About Surin
Surin is a calm city in southern Isaan, against the Cambodian border. It is best known for the annual Elephant Roundup, held in November, in which elephants perform, run and take part in shows. In the surroundings you find the basket-weaving village of Ban Buthom, known for rattan, and the Huai Saneng reservoir with water lilies and birds. There are also Khmer temples in the region and the pine forest Pa Son Nong Khu. The town itself is simple, with a market and eateries. Surin suits travellers who want to combine culture, elephants and crafts, and is a good stop between Buriram and Si Sa Ket. Come in November for the festival, but book well in advance. Surin lies about 450 km from Bangkok on the railway line to Ubon Ratchathani, so the city is also easy to reach by train for a stopover.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry. March to May is very hot; June to October is the rainy season, with green rice fields. From February to April there can be haze from burning fields. The Elephant Roundup takes place in November; book well in advance then. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by train or bus (about 6 to 7 hours); the town lies on the railway to Ubon Ratchathani. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Surin
- Elephant Roundup Every November with elephant shows.
- Ban Buthom A village known for its rattan basketry.
- Huai Saneng A reservoir with water lilies and many birds.
- Pa Son Nong Khu A pine forest in the area for walking.
