Buriram

A hub of Khmer ruins in northeastern Thailand, with the exquisite Phanom Rung temple atop an extinct volcano and Prasat Muang Tam at its foot, plus Buriram United's stadium and an international racing circuit; Surin's elephant village is an easy side trip.

Buriram lies in the south of northeastern Thailand (Isan) and is the core province of the lower Isan "Khmer cultural region". It borders Cambodia to the south and is dotted with several extinct volcanoes and dozens of Khmer temple ruins dating from the 10th to 13th centuries. The highlights are Phanom Rung, on the summit of an extinct volcano about 60 km south of town, and Prasat Muang Tam at the foot of the mountain; the two are usually visited on the same day, often combined with Wat Khao Angkhan. The city itself is known for sport: Chang Arena, home of Thai League giants Buriram United, sits next to the MotoGP-grade Chang International Circuit, and the whole town is packed on race and match weekends. From a base in Buriram, you can reach the Ban Ta Klang elephant village in Surin Province, about 55 km east, and Prasat Sikhoraphum, about 80 km away. The climate is tropical savanna: November–February is cool and dry and the best time to visit; March–May is scorching; and May–October is the rainy season, when the ruins are lush and green and visitors are few. The two big events are the sunrise through Phanom Rung's doorways in early April and the Surin Elephant Round-up in November. Getting there: from Bangkok it's about 6–8 hours by train or about 6 hours by long-distance bus; Buriram Airport has daily flights to and from Bangkok's Don Mueang (about 1 hour). Public transport between the city and the sights is scarce, so hire a car with driver or rent a car for Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tam; in town, use Grab or tuk-tuks. Plan to stay 2–3 days. Note: clashes broke out on the Thailand–Cambodia border in 2025, and districts near the border may be subject to restrictions, so check the latest safety advisories from your embassy and the Thai authorities before you travel.

Top sights

• Phanom Rung Historical Park – A 10th to 13th century Khmer Hindu stone temple built on the summit of an extinct volcano. A long processional way and naga bridges lead to…
• Prasat Muang Tam – A lowland Khmer temple at the foot of Phanom Rung, with brick towers surrounded by four lotus ponds and finely carved naga balustrades. Vis…
• Khao Kradong Forest Park – An extinct volcano forest park about 6 km south of Buriram town. Climb the 297 naga-railed steps to the summit golden Buddha for views over…
• Chang Arena (Buriram Stadium) – The home ground of Buriram United, a Thai League powerhouse. On match days the stadium fills with around 30,000 fans in blue shirts. Next t…
• Chang International Circuit – Thailand's only FIA Grade 1 and MotoGP-standard circuit. The whole town fills up during race weekends. On weekdays you can visit or try tra…
• Wat Khao Angkhan – A modern temple built on the summit of an extinct volcano, blending Khmer and Thai styles. Its golden halls and murals overlook the plains.
• Surin Elephant Village (Ban Ta Klang) – A village of the Kuy people, who have trained elephants for generations, with an Elephant World and museum. See daily village life with ele…
• Prasat Sikhoraphum – A 12th-century Khmer temple in Surin Province with five brick towers. The Shiva dancing on the central tower lintel is exquisitely carved.

Where to eat

• Sida Grilled Chicken – A long-established local favourite in Buriram town, known for crispy-skinned, tender grilled chicken served with green…
• Ban Chai Nam Restaurant – A garden-style dinner restaurant in Buriram town with Thai and Isan dishes and live music. Fermented shrimp paste and s…

Itineraries

• Isan Khmer Ruins & Mekong Loop – An extensive Isan route heading east from Khao Yai to Phimai and Phanom Rung, continuing to the Mekong River, and then…