ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE MUANG

is on Khao Kradong which is an extinct volcano. The mouth of the volcano is now a small pool which has water throughout the year. About 6 kms. from the city on Buri Ram - Prakhon Chai Road, the park can be reached either by car on a concrete road lined with Buddha images or a stairway which climbs to a level of 265 meters above sea level. On the mountain top sits Phra Suphatbophit, a large image sacred to the people. Adjacent to it is an ancient pagoda which houses a replica of Lord Buddha's footprint. The park is under the supervision of the "Wildlife Conservation Office of the Royal Forestry Department".

is in front of Kradong Mountain. A road on the left of Khao Kradong takes visitors to the "Bunyanusat Scouts Camp" and a zoo. The place is ideal for relaxation and picnics. The reservoir offers a magnificent view of the Phra Suphatthara Bophit Buddha. A replica of the Holy Footprint is also placed here.

is about 10 kms. along the Buriram - Prakhon Chai Road in tambon Sakae Sum. The reservoir holds water the year round. The most important thing about the reservoir is that over 200 species of birds inhabit it such as waterfowls and spring chicken. Nearby is the largest bird cage in the area with over 200.000 birds belonging to Mr. Sawat Kochaseni. The compound is shady and there is food for sale in the evening.

is in front of the "Surin Provincial Army Headquarters" on the Buri Ram intersection from the Buri Ram -Prakhon Chai Road in tambon Samet. There are many sandstone replicas of south Isan arts such as the Narai lintel, good sculptures, Buddha images, etc.

situated in the "Buri Ram Ratchaphat Institute". It is the center for the collection and display of artifacts and works of historical value, as well as a research source for local history, archaeology and arts. The center was opened on April 16th , 1993, and is open daily for the public to visit during government office hours.

ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE BAN KRUAT

is the site where the ancient Khmer people used to obtain rocks to build sanctuaries in the lower Northeast. It is near Khao Kloi and Khao Krachiao, adjacent to the Thai-Cambodian border, 7 kms. from amphoe Ban Kruat on the Ban Kruat-Lahan Sai Road and 3 kms. from the main road. It is believed that rocks from this quarry were used to build Phanom Rung and other sanctuaries in Buri Ram.

located 5 and 10 kms. away from amphoe Ban Kruat. Excavated by the "Fine Arts Department", the kilns had been used in the production of glazed potteries during the period of Khmer dominance in this area, around the 9th to 12th centuries AD.

ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE CHALERM PRAKIAT

was a very important place of worship in the Lopburi-Period. About 1.000 years old it is situated atop a mountain 1.320 feet above sea level. The sanctuary is in tambon Ta Pek. To get to the sanctuary go along Highway 24 and turn right at Ban Tako and continue on for 12 kms. Phanom Rung Historical Park is on the rim of an extinct volcano; lava is still scattered around the top. On the opposite side of the crater is an Air Force radar station. In former times the crater was a natural baray or reservoir. Phanom Rung is a Hindu Shrine of the Sivaite sect with Shiva as the ruling god; the monument has been in continuous use from the 9th to the 12th centuries A.D. Phanom Rung Historical Park opens everyday from 06.00-18.00 hrs. Admission fee is 40 Baht.

is on Khao Angkhan another extinct volcano in Buri Ram. The temple can be reached by taking the Ta Pek - Lahan Sai Road for 5 kms. Turn left for 10 more kms. Artifacts around here, including ancient sandstone temple boundary markers, dating back to the Dvaravati-Period. Nowadays it is the site of Wat Khao Angkhan, one of Buri Rams largest monasteries. The buildings within were designed to reflect architecture in various eras. All are breathtakingly beautiful. Inside the main chapel are mural paintings recounting the past lives of Lord Buddha.

ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE NA PHO

has the finest matmee silk which won many awards from the local Handicrafts Center. Modern techniques and designs are used in its production.

ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE NANG RONG

is beside Highway 24 4 - kms. from amphoe Nang Rong at the Ban Hak intersection. This is a small reservoir which has been developed into a tourist spot before tourists visit Phanom Rung Sanctuary. A beautifully decorated pavilion offers visitors shelter. In the dry season numerous teals live here and birdwatchers can get a close look at them.

ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE NON DIN DAENG

are 107 kms. from amphoe Muang. The monument is beside the Lahan Sai -Ta Phraya Road. It was completed in 1979 to commemorate the bravery of citizens, policeman and soldiers who died fighting insurgents who tried to stop the construction of this important strategic route. The name rao su was given by His Majesty, King Bhumibol .

about 200 metres from the monument lies the "Development for Security Project Area" of HM the King which includes the large reservoir Lam Nang Rong and the Khlong Manao reservoir, which are used for agriculture and relaxation. Visitors can rest aboard rafts on the reservoirs, swim, take boat trips to watch flocks of teals.

is the project of HM the King where tourists can see the operations of a processing food factory, f.e. vegetables and canned tomato juice.

is a small ancient temple at the edge of Lam Nang Rong Dam in amphoe Lahansai. There are three prang made of bricks, facing to the eastern side where is the only entrance, characteristically for the 12th century. To reach Prasat Nong Hong when coming from Buri Ram follow Highway 218 to amphoe Nang Rong, then turn left to Highway 348, passing amphoe Pa Kham until one reaches amphoe Lahasai. When reaching the intersection enter the Lam Nang Rong Dam, which is sign-posted; the monument is visible from the dam itself at a distance of 500 metres.

ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE PA KHAM

is located in amphoe Pa Kham; coming from Buri Ram Wat Khok Ngiew can be reached on Highway 218 from amphoe Nang Rong turning to Highway 348 before reaching amphoe Pa Kham after 3 kms. (KM marker 20). The site itself is behind Khok Ngiew monastery.

ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE PHUTTHAISONG

is another ancient Khmer site. It is situated in Ban Don Wai, tambon Nong Waeng alongside Highway 202. The site contains 3 brickpagodas lined on a single base and awaits coming renovation. Prang Ku Suan Taeng used to have beautiful lintels, one of which was stolen and sold abroad. It was later retrieved and is now on display in the National Museum. Another is on display in Phimai National Museum.

is a large and old Buddha image in the meditation posture, 1.6 metres wide and 2 metres high. Each February , a grand celebration is held to pay homage to the image and is attended by people from nearby provinces. Though its Thai name means "large," it is believed that the reason it is named like this is not because of its size but because of its sacred status to the people. It is said that people who make vows with the image and then break them usually suffer negative consequences. Several smaller images have been found under the image's base. The temple can be reached by taking the road to Phayakhaphum Phisai for 1 km. and 2 more kms. on a branch road.

ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE PRAKHONCHAI

was built during the 9th to 10th centuries. It is at Ban Khok Muang which lies at the foot of a mountain 8 kms. away from Phanom Rung. Muang Tam Sanctuary is a brick structure with 5 pagodas surrounded by laterite ponds. At the corner of each pond is a sandstone five-headed naga (serpent) that stretches around the four directions of the pond. The sandstone lintel and doorway are beautifully carved. The compound is encircled by a crooked terrace and a laterite wall. Historically, there is no evidence as to who build this monuments, the lintel shows a Hindu deity characterizing Khmer Baphuan-Style (1017-1087); it might be that the temple once was built for a Hindu community. Muang Tam Sanctuary opens everyday from 06.00-18.00 hrs. Admission fee is 30 Baht.

ATTRACTIONS in AMPHOE SATUK

or Phra Phuttharoop Patima Santayaphirom Satuk Udom Ratsadon Nimit Manin is a huge standing Buddha image on the bank of Mun River , opposite amphoe Satuk Office. It is highly revered by the local people. Every year there is the Buri Ram Boat Race on the river in front of the image. Paddlers, tourists and spectators usually stop by to pay homage to the image.

is about 17 kms. from amphoe Satuk. The village is a popular stop for people going to see the Buri Ram Boat Races in November or those going to amphoe Satuk. The development of Industrial Promotion has trained villagers here to make products from reed such as ladies handbags, briefcases and folders.

FESTIVALS

is held during the harvest season when the northeast monsoon winds blow across the region. Villagers come out to fly kites at this time and the festival is now and annual event. Buri Ram had its first kite festival in 1986. Villagers from around the area are invited to come and fly kites for prizes. A kite must be over 2.5 metres wide to be eligible. Kites are judged by their beauty, sound-making and flying styles. A grand kite procession is well worth seeing. The festival's venue is the Provincial Stadium amphoe Huai Rat and is held in the second weekend of December.

is an annual event that is held in the first weekend of November. The competition is held on the Mun River when the water level is highest . Teams from nearby and afar come to race in front of Amphoe Satuk District Office to vie for a trophy awarded by HM the King and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Originally a local event to enhance friendship and pay homage to Chao Pho Wang Krut (whirlpool in the Mun River) , the event became a yearly event in 1986. Over 50 boats regularly complete and join in fancy boat processions. A highlight of the races is the elephant swimming contest. Something to watch is also the elephants parading through the city to the accompaniment of lively music.

is held every April to pay homage to the replica of Lord Buddha's footprint in the sanctuary. A number of activities are organized to persevere the ancient culture of the province such as the "Procession of the Ancient Khmers", a light -and-sound show recounting Phanom Rung's past and a Hope By Dinner.

is held every February to pay homage to this most sacred Buddha image for the Buri Ram people. Celebrations go on for three days and include a variety of entertainment.

Local specials

Famous Buri Ram products are silk, cotton cloths of Phuttaisong , jom fish from Prakhon Chai, pig's and pork sausage from Lam Plai Mat, sweet cabbage in honey from Krasang, and shrimps from Satuk.