Bordering
on the Kampuchean boundary, Surin today is well-known for its annual Elephant
Round-Up, which usually takes place in the third week of November and attracts
visitors from all over the world. It is 457 kilometers from Bangkok.
Places of Interest
Located at Amphoe Sikhoraphum, the Prasat Sikhoraphum is composed of five prang (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.
A small stone castle 28 kilometers from Surin town, the Prasat Hin Chom Phra probably used to be an idol temple built by the Khom. Today a large Buddha image is enshrined in front of the structure.
Situated at Amphoe Prasat, the Prasat Hin Ban Pluang is a little over thirty kilometers from Surin proper. Although comparatively small in size, it is nevertheless beautiful and recently renovated.
Elephant Village Many elephants can be found at Ban Ta Klang, Tambon Krapho, Amphoe Tha Toom. The villagers here earn their living by farming and weaving, they also feed elephants as pet. 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 "The Elephant Round-Up" and many clever elephants participating in the show are from Ban Tha Klang.
Silverware Villages, Ban Khwao Sinarin and Ban Chok located on the Highway 214 (Surin-Chom Phra route) with a 4 km. right turn between kms. 14-15, the 2 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 side of the road.
Basketry Village, Ban Buthum 14 km. from the province on the Highway 226 (Surin-Sikhoraphum route). The village produces rattan baskets of various types. Basketry shops line both sides of the road.