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Uncovering Kalasin: Your Essential Guide to the World-famous Land of Dinosaurs

My best friend is a paleontology geek with a serious soft spot for dinosaurs. So, whenever we plan a trip, Kalasin always finds its way on our travel list—and for good reason!

The fossil collection of Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum is simply the best in the country and perhaps the world. Nothing beats being surrounded by massive dinosaur statues and life-size fossil displays to summon your inner child.

But this is just the beginning, and we’re glad to share everything we love about Kalasin, a province near the beautiful Udon Thani. This guide should lead you to world-famous archaeological finds and all the adventures waiting. Read on!

Best Time to Visit Kalasin

The best time to visit Kalasin is between November and February to enjoy the chilly dry season in the Isan region. There is no need to worry about rain or the sun’s sweltering heat allowing you to max on outdoor activities and wanderlust.

What’s more, most crowd-drawing festivals in Kalasin are held about this time. This gives you better chances to experience Thai culture and local Isan culture first-hand. 

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht (Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Isan, Phu Thai, Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: (+66)
Location: Kalasin, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Roi Et Airport (62.7 km)

How to Get to Kalasin from Bangkok

Plane: The fastest way to get to Kalasin from Bangkok is to book a flight from Don Mueang International Airport to Roi Et Airport. This only takes approximately 1 hour but you still need to catch another 1-hour taxi or bus ride to reach Kalasin Town.

Bus: A cheaper alternative is to ride a bus from Bangkok’s Mochit Bus Terminal directly to Kalasin Town. Bear in mind that this takes approximately 7 hours, so it’s not the best option if you’re only vacationing for a day or two.

Rental Car: You can also self-drive a rental car from Bangkok to Kalasin, granted that you have a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit. Just know that this also takes approximately 7 hours so it’s not a solid option speed-wise.

Start by driving north via Udon Rathaya Expressway, turning right to Highway 9, and switching to Highway 1 until you reach Mittraphap Interchange. From there, turn right to Highway 2 and keep going until you arrive at Ban Phai, Khon Kaen.

Here, switch to Highway 23 and continue via Highway 291 and 213 until you reach Kalasin Town.

Renting a car is also one of the best options for an easy and fun time exploring Kalasin. The most common transport in Kalasin is via tuk-tuk, songthaew, and taxi, so it can get pretty expensive and time-consuming to take public transport.

Where to Stay in Kalasin

Dino Studio Luxury Home Stay

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Address: 152/7 Thanon Chai Sunthorn, Nai Mueang Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 12 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 95 663 4517
Website: http://www.dinostudiohome.com/
Pricing: ฿฿

Dino Studio Luxury Home Stay provides spacious modern rooms, which includes en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, sitting areas, and air conditioning, among other things.

These rooms are designed for two guests but they also offer extra beds. It’s in a convenient location in Kalasin Town so it gives you quick access to numerous local restaurants and shops.

The roundabout outside the hotel also has life-size dinosaur statues, so it’s popular with families vacationing with their kids.

Farisa Garden Hotel

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Address: 76 Thungmon Bypass Road
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 88 563 2044
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Farisagardenhotel/
Pricing: ฿

Farisa Garden Hotel is perfect for families because of their modern, fully equipped minimalist rooms. These are so spacious, they can fit up to four beds, plus there are separate living spaces with a sofa and table.

They’re also located on the outskirts of Kalasin Town—perfect if you prefer a quieter and more relaxed accommodation. Plus, the owner and staff are super helpful in arranging tuk-tuk or taxi rides in and out of the hotel!

TK Residence Hotel

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Address: 419/9 Thung Si Mueang, Nuea Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 12 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 43 815 815
Website: https://www.facebook.com/tkresidencehotel/
Pricing: ฿

TK Residence Hotel is a solid budget-friendly option if you’re planning to stay in Kalasin for several days. Here, you get a spacious minimalist room with a king-size bed, closet, mini-fridge, en-suite bathroom, etc.

Their rooms also have a small balcony so you can enjoy a nice view of Kalasin Town. They also have a cozy cafe, so you’re covered for drinks, sandwiches, and cakes.

Where to Eat in Kalasin

Amuse Cafe

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Address: 168 Theenanon Road
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 87 822 2247
Website: https://www.facebook.com/amusecafeK/
Pricing: ฿฿

Amuse Cafe is a top-rated coffee shop and eatery in Kalasin, with a chic rustic interior and cozy alfresco garden dining area. 

They have a diverse selection of Thai and Western food and drink. Think pizza, steaks, seafood stir-fries, Thai fried rice, and more.

Oh, and don’t forget to try their excellent dessert options—the banoffee Nutella toast with ice cream and banana slices is excellent! Their bingsu is also a must-try!

Kalasino Pizza & Pasta

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Address: 74/60 Anankha Nak Road
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Contact Number: ++66 63 468 9040
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089049289748
Pricing: ฿฿

Kalasino Pizza & Pasta is arguably the best Italian restaurant in Kalasin. They excel at classic Italian pizza with over 30 types to choose from, perfect if you’re looking for full-on variety.

We also like how they cook them in a traditional wood-fired oven to capture the distinct flavors and charred edges of Italian pizza. Our team’s serious foodies also swear by this restaurant’s exquisite cold cuts and cheese platter.

Don’t forget to try their imported Italian wines and homemade ice creams as well.

Your Yeah Restaurant

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Address: Pradit Avenue
Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 63 968 3937
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Youryeah2020
Pricing: ฿฿

If you crave authentic Thai food, Your Yeah Restaurant is a solid choice if you’re up for classic Thai dishes. 

But don’t miss out on their speciality: seafood som tum which they make with crab, squid, cockles, oysters, and more!

What to See and Do in Kalasin

Tour Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum

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Address: 200 Moo 11, Non Buri, Sahatsakhan District
Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 43 871 014
Admission Costs: 150 baht

Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum is a local favorite, especially among families. This museum has numerous exhibits filled with life-like dinosaur statues, perfect for those visiting with small children.

It also has a massive collection of dinosaur fossils discovered all around Kalasin Province. There are chaste information panels on each exhibit, offering fun and interesting facts about these prehistoric reptiles that kids can easily understand.

The phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae fossil is a must-see, because it’s a locally discovered dinosaur species! 

Stroll around Muang Fa Daet Song Yang

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Address: Nong Paen, Kamalasai District
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 4322 7714

If you’re a history buff, Muang Fa Daet Song Yang, or Mueang Sema, is a must-visit! It’s one of the most important historical sites in Kalasin, where you’ll find the ruins of an ancient town from the Dvaravati period.

Its main attraction is a unique chedi called Phrathat Yakhu. This temple structure is also known for its three distinct architectural styles: Dvaravati, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin.

It’s also an important venue during the annual Makha Bucha Day Festival.

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Address: 173 Moo 5, Phon Subdistrict, Kham Muang District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 43 856 204

If you’re in the market for high-quality silk and silk-based products, Ban Phon Phrae Wa Silk Weaving is an excellent option. This place, in particular, is the central hub for Kalasin’s iconic phrae wa silk, so it’s popular all over Thailand as the “Queen of Silk.”

Going here also gives you the best chance to see traditional silk production and the weaving process. In fact, you can also watch local silk weavers use phrae wa silk to create traditional fabrics, clothes, and accessories.

Checkout the Ricemill Market

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Address: 168 Theenanon Road
Operating Hours: 

  • 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Saturday)
  • 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 89 129 5306

The Ricemill Market, or Rongsi Market, is a trendy attraction for foodies who frequent Kalasin. It’s packed with numerous food stalls selling classic Thai meals, dessert options, and drinks, perfect if you’re itching for all-out foodie action. 

You can also find various outdoor and indoor dining areas so you can pick the setting you’re most comfortable with. The on-stage music and artistic performances are also a must-see if you want some entertainment.

Stop by Wat Sawetawan Wanaram

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Address: Ban Ton Nuea
Operating Hours: 24/7
Contact Number: +66 85 538 8135

Wat Sawetawan is a unique attraction as it’s one of the most important temples in Kalasin. Its main structure is an open-air prayer hall that enshrines a large golden Buddha image and several smaller Buddha and monk statues.

The temple’s biggest draw is its annual celebration of “The Rice Ear Castle Festival” between January and February. During this time, devotees will construct a makeshift temple decorated with numerous rice ears collected from local farms.

They also adorn it with LED lights, so expect a stunning display at night! If you like taking temple and cultural photographs, you’ll certainly appreciate the photos you can take of the locals working hand-in-hand and the finished rice ear-made temple.

Admire Wat Wang Kham’s architecture

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Address: Song Plueai, Khao Wong District
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/watwangkam

Wat Wang Kham is a stunning temple. It’s known for a variety of Buddhist structures made with the Lan Xang architectural style, from its ordination hall to its golden stupa and wihan.

The temple’s most stunning structure is an ubosot with a distinctive 9-spired umbrella, a 3-tiered low arched roof, and a carved bodhi tree with stained glass on its back walls. 

Wat Wang Kham’s golden stupa is also a must-see because its elongated spire is adorned with 30 kilograms of gold!

Explore Wat Sawang Hua Na Kham’s gorgeous temple complex

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Address: Hua Na Khum, Yang Talat District
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 43 864 032
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100021036403284

If you like taking photos, Wat Sawang Hua Na Kham’s temple complex won’t disappoint! It’s one of the most picturesque temples in Kalasin, so expect numerous Instagrammable spots during your visits.

This includes colorful flower beds, hanging umbrellas with traditional Isan flags, a rock fountain, and numerous outdoor statues of Buddhist deities. There’s also a stunning gilded ubosot made using elegant dark wood.

It has a Lan Xang architectural style, so take note of its golden-spired umbrella and multi-tiered low-arched roof.

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