TAT RAILWAY TOUR TO SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP FESTIVAL - November 16

TAT RAILWAY TOUR TO SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP FESTIVAL
November 16 - 18, 2007

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising a railway tour covering the annual Elephant Round-up Festival in Surin Province as well as major attractions in the Northeastern region, the culturally diverse bridgehead to the neighbouring countries of Lao PDR and Cambodia.

The three-day two-night tour will be organized during 16-18 November 2007, in cooperation with the State Railways of Thailand, Association of Thai Tour Operators, Association of Domestic Tour Operators, Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association, Thai Tourism Promotion Association, and Association of Thai Travel Agents.

The Surin Elephant Round-up, one of Thailand’s most historic and memorable events, is considered the most popular festival of northeastern Thailand. It recognises the important role that elephants have played in Thai history and culture.

More than 100 elephants take part in a display of grace, strength, and intelligence in games of soccer, log-carrying, and a tug-of-war against human teams.

PROGRAMME
On the evening of Friday, November 16, participants will depart from Bangkok Railway Station by Express Train No. 67 to Surin. After arriving in Surin early November 17 morning, they will have breakfast at Rajamangala University of Technology (Surin Campus) and then proceed directly to the Elephant Round-up.

Later the same day, they will visit the Chan Sopha Silk-weaving Group which is well-known for its fine gold brocade work. This village was chosen to weave the fabric for the silk shirts worn by delegates of the APEC summit in Thailand in 2003 as well as produce silk shawls as souvenirs for royal guests on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne in 2006.

In Buri Ram, they will also visit Phanom Rung Historical Park, the ancient Khmer sanctuary situated on an extinct volcano, at a height of approximately 200 metres.

The tour will depart from Buri Ram Railway Station at 2045 hrs and return to Bangkok on Sunday, November 18, 2007, at 0550 hrs. Space is available for about 160 people, at a cost of 3,970 Baht per person, which includes transportation fee, meals, and entrance fee for the Elephant Round up Show and Phanom Rung Historical Park. Children under four can travel free.

Further details and applications to join the tour are now being accepted at
The Association of Domestic Travel
Tel: +66 (0) 2270 1505-8

Association of Thai Tour Operators
Tel: +66 (0) 2933 4322-3

Thai Tourism Promotion Association
Tel: +66 (0) 2998 0983-5

Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association
Tel: +66 (0) 642 4426, (0) 2393 5855, (0) 2246 5659

Association of Thai Travel Agents, (Foreign Visitors)
Tel: +66 (0) 2237 6046-8

Northeastern Market Division, TAT
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 0867-8

NOVEMBER 17 – 18, 2007
SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP & ELEPHANT SHOW
Srinarong Stadium
Please click to view

IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand