Buri Ram

 The city of sandstone sanctuaries, the land of volcanoes, beautiful silk, and rich culture.

 

Buri Ram, which literally means “city of happiness” or “peaceful city”, is situated in the lower part of the Northeastern region, about 410 km from Bangkok. Buri Ram Province is the location a number of archaeological discoveries of pre-historic human habitation and ancient ruins from the Dvaravati period (6th-11th centuries C.E.)

The most important historical evidence found includes more than 60 sandstone sanctuaries scattered around the area. There are also discoveries of important Khmer pottery kiln sites that date back to the 10th – 13th centuries and Buri Ram contains abundant sandstone sanctuaries built by the Khmer Kingdom at Angkor, including Phanom Rung, easily Thailand is most stunning Khmer monument.

 

After the fall of Angkor, habitation and development of Buri Ram resumed in the late Ayutthaya period as a protectorate of Nakhon Ratchasima. The city was also inhabited during the Thon Buri and early Ratanakosin periods. Finally, in 1933, there was restructuring of the regional administrative system, which turned Buri Ram into a province as it remains to this day.

 

The town and province of Buri Ram are excellent places to experience authentic, rural Thai life and are ideal for immersing yourself in no-frills Thai country culture or an authentic Isan city atmosphere. However, while the town itself has limited attractions and activities for visitors, the provincial countryside is filled with ancient ruins, many of which are no more than rubble, but include the Khmer sanctuary of Phanom Rung, one of the best preserved Angkorian temples in Southeast Asia and a premier destination for witnessing sunrises and sunsets when the sun is aligned with the doorways of the temple.

 

- The most ideal place to stay if you are planning an early morning trip to Phanom Rung is the town of Nang Rong.