Getting There

There are several ways to reach Mahasarakham depending on the traveler's budget and time available.  Below alternatives are listed from most expensive to least expensive.

Alternative #1:
From Bangkok, fly Thai Airways to Khon Kaen for about $40 (USD) and a 45-minute flight.  Take a taxi to the Khon Kaen bus station (specify "non air-con station").  Buses leave every hour for Mahasarakham; about a 90-minute ride.

Alternative #2: 
From Bangkok's Buanglamphoo Rail Station, take the 8:45pm night train to Khon Kaen.  Enjoy a comfortable night's sleep in an air-conditioned car with curtained private beds for about $16 (USD).  A porter will wake you and serve you coffee prior to your arrival, if requested.   Arrive at Khon Kaen about 6:00 a.m., and proceed to the bus station (10-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride) as described above.  First bus for Mahasarakham leaves about 6:30 a.m.

Alternative #3: 
From Bangkok's Northeastern Bus Station (Mochit), take the Mahasarakham bus (ticket wickets/gates #11 or #12), for the eight-hour ride.  There are both overnight and afternoon buses.  Cost, approximately $6-$7 (USD).   The advantage of this route is that you travel directly to Mahasarakham without the Khon Kaen intermediary destination.

(May 2006)