Buri Ram

Anyone looking for the best-preserved ruins should definitely visit Buriram Province. Buriram means "City of Happiness" or "Peaceful City," and a visit to the ancient Khmer ruins of Phanom Rung, considered one of the most spectacular Angkor monuments in the country, will transport you to another time. A trip to these ruins is especially worthwhile for those who have already visited Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Anyone who mentions Buri Ram inevitably thinks first of Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, one of the most impressive Khmer archaeological sites in Thailand. However, the province has developed far beyond its ancient Khmer ruins over time, now offering numerous new tourist attractions and world-class sports facilities. Buri Ram is now a city where glorious history blends harmoniously with modern attractions.

Best accommodation in Buri Ram

The best place to glimpse the distant past is Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, a majestic shrine in Phanom Rung Historical Park, built largely of laterite and sandstone. Constructed a thousand years ago during the Khmer Empire on an extinct volcano, the shrine never fails to impress visitors with its intricate decorations and architecture – from the imposing staircase leading from the base of the hill to the summit, to the pagoda elements, pillars, doors, and lintels that tell stories of Hindu gods.

The sanctuary is among the best-preserved Angkor temples in Southeast Asia and is a prime destination for experiencing sunrise and sunset when the sun aligns with the temple gates. Another fascinating historical site in the province is Prasat Muang Tam (+66 4466 6251-2). This Baphuon-style Khmer temple features intricately carved bas-reliefs of Hindu gods, including a lintel depicting Shiva with his consort Uma on his lap and seated on his bull Nandin. Also worth seeing are the L-shaped moats at the four corners of the temple platform. Rising above the top of one moat are five-headed nagas—all bald, unadorned, and carved from sandstone.

When Buriram is mentioned today, another name often comes up: "Prasat," which has nothing to do with ruins or history. Prasat Sai Fah, meaning "Thunder Castle," is the nickname of Buriram United FC, one of the most successful football clubs in the Thai Premier League, and home to Thailand's largest football stadium. The 32,600-seat i-Mobile Stadium (+66 4466 6448-9), modeled after the stadiums of leading English Premier League teams, is a must-see for football fans. Tens of thousands of "Thunder Castle" fans flock to the stadium to cheer on their team when they play a home game. Besides this world-class football stadium, the province also thrills motorsport fans with the Chang International Circuit (0 4460 4200), the country's first racetrack built to international standards. Here, motorsport enthusiasts can experience the excitement of major races all year round, including Formula 1 and MotoGP in the future.

Buri Ram offers numerous other attractions that are ideal for the whole family. The Play La Ploen Boutique Resort & Adventure Camp (+668 7797 4936) combines a variety of activities, comfortable accommodations, and a botanical center all in one location. Here, visitors can admire miniature versions of famous landmarks from around the world, including the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, Tower Bridge in London, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Afterward, they can explore a vast array of beautiful flowers and plants in six different themed areas.

A visit to Buri Ram would be incomplete without a trip to Wat Khao Angkhan, arguably the city's most important and aesthetically pleasing temple. Perched high atop an extinct volcano, the temple boasts numerous interesting features, including the ruins of ancient monuments and sandstone boundary markers from the Dvaravati period (8th-9th centuries), as well as Buddhist chapels with unusual architectural styles. The chapels contain murals depicting the Jataka tales in English. The temple also houses a Chinese-style pagoda, a 29-meter-long reclining Buddha, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Other important sights include the Khmer architectural site Prang Ku Suan Taeng, the City Pillar Shrine, the Khao Kradong Forest Park, the Lower Northeastern Cultural Centre and the pedestrian area Sroew Ground.

The Phanom Rung sanctuary was once a sacred Hindu shrine, later converted into a Buddhist place of worship. During the period it was abandoned, a replica of the Buddha's footprint was taken to Prang Noi and kept there. Since then, it has been a tradition for locals to climb the mountaintop to pay homage to the footprint and decorate it with gold leaf. A festival is held annually on the full moon day of the fifth lunar month in honor of the site. Because Phanom Rung is a historically significant place, the province also organizes a festival every year on the first weekend of April, featuring a colorful parade in the ancient Khmer tradition and a light and sound show at the Phanom Rung sanctuary.

Getting there: Nok Air (www.nokair.com) offers daily flights from Don Mueang Airport to Buri Ram and back. Rapid, express, and regional trains run daily from Bangkok to Buri Ram, either via the Bangkok – Ubon Ratchathani or Bangkok – Surin line (www.railway.co.th). Air-conditioned buses depart daily from Bangkok's northern bus station (Chatuchak or Mo Chit 2) (www.transport.co.th).