Buriram

Buriram translates as "city of happiness". It is a fairly nondescript town of around 30,000 people in Thailand's less well visited northeast. While the eponymous happiness is unlikely to be found within the town, Buriram makes a suitable base for exploring the many ancient sandstone Khmer sanctuaries and temples that are scattered around the surrounding area.
There also are other remnants of the Khmer civilization, including pottery kiln sites, which date back to the 10th-13th centuries, and traces of ancient quarrying. Buriram's archaeological heritage also stretches further back with ancient pre-Angkorian ruins from the Dvaravati period.

By car

From Bangkok, take Hwy 1 (Phahon Yothin Rd) to Saraburi, then turn right onto Hwy 2 (Mittraphap Rd). Turn right onto Hwy 24 (Chok Chai-Det Udom Rd) passing Nong Ki, Nang Rong, then turn left onto Hwy 218 to Buriram. The total distance is about 410 km. Or, from Korat, take Hwy 226 passing Chakkarat Huai Thalaeng–Lam Plai Mat. The total distance is 384 km.

By bus

The Transport Company Ltd. provides daily ordinary and air conditioned buses from Bangkok to Buriram. The buses leave the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak or Mo Chit 2). For more information, call Tel. +66 2 9361880, +66 2 9360657, +66 2 9360667, +66 2 9362852. Buriram Bus Terminal Tel. +66 44 612534, +66 44 651081.
An alternative and more convenient way to travel to Buriram is by taking the air-con bus from Nakornchai Air bus company. Their terminal is just opposite Mo Chit 2 and the fare is 340 baht.

By train

There are rapid, express, and ordinary trains from Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani, Bangkok–Surin, and Korat–Ubon Ratchathani, all of which run through Buriram. State Railway of Thailand has online timetables and ticket booking, its call centre can be reached on 1690, +66 2 2204334, +66 2 2204444.

By plane

Nok Air has flights to Buriram (BFV) from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK) on Wed, Fri, Sun, with returns on the same days. Thai Airways has no direct flights to Buriram. Visitors must fly to Khon Kaen and catch a bus to Buriram, about 200 km. For details, contact Thai Airways at Tel. 1566, +66 2 3561111, +66 2 2800060.

• Buriram Airport

  phone: +66 44 680078
  address: Moo 12, Ron Thong

The Buriram Songthaew System (BSS) provides public transportation for the city. There are two lines: Line 1 (Buriram Municipality Market-Khao Kradong Forest Park Line), and Line 2 (Ban Bua Line). Both lines are colored pink.
Ride-hailing app Grab is available with both cars and motorbikes.

• Ancient Kiln SitesThe kilns date from around the 9th–10th centuries and served as a production centre for Khmer ceramics supplying other cities.

• Big Buddha ImageOr Phra Phuttharup Patima Santayaphirom Satuek Udom Ratsadon Nimitmanin is a big standing Buddha image on a bank of the Mun River.

• Huai Talat Reservoir and Buriram Bird ParkMore than 100 species of birds live in this area during the dry season, Nov-Apr.

• Khao Kradong Forest ParkThis extinct volcano is now a relaxation spot. The summit is 265 m above sea level and it houses "Phra Suphattharabophit", a large Buddha image that is the symbol of Buriram.

• Kradong Reservoir

  address: อ่างเก็บน้ำกระโดง
  From the entrance to Khao Kradong, there is a junction on the left side to "Bunyanusat" boy scout camp and a zoo.

• Ku Suan TaengA Khmer architectural site, comprising three brick prangs lying from north to south, on the same laterite base.

• Lam Nang Rong DamA royal project, the Lam Nang Rong Dam is an earthen dam with an asphalt road along the crest with an expansive view.

• Lower Northeastern Cultural CentreThe centre collects and exhibits artefacts and precious historical objects, folk art, and archaeological curiosities. It is also a resource centre for conducting research.

• King Rama I MonumentThe monument was built in 1996 to honour King Rama I who founded Buriram.

• Prasat Nong HongA small archaeological site comprising three prangs made from brick on a single laterite base.

• Prasat Wat Khok NgioA Khmer stone sanctuary located behind Wat Khok Ngio, and it once served as an "Arogayasala" or a hospital.

• Phrachao Yai Wat HongAn old Lao-style Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, which was built during the late Ayutthaya period, or around the 18th century.

• Rao Su MonumentBuilt in 1979 to commemorate the brave undertakings of civilians, police officers, and soldiers who lost their lives during battles with communists who obstructed the construction of this strategic route.

• Silk Weaving Village of Na PhoA silk weaving village, famed for "Mudmi" silk, which has received support for their skills, the standard of production, and their patterns and colours from the Royal Folk Arts and Craft Centre under the royal patronage of Queen Sirikit.

• Stone QuarryThe quarry was used by the ancient Khmer people as a source of construction materials for building sanctuaries in the lower northeastern region.

• Thung Laem ReservoirA small reservoir which has been transformed into a recreational site with shelters for rest and relaxation. During the dry season, many species of waterfowl can be found here.

• Wat Khao AngkhanInside the temple compound, there are ruins of ancient monuments and sandstone boundary markers of the Dvaravati period. It is one of the most beautiful and significant temples in Buriram.

• Buriram UnitedBuriram is well-known for its great local football club. They play in the new I-Mobile Stadium.

• Sro GroundWalking Street is a popular attraction on Saturday and Sunday evenings. The sign at the intersection of Jira Rd and Romburi Rd translates to Walking Street but it is known by the locals as "Sro Ground" or the "River Market" as it is next to a part of the moat. The market has around a hundred stalls selling items such as clothes, footwear, inexpensive jewellery and glassware. Approximately half of the stalls sell varieties of Thai takeaway food. Walking Street is closed to vehicles from 17:00–24:00. Parking is provided at the Municipality Public Park. The street was established on 5 July 2014.

• Buddha's Footprint Homage–paying Fair (งานนมัสการรอยพระพุทธบาทจำลอง): The event takes place at Khao Kradong, Mueang District, on the full moon of the 3rd lunar month. Locals visit Khao Kradong to pay homage to a replica of the Buddha's footprint and the Phra Suphattharabophit image whilst enjoying the big celebration.

There are many shopping malls in Buriram, such as Big C, Makro, Home Pro, Tesco Lotus, and Taweekit, the local shopping mall of Buriram Province.

• Baan Chay Nam Restaurant

  phone: +66 44 620 713
  address: 456 Liang Mueang Road
  Excellent. Very popular, live music, sit in or outside at the back near the fountain.

• The SquareKaraoke bars, restaurants, and the huge Speed1 nightclub featuring live shows and a DJ playing Thai and Western hits every night.

• Best Western Royal Buri Ram Hotel

  phone: +66 44 666 600
  address: 332/22-23 Jira Rd
  Seventy-nine rooms. Excellent breakfast buffet for two included. Pool. Wi-Fi OK, not great.

• Jintana Resort Hotel

  phone: +66 44 620150
  address: 416 Moo 8
  44 rooms (5 different types), free Wi-Fi in rooms, large green open area.

• Phanomrungpuri Boutique Hotel

  phone: +66 44 632222
  address: 212 Prachantakhet Rd Nangrong District
  67 rooms (5 different types = Superior Room, Family Room, Deluxe Room, Duplex Family Room and Grand Duplex Suite), free Wi-Fi in rooms, swimming pool, Barai restaurant.

• Ray Hotel Buriram

  phone: +66 44 620767
  address: 515 Moo 8 Tambon Isaan Muang Buriram District
  44 rooms, outdoor salt-water swimming pool, fitness center, conference room, breakfast included, free-Wi-Fi.

• Siriporn Hotel

  phone: +66 44 111 135
  address: 1/141 Tanee Road
  Sort of a Thai cheap hotel that thinks it's an American motel. Big rooms with lots of well used furniture, TV, wifi, friendly staff. Next door to 711. AC rooms B500

• Jaroensin Place

  phone: +66 44 611 559
  address: at train station
  Newly renovated. Very convenient for early train departures.

• Thai Hotel

  phone: +66 85 647 9793
  address: 38/1 Rom Buri Road
  Newly refurbished. All rooms now AC & incl breakfast and wifi.

Buriram has adequate medical facilities:

• Buriram General Hospital consists 750 patient beds
• Thesaban Mueang Buriram Health Center
• 66 clinics
• A Thai Traditional Medicine Center

• Khao Yai National Park
• Nakhon Ratchasima
• Phimai
• Surin
• Ubon Ratchathani
• Nang Rong