Surin
The provincial town of Surin, situated in a broad plain of the Khorat Plateau in eastern Thailand, is the center of the Thai silk and weaving industry, built partly on the foundations of an old Khmer settlement. Every November it is the setting for
the Elephant Festival which attracts thousands of visitors. During this period Surin is bursting at its seams but for the rest of the year it is a quiet, peaceful town from where some important Khmer temples can be visited (good tourist amenities owing to the elephant festival).
By car: from Bangkok on highways 1/2/24, from Prasat Highway 214 (460 km (289 mi.)).
By bus: several times daily from Ubon Ratchathani.
By rail: station on the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani line (420 km (261 mi.), 6-8 hours). Special trains operate from Bangkok to Surin for the Elephant Festival (reservations through tour operators).
The important Khmer temples of Wat Prasat Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tam (see Prakhon Chai) can be reached easily from Surin.