Attractions: Korat Fossil Museum & Korat Geopark | Nakhon Ratchasima

The Korat Fossil Museum – part of the Petrified Wood and Mineral Resources Research Institute of Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University – serves as a fascinating educational institution with a focus on geology.

The Korat Geopark lies within the Lam Takhong River basin and spans five districts. It is characterized by its unique cuesta (steep cliff) landscapes and fossils from three distinct geological eras. This "Cuesta and Fossil Land" is inextricably linked to the local ecosystems of dry dipterocarp and evergreen dry forests, as well as over 4,000 years of human history.

The Korat Fossil Museum is located in Ban Krok Duean Ha, Suranari Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, and is a major center for learning about geology and paleontology in Thailand. It serves as the hub for the Korat UNESCO Global Geopark, which was officially recognized by UNESCO on May 17, 2023.

Important information and visit

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)

• Preschool/kindergarten and primary school children: 20 THB

• Secondary school/vocational school students: 30 THB

• Higher vocational training / Bachelor's degree programs / University students: 40 THB

• Foreigners (children/youth): 70 THB / Foreign adults: 150 THB

• Seniors (aged 60 and over), Buddhist monks and people with disabilities: Free admission

The site consists of three main buildings and an outdoor area:

1. Building 1: Museum of Petrified Wood

• The first museum of petrified wood in Thailand and one of only seven museums of this kind worldwide.

• On display are exhibits of petrified wood from the period between 800,000 and 320 million years ago, including specimens of "gemstone quality" as well as pieces from Thailand and abroad.

2. Building 2: Museum of Ancient Elephants

• Presents the story of prehistoric elephants discovered in and around the Tha Chang subdistrict – a site where 8 of the 42 known species have been found. Genera found worldwide, dating from approximately 16 to 0.8 million years ago, are presented alongside skeletal remains and multimedia displays.

3. Building 3: Dinosaur Museum

• Contains fossils and skeletal fragments of dinosaurs discovered in the Korat region (such as *Siamraptor suwati*), accompanied by animatronic dinosaur models.

4. Rock garden and dinosaur outdoor area (Dino Forest)

• An exhibition area featuring a rock garden and life-size models of over 13 dinosaur species native to Thailand, integrated into the landscape, as well as large specimens of petrified wood.