• Thailand Guide

  • Introduction to Thailand
  • Weather
  • Things Not to Miss
  • Getting around
  • Money
  • Public holidays
  • Entry requirements

• Explore Thailand

  • The central plains
  • The north
  • The east coast
  • The northeast: Isaan
  • Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast
  • Southern Thailand: the Andaman coast
  • The deep south

• Cities

  • Bangkok
    
  • Chiang Mai
    
  • Chiang Rai
    
  • Chumphon
    
  • Hat Yai
    
  • Kamphaeng Phet
    
  • Nakhon Si Thammarat
    
  • Pattaya
    
  • Phitsanulok
    
  • Surat Thani
    

Thailand Guide

The northeast: Isaan

Surin

• Silk shops
• Accommodation

Best known for its much-hyped annual elephant round-up, the provincial capital of Surin is an otherwise typical northeastern town, a good place to absorb the easy-going pace of Isaan life, with the bonus of some atmospheric Khmer ruins nearby. It's also famous for the variety of silk weaves produced here: seven hundred designs in Surin province alone, many of them of Cambodian origin, including the locally popular rhomboid pattern. The elephant tie-in comes from the local Suay people, whose prowess with pachyderms is well known and can sometimes be seen first-hand in the nearby villages of Ban Ta Klang. The easiest way to book tickets for the Elephant Round-Up is through the provincial government website ( www.surin.go.th ) or local tour operator Saren Travel (044 713828, sarentour@yahoo.com).