47BRENT LEWIN is an award-winning
photographer based in Bangkok, Thailand.
His work has been featured in National
Geographic, the New York Times and Time,
among others. More of his work can be viewed
on his website: http://www.brentlewin.com.WHEN
The roundup is typically held during the third
weekend of November annually
WHERE
To reach Surin from Bangkok, you can take a
bus (5.75 hours) from Mo Chit terminal near
Chatuchak market or a train (6 hours) from
Hualumphong Station near Chinatown
HOW
The roundup is held at Si Narong Stadium,
also dubbed “elephant stadium”, located
within walking distance of Surin’s city centreEXPERIENCE
SURIN ELEPHANT
ROUNDUPSurin
BangkokFor better photos and a behind-the-
scenes look at the festival, you can
easily wander around backstage to see
how mahouts train and interact with
their elephants.INSIDER’S TIP
THAILANDat the festival, do keep an eye out for
any abuse – or even animal goods
trading – and notify organisers if you
see anything unethical.
Surin is also home to the Elephant
Study Center in nearby Ban Tha Klang,
where visitors can a acquire of wealth
of information about elephants, and
mingle with the Kui.
The atmosphere surrounding the
roundup itself is relaxed, and visitors
have the chance to wander around the
town and try out their Thai language
skills. One of Surin’s charms is that
it lies off the beaten track, and even
though it may feel like it’s bursting
at the seams during roundup time,
it retains its laidback vibe; it also
boasts some of the best northeastern
(Isaan) food in the country.
There are also night markets with
live music, cultural dances and beauty
contests, all of which are a great way
to soak up local Isaan culture. agsoutheast asia