About Buriram
Buriram lies about 410 km from Bangkok in southern Isaan, against the Cambodian border. Today the city is best known for sports: the Chang International Circuit, where international motor races are held, and the Buriram United stadium. The biggest cultural treasure is Phanom Rung, a Khmer temple from the tenth to thirteenth century on an extinct volcano, about 60 km outside the city. There are also Muang Tam and other smaller Khmer temples. In the city you can climb the volcano Khao Kradong for the view. Buriram has its own airport and is a good starting point for a route along Khmer temples in Isaan. Visit the temples early in the day for cooler temperatures. On match days and race weekends hotels fill up quickly, so book ahead if your visit coincides with an event. Outside those dates the city itself is quiet.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry. March to May is very hot; June to October is the rainy season, with green rice fields. From February to April there can be haze from burning fields. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by flight (about 1 hour), train or bus (about 5 to 6 hours); the temples outside town are best reached with your own transport. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Buriram
- Phanom Rung A Khmer temple on an extinct volcano, about 60 km outside the city.
- Muang Tam A smaller Khmer temple with ponds, close to Phanom Rung.
- Chang International Circuit A racing circuit with international motor events.
- Khao Kradong An extinct volcano with a forest park and views.
