Some places deserve more than one visit, and Buriram is definitely one of them. My first trip only scratched the surface, so I returned to explore more of what this fascinating province has to offer. From climbing an extinct volcano to wandering through magnificent Khmer temples and visiting Thailand’s premier motorsports complex, Buriram once again proved that it’s far more than just a stopover in Isan.
Climbing Khao Kradong Forest Park
We begin the day at dawn at Khao Kradong Forest Park, one of Buriram’s most recognizable landmarks. A long staircase leads to the summit, offering a good workout before rewarding visitors with sweeping views across the city and surrounding countryside.
At the top sits Wat Khao Kradong, home to a massive golden Buddha overlooking Buriram. The peaceful temple grounds make it easy to forget that you’re standing atop an extinct volcano that last erupted long ago.
Rather than taking the stairs back down, we follow the hiking trail that descends through the old volcanic crater. Walking through the forest inside an extinct volcano isn’t something you get to do every day, and the shaded trail offers a completely different perspective from the climb up. It’s a great reminder that Buriram’s landscape was shaped by powerful geological forces long before temples and cities appeared.
Phanom Rung: Thailand’s Greatest Khmer Temple
No visit to Buriram would be complete without exploring Phanom Rung Historical Park, one of Thailand’s most spectacular archaeological treasures.
Perched atop an extinct volcano, the temple complex was built between the 10th and 13th centuries during the height of the Khmer Empire. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, Phanom Rung showcases incredible sandstone carvings, elegant walkways, and one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture outside Cambodia.
Crossing the beautifully restored causeway toward the main sanctuary feels like stepping back nearly a thousand years. Every doorway, lintel, and column is decorated with intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology and ancient craftsmanship that has remarkably survived the centuries.
Twice each year, thousands of visitors gather here to witness the famous Phanom Rung Sunrise Festival, when the rising sun aligns perfectly through all fifteen temple doorways—a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and astronomical planning.
Even without the famous sunrise, the temple is breathtaking. The elevated location offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and the peaceful atmosphere encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the remarkable history preserved here.
Prasat Muang Tam
Just a short drive from Phanom Rung lies Prasat Muang Tam, another impressive Khmer temple that often gets overshadowed by its famous neighbor.
Built during the 10th and 11th centuries, the temple is known for its symmetrical layout, elegant sandstone towers, and four large L-shaped ponds filled with blooming lotus flowers during the rainy season.
Without the crowds often found at Phanom Rung, Muang Tam provides a quieter experience where it’s easy to admire the detailed stone carvings and imagine life during the Khmer Empire. Visiting both temples together offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Southeast Asia’s greatest civilizations.
Buriram Castle and Thailand’s Racing Capital
Returning to modern Buriram, I stop at Buriram Castle, a lifestyle and shopping complex inspired by medieval European architecture. While it’s not an actual historic castle, its stone walls, towers, and wide open plaza make for an enjoyable place to stroll, grab a meal, or simply relax.
Next door is one of Thailand’s premier sporting venues—the Chang International Circuit, home to international motorcycle racing, touring car championships, and MotoGP events. Even when races aren’t taking place, it’s impressive to see the world-class facility that has helped put Buriram on the global motorsports map.
Adjacent to the circuit, beautifully landscaped botanical gardens provide a peaceful contrast to the high-speed action nearby. Walking among colorful flowers, ponds, and shaded pathways offers a relaxing way to end a day of sightseeing.
Wat Phu Man Fah
Visiting Wat Phu Man Fah isn’t just a chance to admire beautiful architecture—it’s an opportunity to witness history in the making. This massive temple complex in Buriram is still under construction, with skilled craftsmen continuing to carve intricate sandstone by hand. Inspired by the grandeur of ancient Khmer architecture, the project is expected to take many decades, and possibly more than a century, to complete.
Even in its unfinished state, the scale of the complex and the incredible detail of the carvings make it one of the most fascinating places to visit in northeastern Thailand. Rather than seeing a completed monument, you’ll experience an evolving masterpiece that future generations will continue to build and admire.
Why Buriram Deserves More Attention
Buriram has quietly become one of Thailand’s most diverse travel destinations.
In a single trip, you can hike an extinct volcano, visit some of Southeast Asia’s finest Khmer temples, explore beautiful gardens, experience Thailand’s premier motorsports venue, and enjoy genuine Isan hospitality—all without battling the crowds found in many of Thailand’s better-known destinations.
Sometimes the best places aren’t the ones everyone talks about. They’re the ones that surprise you enough to make you come back again.
Backpack Benji’s Best Bets
- Start your day early at Khao Kradong Forest Park before the temperatures climb.
- Take the hiking trail through the volcanic crater instead of simply walking back down the stairs.
- Visit Phanom Rung Historical Park and Prasat Muang Tam on the same day—they’re only about 10 kilometers (6 miles) apart.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The temple complexes involve plenty of stairs and uneven stone surfaces.
- If possible, plan your visit around the April or September sunrise alignment at Phanom Rung.
- Stop by Buriram Castle and the gardens even if you’re not attending a race—they’re enjoyable attractions in their own right.
Buriram may be famous for racing, but it’s the combination of ancient history, volcanic landscapes, and warm local hospitality that keeps bringing me back.
Where I Stayed:
The T-Rex Hotel
We stayed at the T-Rex Hotel, a comfortable and reasonably priced hotel that made a great base for exploring Buriram.
One unexpected challenge came after dark. A pack of friendly—but intimidating—soi dogs regularly gathered along the road leading to the parking area.
Rather than asking guests to navigate through them, the hotel staff happily transported us back and forth in golf carts whenever we needed the car. It was a thoughtful gesture and one of those small acts of hospitality that sticks with you long after the trip ends.
The Room Nangrong
The Room Nangrong was the perfect place to recharge before continuing our journey.
The owners were incredibly gracious and made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Complimentary coffee and snacks were available throughout our stay, a thoughtful touch that was especially appreciated before hitting the road again. With convenient on-site parking and a comfortable, no-fuss atmosphere, it proved to be an excellent overnight stop for travelers passing through Nang Rong.
Rabbit Hotel Nang Rong
Rabbit Hotel Nang Rong offers a clean, basic stay that works well for travelers looking for an affordable overnight stop. The rooms feature high ceilings, giving them a more spacious feel, although noise from the hallway can sometimes carry into the rooms.
The hotel lobby includes a stylish café, but don’t expect it to function as a place to relax with a drink or snack. During our visit, the space appeared to cater primarily to business clients using laptops and completing paperwork, with signs on every table indicating no food or drink allowed. While the hotel provides complimentary coffee along with hot and cold beverage vending machines, drinks and food were not permitted at the café tables, which felt a bit unusual.
Fortunately, there was a local Thai café conveniently located at the far end of the parking lot, making it easy to grab a meal without having to drive anywhere. Overall, Rabbit Hotel Nang Rong is a practical choice for a short stay.
