South East Asian Trips

Meaning "city of peace", Buriram is a large, highly populated province some 410 Km from Bangkok in north-eastern Thailand - an area known as 'Issan'. The 10,312,435 Sq.Km province still has substantial forested areas and a population of about 1.6 million people. The area has major historical significance and features a number of Khmer ruins. Of particular important is Phanom Rung Historical Park, a-thousand-year-old site and one of the most important Khmer sites outside Cambodia. Situated about 120 kilometres from Korat city, Phanom Rung has been brought back to its full glory after nearly two decades of restoration. The result is extremely impressive.

Attractions in Buriram

Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buriram

About 120 kilometres from Korat city, Phanom Rung Historical Park is one of the most diverse national parks and certainly one of the most important and most visited Khmer sites in Thailand. Based on Phanom Rung Hill, an extinct volcano that forms a gentle arc across the horizon, the park houses the largest number of Khmer monuments in Thailand. The whole site has been brought back to its' full glory after nearly two decades of restoration and the result is extremely impressive. This is a vast site boasting temples, towers, Buddha images - all with a distinct Khmer architectural influence. The site also includes a Hindu Saivite (Shiva) monastery and sculptures of Vishnu. A 400-metre walkway leads up to the site's main sanctuary and passes a number of different ruins. Many of these ruins contain images depicting Hindu Gods, Brahma and scenes from the Ramayana. Set against a scenic countryside backdrop, the site has massive impact. There's a power about the place that is at once mystical and eerie - it is very a feel of stepping back in time and stepping into another world. It is difficult to cover every aspect of this site in a short description. However, suffice to say that this site is comparable to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Very close to the park is Muang Tam - a site of significant value in its' own right. It features a main building with five towers positioned around it alongside a series of ponds