The Orchid Resort & Relax — a garden resort by the rice fields in Kham Riang, near MSU
Drive out of central Maha Sarakham toward Kham Riang, past Mahasarakham University, and you reach a small resort tucked behind the paddies — The Orchid Resort & Relax. It's a family-run boutique resort with bungalows and rooms arranged around a pool set in a garden. It isn't a luxury property, but plenty of guests choose it precisely to wake up to a green field view, in peace, from around THB 700/night. Scored 8.1 from 73 reviews.
The Orchid Resort & Relax sits in Kham Riang, Kantharawichai District — the same neighbourhood as Mahasarakham University, about a 10-minute drive from campus. The draw here is the setting rather than any tower in the city centre: low-rise bungalows spread out around a pool, with rice fields all around. Guests say again and again they came for the quiet and the natural view you simply don't get at hotels in the market district.
There's a spread of room types to suit your budget. The most talked-about are the lakeside bungalows and the Comfort rooms with direct pool access. Rooms are a comfortable size with a private balcony or terrace, air-con, flat-screen TV, fridge, kettle and a shower bathroom. Real guest reviews say the rooms are cleaner and roomier than expected for the price, and value-for-money scores run especially high.
"Opened the door in the morning to a field view and a cool breeze, a few steps to the pool — really peaceful, perfect if you just want to switch off."
The heart of the resort is the outdoor pool and the surrounding garden. Beyond the pool there's a jacuzzi, a meditation sala, a spa and massage corner, and a BBQ area in the garden. The whole feel leans into easy, slow-living relaxation — ideal for sitting by the pool with a book, or bringing the family so the kids can run around the playground.
On location, set expectations: this is not central Maha Sarakham. It's on the Kham Riang side, closer to the university and the shops around campus. If you're here for work or business with MSU, it's very handy — but getting to the city market or the main restaurant strip means another 15–20 minute drive. There's free private parking, and the resort can arrange Khon Kaen Airport transfers (for a fee), since Khon Kaen is the nearest airport.
One honest note: the resort does renovation and upkeep in phases, as you'd expect from a property that's been open a while, so a few rooms or corners can look more worn than the photos. It also takes mostly cash, so carry some with you. Overall, though, reviews stay positive: staff are friendly and attentive, and the price feels fair for what you get.
In short, The Orchid Resort & Relax is a solid pick if you have business around Kham Riang and MSU and want a quiet resort with a pool and garden on a modest budget. If you need to walk to the city market or restaurants, a central hotel will suit you better. But if you want to wake up to a field view and a real resort feel, this place delivers it at an accessible price.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Excellent value for a resort with a pool and garden
- ✓ Roomy, clean rooms with a private balcony/terrace
- ✓ Quiet, field views, great for relaxing
- ✓ Friendly, attentive staff
- ! In Kham Riang, not the city centre — you'll need to drive in
- ! Some areas under renovation, a few corners look worn
- ! Mostly cash payment
- ✓ Pool and leafy garden — a genuine resort feel
- ✓ Near Mahasarakham University, handy for campus business
- ✓ Poolside rooms step straight into the pool, good for families
- ✓ Free private parking; Khon Kaen airport transfers available
- ! Limited on-site dining options — you'll head out sometimes
- ! Far from the city market and main restaurant strip
- ! Fills fast during MSU graduation/events
- 💡If you want to walk to the Maha Sarakham city market or restaurants — this is on the Kham Riang side, a 15–20 minute drive into town → a central hotel will be more convenient.
- 💡If you pay mostly by card — the resort takes mostly cash → bring cash and confirm payment terms when you book.
- 💡If you visit during MSU graduation or a big campus event — rooms fill fast and rates rise → book several weeks ahead and lock in your room.