The 7 Best Things to Do in Buriram, Thailand

Look forward to plenty of things to do in Buriram province. Both a town and a province in Thailand’s Isan region, Buriram is a land of dormant volcanoes, archaeological discoveries of pre-historic human habitation, and crumbling sandstone ruins telling the story of the Khmer Empire. Beyond Buriram’s heritage, Thailand’s largest club-owned football arena awaits, and roaring V8 supercars race around the Buriram International Circuit. Aside from visiting these Buriram attractions, you can join cultural excursions to get an authentic taste of rural Thai life.

Whatever it is that tickles your fancy, here’s TAGTHAi’s selection of the seven best things to do in Buriram, Thailand.

1. Marvel at the Ruins of Phanom Rung

One of the best-preserved, Angkor-like temples in Southeast Asia, the historical park of Phanom Rung is a true Khmer sanctuary. Located on top of a dormant volcano, the sandstone and laterite complex was built between 1113 and 1150 AD, when the Cambodian King Jayavarman VII reigned, the most powerful Khmer monarch of all times.

Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, all parts of the park represent some connections, like the stairways that symbolize the connection between heaven and earth. You can stroll along a maze of corridors and run into a replica stone sculpture of the cross-legged Angkor King Jayavarman VII.

Phanom Rung looks the most spectacular four times a year when the sun lights the temple’s 115 doorways. The opening hours are extended when that happens, and the Phanom Rung Festival celebrates the solar alignment. Remember to bring your camera to Phanom Rung, now under consideration to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Visit the Chang Arena Buriram

Wondering what to do in Buriram if you’re not into ancient ruins? Rightly known as The Thunder Castle, the Chang Arena Buriram is Thailand’s largest club-owned football arena with a capacity of 32,600. Witnessing triumphs like the triple victory in 2011, 2013, and 2015, the home ground of Buriram United Football Club has become a symbol of pride for locals.



Don’t fret if your trip to this massive stadium doesn’t coincide with a match; a mere visit is enough to perceive the electrifying atmosphere of the roaring crowd cheering for the players. Even if you’re not a soccer fan, the Chang Arena is well worth your time. With a retractable roof ideal for an unfavorable Buriram weather forecast and a structure resembling a wave, it’s an architectural delight. Within the stadium, you can buy Thai souvenirs like silk at a number of shops.

3. Check Out the Buriram International Circuit

Motorsport fans get their money’s worth at the Buriram International Circuit, also known as the Chang International Circuit. Opened in 2014 to transform the rural Thai city of Buriram into a thrilling sporting hub, the race track has propelled Thailand onto the international stage of the motorsport scene. Come for the superbike sounds, or smell burning rubber and hear roaring V8s at the FIA World Touring Car Championships.

A bit unusual, but the pit garages are below the main grandstand so as not to block the view, resulting in an impressive structure reminiscent of Le Mans’ pit buildings.

4. Experience Nature at Khao Kradong Forest Park

Situated near the Khmer-era temples of Phanom Rung and Muang Tam, the Kradong Forest Park is your chance to admire an extinct volcano. Home to the Devil Yoni Tree, which grows only in volcanic

regions, the Kradong Forest Park is the entrance to the volcano. Climb atop, and you’ll find yourself looking down a crater with a pool of water that is deep year-round. There’s also a stupa housing a replica of Buddha’s footprint, plus a large image of Buddha named Phra Suphattharabophit, which is the symbol of Buriram as a whole.

5. Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture at Ban Khok Sa-Edith

Visiting the weaving village of Ban Khok Sa-Edith is one of the most authentical cultural things to do in Buriram. On this cultural excursion, you can watch locals weaving silk. It’s a traditional craft been passed down over generations, giving you a taste of the rural Isan atmosphere.

If you’re a culture buff, you’ll also love the Buriram Cultural Center, which showcases Buriram’s heritage through performances and art exhibitions.

6. Visit Wat Khao Angkhan

A mix of old and new awaits at Wat Khao Angkhan, a sandstone Khmer site dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. Contemporary additions highlight the architecture of the Khmer Kingdom, and new structures were erected in 1982 to showcase murals of Burmese artists.

Bear in mind that getting to this place isn’t a walk in the park. Suitable only for sure-footed travelers, it’s poorly signposted and about 20 kilometers from Phanom Rung. Yet, it’s well worth visiting.

If the Chinese-style pagoda and the 29-meter-long reclining Buddha aren’t Insta-worthy enough, the staggering view of the surrounding mountains definitely is.

7. Enjoy Haggling at Buriram’s Two Night Bazaars

While lady bars and nightclubs aren’t what the province and town are known for, you can find a smidge of Buriram nightlife at the province’s two-night markets. The main one is on Romburi Road south of Jira, pretty close to the moat. This one is for you if you like to eat pre-made dishes in the street or want a souvenir or handicraft to take home.

Khlong Tom is the second one, located west of Tanee Road. At Khlong Tom, you can find a furry friend as locals sell cats and dogs to people looking for a pet. Needless to say, haggling is the name of the game at both night bazaars.

Is a shopping spree what you’re after? Then check out the modern shopping mall of Buriram Plaza. That’s where you can find local and international retail brands. Whether you like shopping malls or going local, if you travel with TAGTHAi’s Buriram Pass, you can save some bucks that you can spend on other things like a Buriram massage.

As an aside, a Buriram Bangkok flight is short. The Thai capital is only about 400 km away, and you may find a suitable flight in our TAGTHAi app.