EASY TRIPS
For those who’ve already experienced the majesty of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, it
might be worth the trip to visit the most spectacular Angkor monument in Buriram
Province, the less-visited northeast part of Thailand that borders Cambodia. The
countryside is peppered with dozens of Khmer ruins but the crowning glory of
Buriram is Phanom Rung, a restored complex built thousands of years ago on the rim
of an extinct volcano. These ruins of Buriram take on a halo glow once a year in a rare
phenomenon when the rays of the morning sun at dawn reach through all 15 doors of
the sanctuary. This historic festival will also allow visitors to witness an uncommon
ceremony known as Buang Suang. The ceremonial ritual follows with a colourful
procession with representation
from the six districts of Buriram
that displays worship to gods and
other celestial beings. For
travellers making the trip to
Buriram, be sure to stay for the
traditional Northeastern Thai
(Isaan) dinner of Som Tam (green
papaya salad), Larb Moo (minced
pork salad) and Kai Yang (grilled
chicken) with sticky rice, a staple
of the Isaan diet.MAKE IT HAPPENBURIRAMPhanom Rung
Historical Park Festival
There are daily flights from Bangkok’s
Don Muang Airport on Nok Air and AirAsia
to Buriram Airport. To get around, arrange
for a car and driver from any hotel to get to
Phanom Rung Historical Park.
Chase the sunrise at Phanom Rung
Historical Park Festival from 3 to 5 April
this year.
Stay the night at Amari Buriram United,
the only football-themed hotel in Thailand.
The hotel is located within the same grounds
as the Thunder Castle Stadium where guests
can catch the passionate action on the field
(amari.com/buriram-united).PHOTOGRAPH: FLICKR / JOHN SHEDRICK