Northeast Thailand / Buriram, Nang Rong, Maha Sarakham
Buriram is the capital of Buriram Province, one of the largest and most populated provinces in Isan, some 410km (256mi) from Bangkok. As the Tourism Authority of Thailand reports, the place is "known as the City of Pleasantries".
Accommodation
Buriram; Tambon Nai Muang
20 rooms, sgl/dbl 60-100
Chai Charoen; 114-6 Niward Rd, Tel 61-1559
39 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-150
Grand; 137 Niward Rd
Tel 61-1176, 61-1089, 61-2335
85 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-250
Krung Rome; 78/2 Niward Rd, Tel 61-1740, 61-1545
81 rooms, sgl/dbl 150-300
Niward Hotel; 89/10-2 Niward Rd, Tel 61-1640
20 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-150
Phloen; Tambon Nai Muang; 21 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-200
Pracha Samakkhi; 147-9 Sunthonthep Rd
Tel 61-1198; 18 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120
Sunthon; 163 Sunthonthep Rd, Tel 61-1575
17 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120
Thai Hotel; 38/1 Romburi Rd
Tel 61-1112, 61-1132, 61-1673
90 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-500
Thai Phakdi; 18/5 Thani Rd, Tel 61-2057
9 rooms, sgl/dbl 60-120
Places of Interest
Phra Subhatahra Borpitr
The Phra Subhatahra Borpitr image is enshrined atop Khao Kradung Mount, about 6km (4mi) from Buriram on the Buriram - Prakhon Chai highway. A winding road leads to the top of the mountain. A replica of a holy Buddha footprint is also kept there.
Prang Ku Suan Tang
The three pagodas near Buddhaisong, 70km (44mi) north of Buriram, were erected of brick and mortar in Khmer style. Their door panels are carved, depicting episodes from the Ramakian epic (the Thai version of the Ramayana). An exquisitely carved relief, named Narai Banthomsin, was once stolen from this site and sold abroad. It has been returned and is now kept at the National Museum in Bangkok.
Transportation
Bangkok - Buriram
All trains going from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani as well as rail cars to Surin stop at Buriram. Departures at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station are at 6:50 (arrival at Buriram 13:17), 7:15 (arr 16:01), 11:05 (arr 16:54), 15:25 (arr 0:12), 18:45 (arr 1:46), 21:00 (arr 3:35), 21:50 (arr 4:17), 22:45 (arr 5:52) and 23:25 (arr 7:55).
Buses from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Road; 411km, non-aircon 79 Baht, 7:50, 11:00, 20:30, 21:30, 22:30, 23:00; aircon 143 Baht, 10:00, 12:00, 22:00, 22:30.
Buriram - Bangkok
All trains from Ubon Ratchathani and rail cars from Surin to Bangkok stop at Buriram. Departures from Buriram for Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station are at 2:54 (arrival in Bangkok at 12:00), 8:44 (arr 15:00), 10:30 (arr 17:25), 11:22 (arr 19:40), 18:04 (arr 3:00), 20:14 (arr 3:30), 21:06 (arr 4:00), 21:38 (arr 4:35) and 22:31 (arr 5:20).
Nang Rong
Nang Rong is a town in Buriram Province, some 55km (34mi) south of Buriram town.
Accommodation
Kasemsuk; 130/23 Mu 3, Prachasanti Rd
Tel 61-3039; 19 rooms, sgl/dbl 60-120
Nang Rong; 70/25 Mu 3, Pradit Pana Rd
Tel 63-1014; 21 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-150
Sanguan Mit; 45 Pracha Santisuk Rd, Tel 63-1045
20 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-150
Places of Interest
Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung
Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, 12km (7.5mi) off Highway 24 on top of Phanom Rung Mountain between the towns of Nang Rong and Prakhon Chai, is a walled-in enclosure with both the door frames and walls carved in beautiful designs in Lopburi period style with Khmer influence. It is thought that the Prasat was originally built as a Brahmin temple. In the Prasat is a throne hall built in the 12th century.
A famous Vishnu lintel has long been missing from Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung. In March 1973, it was found on display in the US, at the Art Institute of Chicago. The Thai Fine Arts Department had tried for several years without success to bring it back to Thailand. Unexpectedly, in November 1988, the Institute decided to return the lintel to Thailand. Today, Thais as well as foreign visitors may appreciate the lintel at its original site.
Prakhon Chai Prasat Hin
This Prasat at Muang Tam is believed to have been constructed in the 11th century. It was built of old-style bricks. Within the castle are three ponds. Door frames, walls and stone surfaces in the ponds are carved in beautiful designs.
Phu Kao Fai Angkarn (Angkarn Volcano)
The scenery on the mountain, some 20km (12.5mi) south of Nang Rong, is gorgeous. Furthermore the mountain offers a good view of the surrounding countryside.
Lam Nang Rong Dam
The dam is near Lahan Sai, some 60km (37.5mi) south of Nang Rong, about 107km (67mi) from the provincial capital. The authorities try to promote the area as a recreational site for tourists.
MAHA SARAKHAM
Maha Sarakham is the capital town of the province by the same name, 475km (297mi) from Bangkok.
Accommodation
Ban Rao Bungalow
1096/3 Damnoen-Nat Rd, Tel 71-1046
18 rooms, sgl/dbl 80120 (f)
Bua Daeng Bungalow; 648/11 Chuthangkun Rd
12 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120 (f)
Chimphlee Bungalow; 296 Thinanon Rd, Tel 71-1101
40 rooms, sgl/dbl 60-120 (f)
Maha Sarakham; 720 Mahachai-Damri Rd
22 rooms, sgl/dbl 60-120
Phatthana; 1227/4-8 Somthawin Rd
Tel 71-1473; 72 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120 (f)
Samakkhi; 815-6 Worabut Rd, Tel 71-1449
12 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120 (f)
Sombunsuk; 1161 Worabut Rd, Tel 71-1596
14 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120 (f)
Sunthon; 1157/1 Worabut Rd, Tel 71-1201
30 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120 (ac)
Wasu Hotel; 1096/3 Damnoen-Nat Rd
Tel 71-1046, 71-1202
104 rooms, sgl/dbl 350-500 (ac)
Places of Interest
Wat Mahachai
This Wat in Maha Sarakham is noted for its collection of northeastern literature and art objects.
Kaeng Loeng Chan Reservoir
The area around the reservoir, about 4km (3mi) from the town, is a popular holiday spot.
Mongkhon Standing Buddha
The Mongkhon Standing Buddha of Kantarawichai, 10km (6mi) north of Maha Sarakham, is the principal Buddha image of Maha Sarakham Province. Carved of red sandstone, its design dates it to the Dvaravati period, just as the image Phra Buddha Min Muang (see entry below on Wat Suwanmali). Legend has it that ever since the two images have been in existence, rainfall in the region has been plentiful and regular.
Wat Suwanmali
At this Wat at Kantarawichai, 10km (6mi) north of Maha Sarakham is enshrined the red sandstone image of Phra Buddha Rup Suwanmali (also named Phra Buddha Min Muang). Though not precisely dated, it is in the style of the Dvaravati period.
Transportation
Bangkok - Maha Sarakham
Buses from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Road; 469km, aircon 162 Baht, 21:45, 22:00
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