Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Noi (35B, one hour). The last
sŏrng·tăa·ou
back to Ban Phai departs at 2pm. If you have
your own wheels, head east of Ban Phai on Hwy 23 (signposted to Borabu) for 11km to
Rte 2301. Follow it and Rte 2297 for 24km.
Phu Wiang National Park
A geologist looking for uranium discovered a giant patella bone here in 1976, and the pa-
laeontologists who were called to investigate then unearthed a fossilised 15m-long herbi-
vore, later named
Phuwianggosaurus sirindhornae
after Princess Sirindhorn. Dinosaur
fever followed (explaining the myriad model dinosaurs in Khon Kaen city), more remains
were uncovered and
Phu Wiang National Park
( 0 4335 8073; admission 200B)
was born.
Enclosed
excavation sites
( 8.30am-4.30pm)
, including one that contains a partial skeleton
of
Siamotyrannus isanensis,
an early ancestor of
Tyrannosaurus rex,
can be easily reached
by trails from the visitor centre or nearby parking areas. Those who want to explore fur-
ther (best done by 4WD or mountain bike) will find dinosaur footprints, waterfalls and a
superb viewpoint.
Phu Wiang Museum
( 08 7246 1134; adult/child 60/30B; 8.30am-4.30pm Tue-Sun)
, 5km before the
park, has palaeontology and geology displays, including full-size models of the dinosaur
species that once lived in the area. Kids will love it. They'll also go ape over the giant
photogenic dinosaur statues in nearby
Si Wiang Dinosaur Park
. Wiang Kao, the district inside
the horseshoe-shaped mountains that comprise the park, is a fruit-growing area and a great
place to explore by car, if you want to look at traditional village life.
The park has one 12-person
bungalow
( 0 2562 0760;
www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve
;
bungalows 1200B)
and a
campsite
(per person with own tent 30B, 3-/6-person tent hire 225/450B)
. Simple food is available
during the day only.
The park entrance is 90km west of Khon Kaen. Buses and minivans from Khon Kaen's
ordinary bus terminal go to Phu Wiang town (40B to 1000B, 1½ hours, every 30 minutes)
where you can hire a túk-túk (500B return) or motorbike taxi (300B) for the remaining
19km to the park.
Nam Nao National Park
One of Thailand's most valuable nature preserves,
Nam Nao National Park
( 08 1962 6236; ad-
mission 200B)
covers 966 sq km across the Phetchabun Mountains of Chaiyaphum and
