Surin is sleepy little provincial capital inhabited by very friendly people. Of particular note within the town itself is Surin's excellent market which runs virtually 24 hours a day reaching its peak just before dawn.

Markets aside, Surin is best known for the annual Elephant Round-up which takes place in November and is the event in Surin Province. More of a tourist show nowadays, the roundup was once dressed up in considerable ceremony and tradition. It is still definitely worth getting to if you are anywhere near Surin, though you may find it difficult to find a room.

Once the elephants go, so do most of the tourists, and Surin is returned to the sleepy little town it normally is during the rest of the year.