Talk:Surin/Listings

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Amphoe Mueang Surin

City Pillar Shrine of Surin. ศาลหลักเมืองสุรินทร์, Lak Mueang Road, 500 metres west of city hall. The shrine is a sacred icon of the city. At first, the shrine did not house any pillar. In 1968, the Fine Arts Department has designed a new city shrine and got golden cassia log from Mr. Prasith Maneekan, Amphoe Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi, and made it the city pillar. The log is 3 metres long and 1 metre long in circumcircle. The rite and celebration took place on March 15, 1974.

The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum). อนุสาวรีย์พระยาสุรินทรภักดีศรีณรงค์จางวาง (ป��ม) The statue of Surin’s first mayor was built to honor Phaya Surin, who played significant role in Surin’s history. It is situated at southern gate, which once was inner city wall. The antique brass statue is 2.2 metres high with curve-blade pike in right hand, mirroring his excellent skill in controlling war elephant and prosperity of elephant in Surin since ancient time. The statue holds a pair of sword on the back, showing warrior bravery which was his heritage to all Surin descendants. The monument was officially opened on April 13, 1985. Nearby, close to the moat, is elephant monument and Pakam Spirit Shrine to presents history of the city.

Wat Burapharam. วัดบูรพาราม Located on Krung Si Nai Rd., Tambon Nai Mueang, close to the city hall, the ancient Buddhist temple was built by Surin’s first mayor Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang. It can be dated back to Thon Buri or Rattanakorin era over 200 years ago, as old as Surin City. The city houses principle Buddha image Luang Pho Phra Chi, 4-feet wide Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara, which was built at the same time with the temple. Moreover, the temple has the museum of Luang Pu Dun, famous senior monk who once was Surin’s chief of Dhammayuth sect. The museum features statue of Luang Pu Dun and his ashes for visitor can pay homage to.

Surin National Museum. พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห��งชาติ สุรินทร์ Situated in Mu 13, Tambon Chaniang, km. 4 of Surin-Prasat Rd., on the left before bypass road, the museum features five areas namely geography, archeology, city history, ethnology, and heritages of the province.

Geography section features physical of Surin including tomography, climate, geology, soil science, natural resources such as earth, water, forest, wildlife, and national parks. Moreover, it features rice and rice farming, as Surin is of the best place for growing Jasmine Rice.
Archeology section features development of people, lifestyle including the second funeral in pre-historical period, antique from Dvaravati, Khmer, and Ayutthaya-Lanchang found in Surin. There are replicas of ancient sites presented with motion picture to educate museum goer in the area of archelogy and art history found in Surin.
City History section features history of Surin city from past to present in the presentation boxes. From Kuay ethnic group who caught white elephant escaped from Ayutthaya until Surin City was well established. Other topics include administration reform, significant incidents such as white elephant catching, the first arrival of train to Surin, market at the first stage, education in the past.
Ethnology section features four major ethnic groups in Surin namely Suay or Kuay who has excellent skill in catching and training elephant, Khmer who is the native of the region, Laotian who is the latest migratory, and Thai Khorat who came from Nakhon Ratchasima. The presentation replicates lifestyle of different ethnic groups with replica houses, rites, photographs and picture about the traditions.
Heritages of the province. Surin is famed for its cultural heritages, which was handicrafts namely silver ornaments, silk cloth, traditional performances, and elephant raising. The later puts Surin on the world map. The presentation of this section includes replica, photographs and motion pictures.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9.00 am. to 4.00 pm.. It is close on Monday, Tuesday, and special holiday. The admission fee is 30 baht. For more information, call 0-4451-3358.

Lower Isan Art and Crafts Centre. ศูนย์ศิลปาชีพอีสานใต้ Located on bypass road, close to Tambon Nok Mueang Administration organization, southeast of Surin City, the centre displays art and culture exhibits of Lower Isan.

Service centre for plant and production factor, Surin. ศูนย์บริการวิชาการด้านพืชและปัจจัยการผลิตสุรินทร์ Located on the right size of highway 226 (Buri Ram-Surin), 3.5 kilometres before reaching Surin City, the 5-rai centre educates visitor with local knowledge about growing mulberry and silkworm. Visitor will witness processes of silk sting drawing, mat-mi dying, and weaving. The centre has big collection of Surin’s hand woven silk clothes in different patterns as well as unique weaving pattern from countrywide. Booking should be made in advance at 0-4451-1393 or fax 0-4451-1393.

Huai Saneng. ห้วยเสนง The reservoir of the irrigation project is situated 5 kilometres from Surin City via highway 214 (Surin-Prasat Road). At km. 5-6, motorist can turn left off the main road and use road parallel to the irrigation canal to reach the reservoir. Huai Saneng Reservoir has high and steep crest which is served as asphalted road. With impressive sun set view, it is nice place Surin people always come for relax, enjoy dining, fishing. Its southern area is rich of water lily which colonies of various birds. The palace of Mother Princess is located in the headquarter (Prior permission is required for visiting the palace) For more information, call 0-4451-1966.

Phanom Sawai Forest Park. วนอุทยานพนมสวา�� The park is located in Tambon Na Bua, 22 kilometres from Surin City Hall. Motorist can use highway 214 (Surin-Prasat) for 14 kilometres, turn right and keep going for 6 kilometres The park has a hill with three peaks. The first peak, Yot Khao Chai, or the man peak, is 210 metres high. Yot Khao Chai, where Wat Phanom Sawai is located on, can be accessed by stair. Housing Buddha image called Phra Surintharamongkhon, the peak is shady with lush forest and big pond. The second peak, Yot Khao Ying, or the lady peak, is 228 metres high. It houses a medium-size Buddha image. The third peak, Yot Khao Kok, houses octagon pavilion built by Surin’s Buddhist Association to mark the 200th anniversary of Bangkok. The pavilion houses a Buddha’s Foot Print relocated from Yot Khao Chai. Surin Buddhist considers here as pilgrim venue and pilgrim walk to the peak is always held on the first waning day of April, which is traditional holiday for Surin people since ancient time. Commemorative pagoda of Luang Pu Dun Atulo is located there also.

Mueang Thi Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทเมืองที Located in the compound of Wat Chom Suthawat, at Mu 1, Tambon Mueang Thi, the Khmer Ruins was adapted in later period like Si Khoraphum Khmer Ruins. Built from brick and cement, the Khmer ruins comprised 5 stupas on the same base, with the biggest one at the middle and the rest at 4 corners. Today, one stupa at the corner has completely damaged. The main stupa can be accessed via stair from four directions, but it was filled up with brick from the adaptation. It has three-layer roof with damaged peak. Mueang Thi Khmer Ruins mirrors a popular construction style of Khmer in a certain period. According to Hindu belief, the middle stupa stands for Meru Mount, with four stupas at corner. There is not any inscription or art pattern to indicate construction time.

How to get there: Mueang Thi Khmer Ruins is 16 kilometres from Surin City via highway 226 (Surin-Si Khoraphum Road). Turn left at Ban Kok Lamduan into Wat Chom Suthawat.

Ban Buthom Basketry Village. หมู่บ้านจักสานบ้านบุทม Located in Tambon Mueang Thi, the village is famed for its rattan basketry which is extra earning for villager after harvest season. Villager would not paint lacquer on finished products which may cause fungus later, but soak their basketry with lemon, carambola, or kaffir lime to make it grossy. How to get there: The village is 12 kilometres from Surin City, via highway 226 (Surin-Si Khoraphum Road)

Village of Chansoma Golden Brocade, Ban Tha Sawang. หมู่บ้านทอผ้าไหมยกทองจันทร์โสมา บ้านท่าสว่าง The village is highly recognised for its 1,416-heddled, gold-brocaded silk, being offered to Her Majesty the Queen. The handicraft was initiated by the Chansoma cloth-weaving group which has revived and preserved the weaving of golden brocade used in the royal court in the past. The group is headed by Achan Wiratham Trakunngoenthai who has gathered the villagers of Ban Tha Sawang to weave cloth in their free time after farming in the fields. By combining attractive and exquisite designs of the past royal court with techniques of folk weaving, dazzling beautiful hand-woven cloth is produced and has become famous worldwide. The outstanding performance of the village is that it was selected by the government to weave cloth for the shirts of 21 APEC leaders and the shawls of their spouses, who participated in the APEC Meetings in Thailand in 2003. Thus, it is also a well-known village of weaving cloth for the APEC. The village won a five-star OTOP product award as well. The prominence of the Chansoma golden brocade stems from the selection of fine and delicate silk threads from the innermost part of the silk cocoon to be bleached, boiled, and dyed with natural substances. The three main colours used are red from lac, yellow from Kaelae (Maclura cochinchinensis) heartwood, and blue from indigo. Golden threads spun with the yarns are inserted in patterns. More than one hundred heddles and the supplementary weft threads are used to create patterns. A 2-3 metre deep hole must be dug around a loom to accommodate the length of cords in the heddles, and allow some people to stay inside and harness the many heddles, with the help of a wooden marker. In the weaving process, 4-5 people are needed: 2-3 people to raise the heddles, one to insert the wooden marker, and one weaver. Because of the complicated weaving techniques, only a length of 6-7 cm is done a day.

To get there: From the city of Surin, take Highway So Ro 4026 for around 10 km on an asphalt road.

Amphoe Khwao Sinarin

Khwao Sinarin Handicrafts Village. หมู่บ้านหัตถกรรมเขวาสินรินทร์ Located north of Surin City, the community is famed for local-style silk cloth called ‘Hol’ which is considered the best silk sloth. Ban Chok village is the first village to produce silver buttons called ‘Luk Pa Kueam’ which is used as decorations for lady. The villagers inherited know how to made Luk Pa Kueam from the Khmer ancestors hundred years ago. Besides, local products are available in the village. How to get there: use highway 214 (Surin-Roi Et Rd.) for 14 kilometres then turn right and keep going for other 4 kilometres Amphoe Prasat

Ban Phlai Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทบ้านไพล Located at Ban Prasat, Tambon Chuea Phloeng, 22 kilometres from Surin City (7 kilometres prior to Amphoe Prasat) , 3 kilometres off main road on the right via asphalt road, the Khmer ruins was built to honour God Shiva. Three brick stupas in the same line are surrounded with moat except on the east. Although Shiva Linga and some lintels are missing, the remaining artifacts are kept at Phimai National Museum indicate that the Khmer Ruins was built in 11th Century.

Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทหินบ้านพลวง The Khmer Ruins is located in Ban Phluang, Tambon Ban Phluang, 4 km from Amphoe Prasat via highway 214 (Surin-Prasat-Chong Chom Road), a kilometre left from km.34-35. Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins is a small sanctuary but its stone carving is very excellent. It was renovated in 1972 with anastilosis: removing all parts, strengthening, and reassemble all again. Facing east, the single stupa stands on big rectangular laterite base. The main door is only real one while other three are fault doors. The stupa is built from laterite, sandstone and brick. Without upper part, the stupa houses very delicate carving. It is surrounded with U-shape moat. The remaining of Barai or huge reservoir indicates that around the stupa once had a settlement. The stupa and around are well decorated.

Most lintels found on the eastern and southern sides of Khmer Ruins depict God Indra on Erawan Heavenly Elephant over the kirtimukha. The northern lintel depicts God Krisna killing naga. It is assumed that this Khmer Ruins was built for God Indra. Lining over the lintel, there are bas-relief depicting animals such as elephant, squirrel, pig, money, and cow. The eastern gable depicts God Krisna lifting Mount Kowattana in the frame of small animals which may mirror prosperity of the area which has many water sources. The front wall depicts door guardians with cudgels in hands.

Similar to smaller stupa of Phanom Rung Khmer Ruins, Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins has Bapuan Art style which can be dated back to the 11th-12th Century.

By its huge rectangular base with lots of remaining space on the both sides of the stupa, it is assumed that it might comprise 3 stupas, but the construction was not completed or other two stupas were removed. Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins open daily between 7.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. The admission is 10 baht for Thai and 30 baht for foreigner. Amphoe Phanom Dongrak

Ta Muean Group of Khmer Ruins. กลุ่มปราสาทตาเมือน Located close to Thailand-Cambodia border, in Ban Nong Khanna, Tambon Ta Miang, the Khmer Ruins comprises three stupas in the same area. From Surin City, motorist can use highway 214, via Amphoe Prasat, get into highway 2121. Head for Amphoe Ban Kruat for 25 kilometres and use one smaller road to Ban Ta Miang, keep going for other 13 kilometres

Ta Muean Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทตาเมือน Built by King Chaya Varaman VII, the last Great King of Khmer Empire, the Khmer Ruins was built as a religious venue for Mahayana Buddhism, one of 17 rest stations for traveler built from Yasothon Pura, capital city of Khmer Empire to Phimai. The sanctuary in Bayon Art style is built from laterite, like other architectures of King Chaya Varaman VII found in Thailand. It has single stupa with long room in the front. The northern wall is carved into fault windows, with real windows lining the southern wall. A few Buddha images in the attitude of meditation in the niche are found here.

Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทตาเมือนโต๊ด Built to serve as a hospital’s shrine, the Khmer Ruins was completed in the13rd Century and it remains in quite a good condition. The sanctuary comprises principle stupa, made from laterite and sandstone, in square shape with front balcony. A library is located on its southeast. All are in the embrace of laterite wall with a gopura at the east. Like other Khmer hospital’s shrine, there is a pond outside the wall. A stone inscription by King Chaya Woraman VII, is found in the middle room of the gopura. Inscribed in Khmer-Sanskrit language, the inscription contains messages like those found in other Khmer hospital. It starts with honoring Phra Paisat Kuru Waituraya, the Bhodhisatva of pharmacology, staff headcount in the hospital such as doctor, care taker, and etc. Presently, the inscription is kept at the National Library, Tha Wasukri, in Bangkok. Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทตาเมือนธม Situated 200 metres south of Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins, the biggest sanctuary in the group comprises three stupas with the biggest at the mid and smaller ones by each side. All three sandstone stupas face south. Although it had been destroyed by human and nature, beautiful carving of the principle stupa remains clear. There are two laterite viharas on the east and west. All buildings are linked together with sandstone cloister. There are gopuras at four directions; the southern one is the biggest with stair from Cambodia side. Beyond the northern cloister is a pond. A Khmer inscription is found in the lawn by southeastern cloister, mentioning Phra Kalpa Krisna. Thus, this ancient site is assumed to be built in Brahma. Its architectural and carving style indicate that it was probably built in the 11th Century, the oldest one in the group of Ta Muean Khmer Ruins.

As this group of ancient architecture is situated close to Thailand-Cambodia border, tourist should check situation from military unit overlooking the area first.

Amphoe Kap Choeng

Chong Chom Check Point Border market. ตลาดการค้าชายแดนที่ด่านช่องจอม Situated in Mu 1 and 14, Ban Dan Phattana, Tambon Dan, the border market is next to Chong Chom , the biggest and easiest check point of Surin to go to Cambodia (The opposite side is O-Smach, Amphoe Samrong, Otdar Mean Cheay Province of Cambodia). The market is actually located in Huai Thap Than - Huai Samran Wildlife Sanctuary which was officially established since December 30, 1995. The market has long been playing significant role of border market between Thailand and Cambodia and finally it was upgraded into official border check point. The market is active from 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Products available include grocery and tools, wooden furniture, handicrafts, mat and basketry. How to get there: The market is 69 kilometres, from Surin City and 11 kilometres from Amphoe Kap Choeng, via Surin-Chong Chom Road.

Huai Thap Than - Huay Samran Wildlife Sanctuary. เขตรักษาพันธ์สัตว์ป่าห้วยทับทัน-ห้วยสำราญ Situated in Amphoe Kap Choeng, it is a lush jungle between Thailand and Cambodia. The jungle is also main water feeder for Surin Province. With proper service standard, today, the sanctuary has opened its learning and training centre for public and private body. The sanctuary acquires total area of 502 square kilometres, featuring dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, grassland and reservoir. In late rainy season, from October to December, wild flowers will be in full bloom and add colours into vast grassland, making it perfect time for nature study.

Amphoe Si Khoraphum

Si Khoraphum Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทศีขรภูมิ Situated in Tambon Ra-ngaeng, 34 kilometres from Surin City via highway 226 and a kilometre from Amphoe Si Khoraphum, the Khmer Ruins comprises 5 stupas. The middle one is the principle stupa with minor stupa surrounding on the same base. All are built from sandstone and laterite. The stupa faces east with only stair and door on the east. All the stupas are similar. Without balcony, they all have single entrance. Most sandstone parts, such as lintels, door column, pilasters, are well carved. The front stupas are made of brick and decorated with stucco. The principle stupa houses a carved lintel depicting Dances of Shiva on stage with three swans over kirtimukha, and Ganesh, Brahma, Narai, and Uma are under the kirtimukha. The door columns depict angels and door guardians. The lintel depicting Dances of Shiva is considered the most beautiful one among those found in Thailand and Cambodia. Two lintels are found from the minor stupas and now they are kept in Phimai National Museum (They are in Surin National Museum now) One depicts God Krisna killing elephant and half-elephant half-lion creature. Another one depicts God Krisna killing a half-elephant half-lion creature.

Art styles shown on the columns and stupas are mixed between Bapuan (1007-1107 A.D.) and Angkor Wat (1107-1157 A.D.). Thus, this sanctuary was probably built in the mid of 12th Century or early Angkor Wat era. Firstly, it was built in Shivism of Hundu, and later adapted into Buddhist temple in the 17th Century or late Ayutthaya period. Si Khoraphum is open daily between 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The admission fee is 40 baht for foreigner.

Amphoe Lamduan

Tapiang Tia Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทตะเปียงเตีย The stupa is located in Mu 2, Tambon Chok Nuea, in the compound of Wat Prasat Thepnimit, 7 kilometres off highway 2077 at km. 33-34. The rectangular stupa has 5 lotus-shape peaks. The brick stupa was adapted in Laotian style during late Ayutthaya period (Tapiang Tia means duck pond).

Amphoe Sangkha

Phum Pon Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทภูมิโปน Located at Ban Phum Pon, Tambon Dom, the Khmer ruins comprises 4 stupas, 3 made from bricks and one made from laterite. The stupas were built in at least two eras. The biggest and the northern stupas are the oldest Khmer ruins found in Thailand, around the 8th Century. The small stupas at the mid and southern one on laterite base were built later. Like other religious sites built in the same era, probably, Phum Pon Khmer Ruins was built in Shivism although none of Shiva Linga is found in the stupa, the holy-water pipe is found attached to the base of idol, on the ground of the middle room. How to get there: use highway 2077 (Surin-Sangkha Road) for 49 kilometres. From Amphoe Sangkha, get into highway 2124 (Sangkha- Buachet Road) and keep going for 10 kilometres to Ban Phum Pon, the Khmer ruins is on the left by the road.

Yai Ngao Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทยายเหงา Located at Ban Sangkha, Tambon Sangkha, the Khmer ruins comprises two stupas facing east and standing in north-south direction. The brick stupas stand on laterite base and decorated with carved brick gable depicting ‘Makorn’, the fairy animals mixed from lion, elephant, and fish, holding five-headed naga in its mouth. By its lay out, there should be three stupas, but today only two remain. Decorations from the carved sandstone stupa’s peak, door columns are displayed at the front lawn. How to get there: The Khmer ruins is 4 km from Amphoe Sangkha, via highway 24 (Chok Chai-Det Udom). It is 800 metres off the main road at km. 189-190 via dirt track.

Pa Son Nong Khu Forest Park. วนอุทยานป่าสนหนองคู Located in Tambon Thap Than, the park covered the area of approximately 6250 rais. The Royal Forest Department declared this forest park on October 29, 1981. Pa Son Nong Ku is forest located on the plain. During the rainy season, water hold in some areas. It’s surrounded by paddy fields. There is a clue showing that this area used to be very abundant forest in the past. There are Pinus mergusii grown all over the area, mixed with the Dry Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest. Most of trees species found are Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Dipterocarpus tuberculatus, Shorea roxburghii, Irvingia malayana and Anisoptera costata. Presently, there is only small animal available such as squirrel, Malayan flying lemur, wild rabbit, snake, dove, coucal and myna. Hornbill has been found sometimes. Nowaday, the Royal Forest Department has been establishing the Pine Study Centre.

How to get there: The park is 35 km from Surin City via highway 2077 (Surin-Sangkha Road).

Amphoe Chom Phra

Chom Phra Khmer Ruins. ปราสาทจ��มพระ Located in Mu 4, Tambon Chom Phra, the Khmer ruins once was shrine of Khmer hospital. With strong and complete structure, the east-facing stupa is built from laterite and decorated with sandstone. Like majority of shrine of Khmer’s hospital, it comprises square-shape stupa with balcony and a library at front. It stands inside the wall with cross-shape gate and a pond outside. Significant antique found include a head of Bodhisattva Avalokitesavara statue and statue of Vajrasattva, which are found also at the shrine of Khmer hospital in Amphoe Phimai and Wat Ku Kaeo’s stupa, Khon Kaen. These antiques are idols of Mahayana Buddhism. They were built in Bayon Art style (around 1177-1237 A.D.) which was widely applied during the reign of King Chaya Varaman VII. How to get there: The Khmer Ruins is 26 km from Surin City, via highway 214 (Surin-Roi Et Road). From Amphoe Chom Phra, turn right at intersection and head to Wat Pa Prasat Chom Phra a kilometre away.

Amphoe Tha Tum

Surin��s elephant village. หมู่บ้านช้างจังหวัดสุรินทร์ Located in Mu 9 and 13, Ban Ta Klang, Tambon Krapho, the village can be reached via highway 214 (Surin-Roi Et Rd.). Turn left at km. 36 before Amphoe Tha Tum, and keep going for 22 kilometres. Around the village is rice paddies and forest which are good for elephant.

Ta Klang villager is descendant of Suay, or Kuay Ethnic group, who has gift in capturing, training and keeping elephant. In the past, villager captured wild elephant from Thailand-Cambodia border, today, uncertain political situation disallows them to capture any more elephant. However, Ta Klang people remain keeping and training elephant to join the Elephant Round-up. Unlike northern Thailand where elephant is kept for labour, Ta Klang people consider elephant as their friends who can share the same house. Visitor to Ban Ta Klang can witness elephant which share shelter with its owner, and the way of life of Suay people, or talk with veteran elephant specialist who has captured may elephants. Sluggish economic drives elephants and its mahouts to work outside the village, and come back before the Elephant Round-up. The best time to visit Ban Ta Klang is November and December.

The village has Elephant Museum which features exhibition regarding village history and tools for capturing elephant. Elephant training show is held once weekly on Saturday at 9.00-11.00 a.m. Visitors can enjoy elephant riding in the afternoon to the Moon River, and watch elephant bathing in twilight at Wang Thalu. Elephant show can be arrange for group tourist by booking in advance at Kamnan Tambon Krapho (081-967-5015, 0-4451-2925) or Elephant Education Center Tel. 0 4414 5050.

Do

Festival

Surin Jasmine Rice and Silk Cloth Fair. งานวันข้าวหอมมะลิ��ินทรีย์และมหกรรมผ้าไหมสุรินทร์ Held every January, the fair features contest of agricultural products, silk cloth, and performances of public bodies.

Thai Elephant Day (งานวันช้างไทย) The light and sound show about the legend of Thai elephants and traditional entertainment will be annually held on 13th march.

Going up Phanom Sawai Mountain Festival (งานประเพณีขึ้นเขาพนมสวาย) This annual festival is the parade of traditional art and culture to Phanom Sawai mountain in order to pay respect to Phra Yai, the intimate Buddha’s footprint, Luang Phu Dun, and Wat Phanom Silaram. It will be held on March of every year.

Si Khoraphum Khmer Ruins Celebration and Loi Krathong. งานฉลองปราสาทศีขรภูมิและงานประเพณีลอยกระทง The annual celebration is held every third weekend of November at Si Khoraphum Khmer Ruins. The celebration features performance, lifestyle of ethnic people (Khmer, Lao, and Suay), local performances, souvenir market, beauty contest, Krathong contest and float.

Elephant Round-Up and Surin Red Cross Fair. งานช้างและกาชาดสุรินทร์ The annual fair is held every third week of November at Si Narong Stadium. Since ancient time, Surin is rich of elephant. Suay ethnic people has turned wild elephant into their vehicles and their talent in elephant controlling has made debut for Thailand. When Elephant Round-up was initiated in 1960, it has putted Surin on the world map for tourist from around the world.

The Round-up features contest of elephant’s dining table, elephant welcome float, the world’s biggest dining event of the elephant, and performance such as elephant capture, tug of war between elephant and men, elephant football match, war elephant, and local performances such as Ruam An-re and Kantrum.

Eel Festival. เทศกาลงานปลาไหล The fair is held at the field of Amphoe Chumphon Buri every third week of December, after the harvest when eel is big enough for the catch. Farmer normally can catch lots of eel at that time, and it turns yellow and not smells fishy.

Ordination parade on elephant’s back. งานประเพณีบวชนาคแห่ช้าง The vibrant tradition is held mostly on the 13th-15th day of waxing moon of May (around mid of May) at Wat Chaeng Sawang, Ban Ta Klang, Amphoe Tha Tum. Khmer, Laotian, and Suay speople are all Buddhist. All families wish their sons to enter monkshood and study dhamma before wedding. Ordination of many monks at the same time and parade on elephant’s back in long distance means great merit for all families. As all participants always dress up beautifully with mat-mi silk, the tradition earns lots of interest and inherited for generations. The parade comprises big parade of more than 50 elephants crossing Moon River. The men entering monkshood will have their heads shaved, pay homage to Chao Pho Wang Thalu Shrine before starting the ordination.

Long Boat Racing Festival (งานประเพณีชิงถ้วยพระราชทาน) To be Organized in October every year. Four types of racing for the royal trophy and the contest of boat beauty parade will be organized on Maenam Mun in front of Wat Pho, Amphoe Tha Tum.

Buy

Local products and souvenir

Surin is famed for high quality silk cloth which is unique by delicate weaving process, outstanding pattern and dye. The production bases of silk cloth are in many villages which open its gate to welcome visitor to witness the production process and enjoy shopping. Moreover, the province is famous for its food.

Nong Ying (น้องหญิง) 54 Chit Bamrung Rd. Tambon Nai Mueang tel. 0-4451-1606.
Khun Nga (คุณหงา) 94 Chit Bamrung Rd. at entrance of Phetchkasem Theatre tel. 0-4451-3433.
Mai Surin (ไหมสุรินทร์) 98 Chit Bamrung Rd. at entrance of Phetchkasem Theatre tel. 0-4451-3897.
Ruean Mai Bai Mon (เรือนไหม ใบหม่อน) 162 Chit Bamrung Rd. tel. 0-4451-2159.
Chek Ming Mai Thai (เจ็กมิ้��ไหมไทย) 355 Chit Bamrung Rd. tel. 0-4451-1685.
Surin Mai Thai (สุรินทร์ไหมไทย) 361-363 Chit Bamrung Rd. tel. 0-4451-2159.
Pha Mai Surin (ผ้าไหมสุรินทร์) 151 Thanasarn Rd. tel. 0-4451-1676, 0-4451-2279.
Lim E Hiang (ลิ้มอี่เฮียง) Thanasarn Rd. tel. 0-4451-1366 (sweet sticky candy, Chinese sausage, dry shredded pork, crispy pork)
Saharot (สหรส) 119 Krung Si Nai Rd. tel. 0-4451-1775 (Chinese sausage, dry shredded pork, crispy pork)
Hiang Hiang (เฮียง เฮียง) 95 Krung Si Nai Rd. (Sweetened Chinese radish, Chinese sausage, dry shredded pork, crispy pork)

Tour Agency

Saren Travel and Tour (สะเร็น ทราเวล แอนด์ ทัวร์) Tel. 0 4452 0174, 0 4472 3828
Mueang Chang Tour (เมืองช้างทัวร์) Tel. 0 4456 1623
Phakphum Tour (ภาคภูมิทัวร์) Tel. 08 6865 8343
Akeanan Sun Tour (เอกอนันต์ทัวร์) Tel. 08 9423 1171
Sawatdi Phuean Thai Tour (สวัสดีเพื่อนไทยทัวร์) Tel. 0 4451 5172

Itinerary

Recommended tour programme

8AM Leave Surin via Surin-Prasat Rd.
8AM Visit Ban Pluang Khmer Ruins.
9AM Leave of Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak, visit Ta Muean Group of Khmer ruins, then visit Chong Chom border market in Amphoe Kab Cherng.
12PM Lunch time.
1PM Leave to visit Ban Buthom rattan basketry village, Si Khoraphume Khmer Ruins in Amphoe Si Khoraphum.
3PM Leave for handicraft village Ban Khwao Sinarin and watch the silk and silver ornament.
5PM Get back.
6PM Dinner at Huai Saneng Reservoir.

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 11:13, 13 February 2010 (EST)