Phraya Chaiyasunthon Monument (Thao Somphamit)
Location : Amphoe Muang
It is located in front of the Kalasin Post Office.
The life-sized monument is made from bronze in a standing position with
the right hand holding a teapot, and left hand holding a magic sword.
The people of Kalasin donated the money to build this monument
so to express their gratitude to the founder of the city.
Location : Amphoe Kamalasai
At Ban Sema, Tambon Nong Paen, around 19 km from Kalasin town centre, Fa Daet
Song Yang is a ruin site of ancient town dated back in 7th – 9th century A.D.
(13th – 15th Buddhist century) which was the rise of Buddhism. The town layout
is in like a heart shape, built in stone. There were 2 ridges built in the inner
and outer side. A moat is present in the middle of the two earthen ridges. The
most complete ruin is Phra That Yakhu which is a brick pagoda. The sandstone
temple markers which were found here is now housed in Wat Pho Chai Semaram in
the town and in Khon Kaen National Museum.
Opening Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
How to get there: Take Highway No.214 (Kalasin-Roi Et). From Kalasin town,
drive for 13 km to Kamalasai, then turn right and drive for 6 km
Location : Amphoe Kamalasai
or Phrathat Yai is the largest chedi in Fa Daet Song Yang. It is an octagonal-shaped chedi,
made of bricks. Evidence shows that it was constructed for three periods. The pedestal
was in a redented square shape, with staircases at the four directions and
decorated with stucco built during the Dvaravati period. The upper pedestal
was in an octagonal shape, built on top of the original one and supporting an
old chedi of the Ayutthaya period. The body and the top were created in the
Rattanakosin period. Around the Phrathat, there are boundary stones with
bas-reliefs depicting the life of the Lord Buddha. For this Phrathat,
local people believe that it stores the bones of a respected senior monk.
It can be noticed that when Mueang Chiang Som won
the battle,
they destroyed everything in Fa Daet Song Yang, except for Phrathat Yakhu.
For this reason, the remains of the Phrathat are still in perfect condition.
In the month of May every year, there will be the annual Rocket Festival,
which is the ceremony to ask for rain to make the village live in peace.
Wat Pho Chai Semaram or Wat Ban Kom is situated at Ban Sema, opposite the entrance
to Fa Daet Song Yang. It is an old temple with a huge collection of old boundary
stones of gigantic sizes, which are unique for the northeastern region.
The boundary stones found in Fa Daet Song Yang are different from those
discovered in other regions, as they were usually carved telling Jataka
stories and the life of the Lord Buddha. There is one most beautiful
boundary stone depicting the story when the Lord Buddha came back to Kapilavasdu.
The boundary stone depicts King Suddhodhana (his father), Rahula (his son)
and Yashodhara Pimpa (his wife) paying the greatest respect to the Lord Buddha,
with Yashodhara Pimpa using her hair to clean the Buddha’s feet. As such,
this boundary stone is called ‘Pimpa Philap’ (crying Pimpa).
The original of this beautiful boundary marker is now located at the Khon Kaen National Museum.
Wat Klang
Location : Amphoe Muang
This monastery is situated in Amphoe Munag housing a Buddha
image named Ong Dam which is cast of bronze having the lap width of
20 inches. It has beautiful Buddhist characteristics, and believed to be
cast in the period of Phra Chao Khu Na Kham. Phra Chaiyasunthon (King) brought
to be enshrined as an auspicious object of the town. It is regarded a sacred
Buddha image and whenever there is a drought the people of Kalasin will
invite him to lead a procession begging for rain. There are ancient Thai
alphabets inscribed at the base of the platform.
Location : Amphoe Muang
This temple is an old temple in the municipality. Some heart-shaped stones
that marked the limits of a temple in Fa Daet Song Yang are kept here,
the most beautiful being the one with an angel flying above a castle and
a king and his family portrayed in the lower part. This is traditional northeastern art.
Location : Amphoe Kamalasai
Another name of this monastery is Wat Ban Kom which is located in the vicinity of
Muang Fa Daet Song Yang and not far from Phrathat Yakhu. It is an ancient monastery
having sema stones made in Dvaravati period as interesting objects. Most of sema
stones are fixed in the ground as the wall line while some of them are stored
inside and on those sema slabs there are various features concerning Buddhism are carved.
Location : Amphoe Sahassakhan & Kham Muong
at the foot of Kum Khao Mount, on Highway 227, is a place where numerous dinosaur
fossils from the late Jurassic period have been found. Some of the fossils have
been dug up and are on display while others remain in the earth.
Culture & Tourism Promotion Center
Location : Amphoe Muang
This center is located within the
area of Thirawat Hospital. lt is a source to educate general interested
persons with data and knowledge on local arts and folk cultures of Kalasin.
The center also exhibits ways of life of the local people and of the north
- easterners as well as to sell the selected items of Kalasin local products
such as Phrae Wa fabric, Ponglang (I-San xylophages) a kind of local northeastern
musical instruments. Those who desire to visit the center in group and also
want to have a lecturer, please contact in advance at the Director of Thirawat
Hospital, No. 269/3, Thanon Thanaphon, Amphoe Muang, Kalasin 46000, Tel.
(043) 811757.
Location : Amphoe Sahassakhan & Kham Muong
This village is located 70 kilometres from Kalasin on Highway No. 227. It is famous for beautiful woven cloth.
It is unique to the Phu Thai tribe whose ancestors migrated from the city of Thaeng in Vietnam.
The cloth is made of Mat Mi silk and shows exemplary workmanship. It is divided into two patterns:
Lai Lak (principal pattern) and Lai Thaep (stripe pattern). The colour of Phrae Wa silk is not
only in red as it used to be, but there are many more colours that fit the market needs such
as beige, pink, purple, blue and green. It can be considered that Phrae Wa silk is a rare
handcrafted textile product in Thailand. H.M. Queen Sirikit has been supporting and
promoting silk until it has become known locally and internationally.
Sirindhorn Museum and Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Excavation Site
This archaeological museum is situated in the foothills of Phu Kum Khao
Mountain in Sahatsakhan District, approximately 28 kilometres from Kalasin Town.
The Palaeozoic Era was two hundred million years ago, long before humans existed.
Dinosaurs once lived in this area and we find their fossils underneath the
sandstone bedding-plane. Hence, the museum is a research centre as well
as being the most complete and largest dinosaur museum in Southeat Asia.
The museum was named by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. A two-storey building,
its interior is filled with mysterious walkways guiding visitors to travel back
in time to the Palaeozoic Era. Walking through the tunnels, visitors reach
various exhibition halls about Geology, the beginnings of the Earth and how
it was formed, as well as the evolution of living creatures such as dinosaurs and humans.
Located at the former city hall of Kalasin, the museum was established
by Mr. Chairat Mapraneet, Governor of Kalasin province, with an aim
to show the collections of good things in Kalasin. The museum features
a lecture room, governor’s room, religious room, room to honour H.M.
the Queen, room showcasing ways of life of the Phu Thai people,
Wichit Phrae Wa room, handicraft room, room for demonstration of
Phrae Wa silk, and sales of souvenirs. The museum is open every Monday
to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tel. 0 4381 1695.
Phu Thai Nong Hang Handicraft Centre
It is located in Ban Nong Hang, Tambon Nong Hang, approximately 10 kilometres from Kuchinarai district. Take Highway
No. 2042 for about 2 kilometres, then turn left into the paved road and drive for another 6 kilometres.
Local villagers of Nong Hang form a network to weave cotton, silk as well as bamboo woven in
the textile’s ‘Khit’ pattern. Some of the beautiful basketry products include ‘Krato’ – a vegetable
container, ‘Kratip’ – a sticky rice container, handbags and other containers.
Phu
Po Buddhistic Sigificance
Location : Amphoe Muang
This spot is located in Tambon Phu
Po, Amphoe Muang Kalasin, approximately 28 kilometers north of Kalasin township
area along Highway No. 2319. It houses two ancient Reclining Buddha images,
one located at the entrance on the foot hill and another located on Phu
Po. The two Reclining Buddha were carved on the cliffs by Dvaravati artisans.
People of Kalasin and neighboring provinces highly pay their homage to these
two images. Besides the image on top of Phu. Po, such area also has beautiful
scenery which is suitable for relaxation. The local people celebrate the
Reclining Buddha images in April of every year.
Besides Ong Dam Buddha Image, there is also a replica
of Buddha Foot Prints, having the width of 50 centimeters and the length
of 2 meters, in Wat Klang. The Foot Prints are made of sand stone and it
is presumed that it was made in the period when this area was ruled by the Lawa tribe. The Foot Prints should originally be located on the bank of
Lam Pao River near Sam Rong.
Location : Amphoe Kuchi Narai
Phu Pha Phueng is located on a mountain called Phu
Pha Phueng (Pha Phueng mountain) at Ban Kut Wa (Kut Wa village), Kuchi Narai
district, Kalasin province. Phu Pha Phueng is a cliff of approx. 400 meters
in height. In the past, bees built their hives against the cliff, in almost
all over the cliff face. The bees were vexed by villagers in the vicinity
who hunted down hives for sale in such a manner of extirpation. In addition,
deforestation in the area caused environmental degradation and change in
ecological, system thereby destroying the rich flower source originally
existed that the bees could, depend on for survival and growth. As a result,
the current Phu Pha Phueng is left with only its legend to be told to attract
visitors to visit and see signs on the cliff where hives used to exist.
Location : Amphoe Kuchi Narai
Famue Daeng cave or palm-print cave so called by villagers
is also located on the Pha Phueng mountain. lt was discovered and publicized
during 1973 and 1980. Paintings of as many as 174 red palms were disclosed
during a prehistoric painting survey conducted by the Department of Fine
Arts Division of Archeology at Phu Pha Phueng.
This
is the largest number of red palm paintings found in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Such paintings are regarded as important historical evidences in making
a search for the lost account of past events of a society. With respect
to these palm paintings Mr.
Pisit Charoenwong from the Fine
Arts Department, explained that it would be impossible to tell the exact
age of prehistoric paintings of palm types. Painting techniques might be
sorted out into palm print type, spray type, lined pattern and solid painting.
The age of Phu Pha Phueng should be around 2,000 years, taking into account
that the paintings found are similar to the prehistoric paintings at Pha
Taem at Khong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani province where paintings
of other accounts, such as, man and animals, also exist. Currently, such
palm paintings are gradually fading as time passes. Furthermore, Some them
are being destroyed and some new paintings are being made by some people
in the vicinity who are unable to sense the important of such invaluable
paintings.
Location : Amphoe Kuchi Narai
In Kuchinarai district, are beautiful waterfall where the water current is strong during the rainy season.
Tat Yao Waterfall is outstanding for a during for a cascade formed by a large flat rock.
Water slides naturally here and local people call it "Slider Waterfall".
Location : Amphoe Sahassakhan & Kham Muong
The Reclining Buddha is located at Ban Na Sinuan, Tambon Non Sila, 6 kilometers from Sahassakhan District.
The area of Phu Khao Cave was formerly an important religious place but now just being a small monastery
housing the Phu Khao Reclining Buddha. This Reclining Buddha is different from general ones i.e.
lying on left side of the body instead of lying on the right side and there is no finial.
The legend says that this Reclining Buddha was made during the year 1,300-1,500 and is generally
revered by villagers. Homage Paying Fair of this image takes place during Songkran Festival of every year.
Location : Amphoe Sahassakhan & Kham Muong
It is located on to of Phu Sing Hill, 34 kilometers north of Kalasin township along Highway No. 227.
There are two ways to reach the top: using a curvy asphalt road on the west shelf of the hill: or using
104-step foot path on the east side. It is a peaceful relaxing spot surrounded by beautiful
sceneries of rice fields, villages and the reservoir of Lam Pao Dam. Phu Sing Buddhistic Significance
houses a fine and graceful Buddha image being in the attitude of subduing evil named ÔPhra Phrom Phumipalo having the lap width of 10.5 meters.
Location : Amphoe Yang Talat & Tha Khan Tho
This dam can be reached by taking Highway No. 209 (Kalasin - Maha Sarakham) for 10 kilometres,
turn right and drive for 26 kilometres. This earth dam is 33 metres high from water level
and is 7.8 kilometres long. The dam is built across the Pao and Huai Yang rivers, creating
a double reservoir. It was built to alleviate floods, help agriculture and is also used
for fish breeding. The beach along the lake is a popular rest spot for locals.
Location : Amphoe Yang Talat & Tha Khan Tho
Suan Sa-on is located near Lam Pao Dam with a total area of 1,420 rai.
It is quite an abundant deciduous dipterocarp forest. Inside is an open zoo
in which there are indigenous wild animals including 130 bantengs, which are rare,
and also other fauna like gibbons, monkeys, various kinds of domestic
and migratory birds, along with nature trails. Suan Sa-on is open every day
from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., free of charge. Visitors who want to stay or do
camping at the station have to ask for permission in advance by sending
a letter to the Lam Pao Wildlife Conservation Development and Promotion
Station at P.O. Box 120, Amphoe Mueang, Kalasin 46000; or Director of
the Wildlife Conservation Office, National Park, Wildlife and
Plant Conservation Department. Tel. 0 2562 0760.
How to get there:
There are two routes to get there. Take the same route as going to Lam Pao Dam.
From the dam, continue further along the crest for approximately 4 kilometres,
or take the Kalasin – Sahatsakhan route (Highway No. 227) for 19 kilometres,
then turn left and drive for 5 kilometres until reaching Suan Sa-on.
Location : Amphoe Yang Talat & Tha Khan Tho
Located at Mu 6, Ban Nam Kham, Tambon Phu Laen Chang, with alternate mountainous
and hilly topography covered with a deciduous dipterocarp forest featuring various
kinds of flora such as Makha Mong (Afzelia xylocarpa), Teng (Shorea optusa), Rang
(Shorea siamensis) and rosewood; and it is easy to spot some wild animals such
as squirrels, tree shrews, civets and hares. In November 1996, two girls were
having lunch there with their parents and they noticed strange footprints in the
middle of a rock terrace of Huai Ngao Du, at Phu Faek foothill, Phu Phan mountain range.
They later informed geologists who came to survey the site. There, they discovered seven
footprints of meat-eating dinosaurs, assumed to live there around 140 million years ago.
At present, there are only 4 footprints that can be seen clearly.
To get there: From Mueang district, take Highway No. 213 to Somdet district.
Upon reaching Somdet district, turn right into Highway 2042 leading to
Kuchinarai for 20 kilometres until you reach Huai Phueng. Turn left
toward Na Khu along Highway No. 2101 for 10 kilometres,
then turn left into Phu Faek Forest Park for 4.7 kilometres.
Location : Amphoe Khao Wong
It is located in Tambon Bo Kaeo. It is a huge waterfall, beautifully cascading down from the Phu Phan mountain range.
It is surrounded with abundant thick forest. There is water all year round, even in the dry season.
It is located on the Khao Wong - Dong Luang – Mukdahan Road. It is a huge and beautiful waterfall with complex stone cliffs.
It is most beautiful in the rainy season and is easily accessible by car
Location : Amphoe Somdet
This waterfall is 55 kilometres from Kalasin on the Kalasin-Sakon Nakhon route on Highway No. 213, 300 metres
from the highway on the left. This is a small waterfall cascading
down a long row of rocks and has a wide, open rock plateau suitable for relaxation.
Location : Amphoe Somdet
This fall is Located on Phu Phan Mountain in the vicinity of Ban Kaeng Ka-Am. Tambon Pha Sawoei,
Amphoe Somdet, 17 kilometers along Somdet-Sakon Nakhon Highway from the office of Amphoe Somdet.
Originally, the villagers called it Pha Rang Raeng but in the year 1954 when H.M. the King and
the Queen passed by this area and had lunch over there. The name was then changed to be Pha
Sawoeoi (Royal Dining Cliff). The Pha Sawoei is situated on a high steep cliff having a deep
gore down below. Being on Pha Sawoei one can view good scenery and get good relax.
Ban Khok Kong Phu-Thai Village
The Phu-Thai is an Isan tribe which has its own culture, language and now gives you the opportunity
to visit the village and stay for a night or two in the houses of the villagers. Food is included
(its traditional Lao food but with choice of more western one). You can watch the show that all the
villagers participate in traditional monkey dancing by the children and Phu-Thai music and dances
performed by the women of the village. The ways of weaving and crafting are also on display.
Two minutes walk from villages centre is a forest park with waterfalls and streams.
How to get there:
Ban Khok Kong is 15 kilometres east of Kuchinarai district.
The village can be reached by a bus from Khon Kaen or by contacting the village itself.
Pha Savoey
Location : Amphoe Ban Somdej
Pha Savoey is situated on Khao Phu Phan, Ban Kaeng Ka Aam, Pha Savoey, 17 km from Somdej District
Office or 58 km from the town centre. Originally, it was named Pha Rang Raeng and it was changed
as in 1954, H.M. the King and the Queen were in the area and stopped for lunch here. The new name
means Royal Dining Cliff. Pha Savoey is high steep cliff overlooking a deep gorge down below and
breathtaking panoramic view.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun on 08.30 am. – 04.30 pm.
How to get there: From Kalasin town centre, take Somdej – Sakon Nakhon road. It is situated 17 km
from Somdej District Office or 58 km from Kalasin town centre.
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