Be Like Chris: Explore the Best of Buriram, Thailand (Part 3: Must-See Activities and Attractions)

Good day to all my fellow BFITS colleagues. I hope we are all doing well as the end of the month quickly approaches. It’s incredible how quickly the school year passes by. For me personally, it has been a hectic time, but it is still vitally important to relax and enjoy oneself when time allows.

Buriram’s Must-See Activities and Attractions

For many who teach in Thailand, these breaks are perfect opportunities to explore local culture, unwind, and experience the beauty of Thailand beyond the classroom. And to this end, I would like to talk about the various must-see activities and tourist attractions that are available in Buriram and how people have fun here.

Buriram International Circuit: A World-Class Racetrack

I will start with one of the most famous and popular spots here, the Buriram International Circuit. It is a motorsport racetrack that attracts some of the most accomplished drivers in the world. The biggest race of the year takes place each October when the track plays host to the Thailand Grand Prix.

The city really comes alive this weekend each year, and all the bars and restaurants are packed for 3-4 days. The atmosphere is electric, and although I don’t personally get a kick from motorsports, I do enjoy all the visitors that descend on the city. Accommodation is tough to find at this time of the year, and it is advisable to book a room well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Thunder Castle Stadium: Home of Buriram United

What I certainly do get a kick out of and what I enjoy here is the local football team. Quite frankly, if you visit here, then a visit to Thunder Castle, home of Thai league champions Buriram United, is a must. Well and truly the dominant force in Thai football, they were crowned champions for the third consecutive year and the 10th time in the past 16 seasons last season.

The atmosphere is always good here, especially when the crowd starts singing and beating their drums. And obviously, because of their recent successes, the crowd sizes have noticeably increased over the past few years, ensuring healthy support.

With tickets as low as 160 Thai Baht, it’s money well spent on any visit to Buriram. For teachers who teach in Thailand, this is one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with the community and experience local pride firsthand.

Buriram Monsters Fishing Park: Relaxation for Everyone

Buriram Monsters Fishing Park is approximately 15 km from town, and if fishing is a pastime that you enjoy, you could certainly do worse than spending some time here.

It is five rai in area with a maximum depth of 5 metres and is equipped with leisure areas for families (pool tables, TVs, etc.). It can be pretty expensive at about 1,500 Thai Baht, but it’s another activity right on your doorstep here in Buriram.

Phanom Rung Historical Park: A Journey Through Time

Outside of a sporting context, there are many other must-see tourist sites and attractions that can be easily visited on weekends. Phanom Rung Historical Park contains some of the country’s most extensive Khmer ruins and is located only 65km from the centre of Buriram.

A majestic Khmer site over a thousand years old, it is built on top of an extinct volcano and was originally a Hindu religious site, which later became a Buddhist one. The name ‘Phanom Rung’ translates to ‘a huge mountain’. Its cultural importance cannot be overstated, and it truly is a must-see excursion for students of history here.

Khao Kradong National Park: Climb and Reflect

Another site of a volcano is Khao Kradong National Park, a recreational area only about 10 km from Buriram central. There is a big Buddha statue here, serving as a worship area for the local people, and another incredible sight to behold, much like the other statues dotted around the country.

Walking to the top of this mountain takes 297 steps, and since entry to the park is free, it is definitely worth a Saturday morning trip.

Wat Pa Khao Noi: Spiritual Calm in Nature

Wat Pa Khao Noi can be found 10 km south of Buriram, and this pagoda is located in picturesque forest and mountain surroundings. It is over 31 metres tall and has two stories. The first floor is designated for meditation, while the second floor contains the cremated ashes and bones of the pagoda’s developer, Luangpu Suwat.

Buriram Walking Street: Weekend Market Vibes

Buriram Walking Street is an authentic night market that only opens on weekends, offering local delicacies and the best of Isaan food at very affordable prices. The stalls here sell clothes and all sorts of trinkets, and its location by the moat guarantees a chilled-out and relaxed atmosphere.

When the weather permits, it’s a great place to spend the weekend nights. For teachers in Thailand who love food, this is a must-visit — the best spot to discover authentic flavors and connect with the community.

Play La Ploen Resort: Nature Meets Learning

Space Day in Buriram was held in the resort of Play La Ploen, which acts as both a tourist attraction and a learning site. After being there and seeing it first-hand, I can definitely say that it is a very peaceful and tranquil space.

The beautiful place is divided into two sections: the Play La Ploen Boutique Resort and Play La Ploen Flora Park. The Boutique Resort section has a Kids Zone with games to enhance learning skills, and also adventure activities. Section two is the first flora park in Isaan, and it contains various species of plants. Suitable for families, it is another nice trip close to Buriram.

Local Life and Everyday Fun in Buriram

In terms of activities around the city, there are several snooker clubs where you can spend many hours at very reasonable prices (about 200 Thai Baht for 2 hours between 2 players).

Many of the bars offer pool tournaments each week that attract good numbers, and there is also a weekly quiz night on Wednesday nights. 5, 7, or 11-a-side football is played quite regularly, and several gyms offer memberships for as little as 1,000 Thai Baht a month.

Weekend Escapes: Korat, Surin, and Beyond

If you want a break from Buriram, it is very easy to hop on the train or bus and take a trip to Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima), usually cited as the most prosperous province in this part of Thailand. The journey by train takes approximately 2 hours. It is the largest city in Northeastern Thailand, and due to its sheer size, it offers a plethora of sights and activities.

It is popular to café hop around the city, and if coffee shops are your thing, you won’t be disappointed by Korat. There are also mesmerizing places here, such as Lam Phra Phloeng Dam, Phimai Historical Park, Jim Thompson Farm, and Khao Yai National Park. Additionally, the city boasts some fascinating museums, with the Korat Museum in particular offering a history of the town from past to present.

Another location, a short trip from Buriram, is the city of Surin, which can be reached by train in less than an hour and offers another potential weekend getaway, always welcome. A mode of transport I like to use when travelling out of town is the Nakhonchai bus service.

Outstanding value for money, they offer comfort (air-con), free wifi, and even provide a little snack if you are travelling a long distance. Khon Kaen is eminently reachable this way, and Bangkok itself is about a 5-hour trip. When travelling large distances, the bus is the way to go. Far more comfortable than the trains here.

Finding Joy in Community and Everyday Living

So in summation, I can definitely say that although Buriram is much smaller than Bangkok, I can confidently say that you can definitely become a part of the community here in a way that is maybe not possible in a metropolis.

There are lots of things to keep you busy outside of work, and I am delighted to be here and hope to remain for many years to come. Please contact me if you have any questions, as I love to hear from new people.

For those planning to teach in Thailand, Buriram offers the perfect blend of culture, connection, and calm — a reminder that life here is as much about exploration as it is about education.

Chris, BFITS Math Teacher
Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School