Buriram: Volcanoes, History and Cranes

Buriram reveals itself through striking volcanic landscapes, archaeological traces and nature watching. Phanom Rung Historical Park is located on an extinct volcano; Khao Kradong adds a clearly visible crater and a specific choice for the ascent. There is also an annual tradition, crane watching and the history of motorsports. When planning your trip, you can weigh up different landscape and cultural highlights.

Phanom Rung: Volcanic Site and Settlement History

Phanom Rung Historical Park is located on an extinct volcano in Ta Pek, in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram Province. Inscriptions and building remains indicate that the area around the park had been an ancient settlement since the 15th Buddhist century. Two aspects therefore come together here: its location on an extinct volcano and the archaeological traces of early settlement.

An annual tradition of ascending Phanom Rung is observed from April 2 to 4, or on the full moon day of the fifth lunar month. During this event, the first light of morning shines through all 15 gates. If you plan to travel specifically for this event, check the dates in advance. This recurring occasion provides a specific time to visit, alongside the area's long settlement history.

Volcanic Landscapes and Routes to the Summit

Khao Kradong Forest Park is a recreational area featuring an ancient volcano and a clearly visible crater. Phu Angkhan is a volcanic hill with one large crater and several smaller ones. The two places therefore offer different crater landscapes: a clearly visible crater at Khao Kradong Forest Park and several craters of different sizes at Phu Angkhan.

You can climb Khao Kradong via a staircase with 297 steps or drive to the summit. For your planning, these are two specific options: climbing the stairs or driving to the summit. Check the current conditions before your visit.

Legend and Religious Tradition

Wat Angkhan is associated with a local legend that Buddha's ashes were buried on the mountain. This religious story differs from the inscriptions and building remains at Phanom Rung: there, the focus is on traces of an ancient settlement, while Wat Angkhan is associated with a local legend.

Forest Areas and Crane Watching

Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary is considered one of the last remaining rich forests in Buri Ram Province and an important source area for the upper reaches of Lam Nang Rong and Lam Plai Mat. A survey in the wildlife sanctuary recorded approximately 130 species. The forest landscape and its importance as a source area therefore represent two distinct natural features of the area.

Thai sarus cranes have been reintroduced at Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir, where they reproduce naturally. The Buri Ram Wetlands and Thai Crane Learning Centre also offers visitors the chance to observe Thai cranes and other bird species using binoculars from a four-storey observation tower. An exhibition room, information boards and staff who can provide information supplement the viewing experience with ways to get oriented on site. If you are planning a bird-watching visit, check the current visitor conditions in advance.

Motorsports History in Buriram

Buriram International Circuit opened in 2014, and its first MotoGP race was held there in 2018. This timeline clearly contrasts with the much older settlement traces at Phanom Rung: here, the focus is on motorsports history, while there it is the archaeological history of an ancient settlement.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Amphoe Nang Rong, Prasat, Ban Khu, Khao Khok, Phutthaisong, Satuek District, Krasang District, Prakhon Chai District, Nang Rong District, Ban Bua, Khu Mueang, Talat Pho, Thong Lang, Samet, Khok Mo, Ban Waeng

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