One of only seven museums worldwide dedicated to large petrified wood specimens, this remarkable site on Mittraphap-Nong Pling Road in Suranari Subdistrict displays fossils dating back approximately 800,000 to 320 million years. The museum offers an immersive experience, featuring a film on the Earth’s genesis and the evolution of life. Its petrified wood garden replicates the landscape of the Mun-Chi River Basin in the Isan region. The museum showcases eight genera of ancient elephants, from the 42 found globally, including the Four-tusked elephant, Shovel-tusked elephant, and Protanancus elephant (dating back approximately 16 to 5 million years). It also houses fossils of various species, such as giant turtles, crocodiles, and apes, the latter closely related to human evolutionary lines. The site serves as a learning hub for the beginnings of the Korat UNESCO Global Geopark. This park was considered during a UNESCO committee meeting in Paris, France, on 17 May 2023, where 18 global geoparks were evaluated, including the Korat Geopark, which is now a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Visitor Information
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Entry Fee: 120 THB (Thai nationals: 50 THB)
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Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-16:00
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Website: www.khoratfossil.org
Getting There
Petrified Wood Museum, Ancient Elephants, and Dinosaurs is located at 184 Mu 7 Mittraphap-Nongpling Ban Khokduenha. View on Google Maps.
Tips for Visitors
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Student and group discounts are often available.
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Check opening days — many museums close on Mondays and public holidays.
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Photography policies vary — ask at reception.
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Allow 1-2 hours for a thorough visit.
