Surin province is a recognised centre for mat-mee silk, an ikat weaving tradition that produces geometric-patterned cloth in rich purples, golds, and reds. The finest pieces are woven in villages outside the city, but you can buy directly from weavers or from shops around the central market in town.
The Saturday and Sunday walking street market near the city's main square brings village weavers and craftspeople into town. This is the best place to find authentic pieces at fair prices — everything from bolts of cloth to finished scarves and sarongs. Prices vary widely; a simple scarf might cost 200 baht, while an elaborate mat-mee silk piece can run to several thousand. Don't hesitate to bargain at the market stalls, but the fixed-price weaving cooperatives are worth visiting for quality comparison.