Surin is a province in Thailand that often gets overlooked by tourists who flock to the more popular destinations in the south or the north. However, Surin has a lot to offer for those who are looking for a hidden gem in Thailand’s northeast. Surin is home to a rich and diverse culture, a stunning and varied nature, and a thrilling and fun adventure. Whether you are interested in history, art, wildlife, or beach, Surin has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the best things to do and see in Surin, as well as some tips and tricks to make your trip unforgettable.
Surin Elephant Festival
One of the most famous and iconic attractions of Surin is the Surin Elephant Festival, which takes place every year in November. The festival is a celebration of the elephant, which is revered and respected by the local people as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and loyalty. The festival is also a showcase of the skills and talents of the mahouts, the elephant trainers and caretakers, who have a special bond with their animals.
The festival features a variety of events and activities that highlight the elephant’s abilities and beauty. Some of the main highlights include:
1. The elephant parade, where hundreds of elephants and their mahouts march through the streets of Surin, dressed in colorful and elaborate costumes and decorations.
2. The elephant show, where the elephants perform amazing feats and tricks, such as playing soccer, painting, dancing, and even reenacting historical battles.
3. The elephant buffet, where the elephants are treated to a feast of fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane, arranged in a spectacular display that covers an area of several football fields.
4. The elephant blessing ceremony, where the elephants and their mahouts receive blessings from the monks and the local people, who offer them flowers, incense, and prayers.
If you want to experience the Surin Elephant Festival, you should plan your trip in advance, as the festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. You can book a hotel near the festival venue, which is the Surin Elephant Roundup Stadium, or you can opt for a homestay with a local family, which will give you a more authentic and immersive experience. You can also enjoy the local cuisine, which is influenced by the Khmer, Lao, and Thai cultures, and features dishes such as som tam (spicy papaya salad), kai yang (grilled chicken), and khao jee (baguette).
Surin National Museum
If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of Surin, you should visit the Surin National Museum, which is located in the provincial capital of Surin. The museum is housed in a former palace of a local ruler, and showcases the artifacts and relics that reflect the heritage and legacy of Surin.
The museum has four main sections, each focusing on a different aspect of Surin’s past and present. These are:
1. The prehistoric section, where you can see the fossils, tools, and pottery that date back to the Stone Age and the Bronze Age, and reveal the ancient origins and lifestyles of Surin’s inhabitants.
2. The Khmer section, where you can admire the sculptures, inscriptions, and architecture that belong to the Khmer Empire, which ruled over Surin and most of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century, and left behind a remarkable and sophisticated civilization.
3. The Surin section, where you can explore the ceramics, textiles, and jewelry that represent the local crafts and traditions of Surin, which developed and flourished under the influence of various cultures and religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.
4. The royal section, where you can view the regalia, weapons, and costumes that belong to the royal family of Surin, which was established in the 18th century, and played a significant role in the history and politics of Thailand.
The Surin National Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission fee is 100 baht for foreigners and 20 baht for Thais. The museum is located on Ratchasima Road, near the Surin City Hall and the Surin Hospital. You can easily reach the museum by taxi, tuk-tuk, or motorcycle.
Surin Islands
If you are looking for a paradise of nature and adventure, you should head to the Surin Islands, which are a group of five islands in the Andaman Sea, about 60 kilometers off the coast of Surin. The islands are part of the Mu Ko Surin National Park, which covers an area of 135 square kilometers, and protects a diverse and pristine ecosystem of coral reefs, marine life, tropical forests, and mangroves.
The Surin Islands are a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, who can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities on the islands, such as:
1. The beaches, where you can relax on the soft and white sand, swim in the clear and turquoise water, and soak in the sun and the scenery.
2. The coral reefs, where you can snorkel or dive and discover the colorful and vibrant underwater world, teeming with fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins.
3. The marine life, where you can observe and interact with the rare and endangered dugongs, which are gentle and friendly sea cows that graze on the seagrass beds around the islands.
4. The hiking trails, where you can explore the lush and green tropical forests, and encounter the exotic and endemic flora and fauna, such as the Nicobar pigeon, the flying fox, and the Surin hornbill.
5. The Moken village, where you can visit and learn about the Moken people, who are a nomadic and indigenous tribe that live on the islands, and have a unique and fascinating culture and lifestyle, based on fishing, foraging, and boat-building.
If you want to visit the Surin Islands, you should plan your trip between November and April, which is the best time to enjoy the weather and the water conditions. You can book a tour package from Phuket, Khao Lak, or Ranong, which will include the transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities. You can also arrange your own trip, by taking a boat from the Kuraburi Pier, which is about 100 kilometers from Surin, and staying at the national park’s bungalows, tents, or homestays.
Conclusion
Surin is a province in Thailand that offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Whether you want to witness the majestic and magnificent elephants, explore the ancient and impressive Khmer ruins, or enjoy the serene and beautiful islands, Surin has something for everyone. If you are looking for a hidden gem in Thailand’s northeast, look no further than Surin. Book your trip today and discover the wonders of this amazing province.