Talk:Kalasin/Listings

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Phraya Chaisunthon Monument (Chao Somphamit) (อนุสาวรีย์พระยาชัยสุนทร): 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.

Wat Klang (วัดกลาง): It is located near Phraya Chaisunthon Monument. Wat Klang is a third-class royal temple. Within the temple’s compound, there is an Ubosot building, which was an extension from the old building. The Thai-style Ubosot is decorated with ‘Chofa’ (gable finial) and ‘Bai Raka’ (crockets). The wooden doors are carved telling the life of the Lord Buddha; while the windows tell the Jataka stories. There are stucco door guardians in the front and at the back. The Ubosot houses murals depicting the story of the Vessantara Jataka. Inside a pavilion or Sala near the Ubosot building is a black Buddha image, made from bronze with a lap of 20-inches wide. It is a beautiful Buddha image. The pedestal of the image bears an inscription in ancient Thai language stating that the image was built during the period of King Khu Na Kham. Phraya Chaisunthon took it to be the provincial image, which became highly revered by the local people. In any drought season, the local people would take the Buddha image in a procession to beg for rain.

Apart from the black Buddha image, Wat Klang also has a Buddha footprint, which is 20-inch wide and 80-inch long, made from laterite. It is believed to have been built during the Lawa period. Formerly, it was located on the bank of Lam Pao – the Pao River, near Kaeng Samrong. Later on, the bank of the river gradually collapsed, so the local people decided to relocate it to this temple.

Wat Si Bun Rueang (วัดศรีบุญเรือง) or Wat Nuea (วัดเหนือ) The ancient temple is situated in Mueang district. The temple stores a number of crafted boundary stones from Fa Daet Song Yang Ancient City. The stones are located around the Ubosot building. One of the most beautiful boundary stones, which are of the Dvaravati art, is the one that depicts flying angels over a Prasat or palace represented by double arches, with the king, queen and their sons at the bottom.

Kalasin Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ของดีจังหวัดกาฬสินธุ์) 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.

Phutthasathan Phu Po (พุทธสถานภูปอ) It is located in the compound of Wat In Prathan Phon, Tambon Phu Po, approximately 28 kilometres from Kalasin province. Travel along Highway No. 213 and then at approximately Km. 59, turn left to Ban Chot – Ban Na Chan – Na Khok Khwai for 16 kilometres. The site is where two ancient reclining Buddha images of the Dvaravati period carved on the cliff can be seen. They are the sacred images highly revered by the people of Kalasin and nearby provinces. The first image is at the foothill and the second one is on Phu Po. Apart from storing sacred Buddha images, Phu Po also features beautiful nature perfect for rest and relaxation. There is an annual ceremony to celebrate the reclining Buddha images in April every year.

Ban Phokhru Plueang Chairatsami (บ้านพ่อครูเปลื้อง ฉายรัศมี) is located at 229/4, Kaset Sombun Road, Tambon Kalasin. Khru Plueang Chairatsami was declared a National Artist in 1986 in the field of folk music. He built a farmer’s hut to be used as a traditional music school. The hut also displays traditional musical instruments such as Phin (lute), Khaen (reed organ), So (bowed stringed instrument) and Pong Lang (northeastern style xylophone). It is also used as accommodation for students from other areas who come to study traditional music. Khru Plueang is considered the pride of the people of Kalasin and is the legend of Pong Lang of Kalasin, the northeastern-style music which has been continued by him for over two decades. He also created new styles of folk music such as Mak Kalong – a musical instrument made from a string of cow’s bells to make the musical sound.

Mueang Fa Daet Song Yang (เมืองฟ้าแดดสงยาง) is situated in Ban Sema, Tambon Nong Paeng. It is 19 kilometres from the city. Take Highway No. 214 (Kalasin – Roi Et) for 13 kilometres until reaching Kamalasai district, then turn right along Highway No. 2367 for 6 kilometres, turn right again for 400 metres to reach Fa Daet Song Yang. The town is sometimes called Fa Daet Sung Yang, or some people call it Mueang Sema due to its geographical look that resembles Sema - a boundary stone. It is an ancient town surrounded by earthen mounds with the length of about 5 kilometres. The moat sits in the middle of the two earthen mounds. From archaeological findings, it was found that the town had been inhabited since the pre-history period. During the 8th - 10th Century, or the Dvaravati period, the city became more developed. Evidence for its civilization are religious ruins in and around the city such as a large number of sandstone boundary markers with bas-reliefs depicting the Jataka stories and life of the Lord Buddha. Some of these have been kept at Wat Pho Chai Semaram in the city; and some of them remain in situ. Some of them are showcased at Khon Kaen National Museum. Aside from that, there are ancient ruins scattered in and around the city such as Phrathat Yakhu and groups of chedis at Non Wat Sung, Non Fa Yat and Non Fa Daet. On 27 September, 1936, the Fine Arts Department registered Fa Daet Song Yang as an ancient monument.

Phrathat Yakhu (พระธาตุยาคู) or Phrathat Yai (พระธาตุใหญ่) 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 (วัดโพธิ์ชัยเสมาร��ม) or Wat Ban Kom (วัดบ้านก้อม) 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.

Lam Pao Dam (เขื่อนลำปาว) The dam was built to block Lam Pao - the Pao River - and Huai Yang – Yang Creek. It borders Tambon Lam Pao, Amphoe Mueang; Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Nong Kung Si; and Tambon Woe, Amphoe Yang Talat. The earthen dam is 33 metres high. The crest of the dam is 7.8 metres long, and 8 metres wide. The construction was commenced in 1963 and was completed in 1968, so to block water from Lam Pao and Huai Yang at Ban Nong Song Hong, Tambon Lam Pao, Amphoe Mueang. This resulted in twin reservoirs above the dam. A channel was dug to link both reservoirs, which can hold 1,430 million cubic metres. The dam was constructed particularly for relieving flood problems and for agriculture. Aside from that, it also serves as a breeding area for fish and relaxing spot for the public such as Dok Ket Beach.

To get there: Take Highway No. 213 (Kalasin – Maha Sarakham) until Km. 33-34, then turn right to Lam Pao Dam along the paved road for 26 kilometres.

Lam Pao Wildlife Conservation Development and Promotion Station (สถานีพัฒนาและส่งเสริมการอนุรักษ์สัตว์ป่าลำปาว) or Suan Sa-on (สวนสะออน) 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.

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.

Phu Phra Forest Park (วนอุทยานภูพระ) Situated in Tambon Na Tan, Phu Phra Forest Park was formerly a part of the Dong Mun National Forest Reserve. It features an outstanding mountain located near the villages. The Phu Phra Forest is quite a thick forest, with wild animals and a beautiful stream and view. The plain on the backside of the mountain houses an ancient stone Buddha image. Some of the interesting tourist attractions in the forest park include:

Pha Sawoei (ผาเสวย) It is an expansive stone cliff, about 150-200 metres wide. It is a breathtaking sightseeing spot.

Tham Siam Sap (ถ้ำเสียมสับ) It is a cliff cave that looks like somebody had dug the cave with a spade or ‘Siam’.

Tham Phra Rot (ถ้ำพระรอด) It is a cave that occurred due to the separation of a stone cliff. Inside the cave, there is a walkway of about 2 metres wide and 30 metres long. In the past, there were monks staying and practicing dharma inside the cave.

Pha Hin Yaek (ผาหินแยก) It is a separating cliff of 20 metres long and 6 metres deep. The leaning cliff is also a good sightseeing spot.

Tham Phra (ถ้ำพระ) It is a cave 30 metres in depth. The entrance is about 15 metres wide. There is a Buddha image that is highly revered by locals. Every year during the Songkran Festival, people would ascend to the cave to pour lustral water on the Buddha image to pay respect.

To get there: From Tha Khantho, take Highway No. 2299 to Km. 16, or take an Udon Thani – Kalasin bus and get off at Wat Sawang Tham Koeng in front of the forest park.

Amphoe Sahatsakhan

Sirindhorn Museum and Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Excavation Site (พิพิธภัณฑ์สิรินธร และแหล่งขุดค้นไดโนเสาร์ภูกุ้มข้าว) Situated near the foothill of Phu Kum Khao in Wat Sakkawan. It is accessible by taking the Kalasin – Sahatsakhan route (Highway No. 227) for 25 kilometres, the museum is 2 kilometres before reaching Sahatsakhan. In 1970, Phrakhru Wichit Sahatsakhun, Abbot of Wat Sakkawan, discovered large-sized bones in the temple’s compound. At that time, he did not know that they were dinosaur’s fossils, so he kept them at the temple. Then, in 1978, a group of geologists from the Mineral Resources Department surveyed the area and declared that they were dinosaur’s fossils. In 1980, a Thai-French Geological Survey Group took 3 bones for further study, and found out that they were the fossils of a Sauropod. Then, in 1994, through systematic excavation and preservation, numerous dinosaur fossils were found in the rock of the Sao Khrua formation, assumed to date back to the early Cretaceous Period, or around 130 million years ago. More than 700 fossilized bones were found in this excavation site and they were assumed to belong to seven dinosaurs. The museum also keeps the new-found species of ancient fish which is still in perfect condition. The plain-water fish which is known as ‘Lepidotes’ and is around 30-60 centimetres long is assumed to have lived in the Mesozoic Period, or around 65 million years ago. It is assumed that the area was once a huge swamp that suddenly became dry, causing the death of the fish and they were covered with mud to become fossils that we see today. As such, Phu Kum Khao is considered to be the largest and most perfect concentration of dinosaur fossils in Thailand. The museum is open every day from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Research Centre, Mineral Resources Department, in Sahatsakhan district. Tel. 0 4387 1014, 0 4387 1394.

Meanwhile, Wat Sakkawan also houses a sacred Buddha image known as Luangpho Bandan Ritthiphon (Luangpho Ban Dan), which is a subduing Mara Buddha image of the Dvaravati period, highly revered by local people.

Phutthasathan Phu Sing (พุทธสถานภูสิงห์) is located on top of Phu Sing, about 34 kilometres from Mueang district, on Highway No. 227. There are two ways to reach Phutthasathan Phu Sing: either by driving along a paved and curved road in the west, or ascending more than 400 steps in the east to reach the top. The hill is where Phra Phrom Phumi Palo is located. It is a large image in the subduing Mara posture that is 10.5 metres wide and is clearly visible from below. The surrounding area is shady and offers a lovely panoramic view.

Wat Phutthanimit (วัดพุทธนิมิต) (Phu Khao – ภูค่าว)) is located at Ban Na Si Nuan, about 7 kilometres from Sahatsakhan and 4 kilometres from Phu Sing. It houses a rock relief of an ancient reclining Buddha image leaning on his left side, which is about 2 metres long and 25 centimetres wide. The Buddha image is highly revered by the local people. According to legend, Moggallana, a chief disciple of the Lord Buddha created this image over 2,000 years ago. Every year in April, there will be a bathing ceremony to celebrate the Buddha image. Also, the temple has an open wooden Ubosot, of which the windows, doors and ceilings are beautifully carved in 3 dimensions depicting the life of the Lord Buddha and Jataka stories. There is also Wihan Sangkhanimit which houses rare Buddha images and amulets. The temple is open for interested visitors every day.

Laem Non Wiset (แหลมโนนวิเศษ) It is the land that stretches into Lam Pao Dam’s reservoir. It is located at Tambon Non Buri, about 6 kilometres from town and about 300 metres from Wat Sakkawan. Laem Non Wiset is a good sunset watching spot. There is also a ferry service to travel between Sahatsakhan and Nong Kung Si districts. The ferry can accommodate 4 – 10 six-wheel and four-wheel vehicles, each trip taking 15-20 minutes at the following service charges:

Motorcycle 40 baht
4-wheel car 60 baht
6-wheel car 90 baht
van 70 baht

Do

Kalasin Pong Lang, Phrae Wa and Red Cross Fair (งานมหกรรมโปงลาง แพรวา และกาชาด จังหวัดกาฬสินธุ์) is held annually in February in front of the city hall. The festival features a colourful parade of each district decorated with a gigantic-sized Pong Lang – folk vertical xylophone, people dressed in traditional clothes, cultural competition, beauty pageant and local products sales.

Wichit Phrae Wa Silk Festival (งานมหกรรมวิจิตรแพรวาราชินีแห่งไหม) is held annually on August 12, at Rim Pao Hotel to honour H.M. Queen Sirikit who has kindly supported the Phrae Wa silk under her royal patronage and promoted it to wider public awareness. The Queen’s support also helps to create employment for local Phu Thai people. The event features a Phrae Wa silk contest, fashion show of Phrae Wa silk dresses, cultural parade, demonstration of silk weaving, and sales of Phrae Wa silk.

Massage

Kalasin Job-training for the Blind Centre (ศูนย์สาธิตอาชีพคนตาบอดจังหวัดกาฬสินธุ์) 89/1 Pradit Road, Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 0 4382 0359. Rate per course is 120 baht. The centre is open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Traditional Massage for Health (ร้านนวดแผนโบราณนวดเพื่อสุขภาพ) 79 Soi Kham Phon Phatthana, Thanaphon Road, Amphoe Mueang (behind Shinawatra Hospital), Tel. 0 4382 0832. Rate per course is 120 baht. Open from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Buy

Local Products and Souvenirs

Kalasin has various kinds of local products such as Phrae Wa silk, Mudmee silk, Khit textile, basketry products, pounded pork and beef.
Ban Phon Phrae Wa Silk Weaving Group (กลุ่มสตรีทอผ้าไหมแพรวาบ้านโพน) Tambon Phon, Amphoe Kham Muang. Tel. 0 4385 6081.
New Friend (ร้านนิวเฟรน) 291 Thetsaban 23 Road (next to Bank of Ayudhya), Amphoe Mueang. Tel. 0 4381 1849, 08 1872 5062.
Phrae Wa Kalasin (ร้านแพรวากาฬ��ินธุ์) (Mae Nueang – แม่เนื่อง) 192/1 Phirom Road, Amphoe Mueang (next to the Government Savings Bank at the Fountain Circle). Tel. 0 4381 1717.
Phu Thai Nong Hang Handicraft Centre (ศูนย์หัตถกรรมผู้ไทยหนองห้าง) 223 M. 1 Ban Nong Hang, Tambon Nong Hang, Amphoe Kuchinarai. Tel. 0 4385 1090.

Sleep

Sai Thong Hotel (โรงแร��ไทรทอง) 125 Somphamit Road, Tel. 0 4381 3348. 16 rooms, 200-320 baht.
Sabai Sabai Bungalow (บังกะโล สบาย สบาย) 118 Kalasin - Sahatsakhan Road, Tel. 0 4387 3232. 15 rooms, 100-250 baht.
Ban Phak Ruean Phae (บ้านพักเรือนแพ) 89 Mu 7 Tambon Phu Din, Tel. 08 9274 2850, 08 1974 5492. 14 rooms, 500 baht.
Phaibun (ไพบูลย์) 125/5-6 Somphamit Road, Tel. 0 4381 1661. 48 rooms, 200-360 baht.
Rim Pao (ริมปาว) 71/2 Kut Yang Samakkhi Road, Tel. 0 4381 3631-9. 140 rooms, 660-3,745 baht.
Suphak (สุภัค) 81/7 Saneha Road, Tel. 0 4381 1051. 52 rooms, 220-550 baht.
Saeng Thong (แสงทอง) 100-102 Phirom Road, Tel. 0 4381 1555. 28 rooms, 150-350 baht.

Amphoe Somdet

Somdet Hotel (สมเด็จโฮเต็ล) 158/2 Tambon Somdet, Tel. 0 4386 1150. 32 rooms, 220- 350 baht.

Amphoe Kuchinarai

P.P. Bungalow (พีพี บังกะโล) 103 Mu 10 Tambon Bua Khao, Tel. 0 4383 2443. 20 rooms, 150 – 350 baht.
Saeng Chai (แสงชัย) 121 Bua Khao Road, Tel. 0 4385 1222. 8 rooms, 100-300 baht.

Amphoe Sahatsakhan

Ban Khiang Pao (บ้านเคียงปาว) 35 Mu 9, Tambon Non Buri. 2 houses, 250 baht.

Eat

Phong Phan Porridge (ข้าวต้มผ่องพันธ์) 89/6-7 Kalasin Road, Tel. 0 4381 1940.
Natcha Suki (ณัชชาสุกี้) 250 Phirom Road, Tel. 0 4381 2320, 08 3345 1890.
Suan Ahan Lilawadi (สวนอาหารลีลาวดี) 269/14-16 Thanaphon Road, Tel. 0 4381 6699
B.M. (บี เอ็ม) Thinanon Road, Tel. 0 4382 1403.
Ban Phak Ruean Phae (บ้านพักเรือนแพ) 5 Mu 7, Kalasin – Sahatsakhan Road, Tambon Phu Din, Tel. 08 9274 2850, 08 1974 5492.
Suki House (สุกี้เฮ้าส์) 332/8-9 Thinanon Road, Tel. 0 4381 2804.
Kuchinarai Restaurant (ห้องอาหารกุฉินารายณ์) In Rim Pao Hotel, Kut Yang Samakkhi Road, Tel. 0 4381 3631.
Suphak Restaurant (ห้องอาหารสุภัค) In Suphak Hotel, Saneha Road, Tel. 0 4381 1031.
Udom Photchana (อุดมโภชนา) 39/3 Pradit Road, Tel. 0 4381 1912.

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 06:24, 6 February 2010 (EST)

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