Everyone living in Thailand has probably seen a Buriram United football shirt at one point even if they didn’t know it at the time. As Thailand’s most successful team, the club has cultivated fans up and down the country during the past ten years. But what does Buriram have beyond that? Realistically, not all that much when compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai or even the nearby Nakhon Ratchasima these days.
However, that is part of Buriram’s allure. It offers respite from bustling city life where it can take hours to get across town. There is enough in Buriram to prevent it from being some Podunk town and with a growing number events being hosted here, you might even want to check it out. Here’s a brief Buriram area guide to help you find your way.
Buriram area guide
Travelling to Buriram
Buriram is served by Buri Ram Airport which is roughly 30-minutes away from the city centre by car. There are daily flights to/from Bangkok via Don Mueang International Airport with both Air Asia and Nok Air serving Buri Ram. The flight takes about an hour.
There are minibuses operating at the airport while taxis and Grab service is available although it can be limited. Renting a car might be preferred if you plan on seeing the surrounding the sights. This can be done either at the airport or though a car hire provider in town. Those wanting to travel within town can utilise the songthaew system.
What to do in Buriram
The aforementioned Buriram United play their home games at the Chang Arena. The facility was the first football-dedicated stadium to meet FIFA and AFC standards in Thailand and remains one of the best places to catch a game. Tickets for most matches range from THB80 to THB500 and can be purchased at the stadium. There is also a stadium tour held on most days where visitors can explore the ground, checkout the locker rooms and hang out in the dugouts.
Behind the stadium lays the Chang International Circuit. The track hosts the annual PTT Thailand Grand Prix, an international MotoGP race, which is set for October 6 this year. Additionally, the circuit hosts a handful of other racing events throughout the year as well as some large concerts and festivals.
Apart from sports, there are other activities found in the surrounding areas. Khao Kradong Forest Park is a green space located on an extinct volcano. A large statute of Buddha greets those who make it to the top. Buriram was once part of the Khmer empire and there are numerous historical sites that are still preserved today where you can catch a glimpse of their activities.
Shopping
Buriram has its own walking street, Sroew Ground Walking Street or Sro Ground, in the heart of the city. Unlike other more infamous or downright seedy walking streets in Thailand, Sro Ground is quite pleasant. There is plenty of street food on offer as well as traditional goods for sale.
Just outside the town is the Robinson Lifestyle Center Buriram, a modern shopping complex that would not be out of place in suburban Bangkok. There are a number of restaurant chains, a movie theatre and a Tops Supermarket inside. A few blocks away sits the Major Cineplex Big C Buriram which unsurprisingly has both a Big C and a Major Cineplex inside along with a few other shops and eateries.
Where to stay in Buriram
There are plenty of hotels in Buriram with most of these being reasonably priced. If you are looking to stay close to the Chang Arena, the Modena by Fraser Buriram is the way to go. It is steps away from both the stadium and the Buriram Castle complex. The newly-built property opened last year and has a secluded swimming pool along with a large fitness centre.
X2 Vibe Buriram Hotel is closer to the racetrack and is also quite new. The hotel has everything you would expect from the X2 Vibe brand. There are a few rooms that even offer direct pool access which can be great for those searing Buriram days.
