FESTIVALS
Pong Lang, Phrae Wa and Red Cross Extravaganza
is held in late February in front of the Provincial Hall. The fair features processions of the various districts decorated as Pong Lang, a northeastern musical instrument, and participants dressed in traditional costumes. In addition, there are a variety of local cultural performances and there are shops selling a wide range of goods.
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Welcome to Kalasin
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
Kalasin, the land of Pong Lang music, is an ancient city with many interesting historical sites. It is the site of the ancient city of Fa Daet Song Yang and one of the largest concentrations of dinosaur fossils in northeastern Thailand. In additon, the province is well known for their silk cloth with the uniquely beautiful and intricate ‘phrae wa’ designs, that can only be found here. The fabrics are hand-woven on traditional looms after undergoing many delicate ‘mudmee’ dying techniques.
Kalasin has an area of 6,946 square kilometres. It is divided into 18 districts (Amphoe): Muang Kalasin, Yang Talat, Kamalasai, Sahatsakhan, Kuchi Narai, Tha Khantho, Somdet, Khao Wong, Huai Mek, Kham Muang, Nong Kung Si, Na Mon, Huai Phung, Rong Kham, Na Khu, Sam Chai, Don Chan and Khong Chai.
Attractions
Arts, Culture and Tourism Promotion Centre
Arts, Culture and Tourism Promotion Centre is in Thirawat Hospital. It is an information centre and provides knowledge to those interested in local arts and culture of Kalasin. There are displays of the way of life of locals and people in the Northeast, as well as local products for sale.
Phraya Chai Sunthon Monument
Phraya Chai Sunthon Monument is in front of the post office in the city. Phraya Chai Sunthon, or Thao Somphamit, evacuated people from the left bank of the Mekong River to settle along the Pao River over 200 years ago.
Wat Klang
Wat Klang houses an important artifact, which is the beautifully featured bronze Ong Dam Buddha image. The base has an inscription in ancient Thai. It is said that the image can grant seasonal rainfall. The temple also has a replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint made from old laterite.
Wat Si Bun Ruang
Wat Si Bun Ruang 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 with a king and his family portrayed in the lower part. This piece demonstrates traditional northeastern art.
Transportation
Bus
Air-conditioned buses and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal every day. Call 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.
Car
From Bangkok, take Bangkok-Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima route (Highway No. 2). When arriving Nong Phai, use Highway No. 23 to Maha Sarakham, then take Highway No. 209 to Kalasin, a total distance of 519 kilometres.
Train
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Kalasin. Visitors can take a train to Khon Kaen and connect a bus to Kalasin. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.
Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Khon Kaen and then connect a bus to Kalasin. Call Thai Airways, Tel: 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 for more information.
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