Buriram

Location:
Take Highway 24 heading towards Prasat Khao Phanom Rung, passing Wat Klang Nang Rong. Head past the second intersection; the temple is situated on the left-hand corner.

Wat Khao Angkaan temple
In Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, mountains are believed to be homes to the gods. Magnificent temple sanctuaries are often found on mountain tops.

One of the most beautiful temples in Buri Ram, Wat Khao Angkaan is situated on the summit of an extinct volcano. Dvaravati-period (6th-11th century) sema stones, adorned with elaborate details of celestial beings clutching lotus blossoms, mark the boundary of the holy site. Mural paintings in the temple depict the Jataka Tales, relating stories of the past lives of Lord Buddha. The ubosoth is reminiscent of the Phra Prang Sam Yod Hindu shrine in Lop Buri. However the central corn-cob-shaped tower is replaced by a spire. The ubosoth houses several Khmer-style Buddha images in the ‘Naga sheltering the Buddha’ and Mara Vijaya pose or Victory over Mara (the demon). The Khmer sculpture dates back to the 13th-14th century B.C. The ubosoth (ordination hall), sala (pavilion) and buildings reflect architectural styles of various historical periods.

Location:
Ban Charoen Suk, Charoensuk sub-district, Chalerm Phrakiat district
The temple is 20 kms from Prasat Hin Phanom Rung in Ban Charoensuk. Drive down Phanom Rung hill to Ban Tapek, then turn left to Ban Tapek-Lahan Sai Road for 13 kms and turn right and drive along the laterite road for 7 kms.

Alternatively take Highway 24 to Ban Tako intersection. Turn left and proceed along Highway 2117 past Ban Tapek to Ban Kok Hua Seua to the next intersection. Turn left and proceed towards Ban Charoensuk, then turn left for another 5 kms.

Wat Hong or Wat Srisa Raet temple
The word ‘Phra Chao’ in I-san, the northeastern dialect, means Buddha image. Phra Chao Yai is a Laotian style seated Buddha image in the Mara Vijaya (Victory over Mara) pose. Although the word ‘Yai’ means big in Thai, in this case, ‘yai’ has been abbreviated from ‘ying yai’ which means great or reigning supreme.

Built during the late Ayutthaya-Rattanakosin period, Phra Chao Yai is considered to be sacred and is highly revered by local residents. Worshippers pray for strength to stay on course in their quest to overcome personal demons such as excessive drinking and other addictions. Small jackfruit-leaf-shaped amulets and images carved from horn were found housed within the base of the Buddha image.

An annual Buddhist festival to pay homage to the Phra Chao Yai Buddha image is held on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon and or the first day of the waning moon in the third month. The festival is well-attended by residents of Phutthaisong district and pilgrims from other nearby provinces.

Phra Supatraborphit, a 12-metre high Buddha image built on the summit of Khao Kradong peak, is the guardian Buddha image and protector of Buri Ram province and is highly revered by local residents. Visitors hike up to the edge of the crater to pay homage to Phra Supatraborphit and thereafter enjoy the panoramic view overlooking Buri Ram.

Location:
Chakradong Sanctuary, Ban Nam Sap, Samet sub-district of Buriram
Follow the Buriram-Phrakonchai route and take Route 219 for 6 kms.
Khao Kradong is on the left.

Location:
Sunthornthep-Jira Road

On one occasion when Phra Thongchai Chartpanya, a senior Buddhist monk, resided at the temple during the Buddhist Lent rain retreat, he suggested that the local residents donate their findings to the temple. A museum was established on site and now houses a collection of ancient artefacts. These consist of blackened earthenware pottery, similar in shape to Ban Chiang pottery but without the colourful design, vases and pedestal trays, stoneware, metal and Stone Age utensils, secular objects such as knives, spears, spades and bells, accessories such brass rings, necklaces and bangles.

Location:
Baan Sai Trii 8, Bueng Charoen sub-district, Baan Kruat district
Travel from Ban Kruat district, head south along Highway Route 2075 for a distance of 3.5 kms. Turn right at the intersection. Proceed along Highway 2121 for 7 kms. Drive past the Bueng Charoen Or Bor Jor (provincial administration office) intersection and turn right. Drive along an unpaved road for 1 km. Turn left to Ban Bueng Noi. The temple is situated behind the village.

Palaces of the Gods
Please click to view

Wat Bupharam Royal Temple
This ancient temple is believed to have been built in the Thonburi period or early Rattanakosin period and was designated a royal temple in February 1977.

Luang Phor Phra Chii, a Buddha image in the Mara Vijaya (Victory over Mara) pose, is enshrined in the viharn. The temple also houses a museum where the statue, relics, images and personal belongings of the late Luang Puu Dun Adulo (Phra Rat Wutthachan), a highly venerated monk, is kept.

Location: Jitbumrung Road, city centre

• Khao Chai (Phnom Proh) is 210 metres above sea level and is the site of Wat Phanom Sawai. The temple houses Phra Buddha Surin Mongkon, the principle Buddha image in the Prataan Porn bestowing blessings pose. Cement stairways lead up to the temple.
• Khao Ying (Phnom Srai) at 228 metres above sea level is the site of another Buddha image.
• Khao Kok (Phnom Krol)

The Buddhist Society in Surin constructed Sala Attamuk, a pavilion with eight porticos, to commemorate the Bangkok (Rattanakosin) bicentennial. A replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint from Khao Chai is now enshrined in the pavilion.