As an immediate disclaimer, Buriram (which literally means the City of Happiness) is both the name of the city and the province that lies in the northern Khmer region or the northeastern part of Thailand. It is near the Cambodian border, especially in its southeastern part, which kisses the border of Oddar Moncheay, Cambodia. To avoid any confusion, this article will feature the province as a whole.
While the town is a friendly place, it does still have a rural, agricultural vibe to it. Its tourist areas have also not been as developed. The province, on the other hand, holds a good number of Thailand’s must-see Khmer relics, such as Phanom Rung.
So, without further ado, read on for a list of the best things to do in Buriram, Thailand.
1. Enjoy the vibrant Buriram Castle
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Buriram Castle on Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Have a delightful time at Buriram Castle, an enchanting place that combines shopping, iconic attractions, and communal activities effortlessly. Experience a plethora of one-of-a-kind finds, ranging from classic artisanal creations to contemporary apparel, as you fully engage with the lively atmosphere of the thriving commercial hub. Feel the region’s profound historical and cultural significance through a journey that takes you past fascinating landmarks and memorials.
The awe-inspiring architectural marvels adorn the picturesque Buriram landscape, a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. Buriram Castle is a perfect blend of urban charm and serene natural beauty. The property boasts several parks and gardens, which offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Buriram Castle
Address: X38R+9V3, Mueang Buri Ram District, Buri Ram 31000, Thailand
Website: Buriram Castle
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
2. Experience the ultimate fishing adventure at Buriram Monster Fishing Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Buriram Monster Fishing Park on Monday, May 8, 2023
Enjoy Buriram Monster Fishing Park, a haven for avid anglers searching for an adrenaline-fueled encounter with various aquatic species. Embark on an unparalleled adventure and discover a world of excitement as you catch stunning species, such as Siamese giant carp, alligator gar, arapaima, Mekong giant catfish, and redtail catfish.
Prepare for an exciting journey challenging your fishing abilities and creating unforgettable memories. Feel the joy of bonding over a common interest in fishing as you engage in lively conversations with like-minded anglers. Share your knowledge about your thrilling encounters with these awe-inspiring creatures while learning from the experiences of others. Lastly, remember to capture photos with your loved ones of the beautiful fishes.
Buriram Monster Fishing Park
Address: 2282+PH2, Salaeng Phan, Lam Plai Mat District, Buri Ram 31130, Thailand
Website: Buriram Monster Fishing Park
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
3. See the ruins of Phanom Rung Historical Park
Comparable to the grandeur of Angkor What, Phanom Rung is the largest and best-restored Khmer monument, in Thailand. Even more impressive is that it sits on top of a dormant volcano, about 200 meters (656.2 feet) above some rice paddies. The temples are dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva and are meant to symbolize his heavenly dwelling, Mount Kailash. It was built from 1113 to 1150 AD, during the reign of King Suriyavarman II. Four times a year, the sun shines on the 115 sanctuary doorways of Phanom Rung. When this happens, the park extends its hours to celebrate the Phanom Rung Festival and the solar alignment.
The whole complex is built from sandstone and laterite. Apart from the Phanom Rung Festival, the Royal family of Thailand also uses this building for ceremonies. There is a processional walkway, which is actually one of the most picturesque parts of the park. Every part of the park was actually built to symbolize certain connections, such as the connection between heaven and earth, through the stairways. Phanom Rung is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best historical tours in Buriram.
Phanom Rung Historical Park Tour
Address: Ta Pek, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram 31110, Thailand
Website:
4. Get that Instagram-worthy shot at Prasat Muang Tam (from USD 1.0)
Located near Phanom Rung, Muang Tum Temple or Prasat Hin Muang Tum is another Khmer temple complex that is worth a visit, when in Thailand. Muang Tum is around 1,000 years old and is found at the base of the same dormant volcano that Phanom Rung is in. The temple was built during the 10th and 11th century, around the same time as Phanom Rung, and like its bigger neighbor, it is also dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. Inside the temple complex, you’ll find several Instagrammable small ponds, filled with water lilies. Naga snake statues are found at the corner of each pond. Near the temple is a lake called Baray, which is about 1,000 meters (3280.8 feet) long and 500 meters (1640.4 feet) wide. The location of the temple was chosen because it is close to the lake, which symbolizes the ocean that surrounds Mount Meru, representing the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology.
Bangkok to North-East Thailand 4-Day Heritage and Temples Tour
Duration: 4 days
5. Commune with nature at Khao Kradong Forest Park
If you’d like to enter the extinct volcano near the Khmer historical complexes, Phanom Rung and Muang Tam, you can enter through Khao Kradong Forest Park, formerly known as Khmer Phanom Kradong, which literally means “turtle shell”. You can explore the crater, which has a deep pool of water, almost all year round. Here, you’ll find interesting flora and fauna, such as the Devil Yoni Tree, which can only be found near volcanic areas.
If you climb to the top, you’ll be met with a large Buddha image called the Phra Suphattharabophit, the symbol of the whole of Buriram. You’ll also find a stupa here, that has a replica of the Buddha’s footprint.
Khao Kradong Forest Park
Address: Mueang Buri Ram District, Buri Ram 31000, Thailand
Website: Khao Kradong Forest Park
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
6. Stroll around the ancient Nong Hung Sanctuary
If you haven’t yet had your fill of Khmer ruins, then head on to Nong Hung Sanctuary, one of the best places to visit in Thailand which has three brick pagodas built on a laterite base. It has a laterite wall and moat, as well. The sanctuary is near Laem Nang Rong Dam and is about 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) south of Buriram town.
Nong Hung Sanctuary
Address: Khao Kradong Golf Club, Tambon Samet, Amphoe Mueang Buri Ram, Chang Wat Buri Ram 31000, Thailand
Website: Nong Hung Sanctuary
7. Have a fun day out at Wat Khao Angkhan
This wat is a combination of old and new. There are Dvaravati sandstone boundary markers that date back to the 8th or 9th century. However, the government has built modern additions that harken back to Khmer architecture. The new buildings were built in 1982 and contain murals by Burmese artists. The wat also has a Chinese-style pagoda, a 29-meter (95.1-foot) reclining Buddha, and a view of the mountains. It is one of the fun things to do in Buriram for adventure seekers as this is about 20 kilometers (12.4 feet) from Phanom Rung, and no public transport travels to this area. You’ll have to rely on local directions and a few strategic signposts.
Wat Khao Angkhan
Address: Charoen Suk, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram 31170, Thailand
Website: Wat Khao Angkhan
8. Get great bargains at the two Buriram night bazaars
While Buriram isn’t particularly famous for its nightlife in the same way as Phuket and Pattaya, you’ll find that you can still make it a fun night at the province’s two night markets. The main night market is on Romburi Road, south of Jira, near the moat and consists of several restaurants, with vendors selling pre-made meals on the streets. The other night market is called Klong Thom and can be found west of Tanee Road. Here, you’ll see interesting things, such as dogs and cats sold as domestic pets.
Klong Thom Bazaar
Address: Tanee Road, Buriram Province, Thailand
How to get to Buriram
Flying is the easiest way to reach Buriram. Buriram has a regional airport and is serviced by two airlines, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia coming from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). You can also use the State Railway of Thailand, the national passenger rail system which goes to the Buriram Railway Station. There are express trains from Bangkok to Buriram. When you’re already in the province, you can use the Buriram Bus system to reach the other provinces. Don’t be surprised also if not everyone in the region doesn’t speak Thai though. Because it’s so near the Cambodian border, some of its citizens speak Lao and Khmer. That said, Buriram is a beautiful multicultural experience, so don’t worry about what to do in Buriram. It’s great to see how these three cultures interact with each other and find that, in the end, a subculture comes out that is completely Buriram’s own.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Buriram, Thailand
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