Surin is world-renowned for its Elephant Round-up, held on the third weekend in November, putting a focus on the province's heritage of raising and training elephants. The fair features pageants, elephant football, tug-of-war and other fun events. After the fair, the elephants go to live in villages like Ban Ta Klang, where the Suay people live and work with their jumbos, welcoming visitors to watch their daily activities.

Like many of the Cambodia border provinces, Surin has numerous Khmer ruins. Recently restored is the 11th

Despite its long historical background. There is so far no precise evidence to prove the origin of Surin Province. It has only been narrated for generations that Surin was built some 2,000 years ago when the ancient Khmer dominated the region. Surin was abandoned after the incline of the Khmer Kingdom. Later in 1763, a village at Ban Muang Thi was moved to Ban Khu Prathai where Surin is presently situated. The village was consequently upgraded to be ' Muang Prathai Saman' and its leader, Luang Surin Phakdi, appointed Phra Surin Phakdi Si Narong Chang Wang, the Governor.

In 1786 during the reign of King Rama I, Muang Prathai Saman was renamed 'Muang surin' after the title of its Governor.

Surin Elephant Roundup

Surin Elephant Roundup is held in the middle weekend of November. Visitors from around the world flock to see this grand national event. Shows include capturing elephants, a tug-of-war between elephant and men, an elephant soccer match, elephant dances, a parade, elephants at war, and cultural performances.