Surin

Information by: TAT SurinTourist Information Division (Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext. 2141-5)Design & Printed by: Marketing Services Department.The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice.2015 Copyright. No commercial reprinting of this material allowed.MAY 2017

24 hrs. EverydayE-mail: info@tat.or.thwww.tourismthailand.org

Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center

SURIN

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins

Ordination parade on elephant’s back Silk

Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins

Luk Pa Kueam

Surin National Museum

Huai Saneng Reservoir

Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center

SURIN

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins

Ordination parade on elephant’s back Silk

Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins

Luk Pa Kueam

Surin National Museum

Huai Saneng Reservoir

Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center

ผ้าไหมโบราณ

CONTENTS

HOW TO GET THERE 9

ATTRACTIONS 11

Amphoe Mueang Surin 11

Amphoe Khwao Sinarin 21

Amphoe Chom Phra 22

Amphoe Tha Tum 22

Amphoe Sikhoraphum 24

Amphoe Lamduan 26

Amphoe Sangkha 28

Amphoe Buachet 30

Amphoe Kap Choeng 31

Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak 34

Amphoe Prasat 36

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS 38

LOCAL PRODUCTS 41

SOUVENIRS SHOPS 42

SUGGESTED ITINERARY 44

FACILITIES 47

Accommodations 47

Restaurants 51

MAPS 54

USEFUL CALLS 58

ผ้าไหมโบราณ

CONTENTS

HOW TO GET THERE 9

ATTRACTIONS 11

Amphoe Mueang Surin 11

Amphoe Khwao Sinarin 21

Amphoe Chom Phra 22

Amphoe Tha Tum 22

Amphoe Sikhoraphum 24

Amphoe Lamduan 26

Amphoe Sangkha 28

Amphoe Buachet 30

Amphoe Kap Choeng 31

Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak 34

Amphoe Prasat 36

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS 38

LOCAL PRODUCTS 41

SOUVENIRS SHOPS 42

SUGGESTED ITINERARY 44

FACILITIES 47

Accommodations 47

Restaurants 51

MAPS 54

USEFUL CALLS 58

7Surin

Thai Term GlossaryAmphoe : DistrictBan : VillageMaenam : RiverMueang : Town or CityPrang : Corn-shaped tower or sanctuarySong Thaeo : Pick-up trucks but with a roof over the backTalat : MarketTambon : SubdistrictTuk-Tuks : Three-wheeled motorized taxisUbosot or Bot : Ordination hall in a templeWihan : Image hall in a templeWat : Temple

Note: English spelling here given tries to approximate Thai Pronunciation. Posted signs may be spelled differently. When seeking help for direction, point to the Thai spelling given after each place name.

Surin is a big province on Mun River Basin in Lower Northeast of Thailand. It is well known, locally and international, for its elephant. The gigantic animal of Surin impresses everyone with loveliness, cleverness and creates unique character of the province. Surin people have long relationship with elephant which becomes icon of the province now. Plenty of Khmer Ruins, beautiful silk and famous jasmine rice make Surin a very interesting destination.

Phum Pon Khmer Ruins

The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum)

SURINThe land of big elephants, prestige silk, beautiful rosary, plenty of Khmer ruins,

sweet radish, fragrant rice, and rich culture.

7Surin

Thai Term GlossaryAmphoe : DistrictBan : VillageMaenam : RiverMueang : Town or CityPrang : Corn-shaped tower or sanctuarySong Thaeo : Pick-up trucks but with a roof over the backTalat : MarketTambon : SubdistrictTuk-Tuks : Three-wheeled motorized taxisUbosot or Bot : Ordination hall in a templeWihan : Image hall in a templeWat : Temple

Note: English spelling here given tries to approximate Thai Pronunciation. Posted signs may be spelled differently. When seeking help for direction, point to the Thai spelling given after each place name.

Surin is a big province on Mun River Basin in Lower Northeast of Thailand. It is well known, locally and international, for its elephant. The gigantic animal of Surin impresses everyone with loveliness, cleverness and creates unique character of the province. Surin people have long relationship with elephant which becomes icon of the province now. Plenty of Khmer Ruins, beautiful silk and famous jasmine rice make Surin a very interesting destination.

Phum Pon Khmer Ruins

The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum)

SURINThe land of big elephants, prestige silk, beautiful rosary, plenty of Khmer ruins,

sweet radish, fragrant rice, and rich culture.

8 9Surin Surin

In historical aspect, Surin’s story can be dated back thousands of year B.C. when Suay or Kuay ethnic group migrated along Mekong River to settle around Dongrek Range. Kuay ethnic people, found in Thailand and Laos, is talent in catching and training elephant. Some 2,000 years ago, during Khmer Era, Surin town was established. After the fall of Khmer Empire, the town was neglected until 1763, when Luang Surin Pakdi (Chiang Pum) headman of Mueang Thi Village, led his people to settle at Ban Khu

Prakai, in present Surin City. He was promoted as the first mayor later.

Surin is some 457 kilometres from Bangkok. The province acquires total area of 8,124 square kilometres and it can be divided into 17 Amphoes namely Mueang Surin, Khwao Sinarin, Chom Phra, Tha Tum, Chumphon Buri, Rattanaburi, Non Narai, Sanom, Samrong Thap, Sikhoraphum, Si Narong, Lamduan, Sangkha, Buachet, Kap Choeng, Phanom Dong Rak, Prasat.

BoundaryNorth connects to Roi Et and Maha SarakhamEast connects to Si Sa KetSouth connects to CambodiaWest connects to Buri Ram

Distances from Surin to nearbyprovincesRoi Et 137 KilometresMaha Sarakham 177 KilometresSi Sa Ket 105 KilometresBuri Ram 50 Kilometres

Distances from Amphoe Mueang Surin to other districtsKhwao Sinarin 21 KilometresChom Phra 30 KilometresTha Tum 53 KilometresChumphon Buri 92 Kilometres

Rattanaburi 74 KilometresNon Narai 74 KilometresSanom 52 KilometresSamrong Thap 54 KilometresSikhoraphum 36 KilometresSi Narong 61 KilometresLamduan 27 KilometresSangkha 50 KilometresBuachet 67 KilometresKap Choeng 58 KilometresPhanom Dong Rak 66 KilometresPrasat 30 Kilometres

TransportationBy Car: From Bangkok, there are 2 routes:1. Take Highway No. 1 (Pahonyothin Road) and get into Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) at Saraburi. Use Highway No. 24 (Chok Chai - Det Udom) via Amphoe Nang Rong, Prasat, then turn left into highway No. 214 to Surin. This route is 457 kilometres long.

Surin Bus Station

Surin Railway Station

8 9Surin Surin

In historical aspect, Surin’s story can be dated back thousands of year B.C. when Suay or Kuay ethnic group migrated along Mekong River to settle around Dongrek Range. Kuay ethnic people, found in Thailand and Laos, is talent in catching and training elephant. Some 2,000 years ago, during Khmer Era, Surin town was established. After the fall of Khmer Empire, the town was neglected until 1763, when Luang Surin Pakdi (Chiang Pum) headman of Mueang Thi Village, led his people to settle at Ban Khu

Prakai, in present Surin City. He was promoted as the first mayor later.

Surin is some 457 kilometres from Bangkok. The province acquires total area of 8,124 square kilometres and it can be divided into 17 Amphoes namely Mueang Surin, Khwao Sinarin, Chom Phra, Tha Tum, Chumphon Buri, Rattanaburi, Non Narai, Sanom, Samrong Thap, Sikhoraphum, Si Narong, Lamduan, Sangkha, Buachet, Kap Choeng, Phanom Dong Rak, Prasat.

BoundaryNorth connects to Roi Et and Maha SarakhamEast connects to Si Sa KetSouth connects to CambodiaWest connects to Buri Ram

Distances from Surin to nearbyprovincesRoi Et 137 KilometresMaha Sarakham 177 KilometresSi Sa Ket 105 KilometresBuri Ram 50 Kilometres

Distances from Amphoe Mueang Surin to other districtsKhwao Sinarin 21 KilometresChom Phra 30 KilometresTha Tum 53 KilometresChumphon Buri 92 Kilometres

Rattanaburi 74 KilometresNon Narai 74 KilometresSanom 52 KilometresSamrong Thap 54 KilometresSikhoraphum 36 KilometresSi Narong 61 KilometresLamduan 27 KilometresSangkha 50 KilometresBuachet 67 KilometresKap Choeng 58 KilometresPhanom Dong Rak 66 KilometresPrasat 30 Kilometres

TransportationBy Car: From Bangkok, there are 2 routes:1. Take Highway No. 1 (Pahonyothin Road) and get into Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) at Saraburi. Use Highway No. 24 (Chok Chai - Det Udom) via Amphoe Nang Rong, Prasat, then turn left into highway No. 214 to Surin. This route is 457 kilometres long.

Surin Bus Station

Surin Railway Station

10 11Surin Surin

2. Take Highway No. 1 (Pahonyothin Road) and get into Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) at Saraburi via Nakhon Ratchasima. Use Highway No. 226, via Amphoe Chakkrarat, Huai Thalaeng, Lam Plai Mat, Buri Ram to Surin. This route is 434 kilometres long.

By Bus: From the Northern Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Kamphaeng Phet II Road) in Bangkok. There are many bus to Surin everyday. For more information contact- The Transport Co., Ltd Tel. 1490, 0 2936 2852-66, Surin Branch Tel. 0 4451 5344 www.transport.co.th - Kitchakan Ratchasima Tour Co., Tel. 0 4451 2161

- Nakhon Chai Air Co., Tel. 1624, Surin Branch Tel. 0 4451 5151 www.nca.co.th- Sawasdee Surin Co., Tel. 0 2936 9994, 06 1647 6999 Surin Branch Tel. 0 4453 0099, 06 1647 6888 For more information contact Surin Bus Station Tel. 0 4451 1756

By train: A train service is available from the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) to Surin everyday. For more information, Tel. 1690, 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4444. Surin Railway Station Tel. 0 4451 1295, 0 4451 5393 www.railway.co.th

By Air: There are two airlines operating flights from Donmueang International Airport in

Bangkok to Buri Ram Airport, the nearest airport near Surin, as follows: - Thai Air Asia Tel. 0 2515 9999, www.airasia.com, routing Bangkok (Don Mueang)-Surin, with a shuttle van service provided between the Buri Ram Airport and the Airline’s transfer hub at The Chang Knowledge Park in Surin. - Nok Air Tel. 1318, www.nokair.com, routing Bangkok (Don Mueang)-Surin, with a shuttle van service provided between the Buri Ram Airport and the Airline’s transfer hub at the Surin Majestic Hotel in Surin.

Transportation in SurinFor getting around in Surin city, song thaeo, tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxi is available. Moreover, there are public bus and van from Surin Bus Station to other districts in Surin. For more information contact Surin Bus Station, Tel. 0 4451 1756

Transportation from Surin to nearby provincesThere are public bus and van services from Surin Bus Terminal to Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Rayong, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai and Phuket. For more information contact Surin Bus Station, Tel. 0 4451 1756

AttractionsAmphoe Mueang SurinCity Pillar Shrine of Surin (ศาลหลักเมืองสุรินทร์) is located on Lak Mueang road, Tambon Nai Mueang, 500 metres west of city hall. The shrine is a sacred icon of the city. At first, the shrine did not house any pillar. In 1968, the Fine Arts Department has designed a new city shrine and got golden cassia log from Mr. Prasith Maneekan, Amphoe Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi, and made it the city pillar. The log is 3 metres long and 1 metre long in circumcircle. The rite and celebration took place on March 15, 1974.

The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum) (อนุสาวรีย์พระยาสุรินทรภักดีศรีณรงค์จางวาง (ปุม)) is located on Surin-Prasat road, Tambon Nai Mueang. The statue of Surin’s first mayor was built to honor Phaya Surin, who played

City Pillar Shrine of Surin

City Pillar Shrine of Surin

10 11Surin Surin

2. Take Highway No. 1 (Pahonyothin Road) and get into Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) at Saraburi via Nakhon Ratchasima. Use Highway No. 226, via Amphoe Chakkrarat, Huai Thalaeng, Lam Plai Mat, Buri Ram to Surin. This route is 434 kilometres long.

By Bus: From the Northern Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Kamphaeng Phet II Road) in Bangkok. There are many bus to Surin everyday. For more information contact- The Transport Co., Ltd Tel. 1490, 0 2936 2852-66, Surin Branch Tel. 0 4451 5344 www.transport.co.th - Kitchakan Ratchasima Tour Co., Tel. 0 4451 2161

- Nakhon Chai Air Co., Tel. 1624, Surin Branch Tel. 0 4451 5151 www.nca.co.th- Sawasdee Surin Co., Tel. 0 2936 9994, 06 1647 6999 Surin Branch Tel. 0 4453 0099, 06 1647 6888 For more information contact Surin Bus Station Tel. 0 4451 1756

By train: A train service is available from the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) to Surin everyday. For more information, Tel. 1690, 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4444. Surin Railway Station Tel. 0 4451 1295, 0 4451 5393 www.railway.co.th

By Air: There are two airlines operating flights from Donmueang International Airport in

Bangkok to Buri Ram Airport, the nearest airport near Surin, as follows: - Thai Air Asia Tel. 0 2515 9999, www.airasia.com, routing Bangkok (Don Mueang)-Surin, with a shuttle van service provided between the Buri Ram Airport and the Airline’s transfer hub at The Chang Knowledge Park in Surin. - Nok Air Tel. 1318, www.nokair.com, routing Bangkok (Don Mueang)-Surin, with a shuttle van service provided between the Buri Ram Airport and the Airline’s transfer hub at the Surin Majestic Hotel in Surin.

Transportation in SurinFor getting around in Surin city, song thaeo, tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxi is available. Moreover, there are public bus and van from Surin Bus Station to other districts in Surin. For more information contact Surin Bus Station, Tel. 0 4451 1756

Transportation from Surin to nearby provincesThere are public bus and van services from Surin Bus Terminal to Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Rayong, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai and Phuket. For more information contact Surin Bus Station, Tel. 0 4451 1756

AttractionsAmphoe Mueang SurinCity Pillar Shrine of Surin (ศาลหลักเมืองสุรินทร์) is located on Lak Mueang road, Tambon Nai Mueang, 500 metres west of city hall. The shrine is a sacred icon of the city. At first, the shrine did not house any pillar. In 1968, the Fine Arts Department has designed a new city shrine and got golden cassia log from Mr. Prasith Maneekan, Amphoe Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi, and made it the city pillar. The log is 3 metres long and 1 metre long in circumcircle. The rite and celebration took place on March 15, 1974.

The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum) (อนุสาวรีย์พระยาสุรินทรภักดีศรีณรงค์จางวาง (ปุม)) is located on Surin-Prasat road, Tambon Nai Mueang. The statue of Surin’s first mayor was built to honor Phaya Surin, who played

City Pillar Shrine of Surin

City Pillar Shrine of Surin

12 13Surin Surin

significant role in Surin’s history. It is situated at southern gate, which once was inner city wall. The antique brass statue is 2.2 metres high with curve-blade pike in right hand, mirroring his excellent skill in controlling war elephant and prosperity of elephant in Surin since ancient time. The statue holds a pair of sword on the back, showing warrior bravery which was his heritage to all Surin descendants.

back to Thon Buri or Rattanakorin era over 200 years ago, as old as Surin city. The city houses principle Buddha image Luang Pho Phra Chi, 4-feet wide Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara, which was built at the same time with the temple. Moreover, the temple has the museum of Luang Pu Dun, famous senior monk who once was Surin’s chief of Dham-mayuth sect. The museum features statue of

Luang Pu Dun and his ashes for visitor can pay homage to.

Surin National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติสุรินทร์) is located in Tambon Chaniang. The museum features five areas namely geography, archeology, city history, ethnology, and heritages of the province.

1. Geography section features physical of Surin

The monument was officially opened on April 13, 1985. Nearby, close to the moat, is elephant monument and Pakam Spirit Shrine to presents history of the city.

Wat Burapharam (วดับรูพาราม) is located on Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, close to the city hall. The ancient Buddhist temple was built by Surin’s first mayor Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang. It can be dated

The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum)

Wat Burapharam

12 13Surin Surin

significant role in Surin’s history. It is situated at southern gate, which once was inner city wall. The antique brass statue is 2.2 metres high with curve-blade pike in right hand, mirroring his excellent skill in controlling war elephant and prosperity of elephant in Surin since ancient time. The statue holds a pair of sword on the back, showing warrior bravery which was his heritage to all Surin descendants.

back to Thon Buri or Rattanakorin era over 200 years ago, as old as Surin city. The city houses principle Buddha image Luang Pho Phra Chi, 4-feet wide Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara, which was built at the same time with the temple. Moreover, the temple has the museum of Luang Pu Dun, famous senior monk who once was Surin’s chief of Dham-mayuth sect. The museum features statue of

Luang Pu Dun and his ashes for visitor can pay homage to.

Surin National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติสุรินทร์) is located in Tambon Chaniang. The museum features five areas namely geography, archeology, city history, ethnology, and heritages of the province.

1. Geography section features physical of Surin

The monument was officially opened on April 13, 1985. Nearby, close to the moat, is elephant monument and Pakam Spirit Shrine to presents history of the city.

Wat Burapharam (วดับรูพาราม) is located on Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, close to the city hall. The ancient Buddhist temple was built by Surin’s first mayor Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang. It can be dated

The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum)

Wat Burapharam

14 15Surin Surin

including tomography, climate, geology, soil science, natural resources such as earth, water, forest, wildlife, and national parks. Moreover, it features rice and rice farming, as Surin is of the best place for growing Jasmine Rice.

2. Archeology section features development of people, lifestyle including the second funeral in pre-historical period, antique from Dvaravati, Khmer, and Ayutthaya-Lanchang found in Surin. There are replica of ancient sites presented with motion picture to educate museum goer in the area of archelogy and art history found in Surin.

3. City History section features history of Surin city from past to present in the presentation boxes. From Kuay ethnic group who caught white elephant escaped from Ayutthaya until Surin City was well established. Other topics include administration reform, significant

incidents such as white elephant catching, the first arrival of train to Surin, market at the first stage, education in the past.

4. Ethnology section features four major ethnic groups in Surin namely Suay or Kuay who has excellent skill in catching and training elephant, Khmer who is the native of the region, Laotian who is the latest migratory, and Thai Khorat who came from Nakhon Ratchasima. The pres-entation replicates lifestyle of different ethnic groups with replica houses, rites, photographs and picture about the traditions.

5. Heritages of the province. Surin is famed for its cultural heritages, which was handicrafts namely silver ornaments, silk cloth, traditional performances, and elephant raising. The later puts Surin on the world map. The presentation

of this section includes replica, photographs and motion pictures.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday (It is close on Monday to Tuesday and special holiday) from 09.00 am.-04.00 pm., the admission fee is 100 baht. For more information, Tel. 0 4451 3358.To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat Road). At km. 4, it is located on the left hand side.

Huai Saneng Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน�า้ห้วยเสนง) The reservoir of the irrigation project, has high and steep crest which is served as asphalted road. With impressive sun rise view, it is nice place Surin people always come for relax, enjoy dining, and exercise. Its southern area is rich of water lily which colonies of various birds.

Surin National Museum

Surin National Museum

Huai Saneng Reservoir

14 15Surin Surin

including tomography, climate, geology, soil science, natural resources such as earth, water, forest, wildlife, and national parks. Moreover, it features rice and rice farming, as Surin is of the best place for growing Jasmine Rice.

2. Archeology section features development of people, lifestyle including the second funeral in pre-historical period, antique from Dvaravati, Khmer, and Ayutthaya-Lanchang found in Surin. There are replica of ancient sites presented with motion picture to educate museum goer in the area of archelogy and art history found in Surin.

3. City History section features history of Surin city from past to present in the presentation boxes. From Kuay ethnic group who caught white elephant escaped from Ayutthaya until Surin City was well established. Other topics include administration reform, significant

incidents such as white elephant catching, the first arrival of train to Surin, market at the first stage, education in the past.

4. Ethnology section features four major ethnic groups in Surin namely Suay or Kuay who has excellent skill in catching and training elephant, Khmer who is the native of the region, Laotian who is the latest migratory, and Thai Khorat who came from Nakhon Ratchasima. The pres-entation replicates lifestyle of different ethnic groups with replica houses, rites, photographs and picture about the traditions.

5. Heritages of the province. Surin is famed for its cultural heritages, which was handicrafts namely silver ornaments, silk cloth, traditional performances, and elephant raising. The later puts Surin on the world map. The presentation

of this section includes replica, photographs and motion pictures.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday (It is close on Monday to Tuesday and special holiday) from 09.00 am.-04.00 pm., the admission fee is 100 baht. For more information, Tel. 0 4451 3358.To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat Road). At km. 4, it is located on the left hand side.

Huai Saneng Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน�า้ห้วยเสนง) The reservoir of the irrigation project, has high and steep crest which is served as asphalted road. With impressive sun rise view, it is nice place Surin people always come for relax, enjoy dining, and exercise. Its southern area is rich of water lily which colonies of various birds.

Surin National Museum

Surin National Museum

Huai Saneng Reservoir

16 17Surin Surin

The palace of Mother Princess is located in the headquarter (Prior permission is required for visiting the palace). To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat Road). At km. 5-6, then turn left off the main road and use road parallel to the irrigation canal to reach the reservoir.

Queen Sirikit Sericulture Centre (Surin) (ศูนย์หม่อนไหมเฉลิมพระเกียรติสมเด็จพระนางเจ้า

สิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ (สุรินทร์)) located at Mu 4, Tambon Kho Kho, features a model plantation area of mulberry and a sericulture building where visitors can learn about the life cycle of silkworms from the stages of hatching and cocooning to spinning the cocoons, dying the silk yarn with natural dyes, and silk weaving. There is also a silk textiles museum and shop selling souvenirs made from silk cocoons.

To get there: By Car: Surin City, take Highway No. 226 (Surin-Buri Ram) for 5 kilometres, and the Centre will be on the left. By Bus: Take a Song Thaeo minibus routing Surin-Krasang from in front of the Thetsaban 3 Market in downtown Surin, leaving every 30 minutes, and get off in front of the Centre.

Village of Chansoma Golden Brocade, Ban Tha Sawang (หมู่บ้านทอผ้าไหมยกทอง

จันทร์โสมา บ้านท่าสว่าง) The village is highly recognised for its 1,416- heddled, gold-brocaded silk, being offered to Her Majesty the Queen. The handicraft was initiated by the Chansoma cloth-weaving group which has revived and preserved the weaving

of golden brocade used in the royal court in the past. The group is headed by Achan Wiratham Trakunngoenthai who has gathered

The Centre is open daily during 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m., admission is free. A guide tour can be arranged for group visitors through advance contact in writing. For further details, please call Tel. 0 4451 1393, 08 8733 1401.

Queen Sirikit Sericulture Centre (Surin)

silkworms

Village of Chansoma Golden Brocade, Ban Tha Sawang

Chansoma golden brocade

16 17Surin Surin

The palace of Mother Princess is located in the headquarter (Prior permission is required for visiting the palace). To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat Road). At km. 5-6, then turn left off the main road and use road parallel to the irrigation canal to reach the reservoir.

Queen Sirikit Sericulture Centre (Surin) (ศูนย์หม่อนไหมเฉลิมพระเกียรติสมเด็จพระนางเจ้า

สิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ (สุรินทร์)) located at Mu 4, Tambon Kho Kho, features a model plantation area of mulberry and a sericulture building where visitors can learn about the life cycle of silkworms from the stages of hatching and cocooning to spinning the cocoons, dying the silk yarn with natural dyes, and silk weaving. There is also a silk textiles museum and shop selling souvenirs made from silk cocoons.

To get there: By Car: Surin City, take Highway No. 226 (Surin-Buri Ram) for 5 kilometres, and the Centre will be on the left. By Bus: Take a Song Thaeo minibus routing Surin-Krasang from in front of the Thetsaban 3 Market in downtown Surin, leaving every 30 minutes, and get off in front of the Centre.

Village of Chansoma Golden Brocade, Ban Tha Sawang (หมู่บ้านทอผ้าไหมยกทอง

จันทร์โสมา บ้านท่าสว่าง) The village is highly recognised for its 1,416- heddled, gold-brocaded silk, being offered to Her Majesty the Queen. The handicraft was initiated by the Chansoma cloth-weaving group which has revived and preserved the weaving

of golden brocade used in the royal court in the past. The group is headed by Achan Wiratham Trakunngoenthai who has gathered

The Centre is open daily during 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m., admission is free. A guide tour can be arranged for group visitors through advance contact in writing. For further details, please call Tel. 0 4451 1393, 08 8733 1401.

Queen Sirikit Sericulture Centre (Surin)

silkworms

Village of Chansoma Golden Brocade, Ban Tha Sawang

Chansoma golden brocade

18 19Surin Surin

the villagers of Ban Tha Sawang to weave cloth in their free time after farming in the fields.

By combining attractive and exquisite designs of the past royal court with techniques of folk weaving, dazzling beautiful hand-woven cloth is produced and has become famous worldwide. The outstanding performance of the village is that it was selected by the government to weave cloth for the shirts of 21 APEC leaders and the shawls of their spouses, who participated in the APEC Meetings in Thailand in 2003. Thus, it is also a well-known village of weaving cloth for the APEC. The village won a five-star OTOP product award as well.

The prominence of the Chansoma golden brocade stems from the selection of fine and delicate silk threads from the innermost part of the silk cocoon to be bleached, boiled, and dyed with natural substances. The three main colours used are red from lac, yellow from Kaelae (Maclura cochinchinensis) heartwood, and blue from indigo. Golden threads spun with the yarns are inserted in patterns. More than one hundred heddles and the supplementary weft threads are used to create patterns. A 2-3 metre deep hole must be dug around a loom to accommodate the length of cords in the heddles, and allow some people to stay inside and harness the many heddles, with the help of a wooden marker. In the weaving process, 4-5 people are needed: 2-3 people to raise the heddles, one to insert the wooden marker, and one weaver. Because of the complicated weaving techniques, only a length of 6-7 cm. is done a day.To get there: From Surin city, take rural road No. 4026 (Koh Loy-Mueang Ling) for around 10 kilometres.

Mueang Thi Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทเมืองที) is located in the compound of Wat Chom Suthawat, at Mu 1, Tambon Mueang Thi. The Khmer Ruins was adapted in later period like Si Khoraphum Khmer Ruins, built from brick and cement. The Khmer ruins comprised 5 stupas on the same base. According to Hindu belief, the middle stupa stands for Meru Mount, with four stupas at corner.

Today, one stupa at the corner has completely damaged. The main stupa can be accessed via stair from four directions, but it was filled up with brick from the adaptation. It has three-layer roof with damaged peak.To get there: It is 18 kilometres from Surin city. Take Highway No. 226 (Surin-Si Khoraphum Road) until Tambon Mueang Thi intersection. Turn left to Thetsaban 2 road into Wat Chom Suthawat.

Phanom Sawai Forest Park (วนอุทยาน พนมสวาย) is part of a national forest located in Tambon Na Bua and covering an area of 3.16 square kilometres with 3 hilltops; namely,

“Phanom Pro” or “Khao Chai” rises 220 metres high and houses “Phra Phuttha Surinthara Mongkhon” or “Phra Yai”, a large white reinforced concrete Buddha image seated on an overturned and upturned lotus base in the gesture of giving a blessing. The measurement is 15 metres wide across the lap and 21.5 metres high from the base to the spire on top of the head. The white of both eyes is inlaid with mother-of-pearl whereas the pupil is cast in blackened brass. There is a staircase uphill to the Buddha image where the bird’s-eye view scenery of the Forest Park can be admired.

Mueang Thi Khmer Ruins

18 19Surin Surin

the villagers of Ban Tha Sawang to weave cloth in their free time after farming in the fields.

By combining attractive and exquisite designs of the past royal court with techniques of folk weaving, dazzling beautiful hand-woven cloth is produced and has become famous worldwide. The outstanding performance of the village is that it was selected by the government to weave cloth for the shirts of 21 APEC leaders and the shawls of their spouses, who participated in the APEC Meetings in Thailand in 2003. Thus, it is also a well-known village of weaving cloth for the APEC. The village won a five-star OTOP product award as well.

The prominence of the Chansoma golden brocade stems from the selection of fine and delicate silk threads from the innermost part of the silk cocoon to be bleached, boiled, and dyed with natural substances. The three main colours used are red from lac, yellow from Kaelae (Maclura cochinchinensis) heartwood, and blue from indigo. Golden threads spun with the yarns are inserted in patterns. More than one hundred heddles and the supplementary weft threads are used to create patterns. A 2-3 metre deep hole must be dug around a loom to accommodate the length of cords in the heddles, and allow some people to stay inside and harness the many heddles, with the help of a wooden marker. In the weaving process, 4-5 people are needed: 2-3 people to raise the heddles, one to insert the wooden marker, and one weaver. Because of the complicated weaving techniques, only a length of 6-7 cm. is done a day.To get there: From Surin city, take rural road No. 4026 (Koh Loy-Mueang Ling) for around 10 kilometres.

Mueang Thi Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทเมืองที) is located in the compound of Wat Chom Suthawat, at Mu 1, Tambon Mueang Thi. The Khmer Ruins was adapted in later period like Si Khoraphum Khmer Ruins, built from brick and cement. The Khmer ruins comprised 5 stupas on the same base. According to Hindu belief, the middle stupa stands for Meru Mount, with four stupas at corner.

Today, one stupa at the corner has completely damaged. The main stupa can be accessed via stair from four directions, but it was filled up with brick from the adaptation. It has three-layer roof with damaged peak.To get there: It is 18 kilometres from Surin city. Take Highway No. 226 (Surin-Si Khoraphum Road) until Tambon Mueang Thi intersection. Turn left to Thetsaban 2 road into Wat Chom Suthawat.

Phanom Sawai Forest Park (วนอุทยาน พนมสวาย) is part of a national forest located in Tambon Na Bua and covering an area of 3.16 square kilometres with 3 hilltops; namely,

“Phanom Pro” or “Khao Chai” rises 220 metres high and houses “Phra Phuttha Surinthara Mongkhon” or “Phra Yai”, a large white reinforced concrete Buddha image seated on an overturned and upturned lotus base in the gesture of giving a blessing. The measurement is 15 metres wide across the lap and 21.5 metres high from the base to the spire on top of the head. The white of both eyes is inlaid with mother-of-pearl whereas the pupil is cast in blackened brass. There is a staircase uphill to the Buddha image where the bird’s-eye view scenery of the Forest Park can be admired.

Mueang Thi Khmer Ruins

20 21Surin Surin

“Phanom Sarai” or “Khao Ying” rises 210 metres high and is where Wat Phanom Silaram is located, with 2 ancient ponds believed to be the dwelling places of sacred turtles.

“Phanom Kron” or “Khao Khok” rises 150 metres high and houses the Sala Atthamuk, an eight-façade pavilion constructed by the Buddhist Association of Surin to mark the Rattanakosin Bi-centennial and enshrine the replica of the Lord Buddha’s footprint moved from Khao Chai. Nearby is located a stupa containing the relics of Phra Ratchawutthachan (Luangpu Dun Atulo), a monk master of insight development practice. There is also a shrine of Guan Yin, Goddess of Mercy.To get there: It is 22 kilometres from Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat) for 14

kilometres, then turn right and keep going for other 6 kilometres.

Amphoe Khwao SinarinKhwao Sinarin Handicrafts Village (หมูบ้่านหัตถกรรมเขวาสินรินทร์) is located north of Surin City, the community is famed for local-style silk cloth called ‘Hol’ which is considered the best silk cloth. Ban Chok village is the first village to produce silver buttons called ‘Luk Pa Kueam’ which is used as decorations for lady. The villagers inherited know how to made Luk Pa Kueam from the Khmer ancestors hundred years ago. Besides, local products are available in the village. To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Roi Et) for 14 kilometres then turn right to rural road No. 3036 and keep going Phra Phuttha Surinthara Mongkhon

Phanom Sawai Forest Park

20 21Surin Surin

“Phanom Sarai” or “Khao Ying” rises 210 metres high and is where Wat Phanom Silaram is located, with 2 ancient ponds believed to be the dwelling places of sacred turtles.

“Phanom Kron” or “Khao Khok” rises 150 metres high and houses the Sala Atthamuk, an eight-façade pavilion constructed by the Buddhist Association of Surin to mark the Rattanakosin Bi-centennial and enshrine the replica of the Lord Buddha’s footprint moved from Khao Chai. Nearby is located a stupa containing the relics of Phra Ratchawutthachan (Luangpu Dun Atulo), a monk master of insight development practice. There is also a shrine of Guan Yin, Goddess of Mercy.To get there: It is 22 kilometres from Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat) for 14

kilometres, then turn right and keep going for other 6 kilometres.

Amphoe Khwao SinarinKhwao Sinarin Handicrafts Village (หมูบ้่านหัตถกรรมเขวาสินรินทร์) is located north of Surin City, the community is famed for local-style silk cloth called ‘Hol’ which is considered the best silk cloth. Ban Chok village is the first village to produce silver buttons called ‘Luk Pa Kueam’ which is used as decorations for lady. The villagers inherited know how to made Luk Pa Kueam from the Khmer ancestors hundred years ago. Besides, local products are available in the village. To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Roi Et) for 14 kilometres then turn right to rural road No. 3036 and keep going Phra Phuttha Surinthara Mongkhon

Phanom Sawai Forest Park

22 23Surin Surin

for other 4 kilometres to Khwao Sinarin handi crafts village

Amphoe Chom PhraChom Phra Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทจอมพระ)is located in Mu 4, Tambon Chom Phra, the Khmer ruins once was shrine of Khmer hospital. With strong and complete structure, the east-facing stupa is built from laterite and decorated with sandstone. Like majority of shrine of Khmer’s hospital, it comprises square-shape stupa with balcony and a library at front. It stands inside the wall with cross-shape gate and a pond outside. Significant antique found include a head of Bodhisattva Avalokitesavara statue and statue of Vajrasattva, which are found also at the shrine of Khmer hospital in Amphoe Phimai and Wat Ku Kaeo’s stupa, Khon Kaen. These antiques are idols of Mahayana Buddhism. They were built in Bayon

Art style (around 1177-1237 A.D.) which was widely applied during the reign of King Chaya Varaman VII. To get there: From Amphoe Chom Phra, take Highway No. 2334 around 1 kilometre. Wat Pa Prasat Chom Phra located on the right hand side.

Amphoe Tha Tum.Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center (หมู่บ้านช้างจังหวัดสุรินทร์ และ ศูนย์คชศึกษา) is located in Mu 9 and 13, Ban Ta Klang, Tambon Krapho. Ta Klang villager is descendant of Suay, or Kuay Ethnic group, who has gift in capturing, training and keeping elephant. In the past, villager captured wild elephant from Thailand-Cambodia border, today, uncertain political situation disallows them to capture any more elephant. However, Ta Klang people

Luk Pa Kueam

Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center

22 23Surin Surin

for other 4 kilometres to Khwao Sinarin handi crafts village

Amphoe Chom PhraChom Phra Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทจอมพระ)is located in Mu 4, Tambon Chom Phra, the Khmer ruins once was shrine of Khmer hospital. With strong and complete structure, the east-facing stupa is built from laterite and decorated with sandstone. Like majority of shrine of Khmer’s hospital, it comprises square-shape stupa with balcony and a library at front. It stands inside the wall with cross-shape gate and a pond outside. Significant antique found include a head of Bodhisattva Avalokitesavara statue and statue of Vajrasattva, which are found also at the shrine of Khmer hospital in Amphoe Phimai and Wat Ku Kaeo’s stupa, Khon Kaen. These antiques are idols of Mahayana Buddhism. They were built in Bayon

Art style (around 1177-1237 A.D.) which was widely applied during the reign of King Chaya Varaman VII. To get there: From Amphoe Chom Phra, take Highway No. 2334 around 1 kilometre. Wat Pa Prasat Chom Phra located on the right hand side.

Amphoe Tha Tum.Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center (หมู่บ้านช้างจังหวัดสุรินทร์ และ ศูนย์คชศึกษา) is located in Mu 9 and 13, Ban Ta Klang, Tambon Krapho. Ta Klang villager is descendant of Suay, or Kuay Ethnic group, who has gift in capturing, training and keeping elephant. In the past, villager captured wild elephant from Thailand-Cambodia border, today, uncertain political situation disallows them to capture any more elephant. However, Ta Klang people

Luk Pa Kueam

Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center

24 25Surin Surin

remain keeping and training elephant to join the Elephant Round-up. Unlike northern Thailand where elephant is kept for labour. Ta Klang people consider elephant as their friends who can share the same house. Visitor to Ban Ta Klang can witness elephant which share shelter with its owner, and the way of life of Suay people, or talk with veteran elephant specialist who has captured may elephants. Sluggish economic drives elephants and its mahouts to work outside the village, and come back before the Elephant Round-up.

In the village, visitors can enjoy elephant riding in the afternoon to the Moon river, and watch elephant bathing in twilight at Wang Thalu. Moreover, there is elephant show at Elephant

Education Center nearby the village between 08.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m. everyday, the admission fee is 100 baht. The elephant show can be arrange for group tourist by booking in advance. For more information, Tel. 0 4414 5050, 08 1967 5015To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Roi Et). Turn left at km. 36 before Amphoe Tha Tum, and keep going for other 22 kilometres.

Amphoe SikhoraphumSikhoraphum Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทศขีรภมู)ิ is located in Tambon Ra-ngaeng. Art styles shown on the columns and stupas are mixed between Bapuan (1007-1107 A.D.) and Angkor

Wat (1107-1157 A.D.). Thus, this sanctuary was probably built in the mid of 12th Century or early Angkor Wat era. Firstly, it was built in Shivism of Hundu, and later adapted into Buddhist temple in the 17th Century or late Ayutthaya period.

The Khmer Ruins comprises 5 stupas. The middle one is the principle stupa with minor stupa surrounding on the same base. All are built from sandstone and laterite. The stupa faces east with only stair and door on the east. All the stupas are similar, without balcony, they all have single entrance. Most sandstone parts,

such as lintels, door column, pilasters, are well carved. The front stupas are made of brick and decorated with stucco. The principle stupa houses a carved lintel depicting Dances of Shiva on stage with three swans over kirtimukha, and Ganesh, Brahma, Narai, and Uma are under the kirtimukha. The door columns depicts angels and door guardians. The lintel depicting Dances of Shiva is considered the most beautiful one among those found in Thailand and Cambodia. Two lintels are found from the minor stupas and now they are kept in Phimai National Museum. One depicts God Krisna killing elephant and

Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins

24 25Surin Surin

remain keeping and training elephant to join the Elephant Round-up. Unlike northern Thailand where elephant is kept for labour. Ta Klang people consider elephant as their friends who can share the same house. Visitor to Ban Ta Klang can witness elephant which share shelter with its owner, and the way of life of Suay people, or talk with veteran elephant specialist who has captured may elephants. Sluggish economic drives elephants and its mahouts to work outside the village, and come back before the Elephant Round-up.

In the village, visitors can enjoy elephant riding in the afternoon to the Moon river, and watch elephant bathing in twilight at Wang Thalu. Moreover, there is elephant show at Elephant

Education Center nearby the village between 08.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m. everyday, the admission fee is 100 baht. The elephant show can be arrange for group tourist by booking in advance. For more information, Tel. 0 4414 5050, 08 1967 5015To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Roi Et). Turn left at km. 36 before Amphoe Tha Tum, and keep going for other 22 kilometres.

Amphoe SikhoraphumSikhoraphum Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทศขีรภมู)ิ is located in Tambon Ra-ngaeng. Art styles shown on the columns and stupas are mixed between Bapuan (1007-1107 A.D.) and Angkor

Wat (1107-1157 A.D.). Thus, this sanctuary was probably built in the mid of 12th Century or early Angkor Wat era. Firstly, it was built in Shivism of Hundu, and later adapted into Buddhist temple in the 17th Century or late Ayutthaya period.

The Khmer Ruins comprises 5 stupas. The middle one is the principle stupa with minor stupa surrounding on the same base. All are built from sandstone and laterite. The stupa faces east with only stair and door on the east. All the stupas are similar, without balcony, they all have single entrance. Most sandstone parts,

such as lintels, door column, pilasters, are well carved. The front stupas are made of brick and decorated with stucco. The principle stupa houses a carved lintel depicting Dances of Shiva on stage with three swans over kirtimukha, and Ganesh, Brahma, Narai, and Uma are under the kirtimukha. The door columns depicts angels and door guardians. The lintel depicting Dances of Shiva is considered the most beautiful one among those found in Thailand and Cambodia. Two lintels are found from the minor stupas and now they are kept in Phimai National Museum. One depicts God Krisna killing elephant and

Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins

26 27Surin Surin

half-elephant half-lion creature. Another one depicts God Krisna killing a half-elephant half-lion creature.

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins is open daily from 07.30 a.m.-06.00 p.m. The admission fee is 50 baht.To get there: A kilometre from Amphoe Sikhora-phum. From Surin city, take Highway No. 226 (Surin-Si Sa Ket), turn left at km. 35 to Thetsaban 5 road, and keep going for other 500 metres.

Hang Krarok Sarong Weaving Village Ban Prathun (หมู่บ้านทอผ้าโสร่งหางกระรอก บ้านประทุน) is at Mu 4 Ban Prathun, Tambon Taen, The village has been renowned for textile weaving since ancient times, especially the signature Hang Krarok sarong, which requires twisted silk yarns to be woven into the unique Hang Krarok or squirrel-tail textile. The weaving is made daily at home and visitor can observe the weaving

process and buy the Hang Krarok cloth right from the weavers at their houses. A guided tour can be arranged for visitors in a group by making an appointment in advance with the Ban Prathun Women’s Silk Weaving Group at Tel. 08 9585 4768 or TAT Surin Office at Tel. 0 4451 4447-8.To get there: From Amphoe Sikhoraphum, take Highway No. 2234 and turn left at the Tambon Taen Intersection into a concrete road run-ning past the Taen Subdistrict Administrative Organization until reaching Ban Prathun, a total distance of approximately 17 kilometres.

Amphoe LamduanTapiang Tia Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทตะเปียงเตยี)is located in Mu 2, Tambon Chok Nuea, in the compound of Wat Prasat Thepnimit. The rectangular stupa has 5 lotus-shape peaks. The brick stupa was adapted in Laotian style during late Ayutthaya period (Tapiang Tia means duck pond).

The principle stupa of Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins carved lintle depicting Dance of Shiva

Tapiang Tia Khmer Ruins

26 27Surin Surin

half-elephant half-lion creature. Another one depicts God Krisna killing a half-elephant half-lion creature.

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins is open daily from 07.30 a.m.-06.00 p.m. The admission fee is 50 baht.To get there: A kilometre from Amphoe Sikhora-phum. From Surin city, take Highway No. 226 (Surin-Si Sa Ket), turn left at km. 35 to Thetsaban 5 road, and keep going for other 500 metres.

Hang Krarok Sarong Weaving Village Ban Prathun (หมู่บ้านทอผ้าโสร่งหางกระรอก บ้านประทุน) is at Mu 4 Ban Prathun, Tambon Taen, The village has been renowned for textile weaving since ancient times, especially the signature Hang Krarok sarong, which requires twisted silk yarns to be woven into the unique Hang Krarok or squirrel-tail textile. The weaving is made daily at home and visitor can observe the weaving

process and buy the Hang Krarok cloth right from the weavers at their houses. A guided tour can be arranged for visitors in a group by making an appointment in advance with the Ban Prathun Women’s Silk Weaving Group at Tel. 08 9585 4768 or TAT Surin Office at Tel. 0 4451 4447-8.To get there: From Amphoe Sikhoraphum, take Highway No. 2234 and turn left at the Tambon Taen Intersection into a concrete road run-ning past the Taen Subdistrict Administrative Organization until reaching Ban Prathun, a total distance of approximately 17 kilometres.

Amphoe LamduanTapiang Tia Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทตะเปียงเตยี)is located in Mu 2, Tambon Chok Nuea, in the compound of Wat Prasat Thepnimit. The rectangular stupa has 5 lotus-shape peaks. The brick stupa was adapted in Laotian style during late Ayutthaya period (Tapiang Tia means duck pond).

The principle stupa of Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins carved lintle depicting Dance of Shiva

Tapiang Tia Khmer Ruins

28 29Surin Surin

To get there: From Amphoe Lamduan. Take Highway No. 2077 (Lamduan-Sangkha), turn left at km. 33-34, and keep going for other 7 kilometres.

Amphoe Sangkha Phum Pon Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทภูมิโปน) is located at Ban Phum Pon, Tambon Dom. The Khmer ruins comprises 4 stupas, 3 made from bricks and one made from laterite. The stupas were built in at least two eras. The biggest and the northern stupas are the oldest Khmer ruins found in Thailand, around the 8th Century. The small stupas at the mid and southern one on laterite base were built later.

Like other religious sites built in the same era, probably, Phum Pon Khmer Ruins was built in

Shivism although none of Shiva Linga is found in the stupa, the holy-water pipe is found attached to the base of idol, on the ground of the middle room. To get there: From Amphoe Sangkha, take Highway No. 2124 (Sangkha-Buachet) and keep going for 10 kilometres. Then turn right to rural road No. 4013 to Ban Phum Pon. The Khmer ruins is on the left by the road.

Yai Ngao Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทยายเหงา) is located at Ban Sangkha, Tambon Sangkha. The Khmer ruins comprises two stupas facing east and standing in north-south direction. The brick stupas stand on laterite base and decorated with carved brick gable depicting “Makorn”, the fairy animals mixed from lion, elephant, and fish, holding five-headed naga in

its mouth. By its lay out, there should be three stupas, but today only two remain. Decorations from the carved sandstone stupa’s peak, door columns are displayed at the front lawn. To get there: From Amphoe Sangkha, take Highway No. 24 (Chok Chai-Det Udom). turn right at km. 189-190, and keep going for other 800 metres.

Pa Son Nong Khu Forest Park (วนอุทยานป่าสนหนองคู) is located in Tambon Thap Than. The park covered the area of approximately a square kilometres. The Royal Forest Department declared this forest park on October 29, 1981. Pa Son Nong Ku is forest located on the plain. During the rainy season, water hold in some

Phum Pon Khmer Ruins

Yai Ngao Khmer Ruins

28 29Surin Surin

To get there: From Amphoe Lamduan. Take Highway No. 2077 (Lamduan-Sangkha), turn left at km. 33-34, and keep going for other 7 kilometres.

Amphoe Sangkha Phum Pon Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทภูมิโปน) is located at Ban Phum Pon, Tambon Dom. The Khmer ruins comprises 4 stupas, 3 made from bricks and one made from laterite. The stupas were built in at least two eras. The biggest and the northern stupas are the oldest Khmer ruins found in Thailand, around the 8th Century. The small stupas at the mid and southern one on laterite base were built later.

Like other religious sites built in the same era, probably, Phum Pon Khmer Ruins was built in

Shivism although none of Shiva Linga is found in the stupa, the holy-water pipe is found attached to the base of idol, on the ground of the middle room. To get there: From Amphoe Sangkha, take Highway No. 2124 (Sangkha-Buachet) and keep going for 10 kilometres. Then turn right to rural road No. 4013 to Ban Phum Pon. The Khmer ruins is on the left by the road.

Yai Ngao Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทยายเหงา) is located at Ban Sangkha, Tambon Sangkha. The Khmer ruins comprises two stupas facing east and standing in north-south direction. The brick stupas stand on laterite base and decorated with carved brick gable depicting “Makorn”, the fairy animals mixed from lion, elephant, and fish, holding five-headed naga in

its mouth. By its lay out, there should be three stupas, but today only two remain. Decorations from the carved sandstone stupa’s peak, door columns are displayed at the front lawn. To get there: From Amphoe Sangkha, take Highway No. 24 (Chok Chai-Det Udom). turn right at km. 189-190, and keep going for other 800 metres.

Pa Son Nong Khu Forest Park (วนอุทยานป่าสนหนองคู) is located in Tambon Thap Than. The park covered the area of approximately a square kilometres. The Royal Forest Department declared this forest park on October 29, 1981. Pa Son Nong Ku is forest located on the plain. During the rainy season, water hold in some

Phum Pon Khmer Ruins

Yai Ngao Khmer Ruins

30 31Surin Surin

areas. It’s surrounded by paddy fields. There is a clue showing that this area used to be very abundant forest in the past. There are Pinus mergusii grown all over the area, mixed with the Dry Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest. Most of trees species found are Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Dipterocarpus tuberculatus, Shorea roxburghii, Irvingia malayana and Anisoptera costata. Presently, there is only small animal available such as squirrel, Malayan flying lemur, wild rabbit, snake, dove, coucal and myna. Hornbill has been found sometimes. Nowaday, the Royal Forest Department has been establishing the Pine Study Centre. To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 2077 (Surin-Sangkha). The park is 35 kms. And there are buses from Surin Bus Station to Am-phoe Sangkha via Pa Son Nong Khu Forest Park.

Amphoe BuachetWat Khao Sala Atula Thanacharo (วัดเขาศาลาอตุลฐานะจาโร) is Thailand’s first Buddhist park covering an area of 17 square kilometers in Tambon Charat. The temple was authorised by the Royal Forest Department through the Religious Affairs Department to take care of the area where the Buddhist Park Project in Honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was implemented. On Her Majesty’s royal visit to this area on 27 December, 1993, Queen Sirikit urged the villagers to help preserve the forest and wildlife to be the national legacy for later generations. Later, a replica of the Buddha’s footprint carved on a large stone slab measuring 4 metres long and 3 metres high was discovered in the forest some 400 metres off the road, believed to

have existed for 1,500 years. The right footprint measures 6.2 metres long, 0.7 metres wide at the heel and 1.5 metres wide at the forefoot. It was carved 0.2 metres deep into the stone, with toes of almost the same size decorated with a spiral on each and every joint of the toe. All carve figures on the sole, which feature animals and plants, are contained in square frames. Some decorative patterns are as old as those in the ancient Khmer art of the 12th-14th centuries.

Moreover, the temple also houses a chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha and “Phra Nang Khoi Viewpoint” where Buddha images in various postures like “Phra Phuttha Barami Siam Buri Phithak”, a large Buddha image seated under the Naga measuring 9 metres wide across the lap, and a life-like statue

of the much revered monk master Luangpu Man Phurithatto are situated. From here, the Ban Charat Reservoir and Phanom Dongrak Mountains that near the Thai-Cambodian border can be viewed. To get there: From Amphoe Buachet, take Highway No. 2124 and along rural road No. 3036 to Ban Charat and keep going for other 8 kilometres.

Amphoe Kap ChoengChong Chom Market (ตลาดการค้าช่องจอม) is a border market in Ban Dan Phattana, Tambon Dan, near the Chong Chom Border, selling consumer’s goods both made in Thailand and imported from Cambodia; such as, food, spices, herbs, garments, home decorative items, etc. Open daily from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.

Wat Khao Sala Atula Thanacharo Phra Phuttha Barami Siam Buri Phithak

30 31Surin Surin

areas. It’s surrounded by paddy fields. There is a clue showing that this area used to be very abundant forest in the past. There are Pinus mergusii grown all over the area, mixed with the Dry Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest. Most of trees species found are Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Dipterocarpus tuberculatus, Shorea roxburghii, Irvingia malayana and Anisoptera costata. Presently, there is only small animal available such as squirrel, Malayan flying lemur, wild rabbit, snake, dove, coucal and myna. Hornbill has been found sometimes. Nowaday, the Royal Forest Department has been establishing the Pine Study Centre. To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 2077 (Surin-Sangkha). The park is 35 kms. And there are buses from Surin Bus Station to Am-phoe Sangkha via Pa Son Nong Khu Forest Park.

Amphoe BuachetWat Khao Sala Atula Thanacharo (วัดเขาศาลาอตุลฐานะจาโร) is Thailand’s first Buddhist park covering an area of 17 square kilometers in Tambon Charat. The temple was authorised by the Royal Forest Department through the Religious Affairs Department to take care of the area where the Buddhist Park Project in Honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was implemented. On Her Majesty’s royal visit to this area on 27 December, 1993, Queen Sirikit urged the villagers to help preserve the forest and wildlife to be the national legacy for later generations. Later, a replica of the Buddha’s footprint carved on a large stone slab measuring 4 metres long and 3 metres high was discovered in the forest some 400 metres off the road, believed to

have existed for 1,500 years. The right footprint measures 6.2 metres long, 0.7 metres wide at the heel and 1.5 metres wide at the forefoot. It was carved 0.2 metres deep into the stone, with toes of almost the same size decorated with a spiral on each and every joint of the toe. All carve figures on the sole, which feature animals and plants, are contained in square frames. Some decorative patterns are as old as those in the ancient Khmer art of the 12th-14th centuries.

Moreover, the temple also houses a chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha and “Phra Nang Khoi Viewpoint” where Buddha images in various postures like “Phra Phuttha Barami Siam Buri Phithak”, a large Buddha image seated under the Naga measuring 9 metres wide across the lap, and a life-like statue

of the much revered monk master Luangpu Man Phurithatto are situated. From here, the Ban Charat Reservoir and Phanom Dongrak Mountains that near the Thai-Cambodian border can be viewed. To get there: From Amphoe Buachet, take Highway No. 2124 and along rural road No. 3036 to Ban Charat and keep going for other 8 kilometres.

Amphoe Kap ChoengChong Chom Market (ตลาดการค้าช่องจอม) is a border market in Ban Dan Phattana, Tambon Dan, near the Chong Chom Border, selling consumer’s goods both made in Thailand and imported from Cambodia; such as, food, spices, herbs, garments, home decorative items, etc. Open daily from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.

Wat Khao Sala Atula Thanacharo Phra Phuttha Barami Siam Buri Phithak

32 33Surin Surin

To get there: By Car: From Amphoe Kap Choeng, take Highway No. 214 on the Chong Chom route for 12 kilometres and the Market will be on the roadside on the left, 2 kilometres before reaching the Chong Chom Border. From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat-Chong Chom) for 67 kilometres. By Bus: From Surin Bus Terminal, there are daily buses and vans running on the Surin-Chong Chom route passing by the border market to end at Chong Chom Border during 05.30 a.m.-06.30 p.m., leaving every 30 minutes and taking 90 minutes.

Chong Chom Border (จุดผ่านแดนถาวรช่องจอม) is located in Ban Dan Phattana, Tambon Dan, opposite O Smach, Samroang District of Oddar

Meanchey Province, Kingdom of Cambodia. It is the largest and most convenient point in Surin for crossing the border to Cambodia. Open daily from 06.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m., for more informa-tion, Tel. 0 4455 9127 Regulations for the Border Crossing 1. A foreigner will need a passport and an entry-exit visa stamp at the border checkpoint, or apply for a visa on arrival at the Chong Chom Border.

2. To drive a car across the border to the Kingdom of Cambodia, please contact the Chong Chom House at the Chong Chom Border to apply for a border crossing document or contact Tel. 0 4455 9127.To get there: By Car: From Amphoe Kap Choeng, take Highway No. 214 on the Chong Chom route

Chong Chom Market

Public Bus (Surin-Chong Chom route)

Public van (Surin-Chong Chom route)

32 33Surin Surin

To get there: By Car: From Amphoe Kap Choeng, take Highway No. 214 on the Chong Chom route for 12 kilometres and the Market will be on the roadside on the left, 2 kilometres before reaching the Chong Chom Border. From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat-Chong Chom) for 67 kilometres. By Bus: From Surin Bus Terminal, there are daily buses and vans running on the Surin-Chong Chom route passing by the border market to end at Chong Chom Border during 05.30 a.m.-06.30 p.m., leaving every 30 minutes and taking 90 minutes.

Chong Chom Border (จุดผ่านแดนถาวรช่องจอม) is located in Ban Dan Phattana, Tambon Dan, opposite O Smach, Samroang District of Oddar

Meanchey Province, Kingdom of Cambodia. It is the largest and most convenient point in Surin for crossing the border to Cambodia. Open daily from 06.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m., for more informa-tion, Tel. 0 4455 9127 Regulations for the Border Crossing 1. A foreigner will need a passport and an entry-exit visa stamp at the border checkpoint, or apply for a visa on arrival at the Chong Chom Border.

2. To drive a car across the border to the Kingdom of Cambodia, please contact the Chong Chom House at the Chong Chom Border to apply for a border crossing document or contact Tel. 0 4455 9127.To get there: By Car: From Amphoe Kap Choeng, take Highway No. 214 on the Chong Chom route

Chong Chom Market

Public Bus (Surin-Chong Chom route)

Public van (Surin-Chong Chom route)

34 35Surin Surin

for 14 kilometres to reach the Chong Chom Border. From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat-Chong Chom) for 69 kilometres. By Bus: From Surin Bus Terminal, there are daily buses and vans running on the Surin-Chong Chom route to the Chong Chom Border during 05.30 a.m.-06.30 p.m., leaving every 30 minutes and taking 90 minutes.

Huai Thap Than - Huay Samran Wildlife Sanctuary (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าห้วยทับทัน-ห้วยส�าราญ) is located in Amphoe Kap Choeng. it is a lush jungle between Thailand and Cambodia. The jungle is also main water feeder for Surin Province. With proper service standard, today, the sanctuary has opened its learning and training centre for public and private body. The sanctuary acquires total area of 502 square kilometres, featuring dry evergreen

forest, mixed deciduous forest, grassland and reservoir. In late rainy season, from October to December, wild flowers will be in full bloom and add colours into vast grassland, making it perfect time for nature study. To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Chong Jom) turn right at km. 58-59, and keep going for 500 metres.

Amphoe Phanom Dong RakTa Muean Group of Khmer Ruins (โบราณสถานกลุ่มปราสาทตาเมือน) is located close to Thailand-Cambodia border, in Ban Nong Khanna, Tambon Ta Miang. the Khmer Ruins comprises three stupas in the same area.

Ta Muean Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทตาเมือน) Built by King Chaya Varaman VII, the last Great King of Khmer Empire, the Khmer Ruins was built as a religious venue for Mahayana Bud-

เขาฝาชี หรือ จุดชมวิวเขาฝาชี

dhism, one of 17 rest stations for traveler built from Yasothon Pura, capital city of Khmer Em-pire to Phimai. The sanctuary in Bayon Art style is built from laterite, like other architectures of King Chaya Varaman VII found in Thailand. It has single stupa with long room in the front. The northern wall is carved into fault windows, with real windows lining the southern wall. A few Buddha images in the attitude of medita-tion in the niche are found here.

Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทตาเมอืนโต๊ด) Situated 340 metres south of Ta Muean Khmer Ruins. Built to serve as a hospital’s shrine, the Khmer Ruins was completed in the 13rd Century and it remains in quite a good condition. The sanctuary comprises principle stupa, made from laterite and sandstone, in square shape with front balcony. A library is located on its southeast. All are in the embrace of laterite wall with a gopura at the east. Like other Khmer

hospital’s shrine, there is a pond outside the wall. A stone inscription by King Chaya Woraman VII, is found in the middle room of the gopura. Inscribed in Khmer-Sanskrit language, the inscription contains messages like those found in other Khmer hospital. It starts with honoring Phra Paisat Kuru Waituraya, the Bhodhisatva of pharmacology, staff headcount in the hospital such as doctor, care taker, and etc. Presently, the inscription is kept at the National Library in Bangkok.

Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทตาเมือนธม) Situated 800 metres south of Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins, the biggest sanctuary in the group comprises three stupas with the biggest at the mid and smaller ones by each side. All three sandstone stupas face south. Although it had been destroyed by human and nature, beautiful carving of the principle stupa remains Ta Muean Khmer Ruins

Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins

34 35Surin Surin

for 14 kilometres to reach the Chong Chom Border. From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Prasat-Chong Chom) for 69 kilometres. By Bus: From Surin Bus Terminal, there are daily buses and vans running on the Surin-Chong Chom route to the Chong Chom Border during 05.30 a.m.-06.30 p.m., leaving every 30 minutes and taking 90 minutes.

Huai Thap Than - Huay Samran Wildlife Sanctuary (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าห้วยทับทัน-ห้วยส�าราญ) is located in Amphoe Kap Choeng. it is a lush jungle between Thailand and Cambodia. The jungle is also main water feeder for Surin Province. With proper service standard, today, the sanctuary has opened its learning and training centre for public and private body. The sanctuary acquires total area of 502 square kilometres, featuring dry evergreen

forest, mixed deciduous forest, grassland and reservoir. In late rainy season, from October to December, wild flowers will be in full bloom and add colours into vast grassland, making it perfect time for nature study. To get there: From Surin city, take Highway No. 214 (Surin-Chong Jom) turn right at km. 58-59, and keep going for 500 metres.

Amphoe Phanom Dong RakTa Muean Group of Khmer Ruins (โบราณสถานกลุ่มปราสาทตาเมือน) is located close to Thailand-Cambodia border, in Ban Nong Khanna, Tambon Ta Miang. the Khmer Ruins comprises three stupas in the same area.

Ta Muean Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทตาเมือน) Built by King Chaya Varaman VII, the last Great King of Khmer Empire, the Khmer Ruins was built as a religious venue for Mahayana Bud-

เขาฝาชี หรือ จุดชมวิวเขาฝาชี

dhism, one of 17 rest stations for traveler built from Yasothon Pura, capital city of Khmer Em-pire to Phimai. The sanctuary in Bayon Art style is built from laterite, like other architectures of King Chaya Varaman VII found in Thailand. It has single stupa with long room in the front. The northern wall is carved into fault windows, with real windows lining the southern wall. A few Buddha images in the attitude of medita-tion in the niche are found here.

Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทตาเมอืนโต๊ด) Situated 340 metres south of Ta Muean Khmer Ruins. Built to serve as a hospital’s shrine, the Khmer Ruins was completed in the 13rd Century and it remains in quite a good condition. The sanctuary comprises principle stupa, made from laterite and sandstone, in square shape with front balcony. A library is located on its southeast. All are in the embrace of laterite wall with a gopura at the east. Like other Khmer

hospital’s shrine, there is a pond outside the wall. A stone inscription by King Chaya Woraman VII, is found in the middle room of the gopura. Inscribed in Khmer-Sanskrit language, the inscription contains messages like those found in other Khmer hospital. It starts with honoring Phra Paisat Kuru Waituraya, the Bhodhisatva of pharmacology, staff headcount in the hospital such as doctor, care taker, and etc. Presently, the inscription is kept at the National Library in Bangkok.

Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทตาเมือนธม) Situated 800 metres south of Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins, the biggest sanctuary in the group comprises three stupas with the biggest at the mid and smaller ones by each side. All three sandstone stupas face south. Although it had been destroyed by human and nature, beautiful carving of the principle stupa remains Ta Muean Khmer Ruins

Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins

36 37Surin Surin

clear. There are two laterite viharas on the east and west. All buildings are linked together with sandstone cloister. There are gopuras at four directions, the southern one is the biggest with stair from Cambodia side. Beyond the northern cloister is a pond. A Khmer inscription is found in the lawn by southeastern cloister, mentioning Phra Kalpa Krisna. Thus, this ancient site is assumed to be built in Brahma. Its architectural and carving style indicate that it was probably built in the 11th Century, the oldest one in the group of Ta Muean Khmer Ruins.

As this group of ancient architecture is situated close to Thailand-Cambodia border, tourist should check situation from military unit over-looking the area first. And show passport with the officer before go to inside Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins. Ta Muean Group of Khmer Ruins is open everyday from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m., for more information, Tel. 0 4450 8240

To get there: From Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak. Take Highway No. 224 (Phanom Dong Rak-Buri Ram). Then turn left to Highway No. 2407, keep going for other 8 kilometres. From Surin City. Take Highway No. 214, via Amphoe Prasat, get into Highway No. 2121. Head for Amphoe Ban Kruat for 25 kilometres and use rural road to Ban Ta Miang, keep going for other 13 kilometres.

Amphoe PrasatBan Phlai Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทบ้านไพล) is located at Ban Prasat, Tambon Chuea Phlo-eng. The Khmer ruins was built to honour God Shiva. Three brick stupas in the same line are surrounded with moat except on the east. Although Shiva Linga and some lintels are miss-ing, the remaining artifacts are kept at Phimai National Museum indicate that the Khmer Ruins was built in 11th Century. To get there: From Amphoe Prasat, take Highway No. 214 (Prasat-Surin) around 7 kilometres. Then turn left to a rural road 3 kilometres.

Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทหินบ้านพลวง) is located in Ban Phluang, Tambon Ban Phluang. Similar to smaller stupa of Phanom Rung Khmer Ruins. Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins has Bapuan Art style which can be dated back to the 11th-12th Century. Although, it is a small sanctuary but its stone carving is very excellent. It was renovated in 1972 with anastilosis (removing all parts, strengthening, and reassemble all again)

Facing east, the single stupa stands on big rectangular laterite base. The main door is only real one while other three are fault doors. The stupa is built from laterite, sandstone and brick. Without upper part, the stupa houses very delicate carving. It is surrounded with U-shape moat. The remaining of Barai or huge reservoir indicates that around the stupa once had a settlement. The stupa and around are well decorated.

Most lintels found on the eastern and southern sides of Khmer Ruins depict God Indra on Erawan Heavenly Elephant over the kirtimukha. The northern lintel depicts God Krisna killing naga. It is assumed that this Khmer Ruins was built for God Indra. Lining over the lintel, there are bas-relief depicting animals such as elephant, squirrel, pig, monkey, and cow. The eastern gable depicts God Krisna lifting Mount Kowattana in the frame of small animals which may mirror prosperity of the area which has many water sources. The front wall depicts door guardians with cudgels in hands.

By its huge rectangular base with lots of remaining space on the both sides of the stupa, it is assumed that it might comprise 3 stupas, but the construction was not completed or other two stupas were removed. Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins open daily between 08.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m. The admission is 50 baht.

Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins Ban Phlai Khmer Ruins

36 37Surin Surin

clear. There are two laterite viharas on the east and west. All buildings are linked together with sandstone cloister. There are gopuras at four directions, the southern one is the biggest with stair from Cambodia side. Beyond the northern cloister is a pond. A Khmer inscription is found in the lawn by southeastern cloister, mentioning Phra Kalpa Krisna. Thus, this ancient site is assumed to be built in Brahma. Its architectural and carving style indicate that it was probably built in the 11th Century, the oldest one in the group of Ta Muean Khmer Ruins.

As this group of ancient architecture is situated close to Thailand-Cambodia border, tourist should check situation from military unit over-looking the area first. And show passport with the officer before go to inside Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins. Ta Muean Group of Khmer Ruins is open everyday from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m., for more information, Tel. 0 4450 8240

To get there: From Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak. Take Highway No. 224 (Phanom Dong Rak-Buri Ram). Then turn left to Highway No. 2407, keep going for other 8 kilometres. From Surin City. Take Highway No. 214, via Amphoe Prasat, get into Highway No. 2121. Head for Amphoe Ban Kruat for 25 kilometres and use rural road to Ban Ta Miang, keep going for other 13 kilometres.

Amphoe PrasatBan Phlai Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทบ้านไพล) is located at Ban Prasat, Tambon Chuea Phlo-eng. The Khmer ruins was built to honour God Shiva. Three brick stupas in the same line are surrounded with moat except on the east. Although Shiva Linga and some lintels are miss-ing, the remaining artifacts are kept at Phimai National Museum indicate that the Khmer Ruins was built in 11th Century. To get there: From Amphoe Prasat, take Highway No. 214 (Prasat-Surin) around 7 kilometres. Then turn left to a rural road 3 kilometres.

Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins (ปราสาทหินบ้านพลวง) is located in Ban Phluang, Tambon Ban Phluang. Similar to smaller stupa of Phanom Rung Khmer Ruins. Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins has Bapuan Art style which can be dated back to the 11th-12th Century. Although, it is a small sanctuary but its stone carving is very excellent. It was renovated in 1972 with anastilosis (removing all parts, strengthening, and reassemble all again)

Facing east, the single stupa stands on big rectangular laterite base. The main door is only real one while other three are fault doors. The stupa is built from laterite, sandstone and brick. Without upper part, the stupa houses very delicate carving. It is surrounded with U-shape moat. The remaining of Barai or huge reservoir indicates that around the stupa once had a settlement. The stupa and around are well decorated.

Most lintels found on the eastern and southern sides of Khmer Ruins depict God Indra on Erawan Heavenly Elephant over the kirtimukha. The northern lintel depicts God Krisna killing naga. It is assumed that this Khmer Ruins was built for God Indra. Lining over the lintel, there are bas-relief depicting animals such as elephant, squirrel, pig, monkey, and cow. The eastern gable depicts God Krisna lifting Mount Kowattana in the frame of small animals which may mirror prosperity of the area which has many water sources. The front wall depicts door guardians with cudgels in hands.

By its huge rectangular base with lots of remaining space on the both sides of the stupa, it is assumed that it might comprise 3 stupas, but the construction was not completed or other two stupas were removed. Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins open daily between 08.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m. The admission is 50 baht.

Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins Ban Phlai Khmer Ruins

38 39Surin Surin

Visit Ta Muean in April Fair (งานเยี่ยมเยือนปราสาทตาเมือนเดือนเมษา) is an annual fair held on 12 April at the complex of the Prasat Ta Muean Sanctuaries, folk cultural performances, OTOP product booth display, etc. For more information please contact the Ta Mueang Subdistr ict Administrative Organization at Tel. 0 4450 8240.

Ordination parade on elephant’s back (งานประเพณีบวชนาคช้าง) The vibrant tradition is held mostly on the 13th-15th day of waxing moon of May (around mid of May) at Wat Chaeng Sawang, Ban Ta Klang, Amphoe Tha Tum. Khmer, Laotian, and Suay

To get there: From Amphoe Prasat, take Highway No. 214 (Prasat-Chong Jom) around 4 kilome-tres. Then turn left from km. 34-35, and keep going for a kilometre.

Events and FestivalsWedding Registration on Elephants (Kuai Traditional Wedding Ceremony) (งานจดทะเบียนสมรสบนหลังช้าง (พิธีแต่งงานแบบชาว กูยหรือพิธีซัตเต)) is held on 14 February of every year at the Surin Elephant Study Centre, Ban Ta Klang, Amphoe Tha Tum, with an aim to preserve the province’s traditional wedding ceremony of the Kui or Kuai people, as well as promote local tourism. Interested couples of all nationalities may apply

to participate in this elephant-back wedding ceremony and marriage registration free of charge. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Administration Organization at Tel. 0 4451 4524.

Thai Elephant Day (งานวันช้างไทย)is held annually on 13 March near the Monu-ment of Phraya Surinthara Phakdi Si Narong Changwang, Amphoe Mueang Surin, The declaration of Thai National Elephant Day was purposed for the Thai people to attach more importance to elephants, assist, and preserve them. Activities include a merit-making ceremony to dedicate to the deceased elephant shamans, mahouts, as well as elephants, elephant buffet, and talk on the future of

elephant raising communities. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Administration Organization at Tel. 0 4451 4524.

Going up Phanom Sawai Mountain Festival (งานประเพณีขึ้นเขาพนมสวาย) It will be held on March or April of every year. This annual festival is the parade of traditional art and culture to Phanom Sawai mountain in order to pay respect to Phra Yai, the intimate Buddha’s footprint, Luang Phu Dun, and Wat Phanom Silaram. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Administration Organization at Tel. 0 4451 4524.

Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins

Ordination parade on elephant’s back

38 39Surin Surin

Visit Ta Muean in April Fair (งานเยี่ยมเยือนปราสาทตาเมือนเดือนเมษา) is an annual fair held on 12 April at the complex of the Prasat Ta Muean Sanctuaries, folk cultural performances, OTOP product booth display, etc. For more information please contact the Ta Mueang Subdistr ict Administrative Organization at Tel. 0 4450 8240.

Ordination parade on elephant’s back (งานประเพณีบวชนาคช้าง) The vibrant tradition is held mostly on the 13th-15th day of waxing moon of May (around mid of May) at Wat Chaeng Sawang, Ban Ta Klang, Amphoe Tha Tum. Khmer, Laotian, and Suay

To get there: From Amphoe Prasat, take Highway No. 214 (Prasat-Chong Jom) around 4 kilome-tres. Then turn left from km. 34-35, and keep going for a kilometre.

Events and FestivalsWedding Registration on Elephants (Kuai Traditional Wedding Ceremony) (งานจดทะเบียนสมรสบนหลังช้าง (พิธีแต่งงานแบบชาว กูยหรือพิธีซัตเต)) is held on 14 February of every year at the Surin Elephant Study Centre, Ban Ta Klang, Amphoe Tha Tum, with an aim to preserve the province’s traditional wedding ceremony of the Kui or Kuai people, as well as promote local tourism. Interested couples of all nationalities may apply

to participate in this elephant-back wedding ceremony and marriage registration free of charge. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Administration Organization at Tel. 0 4451 4524.

Thai Elephant Day (งานวันช้างไทย)is held annually on 13 March near the Monu-ment of Phraya Surinthara Phakdi Si Narong Changwang, Amphoe Mueang Surin, The declaration of Thai National Elephant Day was purposed for the Thai people to attach more importance to elephants, assist, and preserve them. Activities include a merit-making ceremony to dedicate to the deceased elephant shamans, mahouts, as well as elephants, elephant buffet, and talk on the future of

elephant raising communities. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Administration Organization at Tel. 0 4451 4524.

Going up Phanom Sawai Mountain Festival (งานประเพณีขึ้นเขาพนมสวาย) It will be held on March or April of every year. This annual festival is the parade of traditional art and culture to Phanom Sawai mountain in order to pay respect to Phra Yai, the intimate Buddha’s footprint, Luang Phu Dun, and Wat Phanom Silaram. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Administration Organization at Tel. 0 4451 4524.

Ban Phluang Khmer Ruins

Ordination parade on elephant’s back

40 41Surin Surin

people are all Buddhist. All families wish their sons to enter monkshood and study dhamma before wedding. Ordination of many monks at the same time and parade on elephant’s back in long distance means great merit for all families. As all participants always dress up beautifully with mat-mi silk,the tradition earns lots of interest and inherited for generations. The parade comprises big parade of elephants crossing Moon River. The men entering monkshood will have their heads shaved, pay homage to Chao Pho Wang Thalu Shrine before starting the ordination. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Administration Organization at Tel. 0 4451 4524.

Long Boat Racing Festival (งานประเพณแีข่งขนัเรือยาวชิงถ้วยพระราชทานฯ) To be Organized in October or November every year. Four types of racing for the royal trophy and the contest of boat beauty parade will be organized on Moon river in front of Wat Pho, Amphoe Tha Tum. For more information please contact the Tha Tum Sub District Municipal Office at Tel. 0 4459 1166.

Amazing Elephant Round-Up (งานมหัศจรรย์งานช้างสุรินทร์) The annual fair is held every third week of November at Si Narong Stadium. Since ancient time, Surin is rich of elephant. Suay ethnic people has turned wild elephant into their

vehicles and their talent in elephant controlling has made debut for Thailand. When Elephant Round-up was initiated in 1960, it has putted Surin on the world map for tourist from around the world.

The Round-up features contest of elephant’s dining table, elephant welcome float, the world’s biggest dining event of the elephant, and performance such as elephant capture, tug of war between elephant and men, elephant football match, war elephant, and local per-formances such as Ruam An-re and Kantrum. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Office, Tel. 0 4451 2039, 0 4452 1358

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins Celebration (งานสืบสานต�านานพันปีปราสาทศีขรภูมิ) The annual celebration is held every third weekend of November at Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Sikhoraphum. The celebration features performance, lifestyle of ethnic people (Khmer, Lao, and Suay), local performances, souvenir market, beauty contest, Krathong contest and float. For more information please contact the Sikhoraphum Sub District Municipal Office at Tel. 0 4456 1234.

Eel Festival, Jasmine Rice, and Red Cross Fair (เทศกาลงานปลาไหล ข้าวใหม่หอมมะลิ และงานกาชาดประจ�าปี) is held annually during the third weekend of December at the ground of the Chumphon Buri District Office. Amphoe Chumphon Buri is partly located in the “Thung Kula Ronghai” field, which is one of the world’s famous sources of jasmine rice production. Situated on the plain of the Mun River Basin, the suitable occupations for the district are agriculture and fish breeding. The period of the rice harvest in November will be followed by a harvest in a large number of

full-grown eels. Activities are such as a proces-sion of floats decorated with grains of jasmine rice, eel catching competition, eel contest, com-petitions of yummy eel recipes, rice threshing, rice pounding, traditional style rice cooking, silk contest, boat racing, and OTOP product booth display. For more information please contact the Administration Section, Chumphon Buri District Office at Tel. 0 4459 6088.

LOCAL PRODUCTS AND SOUVENIRSSilk (ผ้าไหม) Surin is famed for high quality silk cloth which is unique by delicate weaving process, outstand-ing pattern and dye. Surin’s silk production sites are scattered in all districts and are mostly groupings of community weavers to weave and sell their products. Surin’s textiles are offered on sale both inside the weaving communities and in various shops selling local textiles and souvenirs in the province including:

- Gold Brocade Silk Village Ban Tha Sawang (Chansoma) (หมู่บ้านทอผ้าไหมยกทองโบราณบ้านท่าสว่าง (จันทร์โสมา)), Tambon Tha Sawang, Amphoe Mueang Surin, Tel. 0 4414 0015.

- Hang Krarok Sarong Weaving Village Ban Prathun (หมู่บ้านทอผ้าโสร่งหางกระรอกบ้านประทุน), Tambon Taen, Amphoe Sikhoraphum, Tel. 08 9585 4768.

Luk Pakueam Jewellery (เคร่ืองประดับลูกปะเกือม) is made from “Luk Pakueam”, strips of silver shaped into plain round or oval beads, enamelled and crafted into various fine patterns; such as, Lai Khai Maeangda, Lai Dok Phikun, and Lai

Amazing Elephant Round-Up

40 41Surin Surin

people are all Buddhist. All families wish their sons to enter monkshood and study dhamma before wedding. Ordination of many monks at the same time and parade on elephant’s back in long distance means great merit for all families. As all participants always dress up beautifully with mat-mi silk,the tradition earns lots of interest and inherited for generations. The parade comprises big parade of elephants crossing Moon River. The men entering monkshood will have their heads shaved, pay homage to Chao Pho Wang Thalu Shrine before starting the ordination. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Administration Organization at Tel. 0 4451 4524.

Long Boat Racing Festival (งานประเพณแีข่งขนัเรือยาวชิงถ้วยพระราชทานฯ) To be Organized in October or November every year. Four types of racing for the royal trophy and the contest of boat beauty parade will be organized on Moon river in front of Wat Pho, Amphoe Tha Tum. For more information please contact the Tha Tum Sub District Municipal Office at Tel. 0 4459 1166.

Amazing Elephant Round-Up (งานมหัศจรรย์งานช้างสุรินทร์) The annual fair is held every third week of November at Si Narong Stadium. Since ancient time, Surin is rich of elephant. Suay ethnic people has turned wild elephant into their

vehicles and their talent in elephant controlling has made debut for Thailand. When Elephant Round-up was initiated in 1960, it has putted Surin on the world map for tourist from around the world.

The Round-up features contest of elephant’s dining table, elephant welcome float, the world’s biggest dining event of the elephant, and performance such as elephant capture, tug of war between elephant and men, elephant football match, war elephant, and local per-formances such as Ruam An-re and Kantrum. For more information please contact the Surin Provincial Office, Tel. 0 4451 2039, 0 4452 1358

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins Celebration (งานสืบสานต�านานพันปีปราสาทศีขรภูมิ) The annual celebration is held every third weekend of November at Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Sikhoraphum. The celebration features performance, lifestyle of ethnic people (Khmer, Lao, and Suay), local performances, souvenir market, beauty contest, Krathong contest and float. For more information please contact the Sikhoraphum Sub District Municipal Office at Tel. 0 4456 1234.

Eel Festival, Jasmine Rice, and Red Cross Fair (เทศกาลงานปลาไหล ข้าวใหม่หอมมะลิ และงานกาชาดประจ�าปี) is held annually during the third weekend of December at the ground of the Chumphon Buri District Office. Amphoe Chumphon Buri is partly located in the “Thung Kula Ronghai” field, which is one of the world’s famous sources of jasmine rice production. Situated on the plain of the Mun River Basin, the suitable occupations for the district are agriculture and fish breeding. The period of the rice harvest in November will be followed by a harvest in a large number of

full-grown eels. Activities are such as a proces-sion of floats decorated with grains of jasmine rice, eel catching competition, eel contest, com-petitions of yummy eel recipes, rice threshing, rice pounding, traditional style rice cooking, silk contest, boat racing, and OTOP product booth display. For more information please contact the Administration Section, Chumphon Buri District Office at Tel. 0 4459 6088.

LOCAL PRODUCTS AND SOUVENIRSSilk (ผ้าไหม) Surin is famed for high quality silk cloth which is unique by delicate weaving process, outstand-ing pattern and dye. Surin’s silk production sites are scattered in all districts and are mostly groupings of community weavers to weave and sell their products. Surin’s textiles are offered on sale both inside the weaving communities and in various shops selling local textiles and souvenirs in the province including:

- Gold Brocade Silk Village Ban Tha Sawang (Chansoma) (หมู่บ้านทอผ้าไหมยกทองโบราณบ้านท่าสว่าง (จันทร์โสมา)), Tambon Tha Sawang, Amphoe Mueang Surin, Tel. 0 4414 0015.

- Hang Krarok Sarong Weaving Village Ban Prathun (หมู่บ้านทอผ้าโสร่งหางกระรอกบ้านประทุน), Tambon Taen, Amphoe Sikhoraphum, Tel. 08 9585 4768.

Luk Pakueam Jewellery (เคร่ืองประดับลูกปะเกือม) is made from “Luk Pakueam”, strips of silver shaped into plain round or oval beads, enamelled and crafted into various fine patterns; such as, Lai Khai Maeangda, Lai Dok Phikun, and Lai

Amazing Elephant Round-Up

42 43Surin Surin

Thung Ngoen, at Ban Khwao Sinarin, Amphoe Khwao Sinarin. The silver beads are strung into women’s accessories including a bracelet at the Ancient Handcrafted Silver Group (Mr. Puan Chiaothong), Tel. 08 1309 4352, and Thitaree Silver Shop, Tel. 08 6264 5331 (open daily 08.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m.), and also souvenir shops in Surin province.

Rattan Basketry (เครื่องจักสานจากหวาย) is made from unvarnished fine rattan called “Wai Hang Nu” into various forms of bags and baskets. If fungi occur, apply with ripen fruit with a sour taste like carambola, lime, or kaffir, wash with clean water and leave to dry, and the product will shine again. The production site is at Ban Bu Thom, Tambon Mueang Thi, Amphoe Mueang Surin. Products from the village are also available at the Wang Wai shop, located at km. 15, Highway No. 226 (Surin-Sikhoraphum), Tambon Mueang Thi, Tel. 0 4454 9044, 08 1065 2397.

Processed Pork Products (ผลิตภัณฑ์จากเนื้อหมูแปรรูป) such as, Chinese sausage, pork floss, crispy pork, etc. are available at various souvenir shops in Surin province.

Kalamae (กาละแม) is a yummy, sweet sticky candy producted mostly in Amphoe Sikhoraphum and famous among both the local people and visitors. It is available at various shops in Amphoe Sikhoraphum; such as, the Kalamae Mae Song Ban (Elephant) Brand on Si Prasat Road, Tel. 0 4456 1200, Kalamae One Prasat Brand on Serithipat Road, Tel. 0 4456 1009, 0 4456 0444, and other souvenir shops in Surin province.

SOUVENIRS SHOPSAmphoe Mueang SurinChek Ming Mai Thai (เจ็กม้ิงไหมไทย) 355 Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1685 (Silk)

Di Wi Lai (ดวิีไล) Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 3281 (Silk, Cotton)

Ek Anan Mai Thai (เอกอนันต์ไหมไทย) Sanit Nikom Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1441 (Silk, Cotton)

Hiang Hiang (เฮียง เฮียง) 95 Krung Si Nai Road. Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2283 (Sweetened Chinese radish, Chinese sausage, Dry shredded pork, Crispy pork)

Jing Heang (จิงเฮียง) Krungsri Nai Raod, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2341 (Chinese sausage, dry shredded pork, crispy pork)

Jong Hol (จองโฮล) 11/7 Sritanamith Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 6468 6900 (Silk, Scarf, Sarong)

Khao Hom (ข้าวหอม) Thetsaban 4 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 5857 (Organic Jasmine Rice)

Kunchiang 5 Dao (1st Branch) (กุนเชียง 5 ดาว สาขา 1) Thanasarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1775 (Chinese sausage, dry shredded pork, crispy pork)

Kunchiang 5 Dao (2nd Branch) (กุนเชียง 5 ดาว สาขา 2 สหรส) Krungsri Nai Raod, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 3876 (Chinese sausage, dry shredded pork, crispy pork)

Lim E Hiang (ลิ้มอี่เฮียง) Thanasarn Road. Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1366 (Sweet sticky candy, Chinese sausage, Dry shredded pork, Crispy pork)

Nong Ying (น้องหญิง) Chit Bamrung Road.

Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1606 (Silk)

Ruean Mai Bai Mon (เรือนไหมใบหม่อน) 162 Chit Bamrung Rd. Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1348 (Silk)

Sai Mai Surin (สายไหมสริุนทร์) Thanasarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2810 (Silk)

Surin Mai Thai (1st Branch) (สุรินทร์ไหมไทย สาขา 1) Kirirat Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 0998 (Silk)

Surin Mai Thai (2nd Branch) (สริุนทร์ไหมไทย สาขา 2) Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2159 (Silk)

Surin OTOP Center (ศูนย์แสดงและจ�าหน่ายสินค้าโอทอป) Surin Provincial Administrative Organization’s office, Lak Mueang Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 9718 4074

Silk

42 43Surin Surin

Thung Ngoen, at Ban Khwao Sinarin, Amphoe Khwao Sinarin. The silver beads are strung into women’s accessories including a bracelet at the Ancient Handcrafted Silver Group (Mr. Puan Chiaothong), Tel. 08 1309 4352, and Thitaree Silver Shop, Tel. 08 6264 5331 (open daily 08.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m.), and also souvenir shops in Surin province.

Rattan Basketry (เครื่องจักสานจากหวาย) is made from unvarnished fine rattan called “Wai Hang Nu” into various forms of bags and baskets. If fungi occur, apply with ripen fruit with a sour taste like carambola, lime, or kaffir, wash with clean water and leave to dry, and the product will shine again. The production site is at Ban Bu Thom, Tambon Mueang Thi, Amphoe Mueang Surin. Products from the village are also available at the Wang Wai shop, located at km. 15, Highway No. 226 (Surin-Sikhoraphum), Tambon Mueang Thi, Tel. 0 4454 9044, 08 1065 2397.

Processed Pork Products (ผลิตภัณฑ์จากเนื้อหมูแปรรูป) such as, Chinese sausage, pork floss, crispy pork, etc. are available at various souvenir shops in Surin province.

Kalamae (กาละแม) is a yummy, sweet sticky candy producted mostly in Amphoe Sikhoraphum and famous among both the local people and visitors. It is available at various shops in Amphoe Sikhoraphum; such as, the Kalamae Mae Song Ban (Elephant) Brand on Si Prasat Road, Tel. 0 4456 1200, Kalamae One Prasat Brand on Serithipat Road, Tel. 0 4456 1009, 0 4456 0444, and other souvenir shops in Surin province.

SOUVENIRS SHOPSAmphoe Mueang SurinChek Ming Mai Thai (เจ็กม้ิงไหมไทย) 355 Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1685 (Silk)

Di Wi Lai (ดวิีไล) Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 3281 (Silk, Cotton)

Ek Anan Mai Thai (เอกอนันต์ไหมไทย) Sanit Nikom Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1441 (Silk, Cotton)

Hiang Hiang (เฮียง เฮียง) 95 Krung Si Nai Road. Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2283 (Sweetened Chinese radish, Chinese sausage, Dry shredded pork, Crispy pork)

Jing Heang (จิงเฮียง) Krungsri Nai Raod, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2341 (Chinese sausage, dry shredded pork, crispy pork)

Jong Hol (จองโฮล) 11/7 Sritanamith Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 6468 6900 (Silk, Scarf, Sarong)

Khao Hom (ข้าวหอม) Thetsaban 4 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 5857 (Organic Jasmine Rice)

Kunchiang 5 Dao (1st Branch) (กุนเชียง 5 ดาว สาขา 1) Thanasarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1775 (Chinese sausage, dry shredded pork, crispy pork)

Kunchiang 5 Dao (2nd Branch) (กุนเชียง 5 ดาว สาขา 2 สหรส) Krungsri Nai Raod, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 3876 (Chinese sausage, dry shredded pork, crispy pork)

Lim E Hiang (ลิ้มอี่เฮียง) Thanasarn Road. Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1366 (Sweet sticky candy, Chinese sausage, Dry shredded pork, Crispy pork)

Nong Ying (น้องหญิง) Chit Bamrung Road.

Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1606 (Silk)

Ruean Mai Bai Mon (เรือนไหมใบหม่อน) 162 Chit Bamrung Rd. Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1348 (Silk)

Sai Mai Surin (สายไหมสริุนทร์) Thanasarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2810 (Silk)

Surin Mai Thai (1st Branch) (สุรินทร์ไหมไทย สาขา 1) Kirirat Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 0998 (Silk)

Surin Mai Thai (2nd Branch) (สริุนทร์ไหมไทย สาขา 2) Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2159 (Silk)

Surin OTOP Center (ศูนย์แสดงและจ�าหน่ายสินค้าโอทอป) Surin Provincial Administrative Organization’s office, Lak Mueang Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 9718 4074

Silk

44 45Surin Surin

SUGGESTED ITINERARYItinerary 1 (2 days 1 night)

Day 1 (Amphoe Mueang Surin-Amphoe Tha Tum-Amphoe Sikhoraphum-Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Stroll to breathe in the fresh air and watch the sun rising at Huai Saneng Reservoir, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Pay respect to Luangpho Phra Chi, Surin’s sacred Buddha image, at Wat Burapharam, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Continue from Amphoe Mueang Surin to Amphoe Tha Tum. - Enjoy an elephant show: painting, playing football, etc., at the Surin Elephant Study Centre, Ban Ta Klang, Amphoe Tha Tum. (Afternoon) - Depart Amphoe Tha Tum for Amphoe Sikhoraphum. - Visit the exquisite Khmer sanctuary, Sikhoraphum

Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Sikhoraphum. - Visit the Hang Krarok Sarong Weaving Village Ban Prathun, Amphoe Sikhoraphum, and shop for products made from the famous Hang Krarok local textile. - Check-in to the accommodation in Amphoe Mueang Surin.

Day 2 (Amphoe Mueang Surin-Amphoe Kap Choeng-Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak-Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Depart Amphoe Mueang Surin for Amphoe Kap Choeng. - Shop for various consumer goods both made in Thailand and imported from Cambodia at the Chong Chom Market, Amphoe Kap Choeng. - Continue on from Amphoe Kap Choeng to Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak.(Afternoon) - Visit the fine complex of Khmer sanctuaries; Ta Muean Group

of Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak, comprising Ta Muean Khmer Ruins, Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins, and Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins. - Pay respect to Phra Phuttha Surinthara Mongkhon or Phra Yai, the large white Buddha image in the gesture of giving a blessing at the Phanom Sawai Forest Park, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Shop for processed products from pork, which are the province’s famous souvenir; such as, Chinese sausage, pork floss, crispy pork, etc. at various shops in Amphoe Mueang Surin located on Thanasan Road and Krungsri NaiRoad.

Itinerary 2 (3 days 2 nights)

Day 1 (Amphoe Mueang Surin-Amphoe Tha Tum-Amphoe Khwao Sinarin-Amphoe Sikhoraphum-Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Pay homage to the Surin City Pillar Shrine, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Make merit at Wat Burapharam, Amphoe Mueang Surin, and pay respect to Surin’s sacred Buddha image, Luangpho Phra Chi. - Learn about the history of Surin at the Surin National Museum, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Depart Amphoe Mueang Surin for Amphoe Tha Tum.(Afternoon) - Enjoy the elephants show at the Surin Elephants Study Centre,

Ban Ta Klang, Amphoe Tha Tum. - Leave Amphoe Tha Tum for Amphoe Khwao Sinarin. - Visit Khwao Sinarin Handicraft Village, Amphoe Khwao Sinarin, where Surin’s unique jewellery made from silver beads called “Luk Pakueam” is crafted, and purchase the products; such as, bangle, belt, necklace, earrings, etc. - Continue from Amphoe Khwao Sinarin to Amphoe Sikhoraphum. - Visit the Khmer sanctuary Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Sikhoraphum, to admire its fine architecture and sandstone lintel above the entrance to the main sanctuary tower depicting the God Shiva dancing on 3 swans above the Kala face. - Check-in to the accommodation in Amphoe Mueang Surin.

Day 2 (Amphoe Mueang Surin-Amphoe Sangkha-Amphoe Buachet-Amphoe Kap Cho-eng-Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak-Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Depart Amphoe Mueang Surin for Amphoe Sangkha. - Visit the oldest Khmer sanctuary in Thailand Phum Pon Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Sangkha. - Leave Amphoe Sangkha for Amphoe Buachet. - Pay homage to the Buddha’s footprint at Wat Khao Sala Atula Thanacharo and enjoy the scenery of the Ban Charat

Luk Pa Kueam

44 45Surin Surin

SUGGESTED ITINERARYItinerary 1 (2 days 1 night)

Day 1 (Amphoe Mueang Surin-Amphoe Tha Tum-Amphoe Sikhoraphum-Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Stroll to breathe in the fresh air and watch the sun rising at Huai Saneng Reservoir, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Pay respect to Luangpho Phra Chi, Surin’s sacred Buddha image, at Wat Burapharam, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Continue from Amphoe Mueang Surin to Amphoe Tha Tum. - Enjoy an elephant show: painting, playing football, etc., at the Surin Elephant Study Centre, Ban Ta Klang, Amphoe Tha Tum. (Afternoon) - Depart Amphoe Tha Tum for Amphoe Sikhoraphum. - Visit the exquisite Khmer sanctuary, Sikhoraphum

Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Sikhoraphum. - Visit the Hang Krarok Sarong Weaving Village Ban Prathun, Amphoe Sikhoraphum, and shop for products made from the famous Hang Krarok local textile. - Check-in to the accommodation in Amphoe Mueang Surin.

Day 2 (Amphoe Mueang Surin-Amphoe Kap Choeng-Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak-Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Depart Amphoe Mueang Surin for Amphoe Kap Choeng. - Shop for various consumer goods both made in Thailand and imported from Cambodia at the Chong Chom Market, Amphoe Kap Choeng. - Continue on from Amphoe Kap Choeng to Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak.(Afternoon) - Visit the fine complex of Khmer sanctuaries; Ta Muean Group

of Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak, comprising Ta Muean Khmer Ruins, Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins, and Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins. - Pay respect to Phra Phuttha Surinthara Mongkhon or Phra Yai, the large white Buddha image in the gesture of giving a blessing at the Phanom Sawai Forest Park, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Shop for processed products from pork, which are the province’s famous souvenir; such as, Chinese sausage, pork floss, crispy pork, etc. at various shops in Amphoe Mueang Surin located on Thanasan Road and Krungsri NaiRoad.

Itinerary 2 (3 days 2 nights)

Day 1 (Amphoe Mueang Surin-Amphoe Tha Tum-Amphoe Khwao Sinarin-Amphoe Sikhoraphum-Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Pay homage to the Surin City Pillar Shrine, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Make merit at Wat Burapharam, Amphoe Mueang Surin, and pay respect to Surin’s sacred Buddha image, Luangpho Phra Chi. - Learn about the history of Surin at the Surin National Museum, Amphoe Mueang Surin. - Depart Amphoe Mueang Surin for Amphoe Tha Tum.(Afternoon) - Enjoy the elephants show at the Surin Elephants Study Centre,

Ban Ta Klang, Amphoe Tha Tum. - Leave Amphoe Tha Tum for Amphoe Khwao Sinarin. - Visit Khwao Sinarin Handicraft Village, Amphoe Khwao Sinarin, where Surin’s unique jewellery made from silver beads called “Luk Pakueam” is crafted, and purchase the products; such as, bangle, belt, necklace, earrings, etc. - Continue from Amphoe Khwao Sinarin to Amphoe Sikhoraphum. - Visit the Khmer sanctuary Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Sikhoraphum, to admire its fine architecture and sandstone lintel above the entrance to the main sanctuary tower depicting the God Shiva dancing on 3 swans above the Kala face. - Check-in to the accommodation in Amphoe Mueang Surin.

Day 2 (Amphoe Mueang Surin-Amphoe Sangkha-Amphoe Buachet-Amphoe Kap Cho-eng-Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak-Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Depart Amphoe Mueang Surin for Amphoe Sangkha. - Visit the oldest Khmer sanctuary in Thailand Phum Pon Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Sangkha. - Leave Amphoe Sangkha for Amphoe Buachet. - Pay homage to the Buddha’s footprint at Wat Khao Sala Atula Thanacharo and enjoy the scenery of the Ban Charat

Luk Pa Kueam

46 47Surin Surin

Reservoir and the Phanom Dong Rak Mountains that form the Thai-Cambodian border from the Pha Nang Khoi Viewpoint. - Continue on from Amphoe Buachet to Amphoe Kap Choeng. (Afternoon) - Shop for consumer goods at the Chong Chom Market, Amphoe Kap Choeng, a border market located near the Chong Chom Border, where products made in Thailand as well as imported from Cambodia are offered on sale. - Continue from Amphoe Kap Choeng to Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak. - Visit the fine complex of Khmer sanctuaries; Ta Muean Group of Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak, comprising Ta Muean Khmer Ruins, Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins, and Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins. - Check-in to the accommodation in Amphoe Mueang Surin.

Day 3 (Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Get up early and leave for the Huai Saneng Reservoir to admire the sunrise. - Visit the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Centre (Surin), Amphoe Mueang Surin, and learn about the lift- cycle of silkworms from the stages of hatching and cocooning to spinning the cocoons, dying the silk yarn with natural dyes, andsilk weaving.

- Observe the demonstration of exquisite silk weaving at the Gold Brocade Silk Village Ban Tha Sawang (Chansoma), Amphoe Mueang Surin, and shop for silk cloths, tube skirts, and shawls of fine quality from various shops in the village. (Afternoon) - Visit the Phanom Sawai Forest Park, Amphoe Mueang Surin, and pay homage to sacred objects for auspiciousness. - Return to Amphoe Mueang Surin.

FACILITIES IN SURIN Accommodations(Note: The room rates mentioned in this brochure may be changed without notice. Please ask for current information from each hotel before mak-ing reservation.)

Amphoe Mueang Surin Amarin (อัมรินทร์) 235 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 3300, 56 rooms: 250-550 baht.

Baanchangton (บ้านช้างต้น) 47 Suriyarach Road (Near The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 7239 2011, 08 7459 8962 www.baanchangton.com, 3 rooms: 400- 500 baht.

Bunthiang Mansion (บุญเที่ยง แมนชั่น) 10/1 Thetsaban 4 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 8165-7, 65 rooms: 380-900 baht.

For tune Mansion ( ฟ อ ร์ จู น แ ม น ชั่ น ) Lak Mueang Road (Near Surin Hospital), Tam-bon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4452 1151-2, 09 3423 8844 www.fortunemansionsurin.com, 40 rooms: 450-650 baht.

Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins

46 47Surin Surin

Reservoir and the Phanom Dong Rak Mountains that form the Thai-Cambodian border from the Pha Nang Khoi Viewpoint. - Continue on from Amphoe Buachet to Amphoe Kap Choeng. (Afternoon) - Shop for consumer goods at the Chong Chom Market, Amphoe Kap Choeng, a border market located near the Chong Chom Border, where products made in Thailand as well as imported from Cambodia are offered on sale. - Continue from Amphoe Kap Choeng to Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak. - Visit the fine complex of Khmer sanctuaries; Ta Muean Group of Khmer Ruins, Amphoe Phanom Dong Rak, comprising Ta Muean Khmer Ruins, Ta Muean Tot Khmer Ruins, and Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins. - Check-in to the accommodation in Amphoe Mueang Surin.

Day 3 (Amphoe Mueang Surin)(Morning) - Get up early and leave for the Huai Saneng Reservoir to admire the sunrise. - Visit the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Centre (Surin), Amphoe Mueang Surin, and learn about the lift- cycle of silkworms from the stages of hatching and cocooning to spinning the cocoons, dying the silk yarn with natural dyes, andsilk weaving.

- Observe the demonstration of exquisite silk weaving at the Gold Brocade Silk Village Ban Tha Sawang (Chansoma), Amphoe Mueang Surin, and shop for silk cloths, tube skirts, and shawls of fine quality from various shops in the village. (Afternoon) - Visit the Phanom Sawai Forest Park, Amphoe Mueang Surin, and pay homage to sacred objects for auspiciousness. - Return to Amphoe Mueang Surin.

FACILITIES IN SURIN Accommodations(Note: The room rates mentioned in this brochure may be changed without notice. Please ask for current information from each hotel before mak-ing reservation.)

Amphoe Mueang Surin Amarin (อัมรินทร์) 235 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 3300, 56 rooms: 250-550 baht.

Baanchangton (บ้านช้างต้น) 47 Suriyarach Road (Near The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 7239 2011, 08 7459 8962 www.baanchangton.com, 3 rooms: 400- 500 baht.

Bunthiang Mansion (บุญเที่ยง แมนชั่น) 10/1 Thetsaban 4 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 8165-7, 65 rooms: 380-900 baht.

For tune Mansion ( ฟ อ ร์ จู น แ ม น ชั่ น ) Lak Mueang Road (Near Surin Hospital), Tam-bon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4452 1151-2, 09 3423 8844 www.fortunemansionsurin.com, 40 rooms: 450-650 baht.

Ta Muean Thom Khmer Ruins

48 49Surin Surin

Jitt Sawat Resort (จิตต์สวัสดิ์ รีสอร์ท) 389 Thetsaban 3 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 9531 www.jittsawatresort.com, 11 rooms: 280-490 baht.

Kasem Garden (เกษม การ์เดน) 277 Mu 18, Liang Mueang Roed, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 08 9625 5777, 25 rooms: 400-1,000 baht.

Khun Nid Deaw Saeng Thong Surin (คุณนิดเดียวแสงทองสุรินทร์) 279-281 Thanasan Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2009, 95 rooms: 150-500 baht.

Kritsta Grand Apartment (กฤษดา แกรนด์ อพาร์ตเมนท์) 5 Suriyarach Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4471 3997-9, 72 rooms: 400-450 baht.

Krungsi (กรงุศร)ี 185 Krung Si Nai Road (in front of Clock Tower), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1037, 58 rooms: 250-550 baht.

Le Bien Resort (เลอเบียง รีสอร์ท) 45 Mu 7 Surin-Buriram Road, Tambon Koko, Tel. 08 1732 4615, 12 villas: 1,800 baht

Manirot (มณีโรจน์) 11/1 Soi Poitangko, Krung Si Nai Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 9477-9, 72 rooms: 450-500 baht.

Martina (มาติน่า) 227 Mu 14, Tambon Nok Mueang, Tel. 0 4471 3555 www.martinahotel.com, 157 rooms: 400-1,200 baht.

Memorail (เมมโมเรยีล) 186 Lak Mueang Road, T ambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1288, 52 rooms: 380-450 baht.

New Hotel (นวิโฮเตล็) 6-8 Thanasan Road (near Surin railway station), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1341, 96 rooms: 250-750 baht.

Onefu (วันฟุ โฮเต็ล แอท สุรินทร์) 280/1 Mu 1, Surin-Sangkha Road, Tambon Salakdai, Tel. 0 4404 1054-5, 08 1664 4961 www.onefuhotel.com, 46 rooms: 550-890 baht.

Phaetra Resort (เภตรา รีสอร์ท) 428 Mu 18, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 09 1130 9095, 09 3481 3685, 44 rooms: 300-900 baht.

Phetkasem Grand (เพชรเกษม แกรนด์) 104 Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1274, 0 4451 1740, 146 rooms: 650-5,500 baht.

Suanpa Resort (สวนป่า รีสอร์ท) 134 Surin-Prasat Road, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 0 4455 8617, 70 rooms: 350-600 baht.

Surin Majestic ( สุ ริ นทร์ มา เจสติ ก ) 99 Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4471 3980-83, 72 rooms: 1,200-4,500 baht.

Surin Paradise Resort (สุรินทร์ พาราไดซ์ รสีอรท์) 254 Mu 13, Surin-Prasat Road, Tel. 0 4451 8421, 0 4451 8431, 38 rooms: 400-600 baht.

The Grace Residence (เดอะ เกรซ เรซิเดนซ์) 1/15 Phromthep Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2164, 45 rooms: 1,800-4,000 baht.

The Lion Residence (เดอะ ไลอ้อน เรซิเดนซ์) Thetsaban 2 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4406 2502, 8 rooms: 500-800 baht.

The Orchid Residence Surin (ดิ ออร์คิด เรซิเดนซ์ สุรินทร์) 19 Rungkit Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 0101, 08 2155 5575 www.surinorchid.com, 75 rooms: 500-600 baht.

Thon Koon Resort (ต้นคูณ รีสอร์ท) 417-418 Surin-Sangkha Road, Tambon Nok Mueang, Te l . 0 4 4 5 3 0 0 7 7 , 0 8 9 7 2 2 8 6 9 0 www.thonkoonresort.com, 36 rooms: 450-1,700 baht.

Thong Tharin (ทองธารินทร์) 60 Sirirat Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 4281-8 www.thongtarinhotel.com, 233 rooms: 1,000-6,500 baht.

White Elephant Resort (ชา้งเผอืก รสีอรท์) 2/3 Mhor Guan Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 1434, 20 rooms: 400 baht.

Amphoe Khwao SinarinSurin Country Lodge (สุรินทร์ คันทรี ลอดจ์) 47 Mu 10, Tambon Bueng Khwao Sinarin, Tel. 08 1822 9443, 44 rooms: 600 baht.

Amphoe Tha TumBanlang Guesthouse (บัลลังก์ เกสต์เฮาส์) 131 Mu 10, Tambon Tha Tum, Tel. 0 4459 1685, 12 rooms: 300-590 baht.

Ban Nong Bua Homestay (โฮมสเตย์บ้านหนองบัว) 41 Mu 14, Nong Bua Village, Tambon Krapho, Tel. 08 1977 6680, 11 rooms: 100-200 baht.

Ban Ta Klang Homestay (โฮมสเตยบ์า้นตากลาง) Elephant Education Center, Ta Klang Village, Tambon Krapho, Tel. 0 4414 5050, 14 rooms: 150-200 baht.

Ban Ta Thit Homestay (โฮมสเตย์บ้านตาทิตย์) 41 Mu 8, Ta Thit Village, Tambon Krapho, Tel. 08 4833 8836, 08 5223 2485, 14 rooms: 200 baht.

Srithongkul Riverside (ศรีทองกุล ริเวอร์ไซด์) 135 Mu 9, Sanit Nikomrat Road, Tambon Tha Tum, Tel. 08 5479 9259, 09 0827 7366 www.sithongkulriverside.com, 34 rooms: 500-800 baht.

The Modern Resort (เดอะ โมเดิร์น รีสอร์ท) 721 Mo 7, Tambon Tha Tum, Tel. 0 4459 1844, 22 rooms: 400-500 baht.

Wat Khao Sala Atula Thanacharo

48 49Surin Surin

Jitt Sawat Resort (จิตต์สวัสดิ์ รีสอร์ท) 389 Thetsaban 3 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 9531 www.jittsawatresort.com, 11 rooms: 280-490 baht.

Kasem Garden (เกษม การ์เดน) 277 Mu 18, Liang Mueang Roed, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 08 9625 5777, 25 rooms: 400-1,000 baht.

Khun Nid Deaw Saeng Thong Surin (คุณนิดเดียวแสงทองสุรินทร์) 279-281 Thanasan Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2009, 95 rooms: 150-500 baht.

Kritsta Grand Apartment (กฤษดา แกรนด์ อพาร์ตเมนท์) 5 Suriyarach Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4471 3997-9, 72 rooms: 400-450 baht.

Krungsi (กรงุศร)ี 185 Krung Si Nai Road (in front of Clock Tower), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1037, 58 rooms: 250-550 baht.

Le Bien Resort (เลอเบียง รีสอร์ท) 45 Mu 7 Surin-Buriram Road, Tambon Koko, Tel. 08 1732 4615, 12 villas: 1,800 baht

Manirot (มณีโรจน์) 11/1 Soi Poitangko, Krung Si Nai Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 9477-9, 72 rooms: 450-500 baht.

Martina (มาติน่า) 227 Mu 14, Tambon Nok Mueang, Tel. 0 4471 3555 www.martinahotel.com, 157 rooms: 400-1,200 baht.

Memorail (เมมโมเรยีล) 186 Lak Mueang Road, T ambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1288, 52 rooms: 380-450 baht.

New Hotel (นวิโฮเตล็) 6-8 Thanasan Road (near Surin railway station), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1341, 96 rooms: 250-750 baht.

Onefu (วันฟุ โฮเต็ล แอท สุรินทร์) 280/1 Mu 1, Surin-Sangkha Road, Tambon Salakdai, Tel. 0 4404 1054-5, 08 1664 4961 www.onefuhotel.com, 46 rooms: 550-890 baht.

Phaetra Resort (เภตรา รีสอร์ท) 428 Mu 18, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 09 1130 9095, 09 3481 3685, 44 rooms: 300-900 baht.

Phetkasem Grand (เพชรเกษม แกรนด์) 104 Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1274, 0 4451 1740, 146 rooms: 650-5,500 baht.

Suanpa Resort (สวนป่า รีสอร์ท) 134 Surin-Prasat Road, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 0 4455 8617, 70 rooms: 350-600 baht.

Surin Majestic ( สุ ริ นทร์ มา เจสติ ก ) 99 Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4471 3980-83, 72 rooms: 1,200-4,500 baht.

Surin Paradise Resort (สุรินทร์ พาราไดซ์ รสีอรท์) 254 Mu 13, Surin-Prasat Road, Tel. 0 4451 8421, 0 4451 8431, 38 rooms: 400-600 baht.

The Grace Residence (เดอะ เกรซ เรซิเดนซ์) 1/15 Phromthep Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2164, 45 rooms: 1,800-4,000 baht.

The Lion Residence (เดอะ ไลอ้อน เรซิเดนซ์) Thetsaban 2 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4406 2502, 8 rooms: 500-800 baht.

The Orchid Residence Surin (ดิ ออร์คิด เรซิเดนซ์ สุรินทร์) 19 Rungkit Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 0101, 08 2155 5575 www.surinorchid.com, 75 rooms: 500-600 baht.

Thon Koon Resort (ต้นคูณ รีสอร์ท) 417-418 Surin-Sangkha Road, Tambon Nok Mueang, Te l . 0 4 4 5 3 0 0 7 7 , 0 8 9 7 2 2 8 6 9 0 www.thonkoonresort.com, 36 rooms: 450-1,700 baht.

Thong Tharin (ทองธารินทร์) 60 Sirirat Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 4281-8 www.thongtarinhotel.com, 233 rooms: 1,000-6,500 baht.

White Elephant Resort (ชา้งเผอืก รสีอรท์) 2/3 Mhor Guan Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 1434, 20 rooms: 400 baht.

Amphoe Khwao SinarinSurin Country Lodge (สุรินทร์ คันทรี ลอดจ์) 47 Mu 10, Tambon Bueng Khwao Sinarin, Tel. 08 1822 9443, 44 rooms: 600 baht.

Amphoe Tha TumBanlang Guesthouse (บัลลังก์ เกสต์เฮาส์) 131 Mu 10, Tambon Tha Tum, Tel. 0 4459 1685, 12 rooms: 300-590 baht.

Ban Nong Bua Homestay (โฮมสเตย์บ้านหนองบัว) 41 Mu 14, Nong Bua Village, Tambon Krapho, Tel. 08 1977 6680, 11 rooms: 100-200 baht.

Ban Ta Klang Homestay (โฮมสเตยบ์า้นตากลาง) Elephant Education Center, Ta Klang Village, Tambon Krapho, Tel. 0 4414 5050, 14 rooms: 150-200 baht.

Ban Ta Thit Homestay (โฮมสเตย์บ้านตาทิตย์) 41 Mu 8, Ta Thit Village, Tambon Krapho, Tel. 08 4833 8836, 08 5223 2485, 14 rooms: 200 baht.

Srithongkul Riverside (ศรีทองกุล ริเวอร์ไซด์) 135 Mu 9, Sanit Nikomrat Road, Tambon Tha Tum, Tel. 08 5479 9259, 09 0827 7366 www.sithongkulriverside.com, 34 rooms: 500-800 baht.

The Modern Resort (เดอะ โมเดิร์น รีสอร์ท) 721 Mo 7, Tambon Tha Tum, Tel. 0 4459 1844, 22 rooms: 400-500 baht.

Wat Khao Sala Atula Thanacharo

50 51Surin Surin

Amphoe Chumphon BuriBan Mueanfan Resort (บ้านเหมือนฝัน รีสอร์ท) 127 Mu 6, Ban Khok Mek, Tambon Sinarong, Tel. 08 6252 4951, 5 rooms: 700-900 bath, 2 villas (5-9 people): 2,000-2,500 baht.

Piam Suk Resort (เปี่ยมสุข รีสอร์ท) 219 Mu 3, Tambon Chumphon Buri, Tel. 0 4456 9060

Amphoe RattanaburiChomdow Resort (ชมดาว รีสอร์ท) 333 Mu 10, Tambon Rattanaburi, Tel. 08 5236 4033, 13 rooms: 450-550 baht.

Amphoe Samrong Thap Ban Aree Homestay (บ้านอาลี โฮมสเตย์) 22 Mu 4 Aree Village, Tambon Samrong Thap, Tel. 08 3126 0957, 08 7651 1542, 10 rooms: 100-500 baht.

Amphoe Sikhoraphum Chuan Fan House (ชวนฝัน เฮาส์) Tambon Ra Ngang, Tel. 08 6877 9622, 16 rooms, 350-400 baht.

Nong Hong Guesthouse (หนองหงส ์เกสตเ์ฮาส)์ 24/1 Mu 16, Tambon Yang, Tel. 08 6876 4702, 13 rooms: 280-450 baht.

Amphoe SangkhaManee Sangkha (มณีสั งขะ ) 368 Mu 3 Chokchai-Det Udom Road, Tambon Sangkha, Tel. 08 1669 8111, 60 rooms: 450-700 baht.

Rachawadee Resort (ราชาวดี รีสอร์ท) 222/1 Mu 1, Khaosan Road, Tambon Sangkha, Tel. 0 4457 1266, 08 1075 2148 www.rachawadee sangkhasurin.com, 14 rooms: 400-800 baht.

Suan Mai Resort (สวนใหม่ รีสอร์ท) 367 Rat Ruam Phattana Road, Tambon Sangkha, Tel. 0 4457 2016, 17 rooms: 450-550 baht.

Amphoe Kap Choeng Tharn Ratchada Resort (ธารรัชดา รีสอร์ท) 183 Mu 5, Tambon Dan, Tel. 08 5902 9291, 32 rooms: 400-600 baht.

Amphoe PrasatAree Resort (อารี รีสอร์ท) Mu 4, Tambon Ban Phluang, Tel. 08 1927 9259, 24 rooms: 400-800 baht.

Bangawee Resort (บัณฑิ์กวีร์ รีสอร์ท) 199/9 Mu 4, Chokchai-Det Udom Road, Tambon Kang Ann, Tel. 08 7879 8881, 32 rooms: 400-600 baht.

Prasat Resort (ปราสาท รีสอร์ท) 92 Mu 4 Tambon Ban Phluang, Tel. 0 4455 2048, 39 rooms: 400-500 baht.

Prasat Thani (ปราสาทธานี) 507 Surin-Chong Jom Road, Tambon Kang Ann (in front of market), Tel. 0 4455 1018, 23 rooms: 200-300 baht.

Ryan’s Resort (ไรอนั รสีอรท์) 80 Mu 17, Tambon Ta Bao, Tel. 08 4756 1520, 08 4320 0279, 10 rooms: 500 baht.

Sarenburi Resort (สะเร็นบุรี รีสอร์ท) 222 Mu 6, Tambon Kang Ann, Tel. 0 4455 2151-2, 11 rooms: 550-750 baht.

Suree Guesthouse (สุรีย์ เกสต์เฮาส์) 135 Mu 6 Tambon Kang Ann, Tel. 0 4455 1222, 08 3569 4794, 10 rooms: 600 baht.

Thong Paeka (ทองเพกา) 151 Mu 8, Tambon Kang Ann, Tel. 0 4453 2555, 42 rooms: 500-1,500 baht.

Restaurants Amphoe Mueang Surin 235 Rattanakosin (ร.ศ. ๒๓๕) 6/8 Suriyakarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 7239 2011, Open 10.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m. (Coffee & Bakery)

Chid-Rom (ชิด-รมย์) Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 8733 3540, Open 05.00 p.m.-12.00 a.m.

Sydnet Steak (ซิดนีย์ สเต็ก) 349/4 Thetsaban 1 Road, (opposite with Ruamphaet Hospital), Tel. 0 4451 9570, 08 9428 4711, Open 10.00 a.m.- 10.00 p.m.

Sit-In (ซทิอนิ) 27/46 Lak Mueang Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 4477 6688, Open 08.00 a.m.- 10.30 p.m.

Celebrate (เซเรเบรส) 3/96-97 Sirirat Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 8900, Open 08.00 a.m.-11.00 p.m. (Bakery)

Coca (โคคา) 128 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2390, Open 12.00 p.m.- 09.00 p.m.

Green Terrace (กรนี เทอรเ์รซ) 89/3 Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 5469 6994, Open 09.00 a.m.-11.30 p.m.

Just a Little (จัส อะ ลิตเติ้ล) 6/3 Suriyakarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 0877, Open 09.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. (Coffee & Bakery)

Che Tuk Som Tam (เจ๊ตุ๊กส้มต�า) Thetsaban 3 Road (near Umay Plus Intersection), Tel. 08 6865 8893

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins

50 51Surin Surin

Amphoe Chumphon BuriBan Mueanfan Resort (บ้านเหมือนฝัน รีสอร์ท) 127 Mu 6, Ban Khok Mek, Tambon Sinarong, Tel. 08 6252 4951, 5 rooms: 700-900 bath, 2 villas (5-9 people): 2,000-2,500 baht.

Piam Suk Resort (เปี่ยมสุข รีสอร์ท) 219 Mu 3, Tambon Chumphon Buri, Tel. 0 4456 9060

Amphoe RattanaburiChomdow Resort (ชมดาว รีสอร์ท) 333 Mu 10, Tambon Rattanaburi, Tel. 08 5236 4033, 13 rooms: 450-550 baht.

Amphoe Samrong Thap Ban Aree Homestay (บ้านอาลี โฮมสเตย์) 22 Mu 4 Aree Village, Tambon Samrong Thap, Tel. 08 3126 0957, 08 7651 1542, 10 rooms: 100-500 baht.

Amphoe Sikhoraphum Chuan Fan House (ชวนฝัน เฮาส์) Tambon Ra Ngang, Tel. 08 6877 9622, 16 rooms, 350-400 baht.

Nong Hong Guesthouse (หนองหงส ์เกสตเ์ฮาส)์ 24/1 Mu 16, Tambon Yang, Tel. 08 6876 4702, 13 rooms: 280-450 baht.

Amphoe SangkhaManee Sangkha (มณีสั งขะ ) 368 Mu 3 Chokchai-Det Udom Road, Tambon Sangkha, Tel. 08 1669 8111, 60 rooms: 450-700 baht.

Rachawadee Resort (ราชาวดี รีสอร์ท) 222/1 Mu 1, Khaosan Road, Tambon Sangkha, Tel. 0 4457 1266, 08 1075 2148 www.rachawadee sangkhasurin.com, 14 rooms: 400-800 baht.

Suan Mai Resort (สวนใหม่ รีสอร์ท) 367 Rat Ruam Phattana Road, Tambon Sangkha, Tel. 0 4457 2016, 17 rooms: 450-550 baht.

Amphoe Kap Choeng Tharn Ratchada Resort (ธารรัชดา รีสอร์ท) 183 Mu 5, Tambon Dan, Tel. 08 5902 9291, 32 rooms: 400-600 baht.

Amphoe PrasatAree Resort (อารี รีสอร์ท) Mu 4, Tambon Ban Phluang, Tel. 08 1927 9259, 24 rooms: 400-800 baht.

Bangawee Resort (บัณฑิ์กวีร์ รีสอร์ท) 199/9 Mu 4, Chokchai-Det Udom Road, Tambon Kang Ann, Tel. 08 7879 8881, 32 rooms: 400-600 baht.

Prasat Resort (ปราสาท รีสอร์ท) 92 Mu 4 Tambon Ban Phluang, Tel. 0 4455 2048, 39 rooms: 400-500 baht.

Prasat Thani (ปราสาทธานี) 507 Surin-Chong Jom Road, Tambon Kang Ann (in front of market), Tel. 0 4455 1018, 23 rooms: 200-300 baht.

Ryan’s Resort (ไรอนั รสีอรท์) 80 Mu 17, Tambon Ta Bao, Tel. 08 4756 1520, 08 4320 0279, 10 rooms: 500 baht.

Sarenburi Resort (สะเร็นบุรี รีสอร์ท) 222 Mu 6, Tambon Kang Ann, Tel. 0 4455 2151-2, 11 rooms: 550-750 baht.

Suree Guesthouse (สุรีย์ เกสต์เฮาส์) 135 Mu 6 Tambon Kang Ann, Tel. 0 4455 1222, 08 3569 4794, 10 rooms: 600 baht.

Thong Paeka (ทองเพกา) 151 Mu 8, Tambon Kang Ann, Tel. 0 4453 2555, 42 rooms: 500-1,500 baht.

Restaurants Amphoe Mueang Surin 235 Rattanakosin (ร.ศ. ๒๓๕) 6/8 Suriyakarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 7239 2011, Open 10.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m. (Coffee & Bakery)

Chid-Rom (ชิด-รมย์) Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 8733 3540, Open 05.00 p.m.-12.00 a.m.

Sydnet Steak (ซิดนีย์ สเต็ก) 349/4 Thetsaban 1 Road, (opposite with Ruamphaet Hospital), Tel. 0 4451 9570, 08 9428 4711, Open 10.00 a.m.- 10.00 p.m.

Sit-In (ซทิอนิ) 27/46 Lak Mueang Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 4477 6688, Open 08.00 a.m.- 10.30 p.m.

Celebrate (เซเรเบรส) 3/96-97 Sirirat Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 8900, Open 08.00 a.m.-11.00 p.m. (Bakery)

Coca (โคคา) 128 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 2390, Open 12.00 p.m.- 09.00 p.m.

Green Terrace (กรนี เทอรเ์รซ) 89/3 Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 5469 6994, Open 09.00 a.m.-11.30 p.m.

Just a Little (จัส อะ ลิตเติ้ล) 6/3 Suriyakarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4453 0877, Open 09.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. (Coffee & Bakery)

Che Tuk Som Tam (เจ๊ตุ๊กส้มต�า) Thetsaban 3 Road (near Umay Plus Intersection), Tel. 08 6865 8893

Sikhoraphum Khmer Ruins

52 53Surin Surin

Kan Jan Rim Klong (แก่นจันทร์ ริมคลอง) 6/1 Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 5682 5780, Open 03.30 a.m.-11.00 p.m.

Khao Mai Pla Mun (ข้าวใหม่ปลามัน) 146 Suriyakarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 9304, 08 8092 8808

Khrua Lakkhana (ครัวลักขณา) 181/54-55 Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 4207, Open 07.30 a.m.- 03.00 p.m.

Kidtueng Bakery & Coffee (คิดถึง เบเกอรี่ แอนด์ คอฟฟี่) Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 06 2184 6139 (Coffee & Bakery),

Kurose (คูโรส) Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 9424 2662, Open 05.00 p.m.-11.30 p.m.

Thipparod (ทิพย์รส) 249-251 Thanasan Road (Fountain circle), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1179, Open 06.00 a.m.-02.00 p.m. (Close on Monday)

Primm Café (ปริมม์ คาเฟ่) Krungsri Nai Road (Night Bazaar), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 2195 6464, Open 10.00 a.m.-09.00 p.m. (Coffee & Bakery)

Petmanee 1 (เพชรมณี ๑) 69/2 Mulasatsathorn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 9423 6356, 08 6869 4838, Open 09.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m.

Petmanee 2 (เพชรมณ ี๒) is located behide Wat Sala Loi, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 7450 2346, Open 09.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m.

Pea Tee Restaurant (ภัตตาคารแป๊ะตี๋) 40-42 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1682, Open 09.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.

Mae Pim Pla Phao (แม่พิมพ์ปลาเผา) 555 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel.

0 4451 4371, 08 1977 0096, Open 09.00 a.m.-11.00 p.m.

Rabieng Nam (ระเบียงน�้า) 45 Mu 7, Tambon Kho Kho, Tel. 0 4472 5559, 08 1732 4615, Open 11.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.

Rattana Pla Phao (รัตนาปลาเผา) 55 Mu 2, Huai Saneng Reservoir Road, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 08 9285 5114

Light House (ไลท์ เฮาส์) 124-126 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 09 1020 8883, Open 09.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. (Coffee & Bakery)

Chai Nam ( ส วนอาหารชายน�้ า ) 80 Mu 1 Huai Saneng Reservoir Road, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 0 4451 8979, 08 1725 4466, Open 10.00 a.m.-08.30 p.m.

Ban Na (สวนอาหารบ้านนา) 25 Mu 2 Huai Saneng Reservoir Road, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 0 4451 2599

Somboon Pochana (สมบูรณ์โภชนา) 171-175 Krungsri Nok Road (near Surin Plaza), Tel. 0 4451 5168

Sabieng ( เสบียง) 9/18 Suriyakarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 5429, Open 04.00 p.m.-12.00 a.m.

Or Kung Pao (อ.กุง้เผา) 259 Mu 4 Surin-Lumchi Road, Tel. 08 1547 9053, 08 9190 2299, Open 10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.

Amphoe Rattanaburi Sahawat Stewed Pork Leg (ขาหมูสหวัฒน์) 139/6 Mu 1 Sirat Road, Tambon Rattanaburi, Tel. 0 4459 9192, 08 1877 2024

Amphoe PrasatPhon Napha (สวนอาหารพรนภา) Kangchan village, Prasat-Chong Jom, Tel. 0 4453 2468, Open 09.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.

Huai Saneng Reservoir

52 53Surin Surin

Kan Jan Rim Klong (แก่นจันทร์ ริมคลอง) 6/1 Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 5682 5780, Open 03.30 a.m.-11.00 p.m.

Khao Mai Pla Mun (ข้าวใหม่ปลามัน) 146 Suriyakarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 9304, 08 8092 8808

Khrua Lakkhana (ครัวลักขณา) 181/54-55 Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 4207, Open 07.30 a.m.- 03.00 p.m.

Kidtueng Bakery & Coffee (คิดถึง เบเกอรี่ แอนด์ คอฟฟี่) Chit Bamrung Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 06 2184 6139 (Coffee & Bakery),

Kurose (คูโรส) Lak Mueang Road (Lrrigation Road), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 9424 2662, Open 05.00 p.m.-11.30 p.m.

Thipparod (ทิพย์รส) 249-251 Thanasan Road (Fountain circle), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1179, Open 06.00 a.m.-02.00 p.m. (Close on Monday)

Primm Café (ปริมม์ คาเฟ่) Krungsri Nai Road (Night Bazaar), Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 2195 6464, Open 10.00 a.m.-09.00 p.m. (Coffee & Bakery)

Petmanee 1 (เพชรมณี ๑) 69/2 Mulasatsathorn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 9423 6356, 08 6869 4838, Open 09.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m.

Petmanee 2 (เพชรมณ ี๒) is located behide Wat Sala Loi, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 08 7450 2346, Open 09.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m.

Pea Tee Restaurant (ภัตตาคารแป๊ะตี๋) 40-42 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 1682, Open 09.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.

Mae Pim Pla Phao (แม่พิมพ์ปลาเผา) 555 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel.

0 4451 4371, 08 1977 0096, Open 09.00 a.m.-11.00 p.m.

Rabieng Nam (ระเบียงน�้า) 45 Mu 7, Tambon Kho Kho, Tel. 0 4472 5559, 08 1732 4615, Open 11.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.

Rattana Pla Phao (รัตนาปลาเผา) 55 Mu 2, Huai Saneng Reservoir Road, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 08 9285 5114

Light House (ไลท์ เฮาส์) 124-126 Thetsaban 1 Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 09 1020 8883, Open 09.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. (Coffee & Bakery)

Chai Nam ( ส วนอาหารชายน�้ า ) 80 Mu 1 Huai Saneng Reservoir Road, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 0 4451 8979, 08 1725 4466, Open 10.00 a.m.-08.30 p.m.

Ban Na (สวนอาหารบ้านนา) 25 Mu 2 Huai Saneng Reservoir Road, Tambon Chaniang, Tel. 0 4451 2599

Somboon Pochana (สมบูรณ์โภชนา) 171-175 Krungsri Nok Road (near Surin Plaza), Tel. 0 4451 5168

Sabieng ( เสบียง) 9/18 Suriyakarn Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4451 5429, Open 04.00 p.m.-12.00 a.m.

Or Kung Pao (อ.กุง้เผา) 259 Mu 4 Surin-Lumchi Road, Tel. 08 1547 9053, 08 9190 2299, Open 10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.

Amphoe Rattanaburi Sahawat Stewed Pork Leg (ขาหมูสหวัฒน์) 139/6 Mu 1 Sirat Road, Tambon Rattanaburi, Tel. 0 4459 9192, 08 1877 2024

Amphoe PrasatPhon Napha (สวนอาหารพรนภา) Kangchan village, Prasat-Chong Jom, Tel. 0 4453 2468, Open 09.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.

Huai Saneng Reservoir

USEFUL CALLSPublic Relation Provincial Office Tel. 0 4452 0185Provincial Office Tel. 0 4451 2039Surin Provincial Administrative Organization Tel. 0 4451 1975Provincial Police Office Tel. 0 4451 1386Mueang Surin Police Office Tel. 0 4451 1007 Tourist Police Tel. 1155Highway Police Tel. 1193, 0 4451 5388Surin Hospital Tel. 0 4451 1757Ruam Phaet Hospital Tel. 0 4451 5700-1Surin Ruamphaet Hospital Tel. 0 4451 1523

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERSTOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND1600 Petchaburi Road., MakkasanRatchathewi, Bangkok 10400Tel. 1672Fax 0 2253 7440www.tourismthailand.orgE-mail: info@tat.or.thOpen daily 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m.

MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND SPORTS4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, Bangkok 10100Tel. 0 2283 1556Open daily 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m.

SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTPassenger Terminal, 2nd floor, Exit 3Tel. 0 2134 0040Open daily 24 hours

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND, SURIN OFFICE355/3-6 Thetsaban 1 RoadTambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Surin,Surin 32000Tel. 0 4451 4447-8Fax: 0 4451 8530E-mail: tatsurin@tat.or.thAreas of responsibility: Surin, Buri Ram

Update April 2017

USEFUL CALLSPublic Relation Provincial Office Tel. 0 4452 0185Provincial Office Tel. 0 4451 2039Surin Provincial Administrative Organization Tel. 0 4451 1975Provincial Police Office Tel. 0 4451 1386Mueang Surin Police Office Tel. 0 4451 1007 Tourist Police Tel. 1155Highway Police Tel. 1193, 0 4451 5388Surin Hospital Tel. 0 4451 1757Ruam Phaet Hospital Tel. 0 4451 5700-1Surin Ruamphaet Hospital Tel. 0 4451 1523

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERSTOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND1600 Petchaburi Road., MakkasanRatchathewi, Bangkok 10400Tel. 1672Fax 0 2253 7440www.tourismthailand.orgE-mail: info@tat.or.thOpen daily 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m.

MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND SPORTS4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, Bangkok 10100Tel. 0 2283 1556Open daily 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m.

SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTPassenger Terminal, 2nd floor, Exit 3Tel. 0 2134 0040Open daily 24 hours

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND, SURIN OFFICE355/3-6 Thetsaban 1 RoadTambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Surin,Surin 32000Tel. 0 4451 4447-8Fax: 0 4451 8530E-mail: tatsurin@tat.or.thAreas of responsibility: Surin, Buri Ram

Update April 2017

Surin

Information by: TAT SurinTourist Information Division (Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext. 2141-5)Design & Printed by: Marketing Services Department.The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice.2015 Copyright. No commercial reprinting of this material allowed.MAY 2017

24 hrs. EverydayE-mail: info@tat.or.thwww.tourismthailand.org

Surin’s elephant village and Elephant Education Center