A Cultural Heritage Hub of Lower Isan
Surin National Museum
Located in Nok Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province




The museum serves as an important center for learning about the history and culture of lower northeastern Thailand. It was established to collect, preserve, and exhibit antiquities, artworks, and stories that reflect the identity of the people of Surin.
The museum showcases the lifestyles and wisdom of various ethnic groups in the region, particularly the Kuy (Suei) people, who have had a deep connection with elephants for centuries. Visitors can gain close insights into local history, culture, and heritage in a modern and welcoming environment.




Significance of the Museum
The museum not only preserves archaeological artifacts but also serves as a window into the lives of people who contributed to the development of Surin. Its exhibits are organized in an engaging and accessible way, welcoming visitors of all ages.
The museums exhibits are divided into several main zones, covering history, archaeology, art, local culture, and the lifestyles of ethnic groups. The displays emphasize visitor engagement and use easily understandable multimedia to communicate information effectively.
Highlights Inside the Museum
The Surin National Museum is a center for the history, culture, and ethnic heritage of the province, particularly of the Kuy (Suei) people, who have had a long-standing connection with elephants. The museum displays antiquities, artworks, lifestyle exhibitions, and local handicrafts, allowing visitors to learn about history, culture, and traditional wisdom in a modern and welcoming environment.




Prehistoric Artifacts
The museum displays artifacts excavated in Surin Province, including stone tools, bronze items, beads, and ancient pottery dating back thousands of years. These exhibits showcase the early human settlements in the region and the development of traditional technologies.
Lifestyle of the Kuy People Elephant Handlers
The Kuy ethnic group has had a long-standing bond with elephants. This exhibition presents their way of life, beliefs, and rituals, such as elephant rearing, elephant ordination ceremonies, paying respects to the elephant masters, and the role of the elephant doctor, who is responsible for caring for and managing elephants within the community.
Ancient Khmer Art
Surin was once under the influence of the ancient Khmer Empire. The exhibition displays artifacts characteristic of Khmer art, such as decorated pillars, lintels, ceremonial ornaments, and lingams, sourced from various historical sites in the area, including Prasat Sikhoraphum and Prasat Ban Phluang.
Exhibition on Surin Identity
The exhibition features a replica of a traditional Thai house, showcasing the daily life of villagers, agricultural practices, and local handicrafts such as silk weaving and silverworktraditional knowledge of Surin that has been preserved and passed down to the present day.




Visitor Information
Location: Nok Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province
(About 4 km from the city center)
Opening Days & Hours:
Wednesday Sunday: 09:00 16:00
(Closed on Monday, Tuesday, and public holidays)
Entrance Fees:
Thai visitors: Adults 20 THB / Children 10 THB
Foreign visitors: Adults 100 THB
Contact: 044-514-574
The Surin National Museum is not merely a repository of antiquities; it serves as a gateway connecting the past, present, and future of the people of Lower Isan. Through engaging and lively storytelling, it conveys the spirit, culture, and identity of Surin in an accessible and meaningful way.