Kalasin Dinosaur Trail
Sirindhorn Museum, Phu Kum Khao, Sahatsakhan

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Kalasin's dinosaur story isn't just plastic models for photos — it's a genuine fossil site that palaeontologists around the world know about. It started at Wat Sakkawan, at the foot of Phu Kum Khao, in 1994, when the abbot, Phra Khru Wijit Sahatsakhun, came across large bones poking out of the ground. The Department of Mineral Resources then moved in to excavate the site systematically, and it grew into a learning spot the whole family can enjoy. Kids love it, and adults walk away having learned something.

Trail overview — everything is within the same radius

The best thing about this trail is that the sights are clustered in Sahatsakhan district, about 28–30 km north of Kalasin town. One drive, several stops, no long hops between them. Start with the Sirindhorn Museum and the adjoining Phu Kum Khao excavation pit, then move on to pay respects at Phra Phrom Phumipalo on Phu Sing for the view and sunset, and finish with grilled fish by the Lam Pao Dam.

• Sirindhorn Museum — Thailand's first dinosaur museum, displayed in cool, air-conditioned halls
• Phu Kum Khao excavation pit / Wat Sakkawan — walk over to see real bones in the dig site, right beside the museum
• Wat Phutthawat (Phu Sing) — Phra Phrom Phumipalo — a giant Buddha image on the hilltop, plus a sunset viewpoint
• Lam Pao Dam — grilled fish by the water to close out the day, the way locals do it

Sirindhorn Museum — Thailand's first dinosaur museum

The Sirindhorn Museum has been open since 2007 and sits at the foot of Phu Kum Khao in Non Buri sub-district, Sahatsakhan. Inside, it's split into several zones that walk you from the birth of the universe through the age of life to full-size dinosaur skeleton replicas. The stars are Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, a long-necked plant-eater named in honour of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and Isanosaurus attavipachi, one of the oldest dinosaurs found in Thailand. It's all displayed in air-conditioned halls, so you stay comfortable even when the sun is fierce outside.

• Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
• Entry fee: around 40 THB (cheaper for children/students — worth checking on arrival)
• Time needed: about 1.5–2 hours if you take it slow
• Good for: families with kids, and anyone into natural history

Phu Kum Khao excavation pit — real bones in the dig

This is what sets Kalasin apart. At the excavation pit at the foot of Phu Kum Khao, beside Wat Sakkawan, you'll see real dinosaur bones still embedded in the rock layers, lying exactly where the animals died around 130 million years ago — not replicas. The Department of Mineral Resources uncovered more than 700 bones from several dinosaurs in this one spot, making it the most complete plant-eating dinosaur site in Thailand. There's a roof over it and a raised walkway so you can stroll comfortably around the pit.

• See real bones laid out in the rock, with signs explaining which piece is which
• Right next to the Sirindhorn Museum — walk between them, no need to drive
• Wat Sakkawan above the pit is shady and peaceful; stop in to pay respects
• Pit access is part of the same trail as the museum

Phra Phrom Phumipalo on Phu Sing — pay respects, take in the view

Just a short hop from the dinosaur zone brings you to Wat Phutthawat, which locals call the Phu Sing Buddhist site. On the hilltop stands Phra Phrom Phumipalo, a large Buddha image in the subduing-Mara posture, with a lap about 10.5 metres wide and standing nearly 18 metres tall. Built back in 1968, it sits at around 346 metres above sea level. From here you get wide views of Phu Kum Khao, Phu Khao, and the Lam Pao Dam, and it's a favourite spot for locals to sit and wait for the evening light at sunset.

• Opening hours: daily, roughly 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Entry fee: none (it's a temple; donate as you wish)
• Highlights: the giant Buddha + a 360-degree viewpoint + sunset
• Dress code: modest, as this is a sacred site

Wrap up at Lam Pao Dam — grilled fish by the water

Once the sun softens, drive down to the Lam Pao Dam, a big reservoir that's both a water source and a favourite hangout for Kalasin locals. Along the waterfront you'll find stalls serving grilled fish, pla som (fermented fish), and koi pla, all using fish from the local waters. Sit in the cool breeze and end your dinosaur trip with a full stomach. If you have time during the day, Dok Ked Beach here is also good for a swim and a float on the raft platforms.

How to get to Sahatsakhan

The easiest way is to have your own car or rent one, since the sights are spread out and public transport is hard to use here. If you fly into Khon Kaen and rent a car from there, that's the smoothest option.

• From Kalasin town: head north on Route 227 toward Sahatsakhan, about 28–30 km, around 30–40 minutes
• From Khon Kaen: Khon Kaen to Kalasin is about 80 km, roughly 1 hr 10 min by bus/van, then continue into Sahatsakhan (Khon Kaen Airport handles flights from Bangkok)
• From Bangkok: take a coach, Bangkok to Kalasin is about 519 km, or fly into Khon Kaen / Roi Et and continue by road
• Getting around locally: a private car is best, since the four stops above link up easily over half a day to a full day

One-day dinosaur trail itinerary

Tips before you go

• The Sirindhorn Museum is closed on Mondays — if you're planning a long weekend, avoid Monday
• This trail suits families: little kids enjoy the dinosaur models while adults pick up the science
• Carry some cash — entry fees and many local eateries still take cash more easily
• If you have two days, stay a night in Kalasin town, then add the Lam Pao Dam and Praewa silk at Ban Phon