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About Surin
Surin, known as the 'Elephant Province' of Thailand's Isan region, offers a captivating blend of Khmer heritage, vibrant festivals, and authentic rural charm. The province is world-famous for its annual Surin Elephant Round-Up in November, where hundreds of elephants showcase incredible skills in a spectacular cultural show. Beyond the pachyderms, Surin boasts remarkable Khmer temple ruins like Prasat Sikhoraphum and Prasat Ta Muen Thom, offering quieter alternatives to Cambodia's Angkor Wat. The region is home to the ethnic Suay people, renowned elephant keepers whose villages welcome visitors for intimate cultural exchanges. Surin's countryside reveals traditional silk-weaving villages producing exquisite Mudmee silk, bustling local markets with Isan culinary delights like spicy som tam and grilled chicken, and serene rice fields stretching to the horizon. The province provides an authentic glimpse into northeastern Thai life, where ancient traditions thrive alongside warm hospitality.
Things to do in Surin
Sunset and Dolphin Tour Suriname
From €36
5.0 (1)
Paramaribo City Tour
From €135
4.7 (19)
Full-Day Brownsberg Nature Park Tour
From €197
4.3 (10)
Bigi Pan Tourist Eco Lodge
From €158.98
4.0 (1)
Suriname Paramaribo Airport (PBM) to Paramaribo - Round-Trip Private Transfer
From €138
Paramaribo hotel to Suriname Paramaribo Airport(PBM) -Departure Private Transfer
From €69
Suriname Paramaribo Airport (PBM) to Paramaribo hotel - Arrival Private Transfer
From €69
‘Plantaadje’ Wetland Bicycle Tour
From €143.12
Paramaribo Heritage and Landmarks Private Guided Walking Tour
From $400
Private Transfer from Suriname Paramaribo Airport (PBM) to Paramaribo hotel
From €130
Paramaribo Airport (PBM) to Paramaribo - Arrival Private Transfer
From €69
Paramaribo to Paramaribo Airport PBM - Departure Private Transfer
From €48
Paramaribo Airport PBM to Paramaribo - RoundTrip Private Transfer
From €96
Peperpot hiking trail and historical tour
From €137
Sunday Market Tour
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Places to visit in Surin
Gîte M. et Mme Veillat
Gîte M. et Mme Veillat, Rue de la Fontaine, 79160 Fenioux, France
Hôtel des Mines
Hôtel des Mines, Allée de la Verrerie, 85240 Faymoreau, France
Vierge
Vierge, Rue de la Mairie, 79160 Saint-Laurs, France
Relais du Poitou
Relais du Poitou, D 648, 79410 Saint-Rémy, France
Ibis Budget
Ibis Budget, Rue Christophe Colomb, 79260 Ruffigny, France
Kyriad Niort Est - La Crèche
Kyriad Niort Est - La Crèche, Rue Vasco de Gama, 79260 Ruffigny, France
Hôtel 1re Classe
Hôtel 1re Classe, Rue Anita Conti, 79260 Ruffigny, France
B&B Hôtel
B&B Hôtel, 4 Rue Jean-Baptiste Berlier, 79000 Niort, France
Sarcophage mérovingien
Sarcophage mérovingien, Place de l'Église, 79220 Sainte-Ouenne, France
Puy Robin
Puy Robin, 79310 La Boissière-en-Gâtine, France
Audra
Audra, D 128, 79130 Beugnon-Thireuil, France
Gîte
Gîte, Rue de la Papeterie, 79260 Ruffigny, France
Ibis
Ibis, Impasse Louvois, 79000 Niort, France
Ibis
Ibis, Impasse Louvois, 79000 Niort, France
Au Grain d'Orge
Au Grain d'Orge, 220 Chemin de l'Alouette, 79410 Échiré, France
Travel Tips for Surin
Getting Around
Local transportation includes tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and songthaews (shared pickup trucks) for short distances. For longer trips, use buses or rent a car/motorcycle. Popular apps: Grab (limited availability), local taxi services. Navigating rural areas may require a private vehicle or guided tour.
Best Time To Visit
November to February (cool season) is ideal with pleasant temperatures (20-30°C) and includes the famous Elephant Round-Up in November. March to May (hot season) is very hot but less crowded. June to October (rainy season) brings lush greenery but frequent showers.
Local Customs
Dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders/knees). Remove shoes before entering homes/temples. Show respect to monks (women avoid physical contact). The wai (pressing palms together) is a common greeting. Tipping is not expected but appreciated (10% in restaurants, small amounts for services). Avoid touching heads (sacred) or pointing feet at people/Buddha images.
Safety Information
Surin is generally safe with low violent crime. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, avoid isolated areas at night. Common scams include overcharging tourists at markets or fake tour operators. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. Road safety is a concern—drive cautiously, especially at night. Elephant interactions should be with ethical sanctuaries; avoid venues promoting cruel practices.
Health Information
Surin has adequate medical facilities including Surin Hospital (public) and private clinics. Common concerns include heat exhaustion, food/waterborne illnesses, and mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. Drink bottled water, use insect repellent, and ensure travel insurance covers medical evacuation. Recommended vaccinations: routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis for rural stays. Private hospitals in larger towns offer better English-speaking staff.
Languages Spoken
ThaiIsan (Lao dialect)Suay (Kuy)
Quick Facts
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
฿
฿
Timezone
Asia/Bangkok +07:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+66
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
1.4 million
Area
8124 km²
Government
Provincial Administration with Governor appointed by central government
ISO Code
TH-29