Buriram remains an off the beaten path travel destination for foreign travelers despite its growing popularity amongst Thai tourists. What was once a city associated with negative connotations (I remember my Lonely Planet guide from 2006 advising tourist not to waste their time on Buriram), has evolved into an incredible spot for tourists to experience North Eastern culture, while having access to some of the comforts found in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
However, unlike Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Buriram is a city where walking from one place to another is uncommon, unless your destinations are near one another. Although experiencing the city walking is doable, Buriram is designed to be driven in, not necessarily walked. It’s also a city without local buses and regularly running songtaos. Please don’t misunderstand my intentions here, you can walk the main streets easily, however, the city and its amenities are best enjoyed via other modes of transportation.
Here’s a primer on how to do that:
Buriram Map
Maps of Buriram are still relatively difficult to come by. A Google Maps search gives you, at time of writing, an awfully basic map with little information on it, most of it being written in Thai language. Although Buriram is fairly easy to navigate once you’re there, and locals are often happy to assist you, having a map on-hand is a good idea.
Buriram Expats, a local internet cafe meets expat assistance hub, offers the best map I’ve seen of the city. Here’s a copy of it here:
Buriram Expats offers hardcopies at their location in the city and a downloadable and printable version as well.
Map of Buriram Hotels
Knowing where your hotel is located in Buriram before arriving is definitely useful. Additionally, so is having the ability to choose your hotel by neighbourhood. Interactive, online maps of Buriram hotels are available to make this happen.
Directions:
1. Visit Agoda’s Buriram destination page here.
2. Click the large button that reads Check rates for (number) hotels.
3. Click the Show Map icon located in the upper right corner.
Read my detailed guide on Buriram hotel and resorts here.
Taxis, Motorcycle Taxis, Tuk Tuks and Rickshaws
Motorcycle taxis, tuk tuks and richshaws are in abundance in Buriram and are generally concentrated at the bus and train stations, the public hospital and the day and night markets. They also may be found near the Old Taweekit by City Hall, Robinson’s department store, and towards the centre of the city on Romburi Rd. Some offer private service, meaning you may call them on a need for hire basis but you will have to ask upon meeting them. Expect to negotiate rates.
Taxis in Buriram are not yet in abundance – up until early 2012 there were none. They may currently be found at the Buriram bus station, you may also call the following number for service:
Taxi Call Centre
Tel English: 044-613662, 044-613663
Song Taos and Local Buses
There are song taos acting as local buses. They are found at the Buriram bus station. Buriram song taos aren’t recommended as they don’t run as frequently as one may expect they do in cities such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai. If you are interested in taking one however, I recommendation speaking to the drivers directly at the bus station for more information. Please note, it is possible that you may not find a driver that speaks English so if you have someone available to translate, it’s a good idea to bring them with you.
Buriram Car and Motorcycle Rental
It’s possible to rent cars and motorcycles in Buriram for short and long-term use. The following businesses have English speaking staff:
Tel English: +66 (0) 853032392
Tel Thai: +66 (0) 871263202
Email: buriramcarhire@gmail.com
Tel English: +66 (0) 810704750
Email: info@buriramexpats.com
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