Excursion

Embark on an unforgettable geological adventure with the excursion of GEOSEA 2024!

Pre

Conference Field Trip

Location :
Cenozoic Petrified Wood in Khon Kaen

Mid

Conference Field Trip

Location :
Sirindhorn Museum and adjacent area

Post

Conference Field Trip

Location :
Route A : Khon Kaen Geopark
Route B : Kalasin Geopark
Route C : Phachan Samphanbok Geopark

Pre

Conference Field Trip

Half day trip

Cenozoic petrified wood

Cenozoic petrified wood pit located at Ban Non Rang, Muang District just only 25 Km. from Khon Kaen downtown. More than 30 timbers of petrified wood were observed, ranging in sizes from 0.3 to 14.8 meters. Sedimentology and sedimentary sequence of spectacular petrified wood bearing sediments can be studied at this abandoned pit and an earth pit near by.

Mid

Conference Field Trip

Day trip

Sirindhorn Museum

Sirindhorn Museum is formerly known as Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Research Center. In 1994, skeletons of the herbivorous Phuwiangosaurus Sirindhornae were discovered in the current excavation site. Since the end of 1994, Department of Mineral Resources started a thorough and systematic excavation which they found that Phu Kum Khao was Thailand’s most complete site for herbivorous dinosaurs’ skeletons. Different sizes of dinosaur skeletons were discovered, with more than 7 types of herbivorous dinosaurs identified and resulting in 700 bones. Above all, pieces of skull, teeth and jaw along with scattering bones were still in complete conditions that they could almost make up for the whole body structure.

Post

Conference Field Trip

Explore the fascinating geological wonders of Thailand through the post-conference field trip of GEOSEA 2024. This excursion offers three enticing routes for participants to choose from:

Khon Kaen Geopark

The valley of dinosaurs and the land of local wisdom

Khon Kaen Geopark is a captivating geological wonder located in Thailand’s northeastern region. This geopark offers a mesmerizing journey through time, where visitors can explore ancient landscapes shaped by geological forces. Discover unique rock formations, uncover traces of ancient life through fossils, and witness the region’s diverse geological history. Khon Kaen Geopark provides an enriching experience for geoscientists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of Earth’s geological evolution and appreciate the natural beauty of this extraordinary site.

Khon Kaen Geopark is only 60 kilometers away from the city of Khon Kaen. It takes just 1 hour to reach the land of the Dinosaur Valley and Phu Wiang National Park, which is known as the “the first page of dinosaur fossils discovery in Thailand.” This has led to its development as a model for the conservation, protection, and sustainable development of the area’s heritage. It covers an area of over 1,038 square kilometers. In addition to the remarkable features of the landscape, dinosaurs, and distinctive geological formations in a form of one entrance – one exit double syncline, the geopark also displays abundant natural resources, artistic narratives, archaeological history, community traditions, and local products that are created from the wisdom of the local people. Furthermore, it offers a tourism route that carries the essence of “Isan culture.”

During your visit, you will encounter several attractions, including the Chom Narin shrine, which serves as the only entrance and exit point of Phu Wiang Dinosaur Valley. You’ll also find the first Dinosaur Museum in Thailand, Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum and Fossil Research Center. The legendary tourist route of dinosaur discoveries includes the Uranium Field,
Pratu Teema Creek, and the excavation site 3 (the birthplace of Thailand’s fossil discoveries). There’s also the viewpoint of Chom Tawan Cliff, located at the edge of Phu Wiang Mountain, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area below. Additionally, there are 3-kilometer nature trail, and also footprints of ornithopods and theropods. You can explore the cultural tourism route of the local community in Phu Wiang, which includes visits to Tham Kwang Temple, Hin Rong (rock fissure) , and the astounding Rock Terrain. These programs are community-based tourism initiatives that connect geological heritage, cultural heritage, intangible heritage, and wellness tourism. There’s also the Dhoranin Fabric Learning Center, where you can explore the integration of geology with local fabric weaving traditions. The Ban Hin Rong Cultural Village is another place of interest, showcasing intangible heritage that has been developed through a partnership with Khon Kaen Geopark.

Other attractions include the Dharmachakri Farm, where vetiver grass is cultivated to create a grass-woven dinosaur sculpture, the Phu Wiang Historical Museum at the first public school in Khon Kaen province, which is an evidence of educational reformation, and the Krisana Community Lab Model Network, which follows the sufficiency economy philosophy and is well adapted to fight climate change. You can also visit the Ban Suan Gluay Silk Village, a group of female artisans who collectively develop Thai-style woven silk that have been internationally recognized as a global cultural heritage. Finally, you can savor the taste of the signature Grilled Chicken dish from Nong Reua, a delicacy loved by the people of Khon Kaen.

Kalasin Geopark

Unveiling the Geological Treasures of Thailand

Kalasin Geopark is a geological gem nestled in the heart of Thailand. This captivating geopark offers a journey through time, where visitors can explore stunning landscapes shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich geological heritage as you witness breathtaking rock formations, ancient fossils, and unique geological features. Kalasin Geopark provides an extraordinary opportunity for geoscientists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of Earth’s history and marvel at the wonders of the natural world.

This post conference trip, about 120 Km. from Khon Kaen downtown, will lead you to the most spectacular fossil sites in Southeast Asia situated in the middle of the unique “Phu Thai” culture and typical geomorphology of Khorat Plateau of Kalasin Geopark, Kalasin Province. The trip includes Phu Khum Khao dinosaur site museum exhibiting the most complete articulated sauropod skeleton found in situ with other 6 dinosaur individuals, Sirindhorn Museum which is the largest paleontological learning center and vertebrate collection in Southeast Asia, Phu Noi fossil site with more than 5,000 pieces of fossils, including dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, fish, amphibians and pterosaurs, and Phu Faek footprint site showing medium -large theropod trackways and a sauropod trackway. Moreover, cultural stops and natural trails are included in the trip such as Phu Khao temple with sandstone left-handed reclining Buddha image, Praewa Silk weaving of Phu Thai ethnic community, the beauty of Pha Li waterfall, fish fossils exhibition at Buddhabutre temple, Phu Pha Peung natural trail where the type section of Early Cretaceous Phu Phan Formation and a red palm cave are located and the exquisite sculpture of Buddha images on the crossbedding Phu Phan sandstone at Phu Dan Hai temple.”

Phachan Samphanbok Geopark

Discover the Marvels of Phachan Samphanbok Geopark: A Geological Wonderland

Phachan Samphanbok Geopark is a geological wonder nestled in Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes. Located near the Mekong River, this geopark boasts a mesmerizing array of intricate rock formations, towering cliffs, and stunning river landscapes. It offers a captivating opportunity to delve into the region’s geological history and witness the powerful forces of nature that have shaped this extraordinary site over millions of years. Phachan Samphanbok Geopark is a must-visit destination for geoscience enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, providing a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of Thailand’s geological treasures.

This route is about 380 Km. from Khon Kaen downtown. This trip will provide you a chance to study excellent reference rock sequence of the Mesozoic Red-bed Khorat Group along the bank of the Mekong River. Boat trip along the Mekong River to visit the amazing rock architecture and landforms is also scheduled. Visit Pha Taem the most famous and largest prehistoric painting on the rock shelter in Thailand. Transitional boundary between sediments of meandering and braided river of the Khorat Group can be examined at this location. Wat Phu Phrao, the famous temple, at the top of a cuesta closed to Thai-Lao border is worth stopping by. Lastly, visit Khok Pha Suam locality where the youngest dinosaur relicts in Thailand, 5 species of freshwater shark and other invertebrate fossils were found.

Post - Conference Field Trip Fees

Participant
ROUTE A ROUTE B ROUTE C
Khon Kaen Geopark

(80 Km. from Khon Kaen city center)

Kalasin Geopark

(150 Km. from Khon Kaen city center)

Phachan Samphanbok Geopark

(350 Km. from Khon Kaen city center)

GST Member 5,000 THB (140 USD) 8,000 THB (230 USD) 9,500 THB (270 USD)
Non-GST Member 6,000 THB (170 USD) 9,000 THB (260 USD) 10,500 THB (300 USD)

Sponsors