When and where
When: Third or fourth weekend of November
Rule: Lunar calendar. Variable: 2026 planned 14-25 November (main shows 21-22 November); 2027 not known.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Surin Elephant Round-up
The Surin Elephant Round-up celebrates the bond between the Kuy people and elephants. Hundreds of elephants take part in parades, re-enactments of historic battles, football and tug-of-war matches and a large elephant buffet of fruit. The festival began as a way to honour working elephants and is now one of Thailand's biggest tourism events. Pay attention to animal welfare: choose organisers that act ethically.
Getting there
Surin is about 450 km from Bangkok; take the train or bus; airports in Buriram or Ubon.
Highlights
- Elephant buffet Tables full of fruit and vegetables for elephants.
- Battle re-enactment Elephants and soldiers in historic dress.
- Kuy culture Performances by the Kuy people, traditional elephant keepers.
Tips for Surin Elephant Round-up
- Book tickets and hotels early.
- Choose responsibly: look for animal-welfare information and avoid riding.
- Bring a hat and water for the heat.
More photos of Surin Elephant Round-up
A large herd of elephants parading across the field at the Surin Elephant Show (2009) Photo: Per Meistrup · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Elephants and costumed performers in the arena at the Surin Elephant Show (2009) Photo: Per Meistrup · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Line of elephants and performers in front of the grandstand at the Surin Elephant Show (2009) Photo: Per Meistrup · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Costumed war-elephant reenactment with smoke across the field at the Surin Elephant Show (2006) Photo: Dr.A.Hugentobler · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
Surin Elephant Round-up on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
The map shows central Surin; the main shows are held at the stadium.
Frequently asked questions about Surin Elephant Round-up
When is Surin Elephant Round-up in 2026?
Surin Elephant Round-up falls in 2026 on 14–25 November, at Surin city, Surin Stadium. Rule: Third or fourth weekend of November. This date comes from media or tourism sources and is not officially confirmed; check it shortly before you go.
Where is the best place to see Surin Elephant Round-up?
Watch it best at Surin city, Surin Stadium. Tables full of fruit and vegetables for elephants. Surin is about 450 km from Bangkok; take the train or bus; airports in Buriram or Ubon. Elephants and soldiers in historic dress. Highlight: Kuy culture – Performances by the Kuy people, traditional elephant keepers.
What should I bring or wear to Surin Elephant Round-up?
Book tickets and hotels early. Choose responsibly: look for animal-welfare information and avoid riding. Bring a hat and water for the heat. Highlight: Elephant buffet – Tables full of fruit and vegetables for elephants. Highlight: Battle re-enactment – Elephants and soldiers in historic dress.
Festivals near Surin city, Surin Stadium
- Phanom Rung Festival (Sun Alignment) 70 km as the crow flies
- Dok Lamduan Flower Festival (Si Sa Ket) 95 km as the crow flies
- Phimai Festival 115 km as the crow flies
- Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) 125 km as the crow flies
- Thao Suranari Festival (Ya Mo) 150 km as the crow flies
Also in November
- Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival
- Bua Tong Blossom Festival (Doi Mae U-Kho)
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)
- Wat Saket Golden Mount Fair
- Krathong Sai (Tak)