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Complete Guide to Surin: Here’s How This Isan Province of Elephants Will Leave You Breathless!

| Last Updated: August 2024

If there’s anything I won’t forget about Surin, it has to be the elephants—I mean, it’s no wonder it’s called the Land of the Elephants! And how about those amazing extra fine silk production and silk weaving in Ban Tha Sawang?

You know, even when our team has been to Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, a little voice inside me wants to return to this remote Isan province. 

Are you intrigued yet? Well, join me as I revisit our memorable adventures in Surin! We’re detailing all the fun, and enriching sights and activities that made us fall in love with Surin, so read on!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai), Khmer

Calling Code: (+66)

Nearest Airport: Surin Airport

Best Time to Visit Surin

The best time to visit Surin is during its peak season from November to February. During this time, expect cool and dry weather conditions suitable for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

The cooler average temperatures also mean you can keep exploring outside from morning to night. And by doing so, maximize your time to the utmost. 

How to Get to Surin

Plane: The best and fastest way to get to Surin from Bangkok is to book a direct flight to Surin Airport. The flight only takes approximately 1 hour from Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport.

Bus: Another way to get to Surin from Bangkok is to catch a Suwadee Surin or Sombat Tour bus at the Mochit Bus Terminal. The bus ride takes between 5 and 6 hours but it’s definitely worth it for the affordable fare.

Train: The train to Surin takes approximately 8 hours but it’s the cheapest option, so it’s perfect when traveling on a budget. You can catch a train at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and get off at the train station in Surin Town.

Where to Stay in Surin

Surin Majestic Hotel

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Address: 99, Jitrbumrung Road, Nai Mueang Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 44 713 980

Website: http://www.surinmajestic.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

Surin Majestic Hotel is a stylish off-the-side-street hotel tucked away in a shopping complex. That’s why staying here gives you easy access to numerous retail stores, luxury brand shops, cafes, service centers, and more.

We also like their airy minimalist rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. They also come with basic amenities like kettles, mini fridges, high-speed WiFi, flat-screen TVs, etc.

This hotel also has spacious suites with separate living rooms and up to 2 bedrooms, perfect for families and small groups. Guests also have access to their international restaurant, casual cafe, fitness center, and outdoor pool.

Hop Inn Surin

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Address: 5, 1 Poy Tang Ko Alley, Nai Mueang Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 2 659 2899

Website: https://www.hopinnhotel.com/th/our-hotels/hop-inn-surin

Pricing: ฿

Hop Inn Surin is an affordable chained-brand hotel known for its clean and cozy minimalist rooms. They offer all the basic amenities you’ll need like flat-screen TVs and WiFi, coffee and tea-making facilities, en-suite bathrooms, and mini fridges.

The hotel is also smack in the middle of Surin Town, so you have quick access to iconic landmarks, attractions, and local shops and restaurants. Plus, it’s only a 9-minute drive to Surin Airport, so it’s definitely one of the town’s most convenient hotels location-wise.

Add to the mix Hop Inn’s affordable rates, and you know why this place to stay is a favorite amongst tourists and locals. 

Slive Hotel Surin 

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Address: 169 Luck Muang Road, Nai Mueang Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 44 060 322

Website: http://www.slivehotel.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

Slive Hotel Surin is a chic hotel with gorgeous garden-themed hallways and common areas. Their fully furnished modern rooms also feature floor-to-ceiling windows, large comfy beds, sizable workstations, en-suite bathrooms, and more.

It’s also a 5-minute drive from the airport, so it’s a convenient option for tourists visiting Surin for the first time. Plus, it’s close to numerous shopping malls, supermarkets, and a few downtown attractions like Surin Park, Si Narong Stadium, Surin Rugby Gym, etc.

We also like their on-site restaurant because it serves complimentary breakfast for all hotel guests. They also have a fully-equipped fitness gym and a rooftop garden with stunning city views.

Where to Eat in Surin

Starbeam Restaurant

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Address: 32/6 Soi Sraboran 2, Thep Surin Road

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 44 519 629

Website: https://www.facebook.com/STARBEAM.RESTAURANT

Pricing: ฿฿

Starbeam Restaurant is a popular restaurant in the heart of Surin Town. We particularly like that they serve a wide range of dishes, from Thai to Indian, Mexican, and Swiss-style food, perfect if you’re looking for full-blown variety.

But our favorite is their breakfast offerings. The foodies on our team are fans of their full English breakfast set with 2 eggs and sausages, English bacon, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and more.

There’s also a dedicated vegetarian menu for those who like to skip the meat dishes.

Dish Up Steak

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Address: 32/9 Lak Mueang, Nai Mueang Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 94 455 9982

Website: http://www.facebook.com/dishupsteak

Pricing: ฿฿

If you’re a steak person, Dish Up Steak is an excellent choice. This restaurant specializes in Thai and Western-style steaks so you’ll most likely find one that suits your preferences.

This includes pork pepper steak, pork BBQ steak, hot and spicy chicken steak, and numerous premium grilled steaks. They also have special combo offerings for those who want their steak with a side of fish and chips or crispy fried chicken. 

Their menu also includes 5 pasta dishes for more variety. 

TumKraToei Restaurant

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Address: 353/7 Thetsaban 1 Road, Nai Mueang Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 44 060 598

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Tumkratoei/

Pricing: ฿฿

TumKraToei Restaurant is a charming Thai restaurant in the heart of Surin Town. They serve a wide range of classic and authentic Thai dishes, from seafood tom yum to khao pad nuea, yum ruam tha lay, pad Thai, and more. 

But their best-seller is their signature som tum. It’s a spicy and savory Thai salad dish with fresh green papaya slices, dried shrimp, fresh chilies, garlic, and numerous vegetables.

We also like their large Thai food platters, perfect for families and small groups.

What to See and Do in Surin

See the Khmer ruins of Prasat Sikhoraphum

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Address: Ranang Subdistrict, Sikhoraphum District

Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Prasat Sikhoraphum is Surin’s most iconic historical landmark so it’s definitely a must-visit, especially for history buffs. It’s a ruin of an ancient Khmer-style temple said to be constructed in the 12th century, making it one of the oldest ruins in the province.

The biggest highlight of this historical site is its intricate bas-relief sculptures of various Hindu deities: Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Brahma, and Uma. This apsara relief is comparable to the ones in Angkor Wat, so it’s certainly worth a look.

Its main temple is supported by 5 sandstone and brick towers built on top of a laterite-made platform. The temple was also converted into a Buddhist temple in the 16th century, so you’ll find Laotian architectural designs on the tower roofs.

Visit Wat Buraparam

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Address: Jitrbumrung Road, Nai Mueang Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 4451 4447

Wat Buraparam is a gorgeous temple with multi-tiered roofs and intricate golden carvings. The temple’s main attraction is a Khmer-style and earthenware-made sitting Buddha image in a subduing Mara posture called Luangpho Phra Chi.

This Buddha image is deeply rooted in the local culture, so it was used for the Pipat Sattaya ritual in the past. In case you didn’t know, this ritual is like an oath-taking ceremony for government officials where they pledge their loyalty to their country.

Though it’s no longer practiced in Wat Buraparam, Luangpho Phra Chi is still highly regarded in Surin, so devotees frequent this temple to pray for safety and success. 

Check out Ban Tha Sawang

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Address: 23 Moo 1, Ban Tha Sawang, Tha Sawang Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 

  • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
  • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 84 962 3439

Ban Tha Sawan, also known as the Silk Weaving Village, is popular among tourists looking to buy traditional silk products in Surin. Here, you’ll find numerous shops selling silk clothes, bags, and fabrics with Thai-style designs and patterns.

Going here also gives you the best chance to see how silk is produced and weaved traditionally in Thailand. Some shops also sell cotton-made clothes, so you’re not limited to silk-made products.

Also, the friendly villagers don’t hard sell their products which is a plus.

Examine the stone carvings in Prasat Ban Phluang

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Address: Ban Phluang, Prasat District

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Prasat Ban Phluang is a historical site known for numerous laterite-base temple ruins adorned with intricate Khmer carvings. It’s also one of Surin’s unique temples because it faces south, unlike most temples facing east.

One of the ruin’s main structures is a laterite and sandstone-made prang dedicated to the Hindu God Indra. It has a beautiful bas-relief depicting Indra riding an elephant along with numerous other animals, from monkeys to pigs, squirrels, cows, and more.

There’s also a pediment architecture on the ruin’s eastern side with a scene of the Hindu God Krishana lifting Mount Govardhana surrounded by his cowherd friends.

Stroll around Phanom Sawai Forest Park

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Address: Na Bua

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 88 357 5699

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064926031057

If you like nature walks and Buddhist temples, Phanom Sawai Forest Park won’t disappoint. This forested park is known for its scenic nature trails, picturesque staircases, and dramatic lookout points.

There’s also a tranquil temple with shrines and several Buddha images, so there are plenty of things to see while strolling around the park. But the highlight for us is the giant Buddha image towering over the park’s hills and trees.

Tour Surin National Museum

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Address: Chaniang

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 44 513 054

Website: http://www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/surin/index.php/th/

Surin National Museum is the best place to learn about Surin’s history. Here, you can read information about the important events in the province’s past and the local traditions. 

Expect to see numerous exhibits showcasing traditional clothing, ancient tools, Buddha relics, antiques, and more. They also have an activity play area where kids can learn and have fun.

There’s also a souvenir shop so you can take home memorabilia after your tour. It’s definitely worth looking into, especially if you’re short of time and want something to remember this Isan province by.

Watch the elephant parade at Wat Chaeng Sawang

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Address: Moo 3, Krapo Subdistrict, Tha Tum District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 84 832 4369

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070844004654

Want to see monks riding elephants? Time your visit with the ordination parade for monks at Wat Chaeng Sawang, one of the most important festivals in Surin, held between the 13th and 15th day of May.

During this festival, Surin’s Khmer, Lao, and Suay families prepare their young men for marriage by sending them to pursue monkhood and study the Dharma. But of course, the center of the show is none other than those elephants. 

Attend the Eel Festival in Chumphon Buri District

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Address: Chumphon Buri District

Operating Hours: 24/7

The Eel Festival is an annual celebration unique to Surin’s Chumphon Buri District. The locals celebrate this during the third week of December, coinciding with the eel harvest season.

During the celebration, expect to see parades, street markets, and fun eel-related games. 

One of the festival’s most popular events is the eel-catching tournament! Here, participants must find and catch the most eels in a shallow and muddy pool.

FAQs about Surin

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