Buri Ram Columnar Basalt
Located in Tambon Sadao within Nang Rong district of Buriram province, this natural geological site features columnar basalt formations — distinctive hexagonal rock columns created through the slow cooling of volcanic lava over millions of years. Despite its categorisation under Temples and Culture, the site draws visitors primarily for its rare geological character, which is uncommon in this part of Thailand and offers a compelling contrast to the region's more typical temple and rice field scenery. Visitors can expect an open-air setting with the basalt columns arranged in natural clusters, providing an atmospheric and photogenic environment that rewards those willing to make the journey into rural Buriram. The site has a quiet, unhurried feel typical of off-the-beaten-path destinations in Isan, and the surrounding countryside adds to its sense of remoteness and discovery. Good to know: the site has no listed opening hours or website, so visiting during daylight hours is advisable. As this is a rural location with a long-form coordinate address rather than a street address, travellers should save the Google Maps coordinates before heading out, as signage in the area may be limited. The dry season, roughly November to February, generally offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring outdoor sites in Buriram province. There are no reported entry fees, but facilities on-site are likely minimal, so bringing water and sun protection is recommended.
Book tours & tickets in Buriram
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Buri Ram Columnar Basalt — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Buri Ram Columnar Basalt, round out your day in Buriram with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Buriram

Chang Arena
A modern football stadium in Buriram that doubles as a landmark attraction for sports fans and curious visitors.

ตรี คาเฟ่ แอนด์ เรสเตอรองต์
A well-regarded mid-range café and restaurant in Nang Rong serving food daily from morning to early evening.

Robinson Burirum
A popular shopping centre in Buriram open daily, offering a convenient retail experience for locals and visitors alike.

Khao Kradong Forest Park
A scenic forest park built on an extinct volcano, featuring hiking trails and a hilltop Buddha statue.
Buri Ram Columnar Basalt: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buri Ram Columnar Basalt worth visiting?
Buri Ram Columnar Basalt holds a 4.3★ rating from 103 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Buriram.
When is the best time to visit Buri Ram Columnar Basalt?
The best months to visit Buriram are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in MotoGP weekend & Phanom Rung Festival (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April (peak heat).
Where is Buri Ram Columnar Basalt located?
Buri Ram Columnar Basalt is at HRM4+5H5 บ้านโคกมะค่าโหรน, Tambon Sadao, Amphoe Nang Rong, Chang Wat Buri Ram 31110, Thailand, in Buriram. Getting around Buriram: Grab and local taxis in Buriram city; Hired car or driver for the temple circuit (Phanom Rung + Mueang Tam).
Location Info
HRM4+5H5 บ้านโคกมะค่าโหรน, Tambon Sadao, Amphoe Nang Rong, Chang Wat Buri Ram 31110, Thailand+66 94 502 0781Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 35°C(72°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: MotoGP weekend & Phanom Rung Festival (April)
Getting there
Direct flights from Bangkok reach Buriram airport in about an hour; trains on the Ubon line take 5–6 hours and buses about 5. For Phanom Rung, the base town is Nang Rong, an hour south of the city on the Korat–Ubon highway.
Getting around
- •Grab and local taxis in Buriram city
- •Hired car or driver for the temple circuit (Phanom Rung + Mueang Tam)
- •Motorbike rental in Nang Rong (฿250/day) for the temples
Where to stay near Buri Ram Columnar Basalt
Find hotels in Buriram on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A towering all-wood monument in Pattaya, hand-carved without nails and still under construction after decades.
Where to stay near Buri Ram Columnar Basalt
Find hotels in Buriram on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 35°C(72°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: MotoGP weekend & Phanom Rung Festival (April)
Getting there
Direct flights from Bangkok reach Buriram airport in about an hour; trains on the Ubon line take 5–6 hours and buses about 5. For Phanom Rung, the base town is Nang Rong, an hour south of the city on the Korat–Ubon highway.
Getting around
- •Grab and local taxis in Buriram city
- •Hired car or driver for the temple circuit (Phanom Rung + Mueang Tam)
- •Motorbike rental in Nang Rong (฿250/day) for the temples