Surin

Surin is the elephant capital of Thailand — the annual Surin Elephant Round-Up each November is one of the country's most spectacular festivals, with hundreds of elephants performing in a massive stadium show. The event draws from the Suay ethnic group's centuries-old tradition of elephant keeping. Ban Ta Klang, the elephant village about 60 km north of the city, is where many of the elephants and their mahouts live, and visits outside festival season offer a more intimate (if complicated) look at the human-elephant relationship.

Surin province also has strong Khmer cultural ties — many locals are ethnic Khmer, and the province has several impressive Angkorian ruins. Prasat Sikhoraphum, a five-towered 12th-century sanctuary, and Prasat Ban Phluang are worth seeking out. Surin silk is highly regarded — the local weaving tradition produces intricate patterns, and silk shops in town sell directly from producers. The provincial capital's night market serves excellent Isan food with Khmer influences, including specialties you won't find further west.