FESTIVALS
Khao Phanom Rung Fair
takes place in April when the sunrise amazingly shines through all the 15 doorways of the sanctuary, bringing out the true splendour of the site and confirming the unmatched skills of the sanctuary’s builders. Such a spectacular event occurs only at Phanom Rung. Activities include a procession like that in Khmer times and a light-and-sound show.
Boat race
is held every first Saturday of November when the Mun River is at its fullest. Teams from Buri Ram and other provinces race in front of Satuek District Office to find the champion of the Mun.
Isan Kite Festival
is held in the first weekend of December. Northeastern monsoon winds blow strongly during the harvesting season, signalling the beginning of the cool season in Thailand. A popular local pastime is when kites are flown in the villages. This sport has a long history and to preserve it, a contest is held to find the best kites called Wao Aek. The winner is judged from the design, the sound it makes and the flying style.
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Welcome to Buriram
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
Originally called ‘Nakhon Roi Prang’ (Hundred Prang City), the province boasts of having the most Khmer stone sanctuaries, most of which are concentrated in the southern part, with magnificent Phanom Rung Stone Sanctuary being a popular tourist attraction and the most beautiful example of Khmer architecture in Thailand. And no wonder, since this province bordering present day Cambodia was once a prosperous Khmer city. The modern name of Buri Ram means “city of peace”. It is one of the largest and most populated provinces in Isan (the northeastern region).
Buri Ram is 410 kilometres from Bangkok. It has an area of 10,321 square kilometres. The province is divided into the following districts: Muang Buri Ram, Nang Rong, Lam Plai Mat, Prakhon Chai, Phutthaisong, Satuek, Krasang, Ban Kruat, Khu Mueang, Lahan Sai, Nong Ki, Pakham, Na Pho, Nong Hong, Phlapphla Chai, Huai Rat, Non Suwan, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Chamni, Non Din Daeng, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Ban Mai Chaiyaphot, Ban Dan, and Khaen Dong.
Attractions
Khao Kradong Forest Park
Khao Kradong Forest Park is 6 kilometres from the city on the Buri Ram-Prakhon Chai Road (Highway No. 219). Khao Kradong is an extinct volcano that is 265 meters high. The summit of the mountain has a pool that is believed to be the mouth of the volcano. Around the area are several plant species worth studying. Also at the summit is Phra Suphattharabophit, an important Buddha image of the province.
Lower Northeastern Cultural Centre
Lower Northeastern Cultural Centre is in Buri Ram Rajabhat Institute. It has collections and displays of artefacts and is a local archaeological, historical and arts study centre. Exhibitions of the centre include:
Geography, history and ancient community.
Elephants and the culture of the Suai people, including tools used in capturing elephants, items in elephant rituals and photos of elephant corralling in the old days.
- Local woven clothes.
- Wall mural about the Twelve Month Ceremony of Isan people.
- Pottery and Chinese ceramics found in Buri Ram.
The centre is open from Monday to Friday, from 09.00-16.00 hrs. It is closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please contact tel. 0-4461-1221 ext. 159.
Transportation
Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Buri Ram every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.
From Buri Ram Bus Terminal, there are buses running to Nakhon Ratchasima, Roi Et, Khon Kaen, Surin, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Ubon Ratchathani and Bangkok. Call Buri Ram Bus Terminal at 0 4461 2534 for more information.
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, then use Highway No. 226 to Buri Ram, a total distance of 384 kilometres.
Train
Regular trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station (1690, 0 2223 7010-20) to Buri Ram every day.
Air
Air Andaman provides daily flight services from Bangkok to Buri Ram, except on Tuesdays and Saturdays. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0-2996-9119 or view their website at www.airandaman.com.
Thai Airways has regular flights servicing the Bangkok-Buri Ram route every Tuesdays and Saturdays. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0-2280-0060, 0-2628-2000 or view their website at www.thaiairways.com. The Buri Ram airport is at Amphoe Satuek, 40 kilometres north of the town.
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