• Understand
• Get around
• See
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Sleep
• Get out

Surin (สุรินทร์) is the provincial capital of Surin Province.

[edit] Understand

Surin is the capital of the capital of Surin province. Its population is small, approximately 40,000 (bear in mind that the province itself is densely populated). It is about 450km from Bangkok and 50km from the Cambodian border. A quiet town, its one claim to fame is its annual 'Elephant Roundup', which takes place in November (book a room in advance).

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

There are convenient bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit).

[edit] By train

There are several daily trains from Bangkok's Hualamphong Train Station.

[edit] Get around

Surin is a small town, most journeys in the central area can be accomplished on foot. However, there are also sam-lors (rickshaws/'saam-law') and tuk-tuks. The larger hotels also have a car available for hire. Keep in mind that no one considers overcharging a foreigner to be a serious crime. A sam-lor ride around the central region of the town is 40 baht, a tuk-tuk maybe 50/60 baht for foreigners. If in doubt ask your hotel for advice. When 'getting off the bus' always be extra careful not to be taken for a ride while being taken for a ride.

[edit] See

• Elephant Roundup - a three day long event where elephants roam the streets of Surin and perform in various activities: soccer, beauty contests, battle re-enactments, etc.

[edit] Do

Surin is not the most picturesque spot on the Earth, but it does have a few, small attractions.

• Surin National Museum - as at May 2007 this Museum was not yet complete, however, it looks to be a good museum. It lies on the outskirts of town, a ride from anywhere else in Surin is a must.

• Silk Village

• Statue of the founder of Surin

• Wats - Surin has several.

• Elephant training village - at Tha Tum, about 60 km away.

[edit] Khmer era temples

These stretch from the border westwards to Buriram Province. There are few organised tours (tourism is not overly big in Isaan). You can always find an (expensive) rental car, with driver, at your hotel, or it is possible to visit the major temples by using the local public transport system (this is very cheap). Ask you hotel or guest house for instructions. (Most signs at the bus and train station are in Thai, however, the staff are very helpful.)

• Prasat Ta Meuan - a complex of three structures built in the 12th–13th centuries around the time of the Cambodian king Jayavarman VII. The largest building is Prasat Ta Meuan Thom. It is surrounded by an outer wall, and contains a large central, rectangular building on a north-south axis. To the south is Prasat Ta Meuan Toht, a smaller structure, with an outer wall. The last and smallest of three is Prasat Ta Meuan, a small building with no wall, approx 15m x 5m in size. All of these buildings show signs of disrepair and looting. A return journey by taxi to the complex will cost you 2000 baht (April 2007). There are occasional excursion buses, when there is sufficient interest. Check with your hotel or travel agent. There is no on-site English language assistance, nor much information about the complex. There may still be unexploded land mines from the days of the Khmer Rouge. Stay on the paths and do not wander into the surrounding jungle. Entry is free.

• Prasat Sikhoraphum - a set of temple ruins in a quiet surroundings, can be reached by bus or train (30km, 1 hour plus)

• Prasat Hin Phluang - a collection of several minor ruins near the Cambodian border; private transport (watch out for landmines!)

• Prasat Phumpon - a small and jumbled collection of ruins (60km)

[edit] Buy

There is nothing truly distinctive to be found in Surin, however some prices are lower than in Bangkok.

[edit] Eat

Surin has a fantastic night market. Be sure to try the Isaan sausage and Laos-style flattened chicken (gai yang), but be careful with the som-tam (papaya salad)!

In addition to the night market Surin is liberally endowed with small restaurants, and the usual street vendors. Also the major hotels have reasonably priced menus.

[edit] Drink

Surin is not overly well endowed with watering holes but there are a few places where one's palate, and appetite can be quenched.

Most places are located near the Thon Torin Hotel. Adjacent to the TT are two streets lined with small bars, small restaurants, small karaoke bars, and small go-go bars. The larger hotels also have bars and restaurants. There are also several small restaurants managed or owned by ex-pats scattered around town. The largest is the 'Farang Connection', followed by the 'Oasis'. Both are near the bus station.

[edit] Sleep

There are three main 'good' hotels in Surin:

• Petchaskem Hotel (500m from the bus station) is an older hotel.

• Surin Majestic (next to the bus station) is the newest and best looking hotel in Surin.

• Thong Tarin Hotel (about 2km from the bus station) is clean and tidy, and with an attached 'Rose Bath House', where a tired male can find female companionship.

In addition to these hotels there is a range of accommodation around the town, and just outside.

Always ask for a discount (700-800 baht/night) in the non-elephant roundup season!

[edit] Get out

• Buriram
• Si Saket

• Cambodia