Kalasin is another province in the Northeast of Thailand with important historical backgrounds and ancient civilization. Apart from its natural attractions, the best and biggest fossil research center and dinosaur museum of South East Asia is also located here.

The province is comprised of 18 Amphoes, which are Mueang Kalasin, Yang Talad, Kamalasai, Sahatsakhan, Somdej, Kuchinarai, Tha Kan Tho, Khao Wong, Huai Mek, Kham Muang, Nong Kung Si, Namon, Huai Phueng, Rong Kham, Sam Chai, Na Koo, Don Charn, and Khong Chai.

Kalasin is one of the most fertile provinces in the northeastern region and has a long history dating back to the prehistoric era. Kalasin contains the largest concentration of Jurassic era dinosaur fossils in northeastern Thailand, located in Phu Kum Khayo where archaeologists have excavated whole fossils of Sauropods. Another ancient site located near Kalasin is Fa Daet Song Yang. Excavations there have revealed several remnants and artifacts of monuments and temples that provide evidence of prehistoric inhabitation. According to archaeological evidence, the area was once inhabited by the Lawa tribe, whose Lavo civilization dates back about 1,600 years.

Modern Kalasin was established during the Ratanakosin period in 1793 when Thao Somphamit and his troops escaped from the left bank of the Mekong River and settled beside the Pao River, which was called ‘Ban Kaeng Samrong.’ Thao Somphamit then sent tribute to King Rama I the Great, founder of the Chakri Dynasty, who later promoted Ban Kaeng Samrong to city status and renamed it ‘Kalasin’ or ‘Mueang Nam Dam’ (black water town). The king also appointed Thao Somphamit as ‘Phraya Chaisunthon,’ first ruler of Kalasin.

Kalasin is known across Thailand for its Pong Lang music and the famous Phrae Wa cloth. A principally agricultural region, Kalasin is also known for its sticky rice, manioc, and sugarcane. Other popular products include bamboo baskets and cloth bags.

Otherwise, visitors to Kalasin are typically most impressed by the archaeological treasures contained in the province, including the largest concentration of Jurassic era dinosaur fossils in northeastern Thailand, where archaeologists have excavated whole fossils of Sauropods that lived 120 million years ago.

Khon Kaen is one of the large major provinces in Northeastern Thailand. The province has an airport with several direct flights from Bangkok and a vast variety of accommodations is available for different need and budget. With these well-developed infrastructure and facilities, Khon Kaen has been promoted to be one of the major tourist cities of Thailand.

Khon Kaen is divided into 20 districts and 5 minor districts; Mueang Khon Kaen, Ban Fang, Phra Yuen, Nong Ruea, Chum Phae, Si Chomphu, Nam Phong, Ubolratana, Kranuan, Ban Phai, Pueai Noi, Phon, Waeng Yai, Waeng Noi, Nong Song Hong, Phu Wiang, Mancha Khiri, Chonnabot, Khao Suan Kwang, Phu Pha Man. Minor districts include Sam Sung, Khok Pho Chai, Nong Na Kham, Ban Haet, amd Non Sila

Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of Northeastern Thailand and is well known for the high quality silk that is produced in the province. Located in the heart of Isan, Thailand’s northeast region, Khon Kaen has been one of the fastest growing areas in Thailand. The Thai government nominated Khon Kaen as the export center for trade throughout the Indo-China Region and both Laos and Vietnam have consulates in Khon Kaen to process visa applications. Khon Kaen also contains the largest university in the northeast, Khon Kaen University, a major center of education and technology.

Historically, Khon Kaen is quite a new town, established a little over two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama I. But prehistorically, this town on the plateau has been home to various cultures as well as other fascinating creatures, heretofore unknown to the modern world. Artifacts have proven that millions of years ago the area was occupied by gigantic dinosaurs, several of which were endemic to the region. People in various cultures later occupied the plateau for thousands of years until the Ancient Khmer Empire expanded its presence into the area in the 12th century and ruled it for some time. The ancient cultures, traditions, and historical sites in this area have all contributed to shaping the people and culture of Khon Kaen.

A major source of local wisdom regarding the production of silk is in Amphoe Chonnabot, where excellent Mudmee Silk is delicately woven by hand using a special tie-dye technique, and Khon Kaen features both creature comfort, in the form of fine eateries and swanky hotels, and beautiful nature, including a variety of animal parks and a number of spectacular national parks.

Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of Northeastern Thailand, featuring a number of upscale restaurants and hotels, the largest university in the North East, and a busy airport.

In addition to containing some fascinating historical and archaeological sites, Khon Kaen is also an excellent place to watch the production of Mudmee Silk or participate in outdoor activities within one of its several animal reserves or national parks.