Surin Festivals and Events

Festivals and Events

Surin is not the most picturesque spot on the Earth, but it does have a few, small attractions.

Surin National Museum - as at May 2007 this Museum was not yet complete, however, it looks to be a good museum. It lies on the outskirts of town, a ride from anywhere else in Surin is a must.

Silk Village

Statue of the founder of Surin

Wats - Surin has several.

Elephant training village - at Tha Tum, about 60 km away.

Khmer era temples

These stretch from the border westwards to Buriram Province. There are few organised tours (tourism is not overly big in Isaan). You can always find an (expensive) rental car, with driver, at your hotel, or it is possible to visit the major temples by using the local public transport system (this is very cheap). Ask you hotel or guest house for instructions. (Most signs at the bus and train station are in Thai, however, the staff are very helpful.)

Prasat Ta Meuan - a complex of three structures built in the 12th–13th centuries around the time of the Cambodian king Jayavarman VII. The largest building is Prasat Ta Meuan Thom. It is surrounded by an outer wall, and contains a large central, rectangular building on a north-south axis. To the south is Prasat Ta Meuan Toht, a smaller structure, with an outer wall. The last and smallest of three is Prasat Ta Meuan, a small building with no wall, approx 15m x 5m in size. All of these buildings show signs of disrepair and looting. A return journey by taxi to the complex will cost you 2000 baht (April 2007). There are occasional excursion buses, when there is sufficient interest. Check with your hotel or travel agent. There is no on-site English language assistance, nor much information about the complex. There may still be unexploded land mines from the days of the Khmer Rouge. Stay on the paths and do not wander into the surrounding jungle. Entry is free.

Prasat Sikhoraphum - a set of temple ruins in a quiet surroundings, can be reached by bus or train (30km, 1 hour plus)

Prasat Hin Phluang - a collection of several minor ruins near the Cambodian border; private transport (watch out for landmines!)

Prasat Phumpon - a small and jumbled collection of ruins (60km)