A 2022 report by the provincial government describes Kalasin Geopark as bringing together geological, ecological and cultural heritage with the people who live there—for conservation, education and sustainable development. The framework covers seven districts: Sahatsakhan, Kham Muang, Somdet, Huai Phueng, Kuchinarai, Na Khu and Khao Wong. This provides a common thread for Kalasin: its landscapes, history and cultural traditions can be viewed as different facets of the region.
Water and forests as landscape themes
Lam Pao Reservoir was built across the Pao and Huai Yang rivers. Dok Ket Beach, a recreation area, lies on its shore. Water is therefore a clear focal point in the landscape. A different scene awaits at Phu Faek Forest Park in Na Khu District, with its gently rolling hills and lush forest landscape. These two themes—the reservoir and the forested hills—offer different starting points if you are interested in Kalasin’s natural environment.
The Lam Pao Wildlife Conservation Development and Promotion Station, also known as Suan Sa-on, is another natural attraction in the region. It is an open-air zoo in a natural setting, home to rare banteng, monkeys and birds; animal populations may change. Pha Sawoei is a cliff in the Phu Phan Mountains. The Famue Daeng Cave at Pha Phueng Mountain contains ancient red handprint paintings. Each place offers a different emphasis: forest and wildlife, a striking cliff, or archaeological traces in a cave.
From dinosaur fossils to ancient structures
The Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum in Sahatsakhan District is Thailand’s first dinosaur fossil museum. The Phra Mahathat Chedi Phuttha Nimit stupa at Wat Phuttha Nimit (Phu Khao), also in Sahatsakhan District, offers a very different way to explore the region’s cultural heritage. Its golden spire weighs 30 kilograms, and the stupa houses Buddha relics from Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar.
Mueang Fa Daet Song Yang, an ancient city associated with the Dvaravati period, is in Kamalasai District. Phrathat Yakhu is an ancient brick chedi whose construction history spans three kingdoms. The Museum of Kalasin's Good Things is housed in the old town hall building and offers a place to learn about the history of Kalasin city. Together, these examples show different historical perspectives: a museum about the city’s history, an ancient city associated with Dvaravati, and a brick structure whose construction history spans several kingdoms.
Silk, Phu Thai culture and local cuisine
In Kham Muang District, Ban Phone Phrae Wa Silk Weaving Village is a center for Phrae Wa silk, known nationwide as the “Queen of Silk.” Ban Khok Kong in Kuchinarai District is home to a learning center devoted to the ethnic culture and traditions of the Phu Thai. These include Phu Thai shirts, bamboo weaving, Khan Mak Beng needlework, and folk music and cultural performances. Another learning center, Ban Kutwa Phu Thai Cultural Village in Kuchinarai District, focuses on making Malai Mai Phai, a bamboo garland craft.
The different scales can help you choose an area of interest: the geopark offers a regional perspective across seven districts, while Ban Kutwa focuses on a specific craft technique. Traditionally, the Bang Fai Talai Lan Festival was held in Ban Kutwa around May, at the start of the rainy season. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the latest dates. There is also a regional culinary highlight: in Kalasin, you can enjoy Isan dishes such as Kai Yang (grilled chicken) and Som Tam (green papaya salad).
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Mueang Kalasin District, Phimun, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phrae, Phitsanulok, Surin, Kamphaeng Phet.
For the main travel overview: Thailand.
