Things To Do
in Surin
Surin is a province located in the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is famous for its annual elephant festival, where visitors can see parades of decorated elephants and enjoy cultural performances. The province is also known for its silk production, with many villages specializing in weaving traditional Thai silk fabrics.
Surin is a place where visitors can experience a mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty, with temples, markets, and national parks to explore.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Surin National Museum to learn about the region's rich history and culture. Enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast at a local eatery nearby.
Head to the local market to shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Take a break and savor some refreshing coconut water amidst the hustle and bustle.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a riverside restaurant while watching the sunset over the river. Consider trying some local dishes to immerse yourself in Surin’s culinary delights.
Visit the Elephant Village to learn about these magnificent creatures and their role in Thai culture. Participate in feeding and bathing them for an unforgettable experience.
Explore the surrounding nature by hiking in the nearby forests, taking in the beautiful scenery. Enjoy a packed lunch in the tranquility of the outdoors.
Return to the village for an elephant show showcasing their talents. End the day with dinner at a traditional Thai restaurant that features local specialties.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals and crafts.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including rice fields and mountains.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Affordable cost of living and accommodation.
- Delicious local cuisine and street food options.
- Limited access to modern amenities compared to larger cities.
- Potential language barrier for non-Thai speakers.
- Hot and humid climate, particularly in the summer months.
- Fewer job opportunities, especially for expatriates.
- Limited public transportation options.
Best Activities in Surin
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the elephant village and interact with elephants in a responsible and ethical manner.
Attend the annual Surin Elephant Round-Up festival, featuring elephant parades, shows, and cultural performances.
Explore the beautiful natural landscapes, hiking trails, and caves in Phanom Sawai Forest Park.
Visit the ancient Khmer temple complex of Prasat Phnom Rung, located on a volcanic mountain with stunning views.
Experience the tranquility of Gong Tao Temple and enjoy its scenic surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Surin with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Surin
Visit one of these nice places.
An ancient Khmer temple with intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere, offering great views and photo opportunities.
A beautiful natural park with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, perfect for capturing stunning landscape photos.
Food in Surin
Surin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy pork curry made with local herbs and spices, a must-try dish in Surin. It's commonly served with sticky rice and can be found at local eateries and street food stalls throughout the province.
Must-Try!
This classic spicy papaya salad is a staple of Isaan cuisine. Made with shredded green papaya, chilies, peanuts, and lime, it's available at most local restaurants and food stalls.
Grilled pork skewers marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, lemongrass, and soy sauce. These delicious skewers are widely available at food markets and street vendors in Surin.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Surin better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant night market offering a wide array of street food options, including grilled meats, noodles, and local snacks. It's an excellent place to sample authentic Surin cuisine and immerse in the local food scene.
This bustling morning market is a great spot to explore fresh local produce, snacks, and freshly prepared dishes. Visitors can taste a variety of traditional breakfast foods and experience the lively market atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Surin, it is important to show respect for the Thai monarchy. Avoid speaking negatively about the monarchy or displaying any disrespectful behavior.
When greeting others in Surin, it is customary to perform the wai, a traditional Thai greeting that involves pressing your palms together at chest level and bowing slightly. This gesture is a sign of respect and should be reciprocated.
When entering someone's home or certain religious sites in Surin, it is customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. Always follow the lead of your host or look for cues such as a shoe rack at the entrance.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Surin with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Surin
Ensure a smooth experience
In Surin, Thailand, tipping is not a common practice. However, in tourist areas or upscale restaurants, a small tip may be appreciated, but it is not expected.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Surin, Thailand. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it's always advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and in more local settings.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Surin.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Surin as the weather is cooler and drier, making it perfect for exploring the city and attending the spectacular Elephant Round-Up Festival in November.
Expect hot and dry weather during this season, with temperatures rising above 30°C. It's a great time to visit temples and enjoy outdoor activities, but it can be quite hot for some travelers.
During this season, expect frequent rainfall and high humidity. While the lush green landscapes are beautiful, outdoor activities may be limited due to the rain. However, it's a good time to experience local life and culture in Surin.
Surin at Night
Hiking in Surin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in the northeastern region of Thailand, Phu Sing National Park features stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and waterfalls. It is known for its beautiful mountainous terrain and rich biodiversity.
Situated near the Mekong River, this national park offers scenic views of the river and unique rock formations. The park is well-known for its hiking trails that lead to ancient rock paintings and beautiful cliffs.
Although a bit farther from Surin, Khao Yai is one of Thailand's largest national parks. It offers diverse hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and impressive waterfalls, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
Another option worth considering, Sai Yok National Park, is known for its limestone mountains, waterfalls, and lush jungle. It offers several hiking trails amidst beautiful nature.
Situated in Laos but accessible from Surin, Si Phan Don consists of a series of islands in the Mekong River. Hiking opportunities along the trails provide a glimpse of the local culture and stunning landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Surin through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Surin by plane.
Located approximately 100 kilometers from Surin, Buri Ram Airport serves domestic flights and is the closest airport to Surin.
Situated about 150 kilometers from Surin, Siem Reap International Airport is an international airport in Cambodia that offers various international flights.
Located in Bangkok, approximately 400 kilometers from Surin, Don Mueang is one of the main airports in Thailand and serves numerous domestic and international flights.
Also located in Bangkok, about 450 kilometers from Surin, Suvarnabhumi Airport is the primary international airport in Thailand, offering extensive international connections.
Roughly 500 kilometers from Surin, U-Tapao serves both domestic and international flights, mainly catering to the Pattaya and Rayong areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in Surin, comprising the majority of the population.
An ethnic group that has roots in Cambodia and is significant in certain areas of Surin.
A demographic group that shares cultural and linguistic ties with Laos, present in the region.
A minority group with historical significance in trade and commerce within Surin.
Includes various small communities such as Vietnamese, Mon, and others who contribute to the cultural diversity of Surin.
The Soul of Surin
Discover the essence of Surin through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional martial art and combat sport from Thailand, well known for its striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
A widely popular team sport in Thailand, played by two teams of eleven players, with the objective of scoring goals by getting the ball into the opposing team's net.
A popular team sport in Thailand, involving two teams separated by a net, where the objective is to score points by grounding the ball on the opposing team's court.
A growing sport in Thailand, played on a rectangular court where two teams aim to shoot the ball through the opponent's hoop to score points.
A traditional sport played in Southeast Asia, similar to volleyball but using a rattan ball and with players using their feet, head, knees, and chest to touch the ball.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Surin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Surin's cuisine is meat-centric, some restaurants and street food vendors offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly to ensure suitable dishes.
Gluten-free options may be limited in Surin due to the prevalent use of soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients. Communicating dietary needs and inquiring about gluten-free alternatives at eateries is recommended.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Surin with these cultural adventures.
