Dinosaurs in Southeast Asia: Where Did They Live?

When we think of dinosaurs, we often picture the deserts of North America or the vast plains of Africa. But few realize that millions of years ago, long before cities and rice paddies, dinosaurs also thrived in what is now Southeast Asia. From the tropical wetlands of ancient Thailand to the river deltas of prehistoric Vietnam, these colossal reptiles once roamed a landscape that looked very different from today.

So where exactly did dinosaurs live in Southeast Asia? And how do we even know they were here in the first place? Let’s dig into the fossil record to uncover the ancient habitats of dinosaurs in the heart of the tropics.

Thailand: The Dinosaur Capital of Southeast Asia

Thailand has produced some of the most significant dinosaur fossils in the region, especially in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen. The rocks here, particularly in the Khok Kruat Formation, date back over 100 million years to the Early Cretaceous period.

One of the most famous discoveries is Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, a long-necked herbivore that lived in a lush, river-fed environment surrounded by ferns and cycads. Fossils from theropods—the group that includes carnivores like Tyrannosaurus rex—have also been found here, suggesting that both predators and prey shared this ecosystem.

These dinosaurs likely lived near lakes, floodplains, and slow-moving rivers—ideal spots for feeding and nesting. Today, sites like Phu Wiang National Park not only preserve these fossils but also allow visitors to walk where dinosaurs once roamed.

Laos and Cambodia: Ancient River Valleys

In neighboring Laos, paleontologists have uncovered fossils in the Grès Supérieurs Formation, which stretches into parts of Cambodia. These rocks tell the story of a landscape once dominated by winding rivers and floodplains—a paradise for plant-eating dinosaurs and the meat-eaters that hunted them.

One notable find in Laos is the fossil of an iguanodontid dinosaur, a bulky herbivore with strong hind legs and a beak-like mouth. These animals likely traveled in herds, grazing on low vegetation along ancient riverbanks.

Although fossil sites in Cambodia remain less explored, the geological formations suggest that similar environments existed there during the age of dinosaurs, offering potential for future discoveries.

Vietnam: The Emerging Fossil Frontier

In northern Vietnam, fossilized dinosaur teeth were discovered in the Phu Tho province, marking the country’s first confirmed evidence of dinosaurs. While these remains are fragmentary, they indicate that predatory theropods once hunted in this region.

Geological surveys show that parts of Vietnam were covered by coastal plains and estuaries during the Mesozoic Era. These environments would have supported a variety of dinosaur species, although further excavation is needed to uncover more complete specimens.

With growing interest and new technologies, Vietnam is likely to yield more dinosaur fossils in the coming years, filling in gaps in our understanding of Southeast Asia’s prehistoric life.

Malaysia and Indonesia: Clues Beneath the Jungle

Malaysia and Indonesia have yet to produce many confirmed dinosaur fossils, but their geological history suggests they weren’t left out of the dinosaur age. Parts of eastern Malaysia were once connected to mainland Asia, and some sedimentary rock layers from the Mesozoic period are present.

Indonesia, being part of an island arc formed by volcanic activity, presents more geological challenges for fossil preservation. However, the discovery of ancient reptile and marine fossils in regions like Java and Kalimantan hints that dinosaurs—or their close relatives—may have lived there too.

The thick tropical jungles and complex terrain make excavation difficult, but paleontologists remain hopeful that future expeditions will uncover the region’s hidden fossil record.

How Did Dinosaurs Thrive in Tropical Environments?

Southeast Asia during the Mesozoic was a very different place—warmer, wetter, and teeming with plant life. Many dinosaurs that lived here were well-adapted to these humid conditions. Long-necked sauropods could browse the treetops of dense forests, while smaller, agile theropods darted through undergrowth.

Rivers and lakes provided freshwater and nesting grounds, making floodplains ideal for raising young. And just like today’s elephants and deer that migrate seasonally, some dinosaurs may have moved between highlands and lowlands to follow food and water sources.

The Ongoing Quest to Map Prehistoric Southeast Asia

Mapping where dinosaurs lived in Southeast Asia is like solving a giant, ancient jigsaw puzzle. Each new fossil adds a piece to the picture, helping scientists reconstruct lost ecosystems and understand how geography influenced dinosaur evolution.

Today, countries like Thailand and Vietnam are investing more in paleontology, building museums, training local scientists, and collaborating with international teams. With each dig, we get closer to answering big questions: How did dinosaurs adapt to life in the tropics? What species were unique to this region? And what led to their extinction here?

The Lost World Beneath Our Feet

Southeast Asia’s landscape hides a prehistoric world we’re only beginning to discover. From the sandstone cliffs of Thailand to the ancient riverbeds of Laos and Vietnam, dinosaurs once called this region home. They lived in forests, wetlands, and along the banks of mighty rivers—environments not unlike some that exist today.

So the next time you trek through a Southeast Asian national park or see sedimentary cliffs in the countryside, remember: you might be walking on the very ground where dinosaurs once lived, hunted, and thrived.