Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SURIN & SI SAKET PROVINCES
Surin and Si Saket provinces are full of Angkor-era Khmer ruins. Most are rather modest
and of interest only to those with a history habit. On the other hand, the artwork at Sikhora-
phum is outstanding and Prasat Ta Meuan, out in the jungle, is very evocative. The region's
Khmer influence comes not only from the past, but also the present. Over one-third of the
population of these two closely related provinces is ethnically Khmer and this remains the
principal language in many villages.
Besides the temples, Surin Province is home to Ban Ta Klang elephant village and some
famous craft centres, while Si Saket is home to one of Thailand's most unusual temples.
The capital cities are far less interesting than the countryside, although Surin makes a com-
fortable enough base.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Surin
POP 40,169
Surin city doesn't have much to say for itself until November, when the provincial capital
explodes into life for the Surin Elephant Round-up and the city hosts giant scrums of pa-
chyderm. You've surely never seen so many well-dressed tuskers!
Sights & Activities
Surin National Museum
( 0 4451 3358; Th Surin-Prasat; 9am-4pm Wed-Sun)
Displays at this well-executed mu-
seum focus on the province's Khmer ruins and Surin's three ethnic groups: Lao, Khmer and
Suai, the region's renowned elephant herders. It's 4km south of town on Rte 214; catch
pink
sŏrng·tăa·ou
1 (10B) in front of the bus station or the clock tower by the fresh market
(đà·làht sót)
.
MUSEUM
Queen Sirikit Sericulture
Center
CRAFT WORKSHOP
