7 Chill Spots in Surin That’ll Make You Wanna Stay Longer
When you think of Surin, you probably think elephants, right?
Same.
But after spending a little time there, I realized this chilled-out town in Northeast Thailand is packed with way more — ancient stories, laid-back vibes, and spots that are seriously worth the trip.
If you’re tight on time like I was, here’s my hit list of 7 places you have to check out:
1.Surin City Pillar ShrineFirst stop, the city pillar — and wow, not what I expected. It’s built like a mini Khmer castle, with gorgeous carvings and a super compact layout that’s perfect for quick exploring (and taking a few fire photos).
Surin City Pillar Shrine : Designed in the style of an ancient Khmer temple, blending history and architecture beautifully.
Surin City Pillar Shrine at Night : The shrine glows under the night sky, creating a striking, unforgettable view.
2.Wat Sala Loy
This temple feels old-school in the best way. There’s a peaceful vibe here that just hits different — with beautiful Khmer-style stupas, a reclining Buddha, and it’s right in the middle of town. Easy in, easy out, 100% worth it.
This temple feels old-school in the best way. There’s a peaceful vibe here that just hits different — with beautiful Khmer-style stupas, a reclining Buddha, and it’s right in the middle of town. Easy in, easy out, 100% worth it.
Wat Sala Loy Religious Complex : Featuring a blend of Khmer-inspired gates, a Reclining Buddha Hall, a Mondop, and a Buddha Prang.
Ubosot of Wat Sala Loy : The serene ordination hall that carries the timeless spirit of Surin’s Buddhist heritage.
3.Tang Si Shrine
Locals told me if you walk through the golden dragon gate here, you’ll turn your luck around. Who wouldn’t wanna try? I went in the evening when the whole shrine lit up — seriously magical.
Locals told me if you walk through the golden dragon gate here, you’ll turn your luck around. Who wouldn’t wanna try? I went in the evening when the whole shrine lit up — seriously magical.
Tang Si Shrine Illuminated at Night : The shrine lights up brightly after dark, a stunning landmark visible from afar.
Inside Tang Si Shrine : A sacred space where traditions, faith, and blessings come together.
4.Green M. Market
Spent my Sunday morning here and honestly didn’t wanna leave. Green M. is set under massive trees, super chill, and full of good food — think coffee, smoothies, grilled chicken, sticky rice — plus a flower field that's basically begging you to take a million pictures.
Spent my Sunday morning here and honestly didn’t wanna leave. Green M. is set under massive trees, super chill, and full of good food — think coffee, smoothies, grilled chicken, sticky rice — plus a flower field that's basically begging you to take a million pictures.
Cosmos Flower Field at Green M. Market : Surrounded by vibrant blooms and an elephant sculpture, thanks to the agriculture students' seasonal flower planting traditions.
Elephants at Green M. Market : Every Sunday morning, visitors can meet, feed, and interact with elephants — a must-see local experience.
5.Huai Saneng Reservoir
This place is pure peace. I grabbed some snacks, sat by the water, and just soaked up the sunset. If you need a breather from city life, this freshwater lake is it.
This place is pure peace. I grabbed some snacks, sat by the water, and just soaked up the sunset. If you need a breather from city life, this freshwater lake is it.
Sunset at Huai Saneng Reservoir : A calm and breathtaking spot just 7 km from downtown Surin, perfect for sunset lovers.
Fishing at Huai Saneng : Local life captured — fishing remains a vital side job for villagers around the reservoir.
6.Phanom Sawai Forest Park
If you’re into low-key adventure, you’ll love this one. Used to be a volcano (!) and now it’s three hills you can hike, a massive Buddha statue at the top, hidden canyons, and even rare volcanic rice you can try. Totally unexpected and super cool.
If you’re into low-key adventure, you’ll love this one. Used to be a volcano (!) and now it’s three hills you can hike, a massive Buddha statue at the top, hidden canyons, and even rare volcanic rice you can try. Totally unexpected and super cool.
Path to Phra Phut Surin Mongkhon : The trail leading to the majestic Buddha image atop Phanom Sawai Forest Park.
Stupa of Luang Pu Dulya Atulo : A revered monk’s relics enshrined on Phanom Sawai, honored by generations of Surin people.
7.Sarei Athitya
Imagine a dreamy farm straight out of a movie. Rice fields, bamboo tunnels, lotus ponds, and chill palm groves everywhere. It’s part farm life, part full-on relaxation zone. Definitely one of my favorite finds.
Imagine a dreamy farm straight out of a movie. Rice fields, bamboo tunnels, lotus ponds, and chill palm groves everywhere. It’s part farm life, part full-on relaxation zone. Definitely one of my favorite finds.
Sarei Athitya Project : A 20-rai sustainable farm promoting agricultural education and relaxation with lotus ponds, bamboo tunnels, paddy bridges, and palm gardens. "Sarei Athitya" means "Athitya's Fields."
Rice Fields at Sarei Athitya : Located just 14 km from Surin City, with the Ample Reservoir right across — making it easy to explore both spots in one day.
Surin Elephant Festival : Held every November, the festival showcases Surin’s legendary elephant culture. (Photo: rehearsal day before the grand event.)
Editor in Chief : Nampetch Siramanon
Editor: Pacific Leisure (Thailand)
Content Creator : Mr. Saroj Na Ayutthaya