Maha Sarakham: Khmer Heritage, Dvaravati and Nature

In Maha Sarakham Province, Khmer architecture and Dvaravati heritage meet reservoirs, river landscapes and wetlands. The destinations reveal different sides of the region: archaeological sites and museums take centre stage in Amphoe Na Dun, while temple architecture, wildlife and recreation areas can be explored elsewhere. Comparing the locations with your own interests can help you include cultural and nature destinations in your travel plans.

Archaeological Sites and Museums

Gū Mahathat, also known as Prang Ku Ban Khwa, is located in Ban Khwa, Tambon Khwa, Amphoe Mueang Maha Sarakham. This important archaeological monument belongs to Khmer art in the Bayon style. It is made of laterite and has a square, tent-like shape. Two significant sandstone images were discovered there during excavations, including Bhaisajyaguru, the Buddha of healing. Its architecture and artifacts each offer a distinct way to explore the past.

Another Bayon-style sanctuary is located in Tambon Gū Santrarat, Amphoe Na Dun. It is made of laterite and has an entrance facing east, as well as a library building. The complex was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, or approximately between 1700 and 1750 in the Buddhist Era. Phra Borommathat Na Dun, in turn, is situated at an archaeological site associated with the ancient city of Champasri. The reliquary shrine associated with the monument is dated to the Dvaravati period: approximately the 13th to 15th Buddhist centuries, or around 1000 to 1200 in the Buddhist Era.

The grounds of Phra Borommathat Na Dun include the Champasri Cultural Museum, an arboretum and a medicinal plant garden. In Tambon Phra That, also in Amphoe Na Dun, the Nakhon Champasri Museum collects and displays archaeological objects and works of art. Those interested in the region’s past can explore it from several perspectives, from architectural forms and sculptures to archaeological collections.

Unusual Temple Architecture

Wat Nong Hu Ling in Ban Nong Hu Ling, Tambon Mittraphap, Amphoe Kae Dam, has an intricately designed, boat-shaped ubosot in the form of an Anantanakarat. The temple is known as Thailand’s first “boat temple.” Visitors can view the ubosot, which is approximately 20 metres wide, 40 metres long and 30 metres high. Its unusual shape makes the building itself the main attraction.

The standing Buddha at Wat Phra Yuen Kantharawichai in Amphoe Kantharawichai offers a different historical perspective. The red sandstone statue dates to the Dvaravati period. It stands on grounds surrounded by Dvaravati stone sema markers arranged in two rows and in all eight directions. The province’s religious sights therefore differ not only in their architecture, but also in the historic works of art and markers associated with them.

Reservoir, Forest and Wildlife

Nong Kae Dam reservoir in Amphoe Kae Dam is a nature destination with fish breeding waters and aquatic biodiversity. Ducks from Siberia stay there in winter. At Wat Dao Dueng in the same amphoe is the Kae Dam Wooden Bridge, which is more than 100 years old. It is used to cross the reservoir and has been developed as a place for photography and a tourist destination. The lake and bridge offer different reasons to explore the landscape: nature watching on one hand, and a historic structure with views of the reservoir on the other.

Kosamphi Forest Park is located in Tambon Hua Khwang, Amphoe Kosum Phisai. This mixed forest area of approximately 125 rai on the Chi River is home to more than 800 macaques. The animals there include golden-furred macaques, considered the only ones of their kind in the Asia-Pacific region. Bun Pha Khao Ling takes place every year on 1 or 2 April; residents and the general public are invited to bring food for the monkeys in the park.

Dun Lamphan, in Ban Na Chueak, Tambon Na Chueak, Amphoe Na Chueak, is also among the province’s nature destinations. This wetland is of national importance. Travellers who want to focus on landscapes and wildlife can consider these places as separate stops alongside the reservoir and forest destinations.

Recreation and Local Handicrafts

Kaeng Loeng Chan has an extensive health garden, a recreation area by the reservoir and spaces for exercise. It is also home to a freshwater fish station that visitors and tourists can visit for study purposes. Kaeng Loeng Chan is located on the bypass road between the junction for Amphoe Kosum Phisai and the junction for Amphoe Borabue, and borders the Maha Sarakham municipality.

For an insight into local crafts, visit Ban Nong Kheun Chang in Tambon Tha Song Khon, Amphoe Mueang Maha Sarakham. The village is a weaving learning centre that study groups visit regularly. Silk, cotton and Mudmee textiles are made there. This subject complements the archaeological and landscape destinations with a living textile tradition.

When choosing a hotel location, consider which themes matter most to you: several of the cultural sites mentioned are in Amphoe Na Dun, while other destinations are spread across Kae Dam, Kosum Phisai, Na Chueak and Mueang Maha Sarakham, among other areas.

Discover more destinations: Na Chuak, Ku Thong, Yang Sisurat District, Talat, Kham Riang.

Discover more destinations: Roi Et, Uthai Thani, Nong Kai.

Back to the main travel guide: Thailand.