🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
This plan suits anyone who doesn't want to rush — you'd rather walk slowly, breathe deep, and see local life that's still genuinely alive. We've set it up so day one stays in and around the town center, while day two drives out toward Kosum Phisai to see the monkeys, then loops back to the pottery village before heading into town. The total distance is small and the driving is easy. A car works, or you can rent a motorbike in town.
The best stretch to visit is November through February — cool weather, gentle sun. The park at Kaeng Loeng Chan has flower beds in bloom this time of year, and the monkeys at Kosamphi come out to play more than in the hot season. During the rainy season, check first: the Chi River has flooded into the forest park before, forcing the monkeys up into the trees.
Day 1 — In-town park and sunset at Kaeng Loeng Chan
Take the first day easy — no need for an early start. Spend the afternoon into the evening at Kaeng Loeng Chan, the big reservoir on the west side of town that locals call the town's lungs. The shoreline is laid out as a public park and fitness park, with a riverside walking path and shady old trees. Locals come here to walk, run and cycle every evening.
In town + Kaeng Loeng Chan
Kaeng Loeng Chan tip
If you like photography, come during the golden hour, about 40 minutes before sunset — that's when the light is softest. Bring mosquito spray, because the bugs pick up near the water in the evening. The park is open all the time with no closing hour, but the lighting gets dim at night, so head back before it's fully dark.
Book the activities in your Maha Sarakham trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 2 — Golden macaques at Don Pu Ta, then a pottery stop
Day two is the highlight of this plan. Get up a little earlier to drive toward Kosum Phisai district, about 28–30 km along Highway 208. The destination is Don Pu Ta, inside Kosamphi Forest Park — a mixed deciduous forest along the Chi River that's both a sacred place for locals and home to over 500 macaques. What most people come to see are the golden-coated macaques, a rare type you won't easily find elsewhere.
Don Pu Ta isn't a zoo. The monkeys here are wild and have lived alongside the community for generations, with a guardian-spirit shrine that the people of Kosum Phisai hold in respect. You can stroll around at an easy pace, but watch your food and your bags — the monkeys are used to people and quick on their feet.
Don Pu Ta–Kosamphi Forest Park + Ban Mo
Tip for watching monkeys safely
Don't walk in carrying a plastic bag or a food bag — the monkeys see it and head straight for you. Take off your sunglasses and hold your phone tight. If a monkey comes close, stay still; don't run or hold eye contact for too long. And never feed the monkeys directly, because it makes them aggressive and likely to mob the next person.
Why these three places belong in one plan
These three spots tell different sides of Maha Sarakham and still string together neatly. Kaeng Loeng Chan is nature that townsfolk genuinely live with. Don Pu Ta is nature tied to belief and conservation. And Ban Mo is the know-how of turning riverside clay into everyday objects. You get water views, forest and handcraft — all without a long drive.
- Kaeng Loeng Chan — an in-town reservoir and fitness park for walking, cycling and watching the sunset. Free entry.
- Don Pu Ta, Kosamphi Forest Park — a sacred forest along the Chi River with rare golden macaques. Open 08:00–18:00, free entry.
- Ban Mo, Khwao subdistrict — a village throwing earthenware by hand for over 200 years. Try the wheel and buy souvenirs.
What to prepare and how to get around
- Transport — a car is easiest. In town you can rent a motorbike for about 200–300 THB/day. There's no public transport that reaches every spot directly.
- Clothing — sneakers for the forest walk at Don Pu Ta, a sun hat, and a light long-sleeve shirt against the Isan sun.
- Cash — carry small notes for merit offerings, clay pots and snacks at the district markets. Many spots don't take transfers.
- When to go — November to February is best: cool weather, flowers in bloom, and you avoid the rainy season when the Chi River can flood.
If you only have half a day
You've got two options. If you love animals and nature, head straight to Don Pu Ta in the morning and stop at Ban Mo on the way back. But if you'd rather stay in town and take it easy, just go to Kaeng Loeng Chan in the evening for the breeze and the sunset.
Want a full plan and where to stay in Maha Sarakham, all sorted for you?
See the Maha Sarakham travel guide →