About Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Site
Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Site is a major Cretaceous fossil excavation site on Phu Kum Khao hill in Non Buri, Sahatsakhan District, Kalasin Province, northeastern Thailand. It is the location of the Sirindhorn Museum, Thailand's first dinosaur museum and research center. Notable for the discovery of Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae and extensive sauropod bone beds, the site preserves in-situ excavation pits, complete skeletons and exhibits on geology and paleontology.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a hilltop fossil site centered on the Sirindhorn Museum, with indoor exhibition halls displaying complete dinosaur skeletons, fossil specimens, geological timelines and dioramas, and outdoor covered excavation pits where sauropod bones remain in-situ. The complex includes landscaped grounds, viewpoints over the surrounding countryside, a research center, and paths connecting the museum to the original dig sites and nearby Wat Phuttha Nimit.
Key highlights
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In-situ sauropod bone beds with hundreds of fossilized bones preserved in covered excavation pits
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Sirindhorn Museum - Thailand's first dinosaur museum with complete Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae skeleton
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Extensive exhibits on Cretaceous geology, paleontology and the Isan fossil record
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Scenic hilltop setting on Phu Kum Khao with views over Sahatsakhan countryside
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Adjacent Wat Phuttha Nimit (Wat Sakawan) with ancient Dvaravati sema stones on the same hill
History of Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Site
Phu Kum Khao is Thailand's most important dinosaur fossil site, dating to the Early Cretaceous Sao Khua Formation about 120 million years ago. Systematic excavations since 1994 uncovered extensive bone beds of the sauropod Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, named in honor of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, along with other dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles and fish. The discoveries led to establishment of the Sirindhorn Museum in 2008 by the Department of Mineral Resources as a national paleontological research center.
Culture & Context
The site is an educational and scientific landmark for Thailand, developed under royal patronage and serving as a center for paleontological research and public learning. It highlights Kalasin's identity as Thailand's dinosaur province and is integrated with the hilltop Buddhist temple Wat Phuttha Nimit, which preserves Dvaravati-era sema boundary stones.