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

Capital City Attractions

Wat Burapharam contains an image of the Buddha subduing Mara; Luang Pho Phra Chi is most revered by Surin people. It is not known when the images were created. Wat Burapharam is assumed to be constructed in Thonburi or early Rattanakosin Period, dating back some 200 years.

Phanom Sawai Forest Park is located about 22 kilometers from Surin City Hall. The park's major attraction is a triple-peaked hill. The first peak called Phanom Preah is where Wat Khao Phanom Sawai sits among shady surroundings. It also enshrines an image of the Buddha bestowing favors known as Phra Phuttha Surin Mongkhon. The second peak is Phanom Srei topped by a medium-sized Buddha image. The third, Phanom Krol, is topped by an eight-porched hall in which an imitation of the Buddha's Holy Footprint is contained. The hill has been regarded as a sacred place by the townspeople who, on the first day of the new moon in the fifth lunar month, walk up to the hilltop to pay homage. The day is a traditional holiday for Surin people.

Provincial Attractions

Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village is located about 58 kilometers from Surin. The principal occupation of the Suay people is to round up, train, and raise elephants. The Suays are believed to have immigrated to Thailand from Central Asia in the early 9th century and were the first people to use elephants for construction work, particularly building Khmer temples. Nowadays, the elephants are trained to perform in the annual Surin Elephant Round-up. Ban Ta Klang is also situated among beautiful surroundings with white sandy beach where the Mun and Chi rivers meet. Here, visitors can enjoy a daily elephant training show during October-November. An Elephant Museum was constructed at Ban Ta Klang under TAT's sponsorship to gather all elephant-related information and implements used in the Round-up.

Silk Weaving Villages are located throughout the province. They are renowned for local hand-woven silk and hand-crafted gold and silver beads which are also put on sale. The villagers raise their own silkworms, the source of silk threads they weave.

Ban Bu Thom Basketry Village is situated about 12 kilometers outside the city. Out of rice growing season, the villagers' additional occupation is rattan basketry weaving. The village is renowned for its fine craft.

Festivals

The Surin Elephant Round-Up takes place during November. Surin has been an elephant's habitat since ancient times and the local townspeople of Surin are skilled in rounding up, training and controlling elephants. The famous ' Elephant Round-Up' was first held in 1960 and Surin has ever since become well-known among Thai and foreign visitors alike. The fair is regarded as an international event which attracts numbers of tourists from every corner of the world. Planned activities during the fair include a tug-of-war between an elephant and men, elephants in football match, war elephant parade, and local performances.

Accommodation

Thong Tarin Hotel
60 Sirirat Rd. [Tel: 0 4451 4281] 720-810 baht

Phetkasem Hotel
Jit Bamrung Rd. [Tel: 0 4451 1274] 450-550 baht

Memorial Hotel
Lak Muang Rd. [Tel: 0 4451 1637] 300-600 baht

Dining

Farang Connection is an oasis of Western food and drink and also serves some unusual ostrich items. 257/11 Jitbumroong Rd.

Samrubtonkreang serves delicious Thai dishes. Jitbumroong Rd.

Ying Di offers stir-fried and rice dishes. Thanasan Rd.

Night Market vendors sell a great variety of foods. Krung Si Nai Rd.