See the ruins of Phanom Rung Historical Park
Compare to the grandeur of Angkor What, Phanom Rung is the largest and best-restored Khmer monument in Thailand. Even more impressive is that it sits on top of a dormant volcano, about 200 meters (656.2 feet) above some rice paddies. It was built from 1113 to 1150 AD, during the reign of King Suriyavarman II.
The whole complex is built from sandstone and laterite. Apart from the Phanom Rung Festival, the Royal family of Thailand also use this building for ceremonies. There is a processional walkway, which is actually one of the most picturesque parts of the park. Every part of the park was actually built to symbolize certain connections, such as the connection between heaven and earth, through the stairways. Phanom Rung is now one of the places being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Khao Kradong Forest
This beautiful forest park is located on the top of the mountain. There is a big statue of Buddha. This forest park is basically a sleeping volcano. The beautiful landscapes give a wonderful feeling to the tourist. There are steps through which you can reach the huge Buddha statue. Apart from this, once the steps are covered, the tourist can get the actual view of the city. The place is very peaceful.
Get that Instagram-worthy shot at Prasat Muang Tam
Located near Phanom Rung, Muang Tum Temple or Prasat Hin Muang Tum is another Khmer temple complex that is worth a visit, when in Thailand. Muang Tum is around 1,000 years old and is found at the base of the same dormant volcano that Phanom Rung is in. The temple was built during the 10th and 11th century, around the same time as Phanom Rung, and like its bigger neighbor, it is also dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva.
Inside the temple complex, you will find several Instagrammable small ponds, filled with water lilies. Naga snake statues are found at the corner of each pond. The location of the temple was chosen because it is close to the lake, which symbolizes the ocean that surrounds Mount Meru, representing the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology.
Have experience in Phanom Rung Festival
Phanom Rung faces east, and four times a year the sun can be seen through all 15 sanctuary doorways. The correct solar alignment happens during sunrise from 3 to 5 April and 8 to 10 September and sunset from 5 to 7 March and 5 to 7 October (some years are one day earlier). The park extends its hours during these events, and locals celebrate the Phanom Rung Festival around the April alignment with ancient Brahman ceremonies and modern sound-and-light shows.
Get great bargains at the two Buriram night bazaars
While Buriram is not particularly famous for its nightlife in the same way as Phuket and Pattaya, you will find that you can still make it a fun night at the province’s two night markets.
The main night market is on Romburi Road, south of Jira, near the moat and consists of several restaurants, with vendors selling pre-made meals on the streets. The other night market is called Klong Thom and can be found west of Tanee Road. Here, you will see interesting things, such as dogs and cats sold as domestic pets.