Buriram Sights, POI and Things to Do
Exploring Khmer temple complexes
The main reason to stop in Buriram is to go and visit Phanom Rung, the most impressive and significant Khmer temple in Thailand.
The temple complex is located at the top of an extinct volcano 65 km south of Buriram, and a day trip to Phanom Rung can be combined to a visit to other temples and archaeological sites in the same area; Mueang Tam, a Hindu temple with more than a thousand years history located at the base of the hill where Phanom Rung is and Wat Khao Angkhan, a religious site where an 8th century sanctuary has been replaced by a quiet, modern and less visited temple. For more detailed information about all these destinations and how to get there please refer to the dedicate section.
Getting acquainted with the local culture
To know a little bit more about the Isan culture you can spend a couple of hours at the Lower Northeastern Cultural Centre (open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm). Opened in 1991, it is an archaeological, historic and arts study centre with its mission to preserve and divulgate the culture and tradition of the Lower Isan region. A large section is dedicated to the strong relationship between humans and elephants – the neighbouring Surin province is still nowadays the province where the majority of Mahouts (elephant’s trainer/handler) come from and it’s interesting to see how these amazing animals became such an important part in every day’s life for Isan people, long before they’ve been sadly turned into tourist attractions.
The cultural centre is located in Jira Road, roughly half way between the train and the bus station.
Getting out to the greens
A short 6 km drive on highway 219 (follow the signs to Prakhonchai) will take you to Khao Kradong Forest Park. It is an extinct volcano with a big Buddha statue on top and an impressive suspension bridge to walk over the crater. From there you have great views of Buriram city and the countryside and to reach the top you can either climb up the almost 300 steps or simply drive an easy and paved road if you feel a bit lazier. There’s no entrance fee and it’s open all day long. Try to be there for sunset to get spectacular pictures of the town and the crater.
Buriram Sportive
If you’re passionate about sports, Buriram will not let you down. The local football team, the Buriram United, is the best team in Thailand since they win the national league every year without that much of a competition. All of the best Thai players and some Europeans, too (probably not the best ones though) play here and every weekend the team attracts some 30,000 excited and loud fans from all over the Isan provinces. If you’re there during one of the matches, the cheaper ticket will cost you THB250 and even if the quality of the game is not top notch, the atmosphere at the New i-Mobile Stadium can easily compete with some Premier League games.
The Stadium is one of the biggest stadiums in Thailand and can be visited all year round. Free of charge, you’ll get access to the pitch, the locker rooms and the pressroom. It is located 6 km south of the train station; you can get a motorbike taxi to get there (expect to pay around THB100 round-trip).
A recent addition to Buriram sport scene is Chang International Circuit. The first of its kind in Thailand, it has been built to the highest FIA and FIM standards and it’s ready to eventually host in future Formula One and Moto GP races. For the moment the World Superbike Championship is the biggest event in Thailand for motors’ enthusiasts and it usually takes place every year in March. The circuit is located a few km away from the stadium. Combine the two of them for a full afternoon sport experience.
