Surin Elephant Festival

The best elephant trainers and guides (mahouts) are supposed to come from the region around Surin. This is possibly the reason why the Thai tourist board organized the largest elephant round-up here. The spectacle lasts several days and is a huge national folk festival (individual travelers are advised to book hotel accommodation well in advance). Around 200 elephants are brought in from all over the country and are judged in front of stands for their skill, strength and obedience to their mahout. This is interspersed with dances performed by members of the many Thai tribes in original costumes. The festival takes place on the third weekend of November.