🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
What sets Buriram apart from most Isan provinces is how many kinds of trip you can do in a fairly compact area. There are Khmer ruins that rank among the most beautiful in Thailand, sports venues good enough that Thai League clubs and international series actually compete here, and the traces of several extinct volcanoes scattered around. We've grouped the sights by theme so you can pick and mix to fit the time you have, whether you're here for a day or staying overnight.
Khmer Temples, the Heart of Buriram
If you come to Buriram and skip Phanom Rung, you haven't really arrived. The cluster of Khmer temples around Chaloem Phra Kiat and Prakhon Chai districts is the headline of the province. The two main temples sit close together, so you can string them into a half day.
Phanom Rung Historical Park
A pink sandstone temple crowning Phanom Rung, an extinct volcano. The approach is gorgeous in itself — the naga stairway and the naga bridge. The moment people line up to photograph is the alignment when sunlight passes straight through all 15 doorways, which only happens a few times a year. Open 06:00–18:00, entry around 20 THB for Thais.
Prasat Mueang Tam
A Khmer temple at the foot of Phanom Rung, known for the baray ponds that surround it and the large stone nagas. The atmosphere is shadier and quieter than Phanom Rung. Open 08:00–18:00. Buy the combined ticket with Phanom Rung — it's better value, and you can see both in one go.
Wat Khao Angkhan
A temple on the rim of an extinct volcano, decorated in a mix of Buddhist and Khmer styles, with a finely carved three-tiered ordination hall and old stone boundary markers (bai sema) on the grounds. The view from the hill looks out over open fields. A natural stop after Phanom Rung since it's in the same district.
Before You Climb Phanom Rung
The way up is a long run of stairs and ramps, and the sun is fierce from mid-morning on. Go early before 09:00 or in the late afternoon, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and a hat. The 15-doorway sunlight alignment draws huge crowds and the dates are announced in advance, so if you're set on seeing it, check the dates with the Fine Arts Department first.
Want more out of Buriram? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
For Sports Fans — Football and Motorsport in One City
Buriram is known nationwide for sport — both its football club and a racing circuit that hosts international events. These two venues are in a different zone from the temples, so it makes sense to set them aside for another day or another half-day.
Chang Arena (Thunder Castle)
Home ground of Buriram United, holding around 32,600 seats. On non-match days you can go in and take photos outside, and there's a club merchandise shop. If you happen to be here on a match day, the crowd atmosphere is a lot of fun — buy tickets ahead.
Chang International Circuit
An international-standard racetrack on more than 1,200 rai of land, with 12 corners. It has hosted MotoGP and major car-racing series, and the city gets especially lively during events. On ordinary days you can walk the outer area and take photos.
Planning Around Event Days
If you're coming for the football or the racing, check the event calendar before you book a room. On big event days, hotels in town fill up fast and rates climb, so booking several weeks ahead saves you the stress.
Volcano Country and Nature
Buriram has several extinct volcanoes. Some have become the sites of temples and ruins, others are forest parks you can walk up for the view. Around the town there's also a large reservoir where locals go to exercise and watch the sunset.
Khao Kradong Forest Park
An extinct volcano near town with two ways up — the 297-step naga stairway or driving to the top. At the summit stands Phra Suphatbophit, the city's guardian Buddha image, plus a viewpoint over the town. Open roughly 08:00–18:00. A good late-afternoon stop.
Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir
A large reservoir on the road toward Prakhon Chai and Nang Rong, a birdwatching spot and a place locals come to relax, with plenty of shade trees. In some years toward year's end there are fields of yellow sunn hemp flowers for photos. Best in the early morning or evening.
Pela Plearn Boutique Resort
A family-friendly learning center and flower garden out in Khu Mueang district, with themed garden zones, adventure activities, and a cafe. Kids can spend the whole day here. There's an entry fee and set opening times, so check the schedule before you go.
Buriram by Number of Days
The main sights fall into two zones: the temples and volcanoes are out of town to the south, while the sports venues and restaurants are in town. Plan the route well and you won't have to double back. Here's an itinerary that actually flows when you put it to the test.
Temples and Volcanoes
Sports and the Town
Family and Nature
Straight Advice Before You Visit Buriram
- Your own vehicle is by far the easiest — the main sights are spread across districts and public transport is limited, so renting a car or motorbike keeps you mobile.
- Plan the route by zone — keep the temples and volcanoes to one day and the sports venues and town to another, so you're not driving back and forth.
- Check the event calendar — on big football or racing days, rooms fill fast and rates rise, so book ahead.
- Carry cash — entry fees at historical sites and many local shops are cash, so keep some on you.
- Strong sun — bring water and a hat — both Phanom Rung and Khao Kradong involve walking in the open, and it gets very hot from mid-morning into the afternoon.
Want a detailed day-by-day plan for Buriram?
See the Buriram travel guide →