Is Phanom Rung worth visiting?

Phanom Rung is one of the most impressive Khmer temples outside Cambodia, built in the same style as Angkor Wat. Four times a year, the rising or setting sun aligns through all 15 doorways of the sanctuary, drawing big crowds.

Can you watch a Buriram United match?

Yes — Buriram United plays home matches at Chang Arena during the Thai League season (roughly August to May). Tickets are sold online and at the stadium, and matchdays bring a lively atmosphere to the city.

How do you combine Phanom Rung and Muang Tam?

The two sites are about 8 km apart in Chaloem Phra Kiat District and are typically visited together as a half-day trip. A single combination ticket covers both, and taxis or hired drivers from Buri Ram town make the round trip easily.

Buri Ram Province Guide — Phanom Rung, Muang Tam & Thunder Castle

About Buri Ram Province

Buri Ram, whose name means 'city of happiness', is best known for its spectacular Khmer-era temples and its modern reinvention as Thailand's sports capital. The province sits on an ancient route between Angkor and the Khorat Plateau, leaving behind the magnificent hilltop sanctuary of Phanom Rung and the moated complex of Muang Tam. In Buri Ram town, the Chang Arena and adjacent international circuit have made the province a magnet for football and motorsport fans.

Key facts

Population: 1,581,184 (2020)
Area: 10,323 km²
Density: 153 / km²
Districts: 23
Capital: Buri Ram
ISO code: TH-31
Airport: Buriram Airport (BFV)

All 23 districts

Ban Dan · Ban Kruat · Ban Mai Chaiyaphot · Chaloem Phra Kiat · Chamni · Huai Rat · Khaen Dong · Khu Mueang · Krasang · Lahan Sai · Lam Plai Mat · Mueang Buri Ram · Na Pho · Nang Rong · Non Din Daeng · Non Suwan · Nong Hong · Nong Ki · Pakham · Phlapphla Chai · Phutthaisong · Prakhon Chai · Satuek

Top Highlights

Phanom Rung Historical Park, an 11th–12th century Khmer temple on an extinct volcano
Prasat Muang Tam, a beautifully preserved Khmer sanctuary with lotus-filled barays
Chang Arena (Thunder Castle), home of Buriram United football club
Chang International Circuit hosting MotoGP and other major motorsport events

Getting There

Buri Ram Airport has daily flights from Bangkok Don Mueang, taking about an hour. Trains on the northeastern line from Bangkok to Ubon stop at Buri Ram and take 5–7 hours, while buses from Mo Chit reach the city in around 6 hours.

Inside Buri Ram

Districts (23)

Ban Dan ·Ban Kruat ·Ban Mai Chaiyaphot ·Chaloem Phra Kiat ·Chamni ·Huai Rat ·Khaen Dong ·Khu Mueang ·Krasang ·Lahan Sai ·Lam Plai Mat ·Mueang Buri Ram ·Na Pho ·Nang Rong ·Non Din Daeng ·Non Suwan ·Nong Hong ·Nong Ki ·Pakham ·Phlapphla Chai ·Phutthaisong ·Prakhon Chai ·Satuek

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore more Thai provinces

Browse all 76 province guides

All Provinces

Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q327510 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026

Was this page helpful?

ThailandKnowledge Editorial Team

Factual claims on this page are sourced and dated. Where something could not be verified, we say so rather than guessing.

Our editorial standards