Mahasarakam

Overview

Being a college town boasting seven institutions of higher learning, prices are cheap and the restaurants are lively.  The city is also the provincial capitol for Mahasarakham Province with a fairly new and strikingly beautiful white modern-traditional capitol building on the south side of town. The Museum of Northeastern Isaan Culture is on the downtown campus of Mahasarakham University. The Khamriang Campus of 30,000 student-body Mahasarakham University (9 kilometers north of town) is not to be missed.  Strikingly modern architecture in rich brick facades characterize the many buildings on campus--contrasting with nearby rice farmers plowing with buffalo, provide a great amatuer photographer's delight.  Several relaxing parks are nearby for a stroll or picnic, one of which is Wang Ma Cha, a few kilometers northeast out of town.  Tuk-tuks and mortorcycle taxis are plentiful and cheaply-hired.  Frequent and cheap bus service connects with other nearby towns (Khon Kaen, Roi-et)  for great one-day excursions. The downtown Taksila Hotel provides a four-star experience for a one-star price, including a delicious Wednesday noon buffet and Thai massage services.  A new and even cheaper hotel is currently being built a few kilometers north of town, hosted by Mahasarakham University's hotel and tourism faculty. 

History