TAT organising Annual Rail Tour to Elephant Round-Up

The Tourism Authority of Thailand 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.

According to TAT Governor, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, “This tour to the Annual Surin Elephant Round-up Show has been organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand since 1960.

“It is designed to promote domestic tourism and better distribute income to local regions, particularly in the northeast of Thailand. It also promotes travelling by train which helps to offset its environmental impact,” she said.

The Elephant Round-up, one of Thailand’s most historic and memorable events, is considered one of the most popular festivals 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.

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.

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