Surin, Thailand

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Surin is world-famous for the Elephant Roundup and for its many Khmer sanctuaries, wide variety of handicrafts, its silk, its rich cultures and its first ruler, Phraya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Wang, from whom the town got its name. Phra Surin, a member of the Suay tribe, became leader in 1760 when he was instrumental in recapturing an escaped royal white elephant, as legend goes.

The province is separated from neighboring Cambodia by the Banthat Mountains. During the 1970s, the period of Khmer Rouge terrorization, thousands of Cambodian refugees crossed into Surin and took up residence alongside already established Laotian refugees, Thais, and Suay tribespeople. Though many refugees have been repatriated, some opted to remain.

Surin is 457 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of 8,124 square kilometres. It is divided into the following districts: Muang, Chumphon Buri, Tha Tum, Chom Phra, Prasat, Kap Choeng, Rattanaburi, Sanom, Si Khoraphum, Sangkha, Samrong Thap, Buachet, Lamduan, Si Narong, Phanom Dong Rak, Khwao Sinarin and Non Narai.

Surin is 457 kilometers far from Bangkok by car and 420 kilometers by train, and is 194 kilometers far from Nakhon Ratchasima by car and 170 kilometers by train. Surin covers a total area of 8,124 square kilometers and is divided into 13 Amphoes (districts), 3 king Amphoes (Sub districts).
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History:
Despite its long historical background. There is so far no precise evidence to prove the origin of Surin Province. It has only been narrated for generations that Surin was built some 2,000 years ago when the ancient Khmer dominated the region. Surin was abandoned after the incline of the Khmer Kingdom. Later in 1763, a village at Ban Muang Thi was moved to Ban Khu Prathai where Surin is presently situated. The village was consequently upgraded to be ' Muang Prathai Saman' and its leader, Luang Surin Phakdi, appointed Phra Surin Phakdi Si Narong Chang Wang, the Governor.

In 1786 during the reign of King Rama I, Muang Prathai Saman was renamed 'Muang surin' after the title of its Governor.


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.


How To get there:
By Bus
В From Bangkok, there are daily buses leaving the Northern Bus Terminal. Traveling takes about 6 hours. For more information please contact Tel. 2710101-5 (Non air - conditioned buses) and Tel. 2794484-7 (Air conditioned bus).

By Train
There are trains leaving Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong) daily. The distance is 420 kilometers.В 
For further details please call Information counter, State Railway of Thailand, Tel. 2337010, 2337020
There is also local bus service from the provincial city of Surin to all Amphoes and to nearby provinces. Traveling within Amphoe Muang is also possible by tricycle.

By Car
Drive along the Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) and turn right to the Highway 2 (Mitraphap Road) at Saraburi, then turn to the Chok Chai-Det Udom route (the Highway 24) via Amphoe Nang Rong and Amphoe Prasat before turning left to the Highway 214 to Surin Province. The total distance is 457 kilometers.