Maha Sarakham is famous for its historical sites, beautiful Buddha images, exquisite hand woven silk and cotton fabric.

          There are 2 important temples -- Wat Suwanawas, housing the Phra Buddha Ming Muang and Wat Puttha Monkhon, housing the image of Phra Buddha Yuen Mongkhon. Both these temples are important places of worship in Maha Sarakham province. Located in Kantharawichai in the province of Maha Sarakham, these ancient images of standing Buddha are made of red sandstone in Dvaravati-style and both are over 1,000 years old. Another important Buddha image, named Phra Buddha Ratanamonkhol Mahamunee, housed in Wat Buraphaphiram is said to be the tallest standing Buddha image in the world and attracts a large number of tourists everyday. An important tourist destination is the Phra That Nadoon Chedi, housing some of Buddha's relics. The location of the Chedi in a beautiful park making it an attractive place to visit.  

          Kosamphi Forest Park famous for its monkey population is located on the Mun riverbank. Worth a visit are also the Chi Long Forest Park and the Pa Dun Lamphan Forest Park, both of which house a large variety of flora and fauna. Trekking and bird watching in these forest parks are a delight.

          Although there is no direct train from Bangkok to Maha Sarakham, tourists can take a train directly up to Khon Kaen and take a connecting bus to Maha Sarakham.  Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses are available from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Maha Sarakham every day. Tourists can even fly from Bangkok to Khon Kaen and then take a connecting bus to Maha Sarakham.