On arrival at Surin’s train station during the festival, one can opt for an elephant ride rather than a taxi to get to one’s hotel, as the elephants get free rein and run of the town and its streets for several days! Prior to the main event, the city even hosts the world’s largest elephant buffet, where the animals are gathered next to the railway station for a banquet in their honor, and for providing Surin with its golden cash cow (er … elephant)!