Surin, in Northeast Thailand, offers a profound journey through ancient traditions, majestic elephants and lush landscapes. Far away from the tourist crowds, a world of authenticity unfolds here, where Thailand is palpable in the temples, villages and rice fields. A place where nature and culture come together in harmony and beauty.
As a tourist through the Isan
Less than 10 percent of foreign tourists who come to Thailand have a visit to the northeast, the Isan, on their schedule. That's a pity, because this largest region of the kingdom has a lot to offer.
I want to visit the elephant festival in Surin
First sorry for my Dutch, I live in Wallonia (Belgium). I have just registered on this website and I have a question, maybe you can help me...
I want to spend a week in Surin in July. Would there still be villages where many residents own or maintain an elephant? Is this correct? What else is there to experience/see? Can you also recommend me any guesthouses or hotels?
Khmer temples in Isan
In Buriram we visited two well-known Khmer temples, Prasat Phanom Rung and Prasat Meaung Tam, both impressive temple ruins in good condition. Although much smaller than Phanom Rung, Prasat Meaung Tam is particularly photogenic due to its moat surrounding the main temple building.
Prasat Sikhoraphum: a mini Angkor wat in Surin
I like the architecture from the Khmer period, say everything that was put down in Thailand between the 9th and 14th centuries. And luckily for me, especially where I live in Isaan, quite a bit of it has been preserved.
Back in the Netherlands I can give you an update on a border run from Surin to Cambodia. The shortest route is now via Chong Chom, which border crossing opened again in the middle of last year. The distance from Surin is approximately 65 km. The costs: if you only want to stay in Cambodia for a few hours, the costs for a visa are 2800 Thai baht. If you stay in Cambodia for at least 24 hours (so you spend money in Cambodia for at least one overnight stay), the costs for a visa are 2000 Thai baht.
Silk weaving mill near Surin
Surin is of course primarily known for its elephants. Yet there is another reason why Surin should be mentioned: the silk industry.
Thailand Visa question No. 392/22: Border run from Surin
Nav “TB Immigration Info Letter 056/22” dd. 20-10-2022. I have a Tourist Visa (Single entry) for max. 60 days. Can I extend for 30 days (1900 TB) at Immigration Office in Buriram. For another extension, a border run (car) or flight to the nearest (foreign) airport is required.
Prasat Hin Ban Phluang: precious gem
One interesting Khmer temple is the Prasat Hin Ban Phluang in Ban Phluang in my neighboring province of Surin. Ban Phluang must once have been an important Khmer settlement because barely a hundred meters from the temple is a baray, an artificial lake that was built by the Khmer.
The Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea (video)
The Similan Islands in Thailand are nine islands in the Andaman Sea. They are about 55 kilometers west of Khao Lak and northwest of Phuket. Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and Surin are the most famous islands.
Agenda: Elephant festival in Surin (third week of November)
The elephant festival is held in Surin every year on the third weekend of November. No fewer than 300 jumbos march through the streets of the city in a colorful procession during this festival.
Hello, my name is Steven, I am 18 years old and hope to go to Thailand in June. As I am half Thai, I have a lot of family there and so I visit often. But in this summer is the first time I travel without my parents. I want to visit Chiang Rai for the first time. Now I know my way around Thailand quite well, but I would like to know if there is a bus connection between Chiang Rai and Surin (Isaan).
The Isan, the forgotten part of Thailand (2)
The Isan forms the largest part of Thailand and also has the most inhabitants. Yet this gigantic plateau is the neglected child of the country, just a few hours' drive from Bangkok.
A dignified farewell to Thailand's national symbol
Thailand's national symbol receives a dignified farewell in Surin. Hundreds of elephants are buried in a special cemetery.
Reader question: Travel advice for Surin
In 2011 there was some hassle with Cambodia in the south of Surin. To date, the travel advice for that region is still “Only if necessary”. Let my girlfriend live right there! So I wanted to go there in December.
Colorful initiation ceremony in Surin
If you want to make a nice trip for next week, the annual initiation party of young men entering the monastery in the province of Surin might be a nice idea. The festival, which lasts for three days from May 18 to 20, is accompanied by a colorful parade of novice monks who are transported on the back of elephants.
Reader question: By bus from Mochit to Surin
On May 4th I arrive in BKK at 13.40 with EVA Air. The trip goes to Surin where I would like to go by bus (too much luggage to take for a flight).
Tallest man in the world from Surin passed away
The supposedly tallest man in the world, Pornchai Saosri, died on Monday at his home in Surin at the age of 26. The giant was 2,69 meters tall and suffered from various diseases that caused the giant to grow.
I would like to travel from Hua Hin to Surin. I would like to fly, but I don't know which airlines fly from Hua Hin to Surin?
Thai AirAsia: plane + shuttle bus to Surin
Budget airline Thai AirAsia has introduced a new route for people who want to travel to Surin. The service, which will become operational on May 14, consists of a flight from Don Mueang in Bangkok (DMK) to Buri Ram and from there a connecting shuttle bus to Surin (travel time 1 hour).
Two mountains with a Buddha
You know that feeling. Sometimes you have the irresistible urge to do nothing somewhere else. You need to get out. Because a Thai friend comes from Surin province with a car, it seems obvious to go that way. So I spend the Songkran days in Surin.