🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The Sirindhorn Museum isn't the kind of dinosaur museum that just sets up models for photos. It's built right over the real excavation pit at Phu Kum Khao, the site where the most complete plant-eating dinosaur skeleton in Thailand was found. That makes it a research site and a tourist attraction in one. It's a great fit if you're travelling with kids, if you're into science, or if you just want to understand why Kalasin became Thailand's dinosaur town.
What you'll see here
It all started in 1994, when Phra Khru Wichit Sahatsakhun, the abbot of the neighbouring Wat Sakkawan, found some unusual bones on Phu Kum Khao. That led to a dig that turned up more than 700 plant-eating dinosaur bones from at least seven individuals, and the discovery of a dinosaur species new to science — Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, named in honour of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
- The Phu Kum Khao excavation pit — the highlight. See real dinosaur bones still embedded in the rock layer exactly where they were dug up, under a covered walkway you can explore.
- Eight permanent exhibition zones — the story runs from the birth of the universe through the ages of the Earth, all the way to Thailand's dinosaurs and the human story.
- Life-size skeleton replicas — both species found in Thailand and famous ones from around the world, set up so you can walk under them and take photos.
- Thai–English labels — easy to follow for kids and adults alike. Budget a relaxed 2–3 hours to walk the whole thing.
Want more out of Kalasin? Book tours & activities
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.
The dinosaurs and fossils on display
Beyond Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, the star of the show, the museum brings together plenty of fossils and dinosaur species found around Isan. Each one has its own discovery story.
Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae
The long-necked, plant-eating dinosaur found at Phu Kum Khao — a species new to science and the museum's headliner.
Siamotyrannus isanensis
An early predator from the tyrannosaur group, found in Thailand and considered an ancestor of T. rex.
Siamosaurus suteethorni
A fish-eating dinosaur with sharp teeth, identified from teeth dug up in Isan — a relative of Spinosaurus.
Fossils and prehistoric remains
Everything from teeth and bones to dinosaur footprints, plus rocks from different eras that explain how life began.
Don't miss this
A lot of people get caught up in the exhibition halls and forget to go see the real excavation pit — which is the one thing you can't see anywhere else. Plan your time so you have some left for the Phu Kum Khao pit, because that's exactly what makes this museum special.
Tickets and opening hours
Entry is genuinely cheap for what you get to see. The prices below are the most recent we could find, but it's worth calling the museum to double-check before you go, as fares and hours can change.
- Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30am–4:30pm (closed Mondays)
- Thai entry: adults around 40 THB, children around 10 THB
- Foreigner entry: adults around 100 THB, children around 50 THB
- Phone: 0 4387 1014 or 0 4387 1393–4
Avoid Mondays
The museum is closed every Monday. Plenty of visitors drive a long way only to find the gates shut because they forgot to check the day. If you're coming on a long weekend that falls on a Monday, shift your visit to another day.
Getting to the Sirindhorn Museum
The museum sits on Phu Kum Khao in Non Buri sub-district, Sahatsakhan, about 34 km north of Kalasin town — roughly a 40-minute drive. Take Highway 227 toward Lam Pao Dam, then turn off onto the road to Sahatsakhan. It's signposted the whole way.
One important thing to know: there are no songthaews or public buses running all the way here. You'll need your own car, a rental, or a chartered ride from town to drop you off. If you don't have a car, the easiest option is to rent one in Kalasin town, or hire a motorbike taxi or a van for a round trip.
- Own car / rental: the easiest option. There's plenty of parking, and you can pair it with other spots around Sahatsakhan in a single day.
- Chartered ride from town: agree a round-trip price in advance, and factor in time for the driver to wait while you look around.
- Tour / package: some van operators in Kalasin run dinosaur trips that bundle several stops together.
More to see nearby
The nice thing about Sahatsakhan is that several spots sit close together, so you can easily keep going in the same day.
Wat Sakkawan
Right next to the museum — the spot where the first dinosaur bones were found, with a Buddha image and a hilltop temple atmosphere.
Lam Pao Dam
A large reservoir with Dok Ket Beach, waterside restaurants, and fresh freshwater fish.
Wat Phutthanimit (Phu Khao)
An unusual reclining Buddha lying on its left side, plus views over Sahatsakhan town from up on the hill.
Tips before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — the grounds are large and you'll climb a slope up to the excavation pit.
- Mornings are cooler, so the outdoor sections are more pleasant to walk than the afternoon.
- Bring drinking water — there aren't many shops on site.
- Set aside at least half a day if you plan to add Wat Sakkawan and Lam Pao Dam.
Plan a full Kalasin trip and see where to stay and what else to do
See the Kalasin travel guide →