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Surin province in Thailand's lower northeast delights with its high mountains and Khmer ruins
“RICH
in castles, aromatic rice and extremely beautiful culture” reads the
blurb on the promotional literature describing the province of Surin,
encouraging visitors to explore its seven wondrous attractions.
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Located in the southern Isaan region, the area that now makes up Surin
has a history of human settlement that stretches back more than 2,000
years. Straddling Cambodia’s Oddar Meancheay province to its south, it
was once part of the Khmer Empire and has largely retained the Khmer
culture.
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It is also famous for its elephants and its people are recognised for
their skills in capturing and taming the beasts. The provincial capital
underscores that fame with the annual Elephant Round Up and both the
festival and Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village draw in tens of thousands of
tourists every year.
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FOR THE BEST GLOBAL HOTEL & FLIGHT BOOKINGS
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FOR THE BEST GLOBAL HOTEL & FLIGHT BOOKINGS
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I start my trip by shopping in the Green
Market where villagers, local farmers and artisans decorate their stalls
with green fabric to show that their products are organic and contain
no toxins.
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Organised in the heart of Surin town since 2008, the
market is open every Saturday and offers a wide selection of organic
agricultural products and top-class OTOP handicrafts, ranging from
riceberry, jasmine rice and vegetables to hand-woven silk, cotton and
silverware. Visitors can try some local food and sweet treats, or check
out the fresh seasonal ingredients like ant eggs, fresh fish, frogs and
field crab.
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