SURIN, THAILAND – Ancient temple complex Prasat Ta Khwai and nearby Hill 350 have reopened to visitors, offering a chance to see Khmer ruins and Thai military heritage near the Cambodian border. The site will be accessible on two weekends, with registration, mandatory shuttle services, and local delicacies making the excursion appealing to tourists.
Reopening and Dates
Prasat Ta Khwai and Hill 350 opened to the public on Saturday and will be accessible on the weekends of June 6–7 and June 13–14, 2026. Visitors can explore the ruins and the hill, which is associated with the bravery of Thai soldiers.
The offering is aimed at day-trippers from the region and travelers interested in cultural and military history. Organizers anticipate a large turnout on the open days.
How Visitors Register
Guests must register before their visit. This can be done online, via QR code through the Line app, or in person between 05:30 and 11:30 AM at the sports dome of Ban Thai Santi Suk School. The school is located in the Bakdai sub-district of Phanom Dong Rak district and serves as the registration point.
On-site registration is time-limited; no registration will be possible after 11:30 AM. The site closes daily at 3:00 PM.
Access to the Site Only by Shuttle Bus
Access to the temple complex is exclusively via shuttle bus; direct access with private vehicles is not permitted. The shuttle ride costs 100 Baht per person.
Visitors should therefore plan sufficient time for registration and shuttle transport. Parking or access information directly at the temple is not part of the registration process.
Opening Day: Queues and Photo Stops
On the opening day, long queues formed in front of the registration dome before visitors boarded the shuttles. Many took the opportunity to photograph the ruins and visit the viewpoint on Hill 350.
The hill serves not only as a viewpoint for many visitors but also as a memorial site for military operations, which is why it receives special attention. Guided tours or accompanied explanations were offered on-site.
Volcanic Durian as a Local Specialty
In addition to historical sightseeing, volcanic durian from the border region was offered and sold on-site. According to information, this local variety is characterized by sweet, dense flesh, small seeds, and a mild aroma.
Many visitors tried the fruit as a special part of the program; the sale of local produce is intended to generate additional income for the region. The durian offering complemented the cultural program on the opening day.
Goal: Promoting Cultural Tourism
Organizers stated that the time-limited access is intended to develop the border area as a destination for cultural tourism and to strengthen the local economy, which is why access, registration, and transport were clearly regulated. The opening runs on the specified weekends, registration is only possible in the morning, and the site closes at 3:00 PM.
What do you think about this? Write us your opinion in the comments.