Surin Attractions
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.
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.
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Surin Elephant Festival
Surin is famous for its fine elephant trainers and guides. The Elephant show in Surin makes for a popular national folk festival and involves 200 elephants contesting on the basis of skill, strength and obedience.
Surin Surroundings
Prasat Ta Muen
To visit the most important Khmer temples of this regions requires certain navigational skills. The Prasat Ta Muen is situated south of Surin (on Highway 214) near the border with Cambodia at the town of Ban Ta Muang; it is advisable to enquire about security in advance at the TAT office in Surin (local guide). This 10th c. temple has several well preserved prangs.
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Sikoraphum
This former Khmer village.s reveals partially restored temple grounds, including an 11th C temple.
Prasat Phnum Pon
A few kilometers south of Sangkha at Ban Dom are the ruins of a very early Khmer temple, the Prasat Phnum Pon (7th c.). Lintels and columns display noteworthy sculpture (garlands, blossom and medallions decorated with leaves).
Prasat Pluang
The north-east of Thailand, especially the strip between the railway line to Ubon Ratchathani and the Cambodian border, is scattered with important Khmer ruins. Approximately 30 km (19 mi.) south of the town near Prasat is the Prasat Pluang, an 11th c. Khmer temple. A square tower on a pedestal with artistically sculptured lintels and surrounded by water basins has been preserved.
Prasat Yai Ngao
From Prasat Pluang Highway 24 heads east to Sangkha (51 km (32 mi.)) and the Prasat Yai Ngao, which consists of two brick prangs decorated with sculptures (five-headed naga).
Wat Prasat Chang Pi
The same layout as Sikoraphum can be seen at the site of the Wat Prasat Chang Pi 12 km (7 mi.) west of Sikoraphum, to the right of Highway 226 to Surin and the railway line.
