The Allure of Nang Rong: A Gateway to Buriram's Ancient Wonders

Nang Rong, nestled amidst the majestic ruins of ancient Khmer temples and the slumbering embrace of extinct volcanoes, stands as a captivating gateway to the historical treasures of Buriram. This charming district, situated within the heart of Thailand's northeastern region, beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of cultural heritage and natural wonders.

As you embark on your exploration of Buriram, renowned for its awe-inspiring stone castles and volcanic landscapes, Nang Rong emerges as the ideal starting point for your journey. Its proximity to these iconic landmarks, including the captivating Prasat Hin and the dormant volcanoes, makes it a strategic base for delving into the region's captivating past.

Nang Rong's allure extends beyond its convenient location. The district itself boasts a vibrant cultural scene, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life that has thrived for centuries. From intricate handicrafts to delectable local cuisine, Nang Rong immerses visitors in the essence of authentic Thai culture.

Whether you seek to unravel the mysteries of ancient civilizations, marvel at the raw beauty of nature, or immerse yourself in the warmth of local traditions, Nang Rong promises an unforgettable experience. Let this charming district be your gateway to the wonders of Buriram, where history, nature, and culture converge in a harmonious symphony.

A 2-day, 1-night trip to Buriram
Limited time, but with only this much time, you have to plan your trip
and choose good accommodation so you can really travel around.

Despite the limited time, we managed to visit over 10 attractions, including stone castles, volcanoes, and downtown Nang Rong.

We discovered that in addition to saving time, traveling to Nang Rong's stone castles takes almost an hour less than traveling to Buriram city, allowing us to extend our sightseeing time.

The journey from Bangkok to Nang Rong by Nakhonchai Air bus takes approximately 4.5 hours.
Arriving in the early morning of the Phra Wihan Phra Mongkhon Boriboon Festival, check in at Nang Rong Hotel.
After leaving your luggage, head to the Nang Rong Morning Market, located near the hotel.

Two-Day, One-Night Trip to Buriram: A Brief Overview

This itinerary provides a concise summary of a two-day, one-night trip to Buriram, Thailand, focusing on key destinations and activities.

Accommodation:

• The trip begins with a stay at the Nang Rong Hotel, conveniently located in the city center.
• Its proximity to the morning market, walking street, and songthaew (shared taxi) stand offers easy access to various attractions.

Historical Sites:

• The itinerary includes visits to four significant stone castles:
  • Phnom Rung: A magnificent Khmer temple complex dating back to the 10th-12th centuries, renowned for its intricate carvings and stunning views.
  • Muang Tam: An ancient city with impressive laterite walls and moats, offering a glimpse into Buriram's rich history.
  • Prasat Hin Khao Kradong: A smaller but equally captivating temple complex nestled amidst lush greenery.
  • Prasat Hin Phanom Wan: A unique sandstone castle with intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere.

Additional Activities:

• The itinerary also suggests exploring the vibrant morning market and the lively walking street, offering a taste of local culture and cuisine.
• Utilizing the readily available songthaews allows for convenient transportation between destinations.

Note:

• This overview serves as a starting point for further exploration of Buriram's diverse attractions and experiences.
• Detailed information and visuals for each location will be provided in subsequent sections.

#Prasat Hin Mueang Tam

#Hermit's hut at Nong Bua Lai village

#Hermit's hut at Ban Khok Mueang

Visit the Land of Volcanoes

#Wat Khao Phra Ngam: A beautiful temple perched atop an extinct volcano

Embark on a journey to discover the wisdom of local communities and witness the #PhuAkNi fabric, a unique cotton fabric dyed with volcanic soil, found only in Thailand. Immerse yourself in the vibrant community of Baan Charoen Suk, nestled near the Phra Angkhan Mountain, an ancient volcano.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the city of Nang Rong.

Witness the breathtaking sunrise at the #Nong Ta Mu Reservoir, a vast reservoir in the heart of Nang Rong.

Three ancient temples from the Ayutthaya period

#Wat Klang

#Wat Rong Man Temple

Temple of Khun Kong

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at #AuntieSai's Noodles, a long-standing establishment in Nang Rong renowned for its delectable noodles and sweet treats. Savor the rich flavors of their fish curry, chicken curry, and coconut milk noodles, all infused with the aromatic sweetness of perfectly balanced coconut milk.

Slow Life at #Nangrong Morning Market: A Glimpse into the Charm of Simple Living

The bustling Nangrong Morning Market offers a glimpse into the charm of a slower pace of life. Here, amidst the vibrant stalls and friendly faces, one can experience the simple pleasures of a community rooted in tradition.

Amidst the bustling #ThononKademThonMamod, where vibrant lights illuminate the night.

Buriram is a great place to visit.
You can get beautiful pictures and experience the local way of life.
It's truly unique and amazing.

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Phnom Rung Castle
A sacred temple built of pink sandstone during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
Located on Phnom Rung Hill, Chalerm Phra Kiat District, Buriram Province.
Beautiful with ancient Khmer architecture

It's really grand, beautiful, and magical.
Walking in, it's like being spellbound.
I took hundreds of pictures from here.

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The famous Nārāyaṇa reclining on the ocean lintel

Prasat Muang Tam, Prakon Chai District

This renowned and stunning temple complex boasts a serene atmosphere and is distinguished by the presence of a baray (reservoir) known as "Talay Muang Tam" situated in front.

Dating back to the 16th-17th centuries, Prasat Muang Tam served as a Hindu religious site and showcases the architectural prowess of the ancient Khmer civilization.

Admission fee to Prasat Muang Tam is 20 baht per person.
Please dress modestly, no tank tops or short shorts.

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The Prasat Muang Tam is surrounded by lotus ponds on all four sides.
Personally, I prefer this place to Prasat Phnom Rung.
In terms of scenery, light and shadow, and the angles of the castle,
which are designed to play with different levels, it receives the light beautifully.

Every stone castle has a "baray" or lake nearby. The "baray", or lower city sea, is vast, spacious, and offers beautiful scenery. It provides a space to relax, enjoy the view, and unwind in a truly blissful way.

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Buriram is home to many small stone castles.
We stopped by two more, which are small stone castles called Kuti Rishi or Arokyasala.
According to the information, it is said to be a place for travelers to stay and recover before heading to the Deva Temple of Muang Tum and Phanom Rung.


Prasat Nong Bua Rai

The view is very strange because it is located in the middle of a village where villagers live around it.
It is a passage before going to Prasat Muang Tum.
It is a beautiful kuti sala, another location that we did not stop by.

Hermit's Hut at Ban Khok Mueang

Located near Prasat Muang Tam, the Hermit's Hut at Ban Khok Mueang is believed to have served as a resting place and medical station for travelers visiting Prasat Muang Tam.

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Wat Khao Phra Ngam

A beautiful temple located on Khao Phra Ngam
Another extinct volcano in Buriram
which the locals believe to be very sacred

Around the ordination hall, there are 109 Buddha statues lined up.

In front of the temple, there is a large reclining Buddha statue.
It is a place for people to come and pay their respects.

The #Wat Khao Phra Angkhan temple houses sandstone boundary markers and ancient Buddha statues dating back to the Dvaravati period, which are highly revered by the people of Buriram.

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Visit "Phu Akane Fabric"
at the Charoen Suk Village Community
A community located at the foot of the Phra Angkhan Fire Mountain
Demonstration Center for Dyeing Cotton Fabric #Phu Akane
Cotton fabric dyed with volcanic soil, the only one in Thailand
Supervised by Ms. Somsiri Thamnok
who is the inventor of Phu Akane fabric dyeing

The soil from Khao Phra Angkhan is believed by the locals to be sacred.
When used to dye cotton or silk fabrics, such as scarves and shirts,
it is said to bring good luck to the wearer.

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Naturally dyed cotton fabric, colored with volcanic soil, is both beautiful and soft.
This is a true example of local wisdom that produces such high-quality goods. It would be strange not to spend money on it.

A large scarf purchased from the center costs only 250 baht.

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Nang Rong City Tour

Nong Ta Mu Reservoir

We started our day early and walked to the Nong Ta Mu Reservoir to watch the sunrise. It is about 1 km from the Nang Rong Hotel. The weather was very cool on the day we went, so we walked for exercise and arrived in no time.

The view was beautiful, and the air was fresh. The round sun was reflected in the reservoir, and we got the picture we wanted.

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The quality of life in Nang Rong is truly enviable.
There is an exercise area next to a beautiful lake in the city center.

Grandma Sai's Kanom Jeen

This long-standing Kanom Jeen restaurant in Nang Rong is conveniently located on the roadside, just a short walk from the hotel.

They offer a variety of delicious Kanom Jeen options, including:

• Jungle Curry: A flavorful and aromatic curry with a rich blend of spices.
• Fish Curry: A lighter and more delicate curry with a subtle fish flavor.
• Chicken Curry: A classic and comforting curry with tender chicken pieces.
• Coconut Milk Noodles: A creamy and satisfying noodle dish with a hint of sweetness.

The best of the best are the sweet curries, which are truly delicious.
Whether it's pumpkin curry, banana curry, taro curry, or lotus seeds in coconut milk.

The key to the deliciousness of the dishes is likely the fresh, sweet, and creamy coconut milk used here, which makes every menu item truly irresistible.

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Three Ancient Ayutthaya-Era Temples

Wat Khun Kong
An ancient temple in the city of Nang Rong, built during the reign of King Naresuan the Great and King Ekathotsarot of Ayutthaya. It was constructed by "Khun Kong," a military officer who oversaw the supply train that accompanied the two monarchs on their campaign to subdue the Khmer.

It is believed that this location served as a camp for the troops during that campaign. As a result, statues of soldiers are positioned both in front of the temple and within the ordination hall.

The Middle Temple of Nang Rong

This temple was established approximately 250 years after Wat Rong Man Thet, during the reigns of King Naresuan the Great and King Ekathotsarot, around the year 1693 CE.

Wat Rong Man Thet

Established around 1895, coinciding with the founding of Nang Rong town, Wat Rong Man Thet is renowned for its murals depicting the life of Buddha.

These three temples are located close to each other and cover a small area, so you can visit them all in half a day.

Estimated expenses:

• Bus tickets (Nakhonnayok Air): https://www2.nakhonchaiair.com/
• Bangkok - Buriram round trip: 646 baht
• You can ask the bus driver to drop you off at Nang Rong.

Accommodation: Nang Rong Hotel Budget & Boutique Hotel (https://www.nangronghotel.com/)

• Convenient location for visiting the temples early in the morning.
• Standard double room: 550 baht per night
• Amenities: 32" LCD TV, hot water, and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel is newly renovated, spotless, and offers a comfortable stay.
While breakfast is not included, a mini-bar with coffee and "pa thong ko" (deep-fried dough sticks) is available around the clock.

I did not utilize the hotel's amenities, as I was captivated by the morning market and "khanom jeen" (rice noodles).

Most importantly, the hotel's proximity to the morning market, walking street, shared taxi stand, and 7-Eleven is unparalleled. I could enjoy late-night shopping, followed by an early morning stroll for food and alms-giving at the fresh market with ease.

Getting around:
Visit the stone castles & Khao Phra Ngam
Hire a blue songthaew near the hotel for 800 baht
Travel within the city for 200 baht
Split the cost with 2 friends, it's okay
(Price is negotiable, try bargaining)

Nang Rong only has blue songthaews
Public transportation only runs to major tourist attractions, but if you want to visit smaller spots
outside the city or up the mountain like Khao Phra Ngam
you'll probably need to hire a car or rent a car, like a mandatory flight file.

Next time, we're thinking of driving from Bangkok ourselves
because we just found out that Buriram isn't as far as we thought

There are still many places outside the city that we haven't been to, including Lam Nang Rong Dam
Khao Krado Volcano and many other small stone castles

Driving ourselves would probably be more comprehensive

We'll be back for another RoadTrip review next time

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Google Maps coordinates for visiting the stone castle.
https://is.gd/aR08yI

Google Maps coordinates for sightseeing in downtown Nang Rong
https://is.gd/u5ltM1