SURIN

Surin

Surin

Surin

Surin

Surin

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Bordering on the Kampuchean boundary. Surin today is well known for its annual Elephant Show, which usually takes place in the third week of November and attracts visitors from all over the world. It is 457 kilometers from Bangkok.

Geography:

In the north of the province is the valley of the Mun river, a tributary of the Mekong. To the south of the province is the Dongrek mountain chain, which also forms the boundary to Cambodia.

History:

Surin was a part of the Khmer empire. Scattered temple ruins and a large ethnic Khmer population are remnants from that period. In 1763 a village was moved to the location of the modern city of Surin, and was upgraded to a city with the name Mueang Prathai Saman. At that time there was a man named Chiangpum who gave a white elephant in tribute to Rama I before he became king. In return he received the honorary name Luang Surin Phakdi and was assigned as the village leader. Later he became the first governor when Rama I became king. In 1786 the town was renamed in honor of its first governor to its current name, Surin.

Attractions:

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.

Major Events:

Surin Elephant Show is held in the third weekend of November. Internationally famous, this annual event brings crowds of visitors to the provincial capital of Surin, where over 100 trained elephants are assembled. Among the spectacular features are wild elephant hunts, tugs of war, demonstrations of log hauling skills, and a parade of elephants outfitted for medieval warfare.