Maha Sarakham

Known as the "education city of Isan," Maha Sarakham is home to Mahasarakham University and has a young, energetic feel that belies its small-town size. The Isan Cultural Center on the university campus is actually excellent — well-curated exhibits on northeastern Thai history, textiles, and the Khmer influence on the region. The city's night markets are student-budget friendly and full of Isan comfort food.

Outside the city, Ku Santarat is a restored Khmer sanctuary in a peaceful rural setting, and Kaeng Loeng Chan is a rocky rapids section of the Chi River that's popular for picnics in the dry season. The province is a center for axe-pillow production — those distinctive triangular Thai floor cushions are made here in huge quantities. Maha Sarakham isn't a tourist destination per se, but it offers an authentic slice of university-town Isan that's friendly and completely uncommercial.