Surin - Famous for the Elephant Round-up and Overall Chill
Surin: Come for the Elephants, Stay for the Sticky Rice (and Maybe Never Leave) Surin. You may not have heard of it unless you’re an elephant, an elephant enthusiast, or someone who accidentally bought a bus ticket in the wrong direction. But nestled in Thailand’s northeastern Isaan region, Surin is a city that goes from sleepy to stampede-level spectacular once a year, and is charmingly laid-back the rest of the time. Yes, it’s famous for elephants. But Surin is more than a one-trick pachyderm. How to Get There (Without Riding an Elephant) By Plane : No airport in Surin, so fly to Buriram or Ubon Ratchathani and take a 1–2 hour bus or van from there. Yes, it’s a bit roundabout, but so is most good Thai food. By Train : From Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat. About 8–9 hours. Cheap, scenic, and you might even get a seat that doesn’t squeak. By Bus : Daily buses from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Terminal. Around 7–8 hours, assuming no surprises. Fares: 500–800 THB. Bring snacks and ho...