สุรินทร์

The Elephant-Back Alms Giving Ceremony 2026 was held on 29 July 2026 at the Phraya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang Monument in Mueang Surin District, Surin Province. The ceremony featured 40 elephants carrying 75 Buddhist monks on their alms round, offering local residents and visitors a unique opportunity to make merit. This remarkable tradition is the only elephant-back alms giving ceremony in Thailand, reflecting Surin's deep cultural heritage and strong bond between people, elephants, and Buddhism.

Another memorable moment for the people of Surin, celebrating a Pride Parade filled with vibrant colors, smiles, and diversity.

Wat Pa Thammanusorn is a peaceful forest monastery surrounded by natural beauty, offering a serene environment for visitors seeking spiritual reflection, meditation, and Buddhist practice. The temple provides a tranquil setting for worship, listening to Dhamma teachings, making merit, and practicing meditation. Throughout the year, devotees and visitors are welcome to participate in various religious activities, including almsgiving, offering necessities to monks, and observing important Buddhist holy days.

Prasat Ta Muen Thom, also known as Prasat Ta Man Thom, is located at Chong Ta Muen (or Chong Ta Miang Pass) along the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range in Ban Nong Khanna Samakkhi, Moo 8, Ta Miang Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. It is the largest sanctuary within the Ta Muen Temple Historical Park, which consists of three ancient stone sanctuaries arranged from largest to smallest: Prasat Ta Muen Thom, Prasat Ta Muen Tot, and Prasat Ta Muen.

Hill 350 is an important strategic point located along the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range in Bak Dai Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. It is situated approximately 300 meters west of Prasat Ta Khwai and is considered a high-security area where clashes have occurred along the Thai–Cambodian border.

Prasat Ban Phlai is located in Ban Prasat Village, Moo 6, Chuea Phloeng Subdistrict, Prasat District, Surin Province. It is a community religious sanctuary, locally known as a “Srok.” The complex consists of three brick towers built on a laterite base, all facing east. A U-shaped moat surrounds the site, and all three towers share the same architectural layout and dimensions.

The “San Don Ta” tradition, held during the 10th lunar month in Surin Province, is an ancestral merit-making ceremony. The word “San” means offering or making a sacrifice, while “Don Ta” refers to making merit for grandparents and ancestors who have passed away. It reflects deep respect, gratitude, and the strong spiritual bond between families and their ancestors.

Surin Community-Based Tourism (Surin CBT) is a sustainable tourism approach that strengthens local community organizations through the management of natural resources, culture, traditions, and local wisdom, while creating meaningful travel experiences for visitors.

Pa Son Nong Khu Forest Park in Thap Than Subdistrict, Sangkha District, Surin Province, is home to the only natural two-needle pine forest found in the lower northeastern region of Thailand. The park is well known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful pine landscape, and rich natural environment.

Wat Sangkh Mongkhon (Luang Pho Nya Silawanno) is renowned for its exquisitely beautiful crematorium, adorned in radiant golden tones throughout the structure. Surrounding the crematorium in all four directions are elegant stucco sculptures of celestial beings gracefully holding ceremonial ornaments, spears, and swords, reflecting remarkable Thai artistic craftsmanship.

Sala Ko Sedet Prapat and Ko Sedet Prapat of King Rama IX are important historical landmarks in Surin Province. The royal pavilion commemorates the royal visit of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit to Surin, and remains a place of remembrance and pride for the local people.

Prasat Ta Muen Thom is the largest sanctuary within the Ta Muen temple complex in Ta Miang Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. The site is notable for its sacred Shiva Lingam carved directly from natural stone, symbolizing Lord Shiva in Hindu belief and reflecting the spiritual significance of ancient Khmer civilization.

Prasat Ta Muen Tot is a medium-sized Khmer sanctuary constructed from laterite stone, surrounded by enclosing walls and a small reservoir (baray). It is believed to have once served as an “Arogyasala,” an ancient hospital or healing sanctuary during the Khmer period.

Prasat Ta Muen is located at Chong Ta Muen (also known as Chong Ta Miang) in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, within Ban Nong Khanna Samakkhi, Village No. 8, Ban Ta Miang Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. The ancient Khmer sanctuary is part of an important historical route connecting the region in the past.

Wat Mongkolrat (Wat Tago Luang Pho Phuan) in Kho Kho Subdistrict, Mueang Surin District, Surin Province, is well known for the deep faith of Buddhist devotees. The temple is closely associated with Luang Pu Phuan Voramangkholo, a highly respected monk renowned for his teachings on kindness, compassion, and loving-kindness.

Prasat Ta Muen Thom, Prasat Ta Muen Tot, and Prasat Ta Muen are ancient Khmer sanctuaries located at Chong Ta Muen (also known as Chong Ta Miang) in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, Ban Ta Miang Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. These historical sites reflect the architectural beauty and strategic importance of the ancient Khmer route connecting present-day Thailand and Cambodia.

Prasat Ta Kwai, also known as Prasat Ta Wai or Ta Kwai Stone Castle, is a laterite Khmer sanctuary located in Bak Dai Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. The ancient temple stands to the east of Prasat Ta Muen Thom and reflects the architectural heritage of the Khmer civilization along the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range.

Walk through the Dragon Gate at Tang Si Shrine and pray for blessings from A Gong and A Ma at Tang Si Shrine, also known as Pueng Tao Gong Ma Tang Si Shrine — one of the iconic landmarks and spiritual destinations in Surin Province.

Luang Pho Phra Chee at Wat Burapharam Royal Monastery and Luang Pu Dul Atulo, the revered master of the “Buddho” meditation lineage, are important spiritual symbols of Surin Province. Wat Burapharam is an ancient temple located in the heart of Mueang Surin District, Surin Province, and is one of the most respected religious sites for both locals and visitors traveling in Surin.

กรมศิลปากร พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ สุรินทร์ พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติสุรินทร์ ตั้งอยู่ในอำเภอเมืองสุรินทร์ จังหวัดสุรินทร์. Surin National Museum is located in Mueang Surin District, Surin Province.

The spectacular light and sound performance “Legend of the Surin Elephant Keepers” and “Preserving the Legacy of Thai Elephants – Joyful Surin Elephant Songkran” takes audiences on a journey through time to experience the proud history, culture, and deep bond between the people of Surin and their elephants.

A grand light, sound, and cultural performance titled “Phum Pon Nakhara: Sanya Rak Neang Doh Thom” is presented at Prasat Phum Pon, Dom Subdistrict, Sangkha District, Surin Province, showcasing the legendary Khmer heritage through an immersive artistic storytelling experience.

The opening parade of the “Amazing Surin Elephant Festival” features a grand elephant procession alongside ethnic cultural parades of Surin. Visitors can experience the spectacular celebration, showcasing the diversity, traditions, and elephant heritage of Surin Province.

The grand elephant welcoming and feeding event in Surin is considered one of the world’s largest elephant-feeding activities. It features a majestic elephant parade entering the city, a large procession of food trucks prepared for elephants, and traditional Kuy ethnic elephant-handling practices, reflecting the deep cultural bond between people and elephants in Surin.