Visiting Buri Ram and Phanom Rung in Isan

Even being one of poorest places in Thailand, Buri Ram literally means “the city of happiness”. That is because northeastern inhabitants in Thailand are not rich but they are so happy.

Happy people and farmland

Far from being a tourist spot, Buriram is traditionally an agricultural town and province which offers a sight of rice fields and some interesting places to visit. A clear and famous example is Phanom Rung Historical Park, “the stone castle”, a Hindu Khmer temple dedicated to Shiva on the top of an 381 meters (1250 feet) high extinct volcano.

Phanom Rung or Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is a fascinating temple built in the 10th to 13th centuries. It took around 17 years to complete the restoration, which was finished in 1988. This sanctuary is one of the most important and most visited Khmer temples in Thailand. The solar events in Phanom Rung sanctuary occurs annually approximately 14 days from the equinoxes in March and September when the rays of the rising sun penetrates through the 15 doorways of the temple.

You can get to Phanom Rung easily from Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) or Surin provinces. Phanom Rung is a must see if you visit Buriram.

What to do in Buri Ram?

Beside visiting Phanom Rung there are a few attractions:

Lower Northeastern Cultural Center – The Center collects and exhibits artifacts and precious historical objects of the area, indigenous art and archaeological evidence.

The Monument of King Rama I – This monument was built in 1996 to honor King Rama I, the founder of Buri Ram.

Khao Kradong Forest Park – It is a extinct volcano. The top is 265 metres above sea level and it houses “Phra Suphattharabophit”, a large Buddha image that is the symbol of Buri Ram.

Kradong Reservoir – The area around the reservoir is a pleasant spot for relaxation. From Kradong Reservoir, one can see the Phra Suphattharabophit Buddha image on the mountain top.

Huai Talat Reservoir and Buri Ram Bird Park – There are more than 100 species of birds living in this area during the dry season which lasts from November to April.

-Thailand News (TN)