Elephant Festival Surin 2009
The elephant has long been a central part of Thai culture and has always held a respected place in Thai history. Indeed, in the early years of the Chakri Dynasty, the elephant was even featured on the Thai flag.
A symbol of power and grace, the elephant is a prominent figure in Thai legend, literature, art and architecture.
The everyday life of the elephant and its mahout is the central theme of the world-famous Surin Elephant Round-up held each year on the third Saturday of November, to promote a better understanding of the physiology and versatility of Thai elephants. It has been organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand since 1960.
The stars of the show perform a range of tasks which are well beyond the ability of many smaller domesticated animals.
Between folk dances and other cultural performances, these versatile behemoths star in displays of old-time elephant hunts, demonstrations of intelligence, strength and gentility, and the spectacular re-enactment of a war elephant parade.
The festival takes place over two days. There are elephant races, sparkling demonstrations of old-styles elephant hunts as well as numerous displays of the sheer strength and incredible versatility of the elephant.
Battle cries resound around the dusty arena as the festival recreates battle scenes of yesteryear and there is even a tug-of-war between an elephant and some seventy brawny members of the Royal Thai Army.
They perform in ordination and harvest ceremony scenes and the young calves following their mothers have the spectators cooing. There are sprints in which the swiftness of the animal is well demonstrated - in short sprints they can reach speeds of up to 35km an hour.
The Surin elephants take part in soccer, pick-up small objects such as matchboxes with their trunks and obey different commands. In spite of their great bulk the elephant is actually an exceptionally agile animal and year after year they show their qualities of agility at the Surin festival.
Nonetheless despite strength and agility they also show an endearing gentleness which goes a long way in explaining the deep affection that the Thai people hold for them.
No one, rich or poor, young or old, local or foreigner, who visits the Surin festivities is not somehow moved by the events - the time when Thailand's elephants have their very own day the annual round-up.
Elephant Festival 3-Day Tour
This year the dates for the main events will be:
- Thursday 19th - Elephant Breakfast
- Friday 20th - Elephant Show
- Saturday 21st - Elephant Show
Tour Includes:
- Pick-up and return to your hotel in Bangkok
- Two nights accommodation with breakfast
- Lunch each day
- Entry fee to the shows
Tour Excludes:
- Dinner each night
- Beverages
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