Introducing Phu Wiang National Park
When uranium miners discovered a dinosaur’s patella bone in this region in 1976, palaeontologists were soon to follow, excavating the top of Phu Pratutima and unearthing a fossilised 15m-long herbivore later named Phuwianggosaurus sirindhornae (after Her Royal Majesty, Princess Sirindhorn). Dinosaur fever followed (explaining the epidemic of model dinosaurs in Khon Kaen), more remains were uncovered and Phu Wiang National Park (0 4324 9052, reservations 0 2562 0760; admission 400B; 8.30am-4.30pm), northwest of Khon Khaen, was born.
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Four enclosed excavation sites, including one with a partial skeleton of Siamotyrannus isanensis, an early ancestor of Tyrannosaurus Rex, can be easily reached by trail from the visitor centre or nearby parking areas. Park guides (some speak a little English) offer free tours of the bone sites if you call in advance. Those who want to explore further (best done by car or mountain bike) will find dinosaur footprints, waterfalls and prehistoric cave paintings.
The Phu Wiang Museum (0 4343 8204; admission free; 9am-5pm), 5km before the park, has geology and palaeontology displays, including full-size models of the dinosaur species that have been found in the area.
The park has camp sites (per person 30B, 3-sleeper tent hire 225B) and a bungalow (up to 12 people 1800B).
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
