Buriram Attractions

Amphoe Muang

Khao Kradong Park is on Khao Kradong which is an extinct volcano. The mouth of the volcano is now a small pool which has water throughout the year. About 6 km. from the city on the Buriram - Prakhon Chai Road, the park can be reached via 2 ways which are by car on a concrete road lined with Buddha images in various postures and by a stairway which climbs to a level of 265 meters above sea level. On the mountain top sits Phra Suphatbophit, a large image sacred to the Buriram people. Adjacent to it is an ancient pagoda which houses a replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint.

The park is under the supervision of the Wildlife Conservation Office of the Royal Forestry Department. Buriram Provincial Authorities have developed it into a major tourist spot by conserving nature and the environment in pristine condition. Numerous tourists come here on weekends.

Kradong Reservoir is in front of Kradong Mountain. A road on the left of Khao Kradong takes visitors to Bunyanusat Scouts Camp and a zoo. The place is ideal for relaxation and picnics. The reservoir offers a magnificent view of the Phra Suphatthara Bophit Buddha image stop Khao Kradong. A replica of the Holy Footprint is also placed here.

Huai Talat Reservoir and Birds Park is about 10 km. Along the Buriram-Prakhon Chai Road in Tambon Sakae Sum. The reservoir holds water the year round. The most important thing about the reservoir is that over 200 species of birds inhabit it such as Waterfowls, spring chicken and others. Nearby is the largest bird cage in the area with over 200,000 birds belong to Mr. Sawat Kochaseni. The compound is shady and there is food for sale in the evening. This is a perfect place for people seeking quiet relaxation. Visitors can also be taken to view the many birds there.

Buriram Local Arts and Crafts Center is in front of the Surin Provincial Army Headquarters on the Buriram intersection from the Buriram -Prakhon Chai Road in tambon Samet, tel. 613299,612823. There are many sandstone replicas of South Isan arts such as the Narai lintel, good sculptures, Buddha images, etc.

Buri Ram Culture Center situated in the Buriram Ratchaphat Institute. It is the center for the collection and display of artifacts and works of historical value, as well as a research source for local history, archaeology and arts. The center was opened on April 16, 1993 and is open daily for the public to visit during government office hours.

Amphoe Ban Kruat Ancient Quarry is the site where the ancient Khmer people used to obtain rocks to build sanctuaries in the lower Northeast. It is near Khao Kloi and Khao Krachiao, adjacent to the Thai - Cambodian border, 7 km. from Amphoe Ban Kruat on the Ban Kruat-Lahan Sai Road, and 3 km. from the main road. An asphalt road leads to the quarry, making travel most convenient. It is believed that rocks from this quarry were used to build Phanom Rung and other sanctuaries in Buri Ram. There are rock hills on both sides. A stream flows through this lovely area. Provincial authorities have asked the Fine Arts Department to survey the area for conservation purposes. The ancient Quarry is far from Phanom Rung Historical Park about 45 kms.

Tao Sawai and Tao Nai Chian Ancient Kilns located 5 and 10 km away from Amphoe Ban Kruat, have been excavated by the Fine Arts Department. The kilns had been used in the production of glazed potteries during the period of Khmer dominance in this area, bout the 9th to the 12th centuries AD.

Amphoe Chalerm Prakiat Phanom Rung Historical Park was a very important place of worship in the Lop Buri period. About 1,000 years old, it is situated atop a mountain 1,320 feet above sea level. The sanctuary is in Tambon Ta Pek. To get to the sanctuary, go along Highway No.24 and turn right at Ban Tako and continue on for 12 km. (There are motor-cycle taxi from Ban Toko to Prasat Phanom Rung, the Fare is about 170 Bath for return) on an asphalt road which can be driven on in any weather.

Phanom Rung Historical Park is on the rim of an extinct volcano; lava is still scattered around the top. On the opposite side of the crater is an air force Radar Station. In former times the crater was a natural Baray or reservoir. Phanom Rung is a Hindu Shrine of the Sivaite sect with Shiva as the ruling god; the monument has been in continuous use from the 9th to the 12th C.A.D.

The first thing the visitor will see is a fabulous staircase which has three platforms leading to the first pavilion and then there is a stone path which has small posts along its sides leading to the Naga bridge with late rite pavilions. At the end of the Naga bridge there are five platforms to the Temple. There is another terrace at the end of Naga bridge which leads to the inner space of the monument and there is another Naga bridge between the monument and the principal Prang. The principal Prang has the same kind of Mandapa as Prasat Phimai. Entering the Prang one will see the great Shiva god in nataraja (dancing) style. The top of the fronton and the lower part of the lintel consist of the well-known reclining Vishnu relief.

Phanom Rung Historical Park opens everyday from 06.00-18.00 hrs. Admission fee is 40 Baht per person. For further information tel. 044-631711.

Wat Khao Angkhan is on Khao Angkhan, another extinct volcano in Buri Ram. The temple can be reached by taking the Ta Pek-Lahan Sai Road for 5 km. And turning left for 10 more km. Artifacts abound here, including ancient sandstone temple boundary markers dating back to the Dvaravati period. Nowadays it is the site of Wat Khao Angkhan, one of Buri Rams largest monasteries. The buildings within were designed to reflect architecture in various eras. All are breathtakingly beautiful. Inside the main chapel are mural paintings recounting the past lives of Lord Buddha in English.

Amphoe Na Pho Na Pho Silk Weaving Village has the finest Matmi silk which won many awards from the local Handicrafts Center. Modern techniques and designs are used in its production.

Amphoe Nang Rong Thung Laem Reservoir is beside Highway No.24, 4 km. from Amphoe Nang Rong at the Ban Hak intersection. This is a small reservoir which has been developed into a tourist spot before tourists visit Phanom Rung Sanctuary. A beautifully decorated pavilion offers visitors shelter. In the dry season, numerous Teals live here and birdwatchers can get a close look at them.

Amphoe Non Din Daeng Rao Su Monument is 107 km from Amphoe Muang. The monument is beside the Lahan Sai -Ta Phraya Road. It was completed in 1979 to commemorate the bravery of citizens, policeman and soldiers who died fighting insurgents who tried to stop the construction of this important strategic route. The name "Rao Su" was given by His Majesty the King.

Lam Nang Rong Dam and Khlong Manao Reservoir. About 200 meters from the monument lies the Development for Security Project Area of H.M. the King which includes the large reservoir Lam Nang Rong and the Khlong Manao reservoir, which are used for agriculture and relaxation. Visitors can rest aboard rafts on the reservoirs, swim, take boat trips to watch flocks of Teals.

Royal Factory is the Project of H.M. the King which tourist can see the operations of a processed food factory, as vegetables and canned tomato juice. For more information contact. Tel. (044) 606-107, 606-205.

Prasat Nong Hong is a small ancient temple at the edge of Lam Nang Rong Dam in Amphoe Lahansai. There are three Prang made of bricks, facing to the eastern side where is the only entrance. The characteristics of the 12th century. To reach Prasat Nong Hong when coming from the town of Buri Ram follow Highway 218 to Amphoe Nang Rong, then turn left into Highway 348, passing Amphoe Pa Kham until one reaches Amphoe Lahasai. When reaching the intersection, enter the Lam Nang Rong Dam, which is signposted; the monument is visible from the dam itself, at 500 meters distance.

Amphoe Pa Kham Prasat Ban Kok Ngiew is located in Amphoe Pa Kham; when coming from the town of Buriram, Wat Khok Ngiew can be reached on Highway 218 from Amphoe Nang Rong and turning into Highway No.348 before reaching Amphoe Pa Kham after 3 km (at km. marker 20). The site itself is behind Khok Ngiew monastery cars may be parked in the monasteries precinct the site is an walking distance. This is a hospital (Arogayasala or health center), built for the same purpose of hospitals elsewhere. But some architectural details are more lively compared with elements from hospitals elsewhere such as the image of Bhisajayaguru in the worshiping hall and a bronze mirror on which appears an inscription relating the importance of Prasat Khok Ngiew and the hospital intended to serve a large community. This site helps solve also the history of Arogayasala in the 13th century.

Amphoe Phutthaisong is another ancient Khmer site. It is situated in Ban Don Wai, Tambon Nong Waeng alongside Highway No.202(Phutthaisong - Prathai), 74 km. from Amphoe Muang (12 km. from Amphoe Phutthaisong). The site is 3 brick pagodas lined on a single base. The site awaits coming renovation. Prang Ku Suan Taeng used to have beautiful lintels, one of which was stolen and sold abroad. It was later retrieved and is now on display in the National Museum. Another is on display in Phimai National Museum.

Phra Chao Yai Wat Hong is a large and old Buddha image in the meditation posture, 1.6 meter wide and 2 meters high. This is a late rite image that features many local designs. Each February , a grand celebration is held to pay homage to the image and is attended by people from nearby provinces. Though its Thai name means "large" it is believed that the reason it is named like this is not because of its size but because of its sacred status to the Buriram people. It is said that people who make vows with the image and then break them usually suffer negative consequences. Several smaller images have been found under the image’s base. The temple can be reached by taking the road to Phayakhaphum Phisai for 1 km. and 2 more km on a branch road.

Amphoe Prakhonchai Muang Tam Sanctuary was built during the 9th to 10th Century. It is at Ban Khok Muang which lies at the foot of a mountain 8 km. away from Phanom Rung. The road to the sanctuary is entirely paved with asphalt. Muang Tam Sanctuary is a brick structure with 5 pagodas surrounded by late rite ponds. At the corner of each pond is a sandstone five-headed Naga that stretches around the four directions of the pond, these are plain headed Nagas. The sandstone lintel and doorway are beautifully carved. The compound is encircled by a crooked terrace and a late rite wall. Historically, there is no evidence as to who build this monuments, the lintel shows a Hindu deity characterizing Khmer Baphuan style of the 11th c. (1017-1087), it might be argued that the temple was built for Hindu community. Muang Tam Sanctuary opens everyday from 06.00-18.00 hrs. Admission fee is 30 baht per person.

Amphoe Satuk or Phra Phuttharoop Patima Santayaphirom Satuk Udom Ratsadon Nimit Manin is a huge standing Buddha image on the bank of Mun River , opposite Amphoe Satuk Office. It is highly revered by the people of Satuk Office. It is highly revered by the people of Satuk and nearby provinces.

Every year there is the Buri Ram Boat Race on the river in front of the image. Paddlers, tourists and spectators usually stop by to pay homage to the image.

Nong Ko Noi Handicrafts Village is about 17 km from Amphoe Satuk. A gravel road leads to the village. The village is a popular stop for people going to see the Buri Ram Boat Races in November or those going to Amphoe Satuk. The development of Industrial Promotion has trained villagers here to mark products from reed such as ladies handbags, briefcases and folders.