The intricate and colourful designs of Prae Wa - the 'queen of silks' makes this fabric, the most exquisite and most famous of all of the handicrafts of Kalasin Province. The fabric is woven by the 'Phu Thai' settlers, descendants of Vietnamese immigrants from Meung Taeng.

The annual Kalasin Prae Wa Silk Festival, the largest cultural festival of Kalasin Province, opens with a grand ceremony, followed by a spectacular procession.

For festive fun and entertainment, the silk festival also features a variety of contests and competitions. These range from :

A contest of the finest Prae Wa silk
The decoration of shops using Prae Wa
A Prae Wa Costumes Contest
A Musical and Ballroom Dance contest
A Song and Dance contest
A "Pong Lang" folk entertainment contest

Another key element of the Silk Festival is The "Best of Kalasin" fair. Visitors to the fair are able to shop for a wide-range of local products and merchandise, especially Prae Wa silk, ready-to-wear clothes in Prae Wa silk, as well as gems.

Other activities and highlights include - a fashion show with honorary models gracing the catwalk; a traditional Thai stage drama or "lakon" featuring the tale of "Muang Fa Daet Song Yang", an ancient town dating back over 1,000 years; and a Red Cross Ball.

Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office - Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 4324 4498-9
Fax: +66 (0) 4324 4497
E-mail: tatkhkn@tat.or.th