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Kalasin
General Information
Kalasin, the land of Pong Lang music and the famous Phrae Wa cloth, is 519 kilometres from Bangkok. 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.
Kalasin has an area of 6,946 square kilometres. It is divided into 18 districts (Amphoe): Mueang 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.
Symbol
The seal of the province shows a pond in front of the mountains which form the boundary of the province. The water in the pond is black, as the name Kalasin means "black water". The big clouds as well as the water symbolize the fertility of the province.
The provincial flower is Payorm or Sweet shorea (Shorea roxburghii), and the provincial tree is Sa-mae-san (Cassia garrettiana).
Getting there
By Car
From Bangkok, take Bangkok-Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima route (Highway No. 2). When arriving to Nong Phai, use Highway No. 23 to Maha Sarakham, then take Highway No. 209 to Kalasin, a total distance of 519 kilometres.
By Bus
Air-conditioned buses and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's.
Mochit 2 Bus Terminal every day. Call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit
www.transport.co.th for more information.
By Train
Take the train from Bangkok to Khon Kaen, then catch a bus from Khon Kaen to Kalasin, a distance of 78 kilometres. The State Railway of Thailand has rapid train, express train and air-conditioned sprinter train services. For more details, call SRT at Tel. 1690, or 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4444, Khon Kaen Railway Station, Tel. 0 4322 1112, or browse www.railway.co.th.
By Air
Thai Airways International has no direct flight from Bangkok to Kalasin but you can get a flight from Bangkok to Khon Kaen and catch a bus to Kalasin. For details, call Tel. 1566 or 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 and www.thaiairways.com.
PB Air also operates daily flights from Bangkok to Roi Et, except on Tuesdays and Sundays. Then, continue by bus to Kalasin. For details, call Tel. 0 2261 0221-5 and 0 4351 8572 www.pbair.com.
Festivals
Pong Lang, Phrae Wa and Red Cross Fair
This festival 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.
Wichit Phrae Wa Silk Festival
This festival 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.
Interesting Products
Silk Products
Famous products of Kalasin include Phrae Wa silk from Ban Phon in Kham Muang, bamboo and cloth bags from Ban Nong Hang in Kuchi Narai and Pong Lang which can be purchased at the Provincial Cultural Centre in Anukun Nari School, the Arts and Culture Promotion Centre in Thirawat Hospital and souvenir shops in the city.
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