Surin Map Hotels Travel Agents Guide

Surin is a big province on Mun River Basin in Lower Northeast of Thailand. It is well known, locally and international, for its elephant. The gigantic animal of Surin impresses everyone with loveliness, cleverness and creates unique character of the province. Surin people have long relationship with elephant which becomes icon of the province now. Plenty of Khmer Ruins, beautiful silk and famous jasmine rice make Surin a very interesting destination.

In historical aspect, Surinโ€�s story can be dated back thousands of year B.C. when Suai or Kuai ethnic group migrated along Mekong River to settle around Dongrek Range. Kuai ethnic people, found in Thailand and Laos, is talent in catching and training elephant.  Some 2,000 years ago, during Khmer Era, Surin town was established. After the fall of Khmer Empire, the town was neglected until 1763, when Luang Surin Pakdi (Chiang Pum) headman of Mueang Thi Village, led his people to settle at Ban Khu Prathai, in present Surin City. He was promoted as the first mayor later.

Surin is some 457 kilometres from Bangkok. The province acquires total area of 8,124 square kilometres and it can be divided into 17 Amphoes namely Mueang Surin, Chumphon Buri, Tha Tum, Chom Phra, Prasat, Kap Choeng, Rattanaburi, Phanom, Si Khoraphum, Sangkha, Samrong Thap, Buachet, Lamduan, Si Narong, Phanom Dong Rak, Khwao Sinarin, and Non Narai.

By Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, then use Highway No.226 to Surin via Buri Ram, a total distance of 457 kilometres.

By Bus

Buses depart from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Surin every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information

By Rail

Regular trains depart from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Surin every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.

Basketry Village, Ban Buthom 14 kilometers from the province on the Highway 226 (Surin - Sikhoraphumroute) the village produces ratan baskets of various types. Basketry shops line both sides of the road.

Prasat Sikhoraphum is located at Amphoe Sikhoraphum about 35 kilometers from Surin. It is composed of five prangs (pagoda), with the principal structure measuring 32 meters high. Beautiful designs are engraved onto the columns. It is believed that the site had been renovated once during the Ayutthaya Period.

Silverware Village, Ban Khwao Sinarin and Ban Chok Iocated on Highway 214 with a 4 kilometers right turn between Km. 14 -15, the villages produce and put on sale assorted silver ornaments such as belts, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and watches. A large number of silverware shops line both sides of the road.

Prasat Hin Chom Phra a small stone castle in Amphoe Chom Phra about 28 Kilometers from Surin town, probably used to be an idol temple built by the Khmer. Today a large Buddha image is enshrined in front of the structure.

Elephant Village Many elephants can be found at Ban Ta Klang, Tambon Krapho, Amphoe Tha Tum. The villagers here earn their living by farming and weaving, they also keep elephants as pets.The elephants here are treated like friends and have been trained well by their mahouts. Every third weekend of November there will be the famous Elephant Show in Surin and many smart elephants participating in the show are from Ban Tha Klang.

Prasat Hin Ban Phluang situated at Amphoe Prasat, is a little over thirty kilometers from Surin proper. Although comparatively small in size it is nevertheless beautiful and recently renovated.