Thailand Guides - Buriram

Buriram is a former centre of Khmer culture. The small northeastern provincial capital with its population of only 30,000 people has little to offer visitors but makes an excellent base for visiting Khmer ruins in the surrounding area.

Overview

This large province with its tiny capital town has a rich history and during the Angkor period played an important role in the former Khmer empire. The region is home to a number of impressive stone ruins including Phanom Rung, the finest example of Khmer monuments in the country. Another 142 sites of interest are scattered throughout the province and a significant restoration programme is currently being carried out by the Fine Arts Department.

Attractions

Phanom Rung Historical Park is a magnificent Khmer site dating back over 1,000 years to the Angkor period. Situated on an extinct volcano the temple was originally a religious site for Hindu worship but later became an important Buddhist temple. Further additions were made to the buildings during the 15^th – 18^th centuries.

Muang Tam stone sanctuary is another impressive ancient Khmer site consisting of five brick pagodas. A highlight of the temple is its four large pools, the edges of which include carved serpent designs.

At one time Buriram was an important production centre for Khmer ceramics. Five kilometres from Ban Kruat are the ancient kiln sites of Tao Sawai and Tao Nai Chian which date from the 14^th century. Both have been restored by the Fine Arts Department.