Must see cultural gem
Photo: Prasat Hin Phanom Rung in Buri Ram
Buri Ram, one of Thailand’s cultural gems, was recently named as one of Asia’s must-see sights in a poll by travel website Agoda.com in its annual Fresh Destinations list, which ranks up and coming holiday spots across Asia.
Burri Ram was singled out for the spectacular 10th century Khmer temple of Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, which was described as “one of the best preserved temples of its kind in the world.” Prasat Hin Phanom Rung was trending with travellers thanks to its low visitor numbers and photo-friendly location on top of an extinct volcano.
Agoda.com also recommended seeing Buri Ram’s long-boat races that take place every November.
Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said: “It’s great news that tourists are discovering the delights of Buri Ram. This lovely province boasts some of the best preserved Khmer temples in the region. The stunning buildings of Phanom Rung are usually not crowded, so visitors feel they have the place for themselves to enjoy. There are also stunning natural wonders in Buri Ram and fiery Isan cuisine to enjoy.”
The Fresh Destination list has been published since 2011 and is put together based on data from travel trends. To be considered for this year’s list, a destination needed to have fewer than 70 properties and be at the top of the booking trends and Agoda customer ratings for 2014.
Chosen destinations also had to meet the strict standards of Agoda’s editorial team. The eight destinations that made the list were those that saw a notable jump in bookings by travellers seeking new and unique experiences.
Buri Ram was listed alongside destinations; such as, Taiwan’s Penghu Island, Chitwan National Park in Nepal, the temples of Mount Emei in China and Japan’s Yufuin hot springs. Offering services in 38 languages, Agoda.com is Asia’s leading hotel booking site and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group Nasdaq:PCLN).