Elephant round-up in Surin
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803 - 1882If you've got some extra time, then the charming town of Surin situated on the broad plains of the Khorat Plateau in eastern Thailand, is a wonderful alternative to the often overcrowded package tours on offer. Try something different when next on vacation in this beautiful part of the world. Hire a car and drive yourself to a place where few other tourists ever venture and discover the real Thailand.The road from Bangkok to Surin is 460 kilometers or 290 miles and may seem never-ending at times but just remember that the journey there can represent more than half the fun as the eventual arrival. Wouldn't you just love to travel by road and marvel at all the exciting discoveries you may uncover along the way?
Elephant Round-Up Festivities
Among the normal everyday rural life, this particular region is steeped in ancient Khmer colonizations and silk weaving establishments. Spend a little quality time to understand the unique customs, ideals and inspirations of these rural Thai's and soon you will unleash a new meaning to unrivalled travel in eastern Thailand. If you have insufficient time but you would still love to venture out to these far eastern plateaus then why not consider flying as Surin has it's very own airport. Once there, a whole lot of new and exciting opportunities will awaken you.
Elephant Round-Up Festivities
Attractions in and around SurinElephant Round-Up is an annual elephant extravaganza held during the month of November and this is certainly the best time to be here. These magnificent creatures are rounded up to demonstrate their special skills. You will get to see elephants dancing, elephants painting and elephants playing soccer and other various games. I've even seen elephants playing in an orchestra. I kid you not. Although you may not see the orchestra here, you are very welcome to join in with some of the events. The highlight of the round-up event is an exciting mock battle in which elephants and Thai's alike dress up in old fashioned war regalia.
Elephant Round-Up Festivities
Thasawang Thai Silk Village is located just 10 kilometers or 6 miles north of Surin along route 214. The silk produced here as well as the many other villages in the vicinity, have a unique Cambodian influence as the Cambodian border is only a short distance away to the south. The exceptional high quality silk threads used here are of a highly delicate, soft and lustrous quality. Workers in the area often work to no time restraint and usually spend most of the time producing silk only after the rice planting season is over. This is a good place to experience silk production in it's entirety as well as the chance to purchase some fine examples of silk products from a huge range of shops and stalls around the village.
Elephant Round-Up VideoElephant Round-Up Festivities
Elephant Rides in Town
Historical Khmer Temple SitesThe profound advantages to eastern Thailand is that it is teeming with ancient Khmer Temple ruins for you to explore at leisure. The only downside is that some of these temples are not always easily found and may require some exceptional navigational skills to locate. Of course the rewards outweigh the frustrations of finding them but once this has been archived you should be pleasantly surprised. Should you have ventured this far, it was in more probability, your interest in exploring a very different side of Thailand than most of the seasonal tourists who flock to the beaches and lively nightlife spots. You won't find any of that here, so take your time and enjoy the ride as you journey further into Khmer territory.
Prasat Ban Pluang
Prasat Ban Pluang is a small site consisting of a singular 12th century Khmer monument which had recently been restored. Some intricately detailed craftsmanship can be seen on the stone lintels, pediments and decorative columns which were beautifully carved in elaborate reliefs. Above the entrance, the lintel depicts the God Indra on his mount, the Airavata Elephant. To get to Prasat Ban Pluang, simply drive south on route 214 to the town of Prasat. Just another 4 kilometers further south and you will find this special Hindu Sanctuary. The Indra God mounted on his Elephant
Si Khoraphum Khmer Sanctuary is a beautiful spot located 34 kilometers or 20 miles from Surin and close to the town of Sikhoraphum along route 226 in the direction of Si Saket. The grounds are open daily from 7:30 am until 6:00 pm with an admission fee of just 30 baht. Prasat Sikhoraphum in the sanctuary, is a marvelous 12th century Angkor Wat style Hindu Temple that was later converted into a Buddhist Temple during the 16th century. This temple comprises of 5 pagodas with the principal structure measuring 32 meters in height. Some beautiful and interesting ornate engravings are etched into the columns and doorways. Prasat Hih Chom Phra is a small stone structure with a large Buddha image enshrined in front of it but more importantly it is bathed in natural beauty. The site is located 28 kilometers or 17 miles north of Surin on route 214. Prasat Muang Thi is a modified brick and concrete Khmer temple complex originally comprising of 5 pagodas of which only 3 remain today with the main pagoda representing Mount Meru, home to the higher Gods. The remaining pagodas standing on either side of the principal pagoda represent the subordinate mountains in which the lower Gods dwell. This site is also home to Wat Chom Suthawat, a more modern temple located off route 226 on your way to the town of Sikhoraphum.
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