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Ultimate Guide to Buriram How This Land of Volcanoes Stole Our Hearts

Ultimate Guide to Buriram: How This Land of Volcanoes Stole Our Hearts

| Last Updated: June 2024

My grandad used to tell me stories about the mighty Khmer kings who once ruled Buri Ram. I was fascinated by his retellings of grand battles fought on elephant backs and magnificent temples reaching for the sky. 

These stories sparked a lifelong fascination with Buri Ram’s past. When I had the chance to visit the Khmer sandstone sculptures at Wat Burapharam, I could almost hear the echoes of those bygone eras.

After my experience, I can now tell the tale of how wonderful the “City of Happiness” is. If you’re wondering what’s in store for you in this city with super-rich cultural heritage, no worries as we’re detailing all our beautiful adventures in this guide!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai), Lao, and Khmer

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Buri Ram, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Buri Ram Airport

Best Time to Visit Buriram, Thailand

Buriram, Thailand is best to visit from December to April if you like to enjoy optimal weather conditions. During these months, you can expect dry and warm days with the least chance of rainfall.

That means you can explore Buriram to its fullest all day long. However, you can limit your outdoor exploration to mornings and afternoons to avoid the hottest temperatures during midday.

How to Get to Buriram, Thailand

Plane: The easiest way to get to Buriram, Thailand is to fly to Buriram Airport from places like Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Surat Thani. For instance, the flight from Bangkok to Buriram only takes approximately 1 hour.

Train: The train from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is the cheapest option to get to Buriram, Thailand. 

However, trains take approximately 7 hours to get to Buriram, so it’s only ideal if you have plenty of time on your hands. It’s also worth noting that there are only afternoon and evening trains, so expect to arrive at Buriram around midnight or before dawn.

Bus: The buses in Bangkok’s Mochit Bus Terminal only take 5 hours to reach Buriram.It’s still cheap and it gives you more options since buses depart from the terminal every hour.

How to Get Around Buriram, Thailand 

Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are the most common public transportation in Buriram. You can find them parked in public places like terminals, hospitals, schools, markets, and department stores.

Taxi: Public taxis are also everywhere in Buriram, especially at terminals and the airport, so they’re great for getting to places. They have meters, but you can negotiate the price before boarding.

Tip: Ask a local for the standard rate to get an idea of how much to negotiate for when hailing a taxi.

Rental Vehicle: If you don’t mind driving around Buriram, you’ll find that renting a car, motorbike, or scooter is your most convenient option. This lets you get around to whichever place you want to get to within the town center and beyond.

Just know this requires a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit, so you don’t get in trouble at checkpoints. 

Car rental companies are everywhere in Buriram, so you won’t have any issues borrowing a vehicle as soon as you arrive here. You can start your trip in the morning and arrive at Buriram in time for lunch.

Private Taxi: Hiring a private taxi is a pricier but more convenient version of renting a car. The good thing is you don’t need a driver’s license and an IDP, so you only need to sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Where to Stay in Buriram

Amari Buriram United

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Address: 444 Moo 15 Buriram-Prakonchai Road, Isan

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 44 111 444

Website: https://www.amari.com/buriram-united/

Prices: ฿฿

Amari Buriram United is a luxury hotel across the street from the Chang Arena, so it’s definitely a solid choice if you plan to watch some football games. Its interiors and motifs are also based on Buriram United Football Club which is perfect if you’re the team’s fan.

They even have a mini-football field, a gym, 2 tennis courts, and a jogging track which is great if you want to stay physically active while staying in Buriram, Thailand. There’s also a huge outdoor pool with plenty of sun loungers if you like to relax during the day.

Modena by Fraser Buriram

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Address: 111 หมู่ที่ 16 Samet

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 44 118 188

Website: http://www.frasershospitality.com/en/thailand/buriram/modena-by-fraser-buriram/

Prices: ฿฿

This swanky hotel is only a 2-minute walk from Chang Arena which is great for football fans vacationing in Buriram, Thailand. Modena’s most notable feature is its decked-out rooms with modern minimalist interiors, flat-screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, and safes.

If you get one of the pricier suites, you can even enjoy a sizable sitting area, wet bar, standing tub, and a scenic terrace. When it comes to facilities, they have a fitness gym, an outdoor pool, a restaurant and bar, and laundry rooms for guests.

B2 Buriram Boutique and Budget Hotel

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Address: 33/5 Anuwat Road, Nai Mueang

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 44 110 866

Website: https://www.b2hotel.com/th/buriram/b2-buriram-boutique-budget-hotel/

Prices: ฿

If you’re traveling to Buriram, Thailand on a tight budget, this hotel is the place to go. B2 Buriram Boutique and Budget Hotel is a budget-friendly accommodation that offers functional rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges.

However, they also have upgraded rooms, if you want coffee and tea-making facilities. Moreover, this hotel is best suited for families with small kids since children below 7 years old can stay here for free.

Where to Eat in Buriram

Osteria Italia

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Address: 367, 67 Jira Road, Nai Mueang

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 44 634 653

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Osteria-Italia-100043019456026/

Prices: ฿฿

This small restaurant in Buriram, Thailand is the spot on if you’re craving authentic Italian food. Our favorite was their Pizza 4 Cheese and Pizza Parma Ham. 

The cured meat on the Pizza Parma Ham, in particular, was high-quality and perfectly salty which makes you think you’re actually in a small restaurant in Italy. Aside from pizza, they serve 10 pasta dishes and 9 sandwiches.

Osteria Italia imports authentic Italian ingredients for their dishes, so expect to get your money’s worth when you’re dining here.

Afrika Bar & Restaurant

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Address: 190 M.9 T, Isan

Operating Hours: 1 p.m. – 12 a.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 62 348 5793

Website: https://www.facebook.com/AfriKa288

Prices: ฿฿

Afrika Bar & Restaurant is an excellent dinner place that serves numerous Thai and International cuisines. That makes it ideal if you want to try a wide range of dishes.

If you’re up for some Western food, the items to watch out for are the salmon steak, spare ribs, fish and chips, and pork steak. They make good Western food for reasonable prices, so they’re solid options if you want to skip Thai food.

Otherwise, we suggest getting the classic local dishes like tom yum soup, tom kha gai, and larb moo. Or you can check out their Indian and Mexican menu for more variety.

Crystal Cafe

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Address: 405, Isan, Mueang Buri Ram District

Operating Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 44 634 678

Website: http://www.facebook.com/CrystalCafeBuriram

Prices: ฿฿ – ฿฿฿

Crystal Cafe is one of the more unique-looking food places you’ll find in Buriram, Thailand. It’s a chic buffet-style cafe and bar with a casual and canteen-esque dining area.

However, what’s certain about this place is the variety and quality of its food offerings, from burgers to steaks, grilled fish, fried chicken, and more. Best of all, they have numerous set and combo meals which is great if you’re with friends and family.

We particularly enjoyed the grilled meat combo set. It’s a 1,499-baht medley of grilled oysters, prawns, pork sausage, pork ribs, and veggies which they serve with a bottle of red wine.

What to See and Do in Buriram, Thailand

Head to the Chang Arena

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Address: Mueang Buri Ram District

Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 2 658 3768

Website: https://www.buriramunited.com/

Admission Costs: Free

The Chang Arena, also known as Thunder Castle Stadium is arguably Thailand’s best stadium, so we think it’s definitely worth a look. It’s the base court of Buriram United Football Club which means it’s the place to go if you like to watch their home games.

This stadium is also the largest in Buriram, Thailand, so it’s worth visiting if you enjoy live premier football matches. Though you need a ticket to watch official matches, you can actually drop by to look around when no game is scheduled.

It’s free, so you can admire and snap photos of its international-standard architecture to your heart’s content. Otherwise, you can look up Buriram United’s website if you prefer to visit when they’re playing a match instead.

Drop by the Chang International Circuit

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Address: 30, 2 Isan, Mueang Buri Ram District

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 2 940 6759

Website: http://www.bric.co.th/

Admission Costs: Free

This motorsports race track is an excellent place to visit if you’re a racing fan. It’s also world-class, so you can expect to see numerous racing events, from the Thailand Grand Prix to the World Touring Car Championship.

Aside from that, this race track also holds events for go-karts, supercross, drifting, and drag racing. That means you have plenty of motorsports options all year round.

Tickets are available to book at Chang International Circuit’s official website, but you can enter some parts of the premises for a quick look as well. If you’re lucky, you may even receive a free ticket on-site which they usually give away to fill up empty seats.

Explore Khao Kradong Forest Park

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Address: Samet, Mueang Buri Ram District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 44 637 349

Website: www.khaokradong.com

Admission Costs: Free

Khao Kradong Forest Park is one of the more interesting places to visit in Buriram, Thailand. It’s on the extinct Kradong Volcano, so we think it’s definitely worth visiting if you like to see the remnants of its volcanic crater.

This park is also famous for its giant golden Buddha image, so expect to see numerous locals and pilgrims going here to pray and make offerings. You can reach it by climbing the park’s tall staircase or driving along the circular road to get there quickly.

There’s also an eye-catching wooden suspension bridge which is one of the park’s most photographed sights. And if you climb high enough, you can even get a good view of Buriram’s town center.

Admire the temple complex in Phanom Rung Historical Park

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Address: หมู่ที่ 7 114 Ta Pek, Chaloem Phra Kiat District 

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 44 666 251

Website: https://www.facebook.com/prasathinphanomrung

Admission Costs: 100 baht

A trip to Buriram, Thailand isn’t complete without stopping by Phanom Rung Historical Park. It’s an ancient Khmer temple complex, so expect to see a lot of intricate stone carvings of Hindu mythology dating back from the 10th to 13th century.

Since this historical park hasn’t undergone modern reconstructions, you’ll enjoy looking around its dated temple structures. Aside from that, it’s famous for its sunrise and sunset events which are announced on its Facebook page.

In case you didn’t know, that’s when the sunrise or sunset shines perfectly through the temple’s 15 aligned doorways. On special holidays, Buriram also holds festivals here where you can enjoy folk music, dance performances, and colorful processions.

Eat your way through Buriram Municipal Night Bazaar

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Address: 335 Mani Wan Alley, Nai Mueang

Operating Hours: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Daily)

Admission Costs: Free

This night bazaar in Buriram, Thailand’s town center is perfect for foodies who want to sample local street food and delicacies. A huge chunk of the bazaar is a wet market, so expect to see plenty of fresh meat, fish, and produce on display.

That also means you can get good-quality snacks and dishes from the food stalls scattered around Buriram Municipal Night Bazaar. Our team was particularly fond of the khao soi, braised pork, and braised duck sold by the vendors here.

These are affordable authentic local dishes, so it’s definitely miles ahead of the toned-down Thai food you find in touristy areas.

See Wat Pa Khao Noi

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Address: Samet, Mueang Buri Ram District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: +66 61 832 3230

Website: https://www.facebook.com/WatpahkhaonoiBuriram/

Admission Costs: Free

Wat Pa Khao Noi is a unique Khmer-style temple in Buriram, Thailand. Unlike other temples, it looks contemporary so it’s definitely worth checking out if you want to break away from the typical ancient-looking temples you find everywhere.

It even has a modern-looking museum, where you can look at numerous artworks, photos, relics, and a wax figure of the famous monk Luang Puu Suwat Suvaco. However, it’s still a place of worship, so expect a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

That’s why it attracts local visitors who want to meditate and pay their respects to the beloved monk.

Visit Wat Khao Angkhan

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Address: Charoen Suk, Chaloem Phra Kiat District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 93 529 5671

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Angkarn.Temple

Admission Costs: Free

If you’re looking for the quintessential Buddhist temple, there’s Wat Khao Angkhan. It’s the place to go if you want to stroll around a tranquil monastery and see Buddha images, Naga statues, stone carvings, shrines, and prayer halls.

But that’s not all because Wat Khao Angkhan is also a forest temple. That means you can stroll in a tree-line nature trail, see a lotus pond, and get scenic hillside views.

One of the most notable sights in this temple is the giant golden reclining Buddha near the entrance which is approximately 20 meters long. There are also on-site shops, so you’re covered for snacks and drinks during your visit.

Catch a giant fish at Buriram Monsters Fishing Park

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Address: Salaeng Phan, Lam Plai Mat District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 470 2200

Website: http://burirammonsterfishingpark.weebly.com/

For sport fishing fanatics, Buriram Monsters Fishing Park is the place to go if you want to hook massive fish species. Think Amazon redtail catfish, Mekong giant catfish, alligator gar, arapaima, walking catfish, Siamese carp, spotted featherback, and more.

They offer a fixed rate of 1,500 baht per day which already includes fishing gear, bait, and a cooler full of beer and soft drinks. Their staff are also on standby to assist you all day, especially if you’re struggling to catch a fish.

That makes it ideal if you want a guaranteed successful fishing experience in Buriram, Thailand. Just know that they don’t accept walk-ins, so be sure to book from their website if you plan to fish here.

Watch the light show and cultural performances during the Volcano Festival

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Address: Khao Kradong Forest Park, Samet Subdistrict, Mueang Buri Ram District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Admission Costs: Free

This festival is an annual spectacle that celebrates Buriram’s inactive volcanoes. During this event, locals and tourists can enjoy the awe-inspiring light show and cultural Thai-Khmer performances at the non-hunting area in Kradong Volcano.

Plenty of vendors will also set up shop at the festival venue, so you’re also covered for food and souvenirs during the celebration. There’s also a monk procession, prayer ceremony, and Dhamma practice in the morning which tourists shouldn’t miss.

This part of the festival isn’t flashy, but its cultural and religious significance is certainly a treat for cultured visitors.

Witness Buriram’s traditional longtail boat racing

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Address: Mun River, Satuek District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Costs: Free

Thailand’s annual traditional longtail boat racing is also celebrated in Buriram’s Mun River, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of festive atmospheres. It’s part of the Royal Charity Cup, so longtail boats will engage in an intense race along the river.

This event has two longtail boat categories: big-size (under 55 oarsmen) and medium-size (under 40 oarsmen). It requires great coordination between the rowers which we think makes the race more exciting.

Moreover, it isn’t limited to Thai competitors, so expect to see longtail boat teams from other countries as well. The traditional longtail boat race in Buriram, Thailand is held near the Satuek District Office.

FAQs about Buriram, Thailand

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