The northeastern Isaan town of Surin is a sleepy provincial capital of some 40,000 people, with one main street and a decent night market. Other than being famed for its local silk production and nearby Khmer temples of Ta Muean, the town is not a major tourist destination. However, on the third weekend of each November, the city roars to life and greets thousands of visitors with the arrival of the annual Elephant Round up.