Surin

Festivals

Elephant Show

Surin’s Elephant Show, first organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 1960, is now reputedly the world’s best.

The first scene in the show, called Cha Khlong, recounts natural life of wild elephants, and the coexistence between the wild elephants and the Kui.  Also shown is Phi Pakam ritual, which is believed to ward off danger during elephant round up. The next scene is on elephant catching and training. The various elephants’ tricks shown include flag hoisting and rocking the cradle. The next scene is on the various traditions in Surin. Emphasis is on the ordination ceremony, during which the person to be ordained rides and elephant into the temple. The next scenes are Chalong Phra, the celebration after the ordination whereby elephants play football and tug-of-war with men. The finale is dramatically concluded with the grand scene of warfare on elephant back.

The Show is organized in the 3^rd weekend of November every year, at the Elephant Stadium, Thanon Kotchasan, Amphoe Muang Surin.

Elephant Parade in Ordination Ceremony

The Kui, especially those live in the elephant-raising village of Ban Ta Klang, Tambon Ka Pho, Tha Tu,, actively participate in ordination ceremony, They will ride tens of elephants to pay homage to Chao Pho Wang Thalu Shrine, then cross the Mun river back to the ceremony at wat Chaeng Sawang.

The ceremony is organized on the 13^th – 15^th days of the waxing moon around mid May every year. Many venues exist in Tha Tum, especially at Ban Ta Klang.

Exploring Surin

Pilgrimage to Sacred Places and Eco-Tourism

Monument of Phraya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Chiang Pum) Surin City Pillar, Wat Burapharam Huai Sa-neng Reservoir Phanom Sawai National Forest Nong Khu National Forest

Visit the Handicraft Villages

Hang Nu rattan weaving at Ban Buthom Prakueam silver ornaments at Ban Chok Silk at Ban Sawai, Ban Chan Rom and Ban Khwao Sinarin

Land of Elephants at Ban Ta Klang Ban Ta Klang, Elephant Study Center.

Site Map: Surin

::: Introduction