Tourist Attraction Nearby
1. Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village
Surin is a province famous for elephants, animals that have long been important to Thai culture and history. It is also home to the Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village or Elephant Study Center, the largest elephant village in the world. This is not just an ordinary elephant village where we can experience the way of life of people and elephants, but also gives every tourist the opportunity to study the biology, history, and personality of the little ones. I guarantee that everyone will fall in love with the cuteness and intelligence of the little ones.
Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village or Elephant Study Center is located in Krapho Subdistrict, Tha Tum District, Surin Province. It is a cultural tourist attraction that gives everyone the opportunity to experience the lives of people and elephants, which have a strong bond. Learn about the nature of elephants and their history and visit the Elephant Museum, a viewpoint for tourists. There is a wide area below called Elephant Stadium, designed to be an area for baby elephants to do various activities.
Originally, Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village was a village of the Suai (Kuy) or Kuy people who were skilled in capturing wild elephants and training them. However, due to the increasing number of displaced elephants, the village became the location of the Elephant Reintroduction Project to bring these wandering elephants back to their homeland. This place has become a center for elephants from many villages, with more than 200 elephants.
Anyone who visits Taklang Village will be amazed by the bond between the elephants and the villagers. They take care of each other like family members. When it's time to sleep, they sleep under the same roof. Whenever they go anywhere or do anything, the elephants are always with them. They are also tame, smart, and cute, to the point that people can't help but fall in love with them. You'll also be amazed by the elephants' talent shows, such as dancing, drawing, throwing darts, playing football, and many more.
We can also learn general knowledge about elephants at the Museum Building, which displays various information, from the evolution of elephants, characteristics of elephants in different eras, elephant care, and even how to approach elephants so that they feel friendly to us. It is a very interesting museum.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 62 km
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2. Khwao Sinarin Sink and Silver Making Village
The area of Ban Khao Sinarin shows traces of people settling down since the ancient civilization era. Later, it developed until it became a sub-district around 1897. There was a group of villagers who immigrated from Cambodia to find a place to earn a living and brought their culture to spread in the Ban Khao Sinarin community.
The main occupation of the villagers in the community of Khao Sinarin is agriculture. However, due to the unfavorable weather conditions, some years the villagers were unable to harvest their produce. Therefore, they brought back the wisdom of silk weaving, which is the original wisdom, to be a secondary occupation for the villagers, helping to generate income alongside agriculture. The unique patterns and silk weaving in the community of Khao Sinarin were originally woven for household use. However, when outsiders came to visit the work, there was an exchange and trade, creating a career and creating an identity for the community that is valuable and should be spread for future generations to continue.
Weaving in the community: The community of Khao Sinarin is a village with handicrafts that are the wisdom passed down from ancestors in the past. In the beginning, cloth was woven only for household use and for sale in the village. The most woven patterns are Hol and Mudmee patterns. The woven cloth is often used as clothing in daily life. Including use in ordination ceremonies, weddings because silk is considered an important element in every ceremony. It is popular to wear it when doing agriculture, farming, rice farming, gardening. In the past, villagers would do everything by themselves, from planting mulberry trees to raising silkworms. As for the equipment for making silk, such as looms, ak, and rahat, men in the area would be the ones to make it, while women would take care of the weaving. From local woven fabric to a career In the past, when the weaving was finished, villagers who were quite wealthy would buy and sell it among themselves or there would be groups of merchants who would come to buy it from each house and then load it onto carts to sell in the city. Until in 1975, people from outside started to come to buy silk in the village and buy it to sell again. Therefore, from the original weaving for household use and exchanging within the community, there began to be trading with outsiders, causing people from other villages to start knowing the community's woven fabric. With the distinctive patterns and color tones, the woven fabric of Khao Sinarin community has a unique identity that is different from other places. In 1987, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited the Khao Sinarin community to view the silk. This was an important turning point that made the community's silk widely known. Thai and foreign tourists came to visit to see the method and buy silk. Later, the community joined the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) project, which allowed people in the community to earn more income from selling woven fabric.
Woven fabric and the economy of Khao Sinarin community The development of the silk economy of Khao Sinarin community In the early stages, silk sales occurred in the community. Middlemen came to the area to buy woven fabric to sell in the city. When Chinese people moved in, the railway line became a commercial area along the railway. Woven fabric was transported to Bangkok and other provinces for sale. The golden age of the weaving economy was when the government's OTOP product project came in, which generated income for people in the community. Silk and silverware products became more well-known. Middle-aged and elderly women in the village used their free time from work to weave fabric to sell to OTOP shops and interested buyers. In the past, Khao Sinarin District has promoted the culture of weaving and silverware handicrafts to promote tourism within the community by organizing a festival called 'Nung Pha Mai Sai Prakeum Rueam Kantrum' to use local wisdom to honor its value. Silk can be considered an economic product and a cultural product that has created identity, careers and income for people in the community.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 15 km
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3. Ban Tha Sawang Sink Weaving Village
Ban Tha Sawang is an old village in Surin Province. The villagers' main occupation is agriculture, but their secondary occupation, silk weaving, has made the village famous internationally. This is because the weavers here were selected to weave ancient gold-brocade silk to present to APEC leaders. Nowadays, many tourists head to see silk weaving using ancient looms, the beautiful Thai pattern weaving method, and the natural dyeing process.
In addition to visiting the locals’ way of life and the unique weaving work of Ban Tha Sawang, don’t forget to end by buying local OTOP products at the community market, which offers a variety of silk weaving works, tailored into clothes and accessories made from high-quality silk.
*Must-Visit Places*
- Baan Chan Somah, see the beautiful gold brocade silk weaving technique in a Thai house by Ajarn Wiratham Trakunngernthai
- Baan Tha Sawang Thai Sala Weaving Group, buy basic pattern silk (applied and applied)
- Baan Tha Sawang Women's Silk Career Group, a center for silk shops from various villages in Surin Province
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 24 km
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4. Ban Bu Thom Basketry Village
History of Ban Butum Community
Ban Butum (Bae Tom) is a Khmer word. “Bae” means a highland full of forest but cleared for farming, and “Thom” means large. In summary, it means a place overgrown with forest, cleared for large-scale farming. Ban Butum, Village No. 4, Muang Thi Subdistrict, Mueang Surin District, Surin Province
Most of the villagers work in rattan weaving in almost every household. Rice farming is their main occupation and weaving is a secondary occupation.
This can be done throughout the season, and they have been weaving for over 60 years.
Today, the Ban Butum Rattan Group has been recognized as “One Tambon, One Product”. We have a variety of products because we have been developing our products to be modern all the time. Especially in this era, using baskets to go to the market reduces the amount of plastic bags used. We produce more baskets, encouraging people to carry baskets to the market, which helps to preserve the environment.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 9.5 km
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5. Prasat Sikhoraphum
Prasat Sikhoraphum or Prasat Raeng is located next to Wat Ban Prasat, Ban Prasat, Raeng Subdistrict, Sikhoraphum District, Surin Province. This castle is the most beautiful castle in Surin Province. His Royal Highness Prince Damrong Rajanubhab and his three daughters (including Mom Chao Poonpisamai Diskul, etc.) visited in January - February 1929 (in the new count, it should be 1930) and has been combined with the historical park of Prasat Ta Muen and Prasat Sikhoraphum.
From the artistic characteristics, it is assumed that it was built around the 17th Buddhist century as a religious site in the Shaivism sect. In the 22nd Buddhist century, there was an additional renovation at the southern side of the back row of the castle in the Lan Xang style. There are also Dharma inscriptions at this castle.
In 1988, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn brought the teachers of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy cadets to study at this ancient site. She also restored Sikhoraphum Castle to look beautiful and proud for the guests who visited this ancient stone castle city.
Architectural characteristics
Prasat Sikhoraphum is a group of 5 prangs, a brick castle without mortar, located on a single laterite base. The base is made of laterite, 25 meters wide, 26 meters long and 1.5 meters high, surrounded by a 125-meter wide moat on three sides, except for the eastern side, which is the entrance.
The main prang is approximately 32 meters high. The lintel depicts the ten-armed Shiva Nataraja dancing above the crown of the throne, under a garland-shaped arch, carved with images of Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu and Uma. This lintel is considered one of the most beautiful and complete in Thailand. The pillars and door frames are carved with apsaras holding lotuses and door guardians holding clubs. The apsaras at Prasat Sikhoraphum are similar to those at Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which are not found at any other ancient Khmer art castles in Thailand. They are found only at Prasat Sikhoraphum.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 29 km
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6. Prasat Chom Phra
Prasat Chom Phra is built with laterite and sandstone, facing east. It has the same components and layout as other Arokayasalas, consisting of:
1. The main castle, square, 5 meters wide and 5 meters long, with a protruding porch in front, i.e. the east entrance, approximately 2 meters wide and 3 meters long, with a pavilion in front.
2. The library, rectangular, facing the main castle, located in the southeast corner.
3. The wall surrounding the castle and the library, with a door arch in the middle of the east wall.
4. One pond, located in the northeast corner of the wall. Important antiques were found during the excavation, including a sandstone sculpture of the four-armed Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara sitting on a stone slab, a female deity, a sandstone Buddha statue, and a sandstone inscription.
Prasat Chom Phra, Chom Phra Subdistrict, Chom Phra District, Surin Province
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 38 km
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7. Prasat Mueang Thi
Importance/Characteristics
Prasat Muang Tee is located in the area of Wat Chom Suthawas, Ban Muang Tee, Tambon Muang Tee, Amphoe Mueang Surin, Surin Province. Scholars have made two assumptions about the age of this ancient site:
1. Judging from the architectural characteristics of the castle, which is slender and from the history of Muang Tee during the late Ayutthaya period, Prasat Muang Tee was likely built and extended by the Khmer and Kui groups who settled in this area during the late Ayutthaya period and attempted to restore the prosperity of the Khmer Empire in the past.
2. This ancient site was originally a religious site of the ancient Khmer culture. Later, during the late Ayutthaya period, it was extended by the Khmer and Kui groups who settled there.
Details include: Five brick and plaster prangs on a single base. Currently, they have collapsed, leaving only three. The main prang is large and slender. The plan is a square with receding corners. At the southern base, there are stairs on all four sides. The chedi is solid and has no door (but there are traces that there used to be a door). The upper part has three levels, imitating the chedi. The top is broken off. The two satellite prangs are the same size but smaller than the main prang. They are slender and have a square plan with recessed corners and a tapering shape with three levels.
Environmental situation
Currently, Prasat Muang Thi has not been restored. There are iron pillars supporting the castle. It is under the care of the Fine Arts Department. Away from the castle, to the southwest, is an ancient pond of Prasat Muang Thi. The area around the ancient site has been landscaped and the area is well maintained.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 11 km
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8. Prasat Ta Muean Cluster
Located at Ban Nong Khan Na, Tambon Ta Miang, on the Thai-Cambodian border, these are three ancient Khmer structures located nearby.
Located at Ban Nong Khan Na, Tambon Ta Miang, on the Thai-Cambodian border, these are three ancient Khmer structures located nearby. They consist of Prasat Ta Muen, a Mahayana Buddhist religious site built as a dhamma hall or resting place for travelers. It is one of the 18 places that King Jayavarman VII ordered to be built. The castle is made of laterite and is a single prang with a long room connected to the front. The northern wall is solid but carved with fake windows. The southern wall has windows in a row. Someone once found a lintel in the shape of a Buddha in meditation posture in a glass house niche, 2-3 pieces. Prasat Ta Muen Tod is 340 meters away from Prasat Ta Muen. It is an arokayasala or community hospital. It was built in the 18th Buddhist century and is one of the 102 places that King Jayavarman VII ordered to be built. It is still in almost perfect condition. The main castle is square in shape with a protruding porch at the front. It is made of laterite and sandstone. There is a library in front, to the right of the castle, surrounded by a laterite wall as well. There is a gate (Gopura) in front, on the east side only. Outside the front wall, there is a pond like other hospitals. In the middle room of the Gopura, there is a stone inscription, inscribed in Sanskrit Khmer script. It is an inscription that King Jayavarman VII ordered to be built at this hospital. The text is the same as the inscriptions found in other hospitals, namely, paying homage to the Lord Buddha, Bhaisajyaguru Vaidurya, who is the Bodhisattva who grants freedom from disease to his followers. It also mentions the appointment of personnel in various departments of the hospital, such as doctors and hospital administrators. Currently, this stone inscription is kept at the National Library, Tha Wasukri, Bangkok. Prasat Ta Muen Thom is about 800 meters south of Prasat Ta Muen Tod. It was built in the Hindu religion, Shaivism sect, which worships Shiva as the highest god. It is assumed that it was built around the 17th Buddhist century, which is older than Prasat Ta Muen and Prasat Ta Muen Tod, and is the largest castle in the Prasat Ta Muen group, which consists of 3 castles: Prasat Phra That is the largest in the middle, the other two castles are located behind on the right and left. The castle is made of sandstone facing south. Inside the Prasat Phra That, there is important evidence, which is a Shiva linga carved from natural stone, and there is a Som Sutra pipe or a holy water pipe from worshiping the Shiva linga, continuing from the Prasat Phra That to the eastern covered gallery. In addition, there are 2 libraries made of laterite, located on the southeast and southwest sides of the Prasat Phra That, and a covered gallery built of sandstone surrounding the entire building. There is a pond outside the covered gallery on the northern side, covered with laterite. The ancient sites of Prasat Ta Muen group are open to visitors every day from 08.00-17.00 hrs. There is no admission fee. And because it is located near the Thai-Cambodian border, tourists who want to travel to visit You should inquire for information from the military unit in charge of that area first and bring your ID card with you at all times. For information, call 0 4450 8240.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 91 km
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9. Prasat Phum Pon
Prasat Phum Pon is located in Ban Phum Pon, Tambon Dom, Amphoe Sangkha, Surin Province. The castle consists of 4 ancient sites: 3 brick castles and 1 laterite castle, arranged in a north-south direction, facing east. The first castle, the main castle, is the largest brick castle in the most complete condition. It was built with bricks without mortar in the old Khmer art style. It has a square plan with stairs and a door on the east side only. The roof has a tiered roof. At present, there are only 3 tiers left. There are columns decorating the door frame. Under the pediment and above the lintel, there are carved scrolled leaves in the style of Indian art in the post-Gupta period (around the 11th - 13th Buddhist centuries). The style and construction techniques of the main castle are comparable to those of the Khmer castles before the Angkor period, and are contemporary with the castle on the northernmost side (the 4th castle according to the castle plan). It is assumed that this castle was built as a religious site in the Hindu religion, Shaivite sect. A Pallava-Sanskrit inscription was also discovered, used in the 11th-13th Buddhist centuries, which is consistent with the age of the castle's art style, making it the oldest in Thailand.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 59 km
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10. Prasat Ban Phlai
History
Prasat Ban Plai is located in Ban Prasat, Tambon Chuepleng, Amphoe Prasat, Surin Province. It is an ancient site in Khmer art built in the Hindu Brahman religion, Papuan Khmer art around the middle of the 16th - 17th Buddhist century or approximately 900 - 1,000 years ago. It consists of 3 brick castles on the same laterite foundation, oriented north - south, with a square plan facing east. The door frames and lintels are made of sandstone carved in various patterns. Originally, inside the castle was the enshrined Shiva Linga, the symbol of the supreme god of Hinduism, Shaivism.
Currently, only 2 castles are still relatively complete: the main castle in the center and the northern satellite castle. The southern satellite castle is in a state of collapse, leaving only some walls and door frames. All buildings are surrounded by a moat.
The Fine Arts Department has registered Prasat Ban Plai as a national historical site. Announced in the Royal Gazette Volume 52, Part 75, March 8, 1935 and Volume 99, Part 165, October 21, 1982, Area 6 rai, 1 ngan, 65 square wa
Others
Every year, the Chuepleng Subdistrict Administrative Organization will hold a ceremony to worship Prasat Ban Phai Used as a place for religious ceremonies, namely candle processions
In April of every year, there will be a ceremony to pour water on the Buddha image and pour water over the heads of elders at Prasat Ban Phai
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 37 km
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11. Prasat Tapiang Tia
Prasat Trapiang Tia or Prasat Tapiang Tia is located in Ban Nong Ko, Tambon Tapiang Tia, Amphoe Lamduan, Surin Province. It is a brick prang facing east. It has a square plan with 4 layers. The top is in the shape of a lotus bud. When considering the architectural style, it is a Lao style that is contemporary with the late Ayutthaya or early Rattanakosin periods.
Trapiang Tia is a local Khmer language. The word "Trapiang" means a pond, a lake, a hole dug by humans, or it may mean a baray that all Khmer castles often have or it may be a natural water source. The word "Tia" means duck. When combined, it means Trapiang Tia means duck pond. It is possible that in the past, there were migratory ducks living in this area.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 41 km
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12. Prasat Hin Ban Phluang
Prasat Ban Phluang is located in Ban Phluang, Tambon Ban Phluang, Amphoe Prasat, Surin Province. It is a small religious building or sruk, 1 building, facing east. It was built in the Bapuan style of art, made of white sandstone on a laterite base, surrounded by a U-shaped moat. The castle has a square plan measuring 4 x 4 meters. The laterite base has a rectangular plan measuring approximately 8 x 23 meters. It is assumed that with such a large laterite base, it is possible that the intention was to build 3 castles on the same base. However, there must have been important events such as war, epidemics, and droughts that caused the castle construction to be halted.
The castle has only one entrance. The other side is a false door. The lintels on the east and south are carved with images of Indra riding the elephant Erawan. The lintels on the north are carved with images of Shiva defeating the naga Kaliya. The lintels on the west are not carved with any images.
Prasat Ban Phluang is an unfinished castle. You can tell from the unfinished carvings. Most of the images are stories of mythological gods in the Shaivism sect. But there are carvings of animals, such as squirrels and deer above the leaves of the Raka tree next to the flower, which does not appear in any other castle.
Ban Phluang Castle was renovated in 1971-1973 using the anastylosis method, which is to dismantle and reassemble like a jigsaw puzzle, adding new structures and foundations, and adding new stones to make it complete, without conflicting with the original patterns and art of the castle, by Mr. Vance Ray Sildres, a PhD student at Cornell University, USA.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 45 km
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13. Prasat Yai Ngao
Castle characteristics
Prasat Yai Ngao is a Khmer-style religious building consisting of two prangs, arranged in a north-south direction, facing east. The prang is made of brick and sits on a laterite base. The bricks are carved into patterns, such as the pediment frame, which is a Makara (a hybrid animal between a lion, elephant, and fish) with a five-headed naga.
From the characteristics and layout of the building, Prasat Yai Ngao should consist of three prangs arranged in a row, but currently only two remain. Inside the castle, there are jackfruit petals on the tops of the prangs, decorative pillars, door frames, etc., carved from sandstone, arranged in an orderly manner in front of the castle.
Legend of Prasat Yai Ngao
In the past, there was a grandmother whose husband went to war for a long time and never returned. The grandmother stayed at home and built a castle to wait for her. However, it is not known whether the grandmother met her grandfather or not. The castle seems to have never been completed. This legend is just a story that has been passed down.
Prasat Yai Ngao is located in Ban Sangkha, Tambon Sangkha, Amphoe Sangkha, Surin Province. It is a Khmer-style castle with two buildings. If you look at the construction, there may be another prang next to it, but it has not been built yet. It is made of bricks and is in Khmer art. It was built around the 16th-17th Buddhist century. Currently, Prasat Yai Ngao has been restored and excavated and completed according to the project not long ago.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 63 km
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14. Huai Saneng Reservoir
History
The word Huai Senong comes from the word "Saenng" which is a local language or Khmer language of Thailand. The Royal Irrigation Department has surveyed and designed the Huai Senong Irrigation Project [1] as the first project in Surin Province and began construction in 1952. Most of the irrigation projects in Surin Province are water storage irrigation projects by building reservoirs and weirs. In 1984, the Royal Irrigation Department established the Surin Irrigation Project as an agency under the Royal Irrigation Department. The Surin Irrigation Project is located at Huai Senong Reservoir, Village No. 2, Ban Thamnien, Tambon Chaniang, Mueang Surin District, Surin Province, at coordinates 48 PUB 383 - 380, map 5638 I (1: 50,000). Huai Senong Reservoir is an earthen dam reservoir located in Mueang Surin District and Prasat District, Surin Province. It is about 7 kilometers away from the provincial capital.
Huai Senong Reservoir [2] was completed in 1978, blocking Huai Senong and Ampun River at Ban Khok Cha-Ban Thanon-Ban Chaniang, which receives water from Ampun Reservoir. It is a twin reservoir on the north side of the dam, which is the first water distribution and maintenance department of Surin Irrigation Department. Therefore, a trench was dug to connect the two reservoirs. It was built to alleviate flooding and for agriculture in particular.
Huai Senong Reservoir is located in Chaniang Subdistrict, Mueang Surin District, Surin Province. It is a reservoir that stores water to support agriculture and various plantations covering more than 50,000 rai. It is also an important water source for producing tap water for the province. The water in the reservoir comes from Huai Senong Stream, which originates from the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range in the south of Surin. In addition to this dam being used for irrigation, it is also a place for relaxation for Surin residents and tourists from nearby provinces.
This place is also nicknamed Surin Sea because most tourists like to come here to play in the water and sit and eat while enjoying the view along the dam. Especially in April when Songkran is held, there are a lot of people. The ridge of Huai Senong Reservoir has a wide ridge that looks like a cape. This is where the palace of Her Majesty Queen Srinagarindra the Princess Mother is located and it is also the residence of many royal family members.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 18 km
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15. Reserved Pinery Area (Permanently closed)
The Two-needle Pine Conservation Area is located in Ban Nong Khu, Chok Nuea Subdistrict, Lamduan District. It is a conservation area for the two-needle pine, which is considered the best species growing on the plateau. It is a joint project between Thailand and Denmark. It covers an area of 625 rai. Its distinctive feature is that it is the only two-needle pine tree growing on the plains in Thailand. It is located about 35 kilometers from Surin Province on the Surin-Sangkha route. It is another place for relaxation for Surin residents.
The Two-needle Pine Conservation Area still maintains a fairly natural state. Tourists have the opportunity to see wild animals coming out to forage, such as squirrels, larks, rabbits, cuckoos, and butterflies. The park also has a nature study trail for tourists to learn and experience nature up close, without disturbing nature.
The Two-needle Pine is a medium to large tree, about 10-30 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of 80-200 cm. It never sheds its leaves. The trunk is straight at the tip. The perfect crown will be a round bush or a wide, open, flat crown.
The leaves are long and slender, shaped like needles. It grows in clusters of 2 leaves, 15-25 cm long, dark green, but the leaves are clustered together closely at the end of the branch, making it look like a tight bunch, similar to a horse's tail.
Most flowers grow at the top of the branch tips of the trunk. Male flowers grow in yellow clusters, like squirrel's tails, clustered at the end of the branch. Female flowers look like light bulbs.
The fruit is similar to a long cone, covered with scales all around. Young fruits are round or oval, 5-8 cm long. When ripe, they are green mixed with brown. When the weather is suitable, they will split open into scales (or hard spoon-shaped petals attached to the core of the fruit.
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16. Phanom Sawai Forest Park
Phanom Swai Forest Park or Khao Swai is located in 2 sub-districts: Na Bua Sub-district and Sawai Sub-district. It covers an area of 1,975 rai and is situated in the Khao Swai National Forest Reserve, Na Bua Sub-district, Mueang Surin District, Surin Province. "Phanom Swai" is a local word of Surin Province. "Phanom" means mountain and "Sawai" means "mango". In the Phanom Swai group, there are 3 mountains connected with each other which have different local names as follows: "Phanom Kron" means "Penguin Mountain" and is approximately 150 meters high; "Phanom Pra" means "male mountain" and is approximately 220 meters high; and "Phanom Sarai" means "female mountain" and is approximately 210 meters high. All 3 mountains together are called Khao Phanom Swai. In fact, Phanom Swai is an extinct volcano, so there are stone platforms scattered everywhere. After surveying the entire area of the park, Phanom Swai Forest Park found a lot of wild orchids. The park has installed wild orchids on various trees along the road and along the parking lot. Phanom Swai Forest Park is considered one of the royal parks in Thailand and is a pilgrimage site for Thais who are devoted to Buddhism. Phanom Swai Park Area: Phanom Swai Mountain is a mountain that rises up alone on the rice paddy plains of Surin Province, approximately 50 kilometers from the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, approximately 50 kilometers from Phanom Rung Mountain (Phanom Rung and Khao Kradong can be seen behind Phra Phuttha Surin Mongkhon, until the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range and Khao Phra Wihan can be seen only on clear and sunny days), and approximately 22 kilometers southwest of Surin Provincial Hall.
Vegetation
Since most of Phnom Svay is open forest, the soil surface is shallow, and the lower layer is laterite and rocky, it is made up of dry dipterocarp forest. The trees growing there are small, except in the valley between Khao Chai, Khao Ying and Khao Khok, where the trees are quite large, such as Makha Mong, Daeng, Hiang, Phayung, Teng, Phluang, and Rakfa trees, etc. In addition, during February-April of every year, the Mak Mor trees, or in Khmer, “Aud Charoot” trees, bloom all over the natural forest in the Phnom Svay area.
Wildlife
Wildlife that is commonly seen are lizards, geckos, squirrels, chipmunks, etc. Birds such as kingfishers, gulls, quails, grouse, magpies, magpies, kingfishers, common sparrows, mynas, ducks, and hawks. In addition, there are wildlife that are not often seen, such as various types of wild rabbits, jungle fowls, various types of snakes, monitor lizards, turtles, deer, etc.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 34 km
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17. Chong Chom Market
Chong Chom permanent border checkpoint was originally a natural route connecting Thailand and Cambodia. Due to the favorable terrain, namely the mountain range of the Phanom Dongrak mountain range, it was possible to travel to Ban O Samet, Samrong District, Oddar Meanchey Province, and on to Siem Reap City[4]. Therefore, this area was used for illegal goods transport, and the cost was cheaper than the checkpoint in Aranyaprathet. Therefore, the Customs Department announced a ministerial regulation to establish the Chong Chom border checkpoint[5] and the Chong Chom customs checkpoint[5] to control the legal import and export of goods through this route in 1961 at Ban Dan, Dan Subdistrict, Sangkha District (at that time, Kap Choeng District was still part of Sangkha District), Surin Province.
Located in Ban Dan Phatthana, Dan Subdistrict, this is a border market near the Chong Chom permanent border crossing. It sells general consumer goods, products made in Thailand and imported from Cambodia, such as fresh food, dried food, spices, herbs, clothing, home decoration accessories, etc. The market opens every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The current shops are general consumer goods stores, products made in Thailand and products imported from Cambodia, such as food, drinks, fresh food, dried food, spices, herbs, forest products, forest fruits, clothing, bags, shoes, electrical appliances, furniture, kitchenware, bedding, bicycles, wickerwork, and hiking equipment.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 67 km
GPS to
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18. Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center(Surin)
Surin Sericulture Center was first operated since B.E. 2501 under the name of Sericulture Promotion Unit, which was a branch of the Agricultural Restoration Unit. Later in B.E. 2506, the Agricultural Restoration Unit changed its name to Surin Plant Propagation Station. Sericulture research and development began in earnest in B.E. 2516 when the Rice Department and the Department of Agriculture merged to form the Department of Agricultural Extension. As a result, the Surin Plant Propagation Station was changed its name to Surin Sericulture Experiment Station, under the Sericulture Division, Department of Agricultural Extension. Later in B.E. 2526, according to the letter of the Office of the Secretariat to the Cabinet, No. Sor. 0203/1729 dated February 11, B.E. 2526, regarding the division of government agencies within the Department of Agricultural Extension, the name of the Surin Sericulture Experiment Station, under the Sericulture Division, Department of Agricultural Extension, was changed to Surin Sericulture Experiment Station, under the Sericulture Research Institute, Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. In B.E. 2545, the name of the agency was changed to Surin Plant and Production Factor Academic Service Center, under the Office of Agricultural Research and Development Zone 4, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Later in 2005, there was a ministerial regulation on the division of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (No. 2) B.E. 2548 dated 10 August 2005, changing the name of the agency to Surin Sericulture Center in Honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Later on 13 August 2009, the House of Representatives approved the draft bill to revise ministries and departments to establish the Sericulture Department, which His Majesty the King signed in the Revision of Ministries and Departments Act (No. 7) B.E. 2552, which changed the name of the agency to the Sericulture Center in Honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit (Surin) under the Sericulture Office in Honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Her Majesty the Queen, District 4, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Sericulture Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, which has been in effect since 4 December 2009.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 17 km
GPS to
maps.app.goo.gl/gLMomfuqXUMV2ZcF6
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19. Wat Khao Sala Footprint
Wat Khao Sala Atulathanacharo is located in Charat Subdistrict, Buachet District, Surin Province. It covers an area of approximately 10,856 rai. It is a temple located in a forest area, alternating with mountains rich in rare plants, herbs and wildlife. It is suitable for religious tourism. Every year, there are a large number of tourists, pilgrims and groups of practitioners. Therefore, the temple needs a management system to facilitate both tourism and meditation. Therefore, there is a management idea to turn the temple into a religious tourist attraction. Phra Ratchawisutthimuni (Yuen Khantiplo), the provincial abbot of Surin (Thammayut), resided at Wat Khao Sala Atulathanacharo. He was responsible for spreading Buddhism, teaching Dharma and having important religious sites to accommodate those who come to meditate. The atmosphere of the place is shady, quiet, and peaceful. The beautiful scenery makes it popular. There are tourists and devotees traveling to Wat Khao Sala Atulathanacharo continuously. In 1993, the Royal Forest Department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives at that time (currently the Royal Forest Department is under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) declared the forest area as a Buddhist park to implement a project to promote Buddhism. To conserve forests and develop the environment, following the initiative of General Chettha Thanacharo when he was the commander of the Suranaree Task Force, with His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch as the patron ever since.
Important art sources of Wat Khao Sala Atul Thanacharo
Buddha's footprint, carved into a large Buddha footprint, 320 meters long and 150 meters wide at the tip of the toe and 70 centimeters wide at the heel. Inside the sole of the foot is carved an 8 centimeter grid with various animal figures inside the grid.
Naga Tunnel, approximately 200 meters long and 4 meters wide, the path is steep. Tourists can walk through the tunnel to walk up to the top of the temple.
Large Naga Buddha statue, large Naga Buddha statue with pavilions on both sides near the cliff.
Rock shelters built on top of each other on the isthmus of the cliff, similar to Phra That In Hang. The cliff has a beautiful view, with rocks stacked on top of each other in odd shapes.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 79 km
GPS to
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20. Surin National Museum
The Surin National Museum was established by the people and government officials who donated antiques and objects of art and displayed them at the provincial hall around 1974. After that, it was moved to be kept and displayed at the Surin Provincial Education Office building.
Later, when more antiques and objects of art were received, both from the people and from archaeological activities, the temporary exhibition space became cramped and unsuitable for providing services. In addition, in 1992, the Fine Arts Department had a policy to improve and establish a national museum in each city to cover the whole country. The Surin National Museum was one of the top museums considered to be established under this policy.
The Fine Arts Department requested the use of the royal land from the Treasury Department at Km. 4 on the Surin-Chong Chom Road, covering an area of approximately 15 rai, to be used as the construction site for the new Surin National Museum. The building has begun to be built in a newly designed, modern style, adapted from the ancient Khmer architecture of the castle. It is a group of four interconnected buildings: Part 1 is the entrance hall and walkway; Part 2 is the educational service and office area; Part 3 is the permanent exhibition building; and Part 4 is the museum warehouse. On April 17, 2009, the Surin National Museum was officially opened with the gracious grace of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who presided over the opening ceremony.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 19 km
GPS to
maps.app.goo.gl/f3sgvvjuPSKRTrA27
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21. Wat Mongkolkacharam
Importance/Characteristics
Wat Mongkolkhacharam or Wat Chang Mob is located in Chang Mob Village, Village No. 14, Naeng Mut Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province. It is another cultural tourist attraction in Surin Province. It is beautiful and still preserves its natural environment, both mountains and forests, suitable for practicing Dhamma. Most tourists like to pay homage to Phra Phimon Phatthanathorn or Luang Pho Phuan Woramongklo (Woramangkalo, abbot of Wat Mongkolkhacharam) (Wat Chang Mob), a famous monk of the lower Isan region. He is a monk with high compassion and has always helped his fellow citizens. Anyone who is in trouble can come and ask for help from Luang Pho, who will teach them to adhere to the principles of Dhamma, to be good at working, to be good at earning an honest living, to use money economically and worthwhile according to the principles of the Sufficiency Economy. Even though he is 87 years old, his body is starting to get sick due to his age, but Luang Pho Phuan is still able to perform his religious duties every day. Relatives and devotees still admire Luang Pho's strict observances, travel to pay homage, ask for blessings, and ask for protection from Luang Pho. It is believed that whoever receives a blessing And the holy water from the monk will be the lucky one who will get what they wish for.
The important art source of Wat Mongkolkharam
Phra Prang Kuncharamani Sri Trai Yot Phet has 3 prangs in the middle and has surrounding prangs in all 8 directions. It is located on a low hilltop. The area has been renovated and filled with soil as a base. It is 70 meters wide, 100 meters long, and 5 meters high from the normal ground. It is exquisitely beautiful and combines the concept of Phra That Phanom with Angkor Wat. The monk designed it himself. It is located on the Thai-Cambodian border. The construction is about 60 percent complete. The materials used in the construction are laterite and cement that are designed in a modern style, including Thai patterns, Thai mixed patterns, and the Khmer Empire.
The footprint of the Buddha is 33 inches wide and 56 inches long. The footprint of the Buddha is above the cave, which is the cave where Luang Pho Phuan sat and practiced Vipassana meditation regularly. Currently, a pavilion has been built to cover the footprint of the Buddha as a place for Buddhists to pay homage.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 68 km
GPS to
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22. Thung Kula Lake
Thung Kula Lake is located in Tambon Phrai Khla. Originally, this area was part of Thung Kula Rong Hai. Until 2007, the area was dredged to create a water retention area to solve the drought problem. Later, the Royal Irrigation Department dug an area of over 750 rai into a large swamp and changed the name to "Thung Kula Lake". Around the lake, there are bicycle paths, pavilions, and other facilities. It is open to visitors every day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 0 4451 4447-8.
Thung Kula Lake was originally a reservoir dug as a water retention area, a large water retention area that the Royal Irrigation Department dug for agricultural use in the area between Tambon Phrai Khla, Chumphon Buri District, Surin Province, and Kaset Wisai District, Roi Et Province. When it was first dug, the water was naturally turbid. But in less than a year, the water turned blue and clear. Villagers believe that in the past, the water in this area was brackish and used to be a source of rock salt production. Therefore, it acts as a water filter to make the water as clear as the blue sky and as beautiful as the sea.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 88 km
GPS to
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23. Ban Arlu Home Stay
Ban Arlu Home Stay
Visit Ban Arlu Community and experience the way of life of the original community descended from the Kui people, the indigenous people who have lived in this area for hundreds of years. Currently, Ban Alu still has the same way of life and lifestyle as in the past. The villagers still live their lives according to their own unique way of life and culture, which is worth preserving. It is a charm that attracts tourists who like conservation tourism and want to study the culture and way of life of this ancient local community that lives a simple life. There are many things to welcome visitors, such as houses and ancient rice granaries built in Kui architecture. Various tools and utensils Experience the way of life of local silk weaving and natural dyeing, traditional farming and agricultural practices, and the invention of everyday tools and utensils, including ancient clothing. Most of the villagers are farmers. Women in the village spend their free time from farming and earn extra income by raising silkworms, weaving silk, teasing silk to create patterns, and sewing it for clothing. The name “Arlu” comes from a type of tree that grows near the village pond. At that time, the community was experiencing an epidemic. Because the area had a lot of Aul trees, the villagers used the Aul trees as medicine until they were cured. In addition, at that time the community did not have a name, so the villagers used the Aul trees used to treat epidemics as the community name, "Ban Arul".
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 52 km
GPS to
maps.app.goo.gl/YZcX8kHNJ4KQ7rY29
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24. Sray Aditaya
“Sray Atitaya”, a learning center for self-sufficient agriculture in Surin Province
The origin of the name Saray Atitaya comes from the local Khmer language, which means “the rice field of His Royal Highness Prince Atitayadornkitikhun”. This place was initiated by Her Royal Highness Prince Atitayadornkitikhun, who intended to make this place a learning center that focuses on agriculture based on the principles of self-sufficient economy, in line with the royal teachings of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Currently, this place is under the supervision of the “Atitayadorn Agriculture Project”.
Must-see activities
It is not just the natural scenery that makes you fall in love, but Saray Atitaya is also committed to sharing knowledge in various fields to create sustainable agriculture, whether it is knowledge about rice and traditions and cultures related to the production of each type of rice seed. There are also learning bases for agriculture in other aspects, such as a base for learning about soil resources, including soil conservation and restoration, which is ideal for family tourism where everyone can come to spend quality time together.
With a width of about 20 rai, there is another area that is built as a accommodation building. There are also interesting cultural activities such as experimenting with agriculture on the experimental rice field so that visitors can experience the atmosphere of the rice fields and the simplicity of the countryside. For tourists who want to try being a farmer, there are also activities to try planting rice. Those who are interested can contact the caretaker directly.
It's not just the fresh air that makes you feel satisfied, but here there are also fresh vegetables that will help visitors feel full. Or if anyone is impressed by the taste of various vegetables, they can buy them back as souvenirs. For anyone who travels to Surin and doesn't have a tourist attraction in mind, I would recommend that Saray Athitya is one of the first choices that you shouldn't miss because it's not just knowledge that visitors will be able to take home, but also various beautiful pictures for social media lovers who want to share good times on Earth with their acquaintances.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 20 km
GPS to
maps.app.goo.gl/2KMDBpgXENSpuiJm9
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25. Elephant Kingdom Surin by ZPOT
The bond between “people and elephants” is a relationship that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is not just about labor, but also about taking care of and helping each other like family members. If you have never experienced it, you may not understand.
“Elephants” are wild animals that humans have raised and trained for use for a long time, whether it is pulling wood or using it as a vehicle for transportation. Nowadays, there are more modern tools, so the use of elephant labor has decreased, but the bond and wisdom in taking care of elephants still exists with some Thai people.
For example, in Surin Province, there is a group of elephant keepers who call themselves “Kuy” or “Kuay” people who are skilled in catching elephants from their ancestors until today. This is the “Baan Ta Klang Elephant Village” or “Kach Anakart” in Tambon Krapho, Amphoe Tha Tum, Surin Province. This village is a center for elephant members from Ban Kapho, Ta Klang, and other villages in Surin Province. The lives of people and elephants here are close, like friends, sleeping under the same roof.
The Kach Anakart project is a project to help wandering elephants, which is a problem at present. Both mahouts bring elephants to sell elephant food. And causing elephants to get injured, die from accidents, sometimes get stressed, go crazy, and hurt people which is often seen. Therefore, a project was created to protect and protect these elephants to have a better life and is the origin of the project to bring elephants back to their homeland, including making it a tourist attraction in the form of conserving nature and local culture.
Currently, there are about 200 elephants participating in the project, with about 70 mahouts’ households. The main goal is to create a good quality of life for elephants and mahouts on an area of 3,000 rai. Each family has 2 rai of land to build houses, 4 rai of Napier grass for each elephant, and grass is distributed 3 times a week. There are also veterinarians and nutritionists who take care of and give advice closely.
More than 99% of the elephants in the project have their own YouTube channels or Facebook, TikTok to share the cuteness, lifestyle, and bond between elephants and mahouts, which has attracted public interest and hundreds of thousands of followers on each channel, generating another source of income for the mahouts.
Tourists who love ecotourism can come and relax with nature. Experience more than 200 elephants, with half-day, full-day and 2-day/1-night activities, in a variety of activities, such as paying respect to Phra Khru Pakham, who is highly revered by elephant handlers, with Talun Salangam, the elephant doctor, performing the ceremony. Afterwards, travel to the elephant village.
Tourists interested in ecotourism at the Kacha Anak Project can contact the Kacha Anak Project in Surin Province at 0-4455-8501.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 60 km
GPS to
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26. Tangtaworn Farm
Let's change the feel to agricultural tourism. We guarantee that fruit lovers will love it because we will take you to a melon farm.
You can walk around the farm, taste sweet melons, food made from melons, and there are also fun activities, great photo spots, and a great atmosphere. In some places, you will also gain knowledge about organic farming.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 80 km
GPS to
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27. Wat Phatthana Thammaram (Wat Ban Dan) Luangpu Heng
Luang Pu Heng, Wat Ban Dan Chong Chom, Kab Choeng District, Surin Province, a famous monk
“Luang Pu Heng Phabhaso”, abbot of Wat Ban Dan Chong Chom (Wat Phatthana Thammaram), Ban Dan Chong Chom, Kab Choeng District, Surin Province, a famous monk who is a disciple of the Buddhist magic of “Luang Pho Kong Suwanno” or Phra Khru Akhom Wisut, the former abbot of Wat Wang Sapparos, Khlung District, Chanthaburi Province, nicknamed “God of Khao Saming”, a former monk who is one of the most famous monks in the eastern region. He is a monk who is a contemporary of Luang Pu Tim Isriko, Wat Laharn Rai, Rayong Province. He is currently 90 years old.
He was born on August 11, 1927. His parents were Cambodian but immigrated to Thailand during the French occupation. They moved to Prasat Village, Ta Ong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province. He is a farmer and gardener. He has 13 siblings and is the 7th child.
At Prasat Village When he was a child, around 13-14 years old, Phra Ajarn Cheut Thammakaro, a cousin of Luang Pu Heng, traveled on a pilgrimage from Cambodia to visit relatives in Thailand. He said that he would continue his pilgrimage. Before he went, he told his mother, “I would like to ask you to go with me. What do you think? I will teach you to read and write so that you will be literate.”
That led him to study Khmer script and various branches of knowledge from that time on.
He studied with Phra Ajarn Cheut, his older brother, since he was 14 years old. He studied the Khmer language and Pali and always went on pilgrimage with him.
When he was 21 years old, he became a soldier in the 29th Cavalry Battalion, the King’s Guard. After he was discharged, he traveled around and used the knowledge he learned from Phra Ajarn Cheut when he was in Rukkhamun together.
During his life, he traveled everywhere. He had fights and stabbings until he became Suea Heng. However, because he had good teachers, he was not afraid of anyone.
In 1949, he went to Cambodia and returned in 1952. He moved to Chanthaburi Province. When he met Luang Pho Kong of Wat Wang Sapparos, he decided to become a monk.
He received knowledge of magic, sacred letters, Khmer language, writing powder, erasing powder, tattooing and many spells, especially the spell to make invulnerable and shorten the distance. He studied hard until he was skilled until Luang Pho Kong trusted him to write the sacred letters and letters instead and joined in the blessing ceremony.
In 1989, Luang Pho Kong passed away, so he was appointed as the abbot of Wat Wang Sapparos instead. However, he only stayed for 6 years before asking to resign and continued to wander until he returned to his hometown to stay at Wat Ban Dan Chong Chom, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province, where he remains until today.
He is a monk whom the people of the lower northeast and Cambodians in the border areas respect and believe in because he is a monk full of compassion. Whenever he is invited to join various merit-making ceremonies, he never refuses, even though he is old and has health problems due to his age.
As for the invitation to the Buddha Abhiseka ceremony of sacred objects at various temples, he always has to travel to join the ceremony.
As for the sacred objects that are prayed over and blessed, all have stories of experiences. This has caused amulet collectors to seek out amulets to worship and possess.
His reputation, power, and psychic powers have made him a well-known monk of the province.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 64 km
GPS to
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28. Thamor-roi ston
Tomoroy, the carving of Rahu swallowing the moon, which is a place for worship and asking for blessings. Translation: From the writing on the stone tablet Memorial of the king in Khmer territory, Sacrifice for The nation Jungle and mountain! Please dwell here to Shield you..... I implore the power of the Triple Gem, the sacred things in the world, the souls of the kings in Cambodia in all 8 directions, the souls of the heroes who fought for the nation, as well as the lords of the jungle and mountains, to dwell and protect you all. May you be happy always in protecting the land, property and treasures of the nation. Tomoroy is a place where Cambodians who immigrated between 2014-2093. It is an important area because it is the residence of the former kings of Cambodia, King Norodom Sihanouk, Prince Ranariddh, and Prince Chakrabongse. Prince Ranariddh's permanent residence was at Ban Kok Beng, Village No. 11, Naengmut sub-district. It is also a place for the people and soldiers of Cambodia. The former King Norodom Sihanouk resided in China. He often traveled to visit his subjects. Therefore, a half-brick, half-wooden building was built as a temporary residence. Thmoroi has a viewpoint which is a wide stone platform on a beautiful hill. You can see the scenery of Hill 538 (Phanom Beng Mountain), which is the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Thmoroi (in Khmer) means many stones (hundreds of stones), Thmor means rock or mountain, and Roi means a hundred. It is located in the national forest reserve, south of Chang Mob village, Village No. 14, Naeng Mut Subdistrict, in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, about 4 kilometers from Chang Mob village. It is a place for planting the Cambodian national flag and there is Amrit Well, where Samdech Norodom Sihanouk bathed. For more information, please contact the Naeng Mut Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province, telephone number 044-558-843.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 71 km
GPS to
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29. Ban Sawai Community
Ban Swai community is an ancient community. It is assumed that the Ban Swai community existed before the construction of Prasat Saman and before the establishment of Thailand. They are a group of Khmer ethnic groups. The language used is Khmer. The characteristics of the Ban Swai community in the past were the city moat and located on a mound or in Khmer called Khok. Ban Thawai community is located on an ancient transportation route that has been around for thousands of years since the glory of Khmer civilization. There is evidence indicating that there were human settlements located on a mound. The word Swai is a Khmer word meaning big mango in Thai. Around the village there is important archaeological evidence, which is Prasat Phanom Swai, but at present, only the remains of the castle wall made of laterite or in Khmer called burnt rice stone remain.
Topography
Ban Swai is a village in the administrative area of Tambon Swai. The general topography is a plain. The east side has an elevation of about 150 meters. The central area is a flat area and slopes down to the west. The elevation is about 140 meters. The general characteristics are sandy soil. Most of the area is a lowland. It is used as a community and agricultural area, mostly rice fields. There is an important natural water source, Lam Chi River, which is a river that separates Buriram and Surin provinces. It flows from the south to the north through Tambon Sawai, Tambon Trasaeng, Tambon Tha Sawang, Tambon Nadi, Tambon Phieram, through Chom Phra District, into Tha Tum District, flowing into the Mun River. Lam Chi River flows through Tambon Sawai to the west of the sub-district and into Tambon Trasaeng. There are important water sources, such as Huai Rasai Reservoir, Saya Reservoir, Ta But Reservoir, Ta Le Reservoir, Nong Ta Rawi, Nong Ta Tom, Nong Ta Lok, Nong Traw Kiat, Nong Trasaeng, Nong Yai, Nong Ta Tuan, Nong Saeng, Nong Rawiang, and Nong Ta Po. There are also many small ponds.
Ban Sawai is a famous weaving community in Surin Province. Therefore, there are many learning centers, tourist attractions, and products from the community to choose from as souvenirs, such as elephant-patterned silk, soft fabric dyed or soft fabric dyed with natural colors, and souvenirs made from silk and tie-dyed fabric.
Ban Sawai has many important places to visit, such as thousand-year-old clay Buddhas. Wat Ta Tom Chom Swai, the oldest and most complete clay Buddha statue in Thailand. It is said that anyone who builds a house in front of this Buddha statue must keep the Five Precepts very well, or they will have to move their house. Another place is Phanom Swai Forest Park, a historical tourist attraction with traces of ancient Khmer civilization that have merged into a local identity. It has now become a famous Buddhist tourist attraction. In addition, there are boat trips to see nature on the Chi River and organic vegetable plots where tourists can pick vegetables with the villagers and cook them.
Cultural aspects:
The change in Ban Swai society is that the state has intervened in the Khmer ethnic group by defining Thai as the standard language for official communication. This has caused the local Khmer people of Ban Swai to have a different attitude towards their community. The local people think that learning Khmer is useless and will use the language as the standard language for communication with government agencies anyway. The current situation has changed significantly from the past due to changes in the economic and social structure within the community. There are also external factors in society, such as the increase in the population within the community and the movement of people from outside, which has caused the original people of the community, the Khmer ethnic group, to adapt. Another adaptation of the community is the change in language. It can be observed that the elderly population of the community has used Khmer in limited situations, that is, only with friends and relatives. However, the children mostly speak Thai, which can be seen as an attempt to adapt to the changes in society, which has changed from a society that used Khmer as the main language in the past to a society that uses Thai as the main language.
The original population structure has had the opportunity to go out to work outside the community or outside the province. Transportation and communication can be carried out more conveniently. The population that goes out to work outside the community has increased in number, both those who go out to work seasonally and those who migrate out of the community permanently. The migration of the population has caused contact with the culture of the outside community. This has led to the lack of the necessity of using Khmer in the outside society or almost no opportunity to use it.
In addition, the arrival of the population from outside the ancient Khmer community of Ban Svay has brought other language cultures such as Thai, Chinese, and Lao into the community, causing changes within the community as well.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 19 km
GPS to
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30. Satom Organic Farm
Satom Organic Farm is located in Ban Muang Ling, Chom Phra District, Surin Province. It produces and distributes organic agricultural products that meet standards. The word “Satom” is a language of the Kui or Kui people in Surin Province, meaning a rice field located near a stream. Satom fields are a lowland of the Lam Chi River, fertile and suitable for farming. Therefore, there is evidence of human settlement since prehistoric times until the present. In the past, the Satom community worked in agriculture based on organic farming. Until a period of time, chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides were used to increase agricultural productivity. At present, it is found that Such methods have an impact on the environment, affecting both farmers and consumers. “Satom Organic Farm” has therefore begun to revive the original organic production methods since 2014. Until now, Satom Organic Farm has developed its establishment into a community enterprise and has gathered organic rice farmers, focusing on local rice and healthy rice.
Satom fields are river basins that receive water from many streams. There are both beautiful nature and historical stories. In the rainy season, Satom fields are green and beautiful. There are the wonders of Phon Riang, which are mounds of earth that are lined up for more than 2 kilometers. This field is also famous for being one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset. The Lam Chi River, which is cool and clear, is located at the end of the field, surrounded by rare native plants in the lower Isan region.
Local fish and local fishing practices of the local people. Come experience the way of life and nature of this river with the “Surin Kayak Club”.
The location of Satom Organic Farm is 35 kilometers from Buriram Airport. Air Asia and Nok Air, if you book a ticket through both airlines, specifying Surin Province, the transfer car of both airlines will pass in front of the farm every day. The farm is 35 kilometers from the Surin bus station and train station, located on Highway No. 2378.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 46 km
GPS to
maps.app.goo.gl/chG74cTFDkLNuH3Q9
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31. Huai Ra Sai Reservoir
Huai Rasai Reservoir to store water for use in the sub-district and is also a place for tourism, relaxation, food and drinks for sale, water toys in Tambon Sawai, a sub-district in Mueang Surin District, Surin Province, approximately 22 kilometers south of Surin Province. It is a silk weaving village in Ban Sawai that is famous for producing the most beautiful silk in Surin Province. It can be produced and sold throughout Surin Province and neighboring provinces, including the whole country.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 41 km
GPS to
maps.app.goo.gl/E7V2E8mL7ySsE17BA
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32. Nong Ta Heng Reservoir
“Nong Ta Heng Beach”, a new tourist attraction in the city of elephants, on a 247-rai clear blue reservoir, reveals the promotion of community tourism to stimulate the grassroots economy and generate income for the people and locals with various tourism activities, along with the construction of rafts and complete facilities ready to welcome Songkran.
At the Nong Ta Heng tourist attraction, Nong Ta Heng Reservoir, Ban Ku, Village 6, Phieram Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province, Mr. Suwapong Kittiphatphibun, Governor of Surin Province, presided over the opening of the Nong Ta Heng Tourism Management and Promotion Project, with Mr. Sutat Chitchob, Mayor of Phieram Subdistrict Administrative Organization, on behalf of the committee operating the Nong Ta Heng Tourism Management and Promotion Project, giving a welcome speech and reporting on the objectives, with many heads of government agencies and locals in Phieram Subdistrict attending the event.
For those who travel to visit, tourists can bring their children to play in the water with peace of mind. Visitors to Nong Ta Heng must strictly follow the rules and regulations of the place. Those who want to play in the water must play in the designated area and must wear a life jacket at all times while playing in the water. Drinking alcoholic beverages and fighting are prohibited. Do not bring any loud sound equipment or devices that cause disturbances, do not litter, do not pour waste onto Nong Ta Heng Beach, do not do anything that is obscene, and do not swim more than 5 meters away from the raft. There will be officers to take care of the orderliness to ensure the safety of tourists at all times. Nong Ta Heng Reservoir is considered one of the places with large water storage areas that can manage tourism, allowing people to form groups to do various water tourism activities, to develop it into a place for relaxation and use for other activities by forming groups to develop into the Nong Ta Heng Community Tourism Enterprise to promote community-based tourism management so that people can earn income from Nong Ta Heng tourism management activities and to encourage people to form groups to develop careers to distribute income to entrepreneurs and the community, as well as to publicize tourism in Phiaram Subdistrict to be more widely known and to open new tourist attractions to welcome the Songkran Festival every year that comes.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 41 km
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33. Ban Nong Bua OTOP Comunity
Ban Nong Bua is a destination for those who want to experience the way of life of people and elephants. Because the Kui or Kuai or Suai people in this village still raise elephants according to traditional traditions. Adhere to rituals and beliefs. The Kui people are famous for their knowledge and expertise in elephants for a long time. Both in capturing wild elephants, training elephants and raising elephants. Until it becomes the identity of an ethnic group that is worth traveling to learn. Participate in the elephant doctor's ceremony, which is the transfer of knowledge from the elephant doctor to the next generation of elephant doctors. And the ceremony to pay respect to the Pakham shrine, which is like a temple where the spirits of ancestors and the Pakham ghosts are used to store the leather of the elephant trapping equipment. There is a rare elephant ordination tradition. Even though we have entered the digital age, the new generation of descendants still live with the elephants and dress in unique local costumes: long-sleeved black shirts. Women wear beautiful silk sarongs. Men wear sarongs. And still use the Kui language as a local language to communicate. But there is no written language.
The amazing way of life of the Kui people always attracts both Thai and foreign tourists. Until having to open a homestay to experience the life of elephant keepers up close. In addition, tourists will also have fun with many activities such as riding on elephants, giving alms to elephants, cooking local food, holding elephants to bathe in the Chi River basin, watching elephant training, demonstrating the making of Sa paper from elephant dung at the Elephant Dung Paper Mill, silk weaving mill, wood carving, making knives and hooks to chop elephants, and at Wat Pa Ajiang, there is the only elephant cemetery in the world, collecting almost two hundred elephant bones from many areas to keep, showing the love and devotion to elephants.
The virtuous community of Ban Nong Bua has been selected by the Ministry of Culture as one of the 10 model communities of "Visit the Community, See the Way of Life" in 2022. It is a selection of virtuous communities that adopt the philosophy of the sufficiency economy, driven by the power of the royal family, with the potential and readiness in tourism from virtuous communities nationwide, totaling 228 communities, to develop and expand the success to other communities, stimulate the trend of community tourism, create jobs, generate income for people in the community, which will be an important driving force in national development, to jointly transform Thailand into a progressive society, an economy that creates sustainable value.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 62 km
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34. Ban Mai Thong Saren
Baan Mai Thong Saren, No. 6/1, Ban Katom, Village No. 8, Na Bua Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province, to develop and produce golden silk threads using a unique silk spinning technique to be used as the main raw material for weaving Som Pak Pum fabric, which is an ancient silk fabric of Surin Province. Later, the name was changed from “Mai Thong” to “Mai Thong Saren”.
Outstanding characteristics of golden silk threads
1. Silk threads are strong and can be used as both weft and warp threads.
2. Silk thread colors are consistent throughout the thread.
3. The silk thread’s luster is excellent.
4. It is soft and smooth when woven into silk.
The quality of golden silk threads is at level 3A and above, passing the silk thread quality inspection and certification process by the IAA (Center for Food Quality, Labeling Consumer Service in Kobe, Japan), and sent for inspection by the Department of Agricultural Extension.
The distance from the accommodation is approximately 27 km
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