MSU Promotes Travelling in Maha Sarakham Province with New “Happy Maha Sarakham” Tourist Route

MSU Promotes Travelling in Maha Sarakham Province with New “Happy Maha Sarakham” Tourist Route

The Research Institute of Northeastern Art and Culture, Mahasarakham University, cooperating with Young Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce of Maha Sarakham province (YEC Mahasarakham) and Mahasarakham Tourism Business Association opened a project “Happy Maha Sarakham” Maha Sarakham BCG Happy Model Tourism at Kosum Phisai district, Maha Sarakham on March 4, 2024. This event was an opportunity to trial a new travelling route for both Thai people and foreigners. On this day, there were participants from different sections experiencing the new route, such as representatives from travel agencies, government organizations, media and foreigners. This project aimed to promote Maha Sarakham province as a destination for health and cultural tourism for both Thai people and foreigners.

The travelling program of “Happy Maha Sarakham” organized at Kosum Phisai district. To begin the day, all participants had a chance to pay respect to Phra Buddha Kantharawichai Abhisamai Thammanayok, a sacred Buddha image of Maha Sarakham city located in Mahasarakham University (Downtown campus). All participants then travelled to Kosum Phisai district and pay homage to Phra Ming Mueang, a sacred Buddha image from the legend at Ban Dong Wang Tha Hor Khwang, the city of Kosum Phisai. After visiting the sacred places, travelers enjoyed sightseeing, gave food to golden long-tailed macaques that can only be seen in this city and appreciated the scenery of Kaeng Tat, layers of shale cascading like a waterfall in the middle of the Chi River at Kosum Phisai Forest Park. Next they traveled to Rai Saen Dee, a farm with new a theory of agriculture at Ban Nong Yang, Hua Khwang subdistrict, Kosum Phisai district. On arrival the visitors were served a drink of miracle bamboo water, then they had a relaxing time soaking their feet in water with local herbs to relive aches, pains and detoxify and sipped an herbal drink of red wood. In addition, they experienced squeezing Khanom Jeen Dong Daeng, or rice noodles, and made traditional rice crackers from glutinous rice rich with vitamins.

In the afternoon, they travelled to Sadue Isan Memorial, the central point of Northeastern Thailand, where they enjoyed the view of Lao subdistrict, Kosum Phisai district, and Bueng Kui swamp. They then travelled to Wat Phutthawanaram (Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen), one of the “Unseen New Chapters” of Thailand 2023, where they experienced the world’s largest wooden Takhain temple, the three seasons castle, and Si Maha Sarakham pagoda.

The new route was designed to correspond with the five key concepts:

1. Bio-circular-green (BCG) Economy Model
2. Happy Model (Happiness of Living and Health)
3. Community-based tourism (CBT) Thailand Standard
4. Carbon neutral tourism
5. Quality enhancement of local products and services, such as product uniqueness that is symbolic of the places visited, quality of accommodation services and restaurants

Picture/Information: Buntharika Phuphaluang

Source: Research Institute of Northeastern Art and Culture, MSU

SDGs: 1 GOAL1-ขจัดความยากจน (No Poverty) 2 GOAL2-ขจัดความหิวโหย (Zero hunger) 11 GOAL11-เมืองและชุมชนยั่งยืน (Sustainable cities and communities) 17 GOAL17-หุ้นส่วนเพื่อการพัฒนา (Partnership for the Goals)