Buriram International Circuit (Chang IP) - Map, Layout & Upcoming Events | MotorSportRadar

Buriram International Circuit (Chang IP)

Buriram International Circuit (Chang IP)

Location:

Buriram, Thailand

Local Weather & Time


Track Info

Buriram International Circuit (Chang International Circuit) - Buriram, Thailand

Modern Grand Prix venue by Hermann Tilke - clockwise - 4.554 km with 12 turns, two long drags and heavy-brake overtakes bookending a fast middle sector

First Race
4 Oct 2014
Opened with Super GT’s inaugural Thai round the same weekend.
Circuit Length
4.554 km / 2.830 mi
Grand Prix layout used by MotoGP, WorldSBK, Super GT and Asian Le Mans.
Turns
12
Characterized by long straights into tight hairpins plus a flowing infield.
MotoGP Benchmarks
Pole 1:28.700 - F. Bagnaia (2024) • Race lap 1:30.896 - J. Martín (2023)
Official series records for the Thai GP at Buriram. 2025 winner: Marc Márquez.
FIA/FIM Status
FIA Grade 1 • FIM Grade A
Thailand’s first FIA Grade 1 circuit, enabling top single-seater and bike events.
Capacity
~100,000
Multiple permanent grandstands around the bowl-style venue.

When was the track built?

Conceived to anchor Thailand’s international motorsport ambitions, the circuit broke ground in the early 2010s and officially opened on 4 October 2014. It immediately attracted premier series thanks to modern safety, wide viewing and simple, high-speed geometry that suits both bikes and GTs.

When was its first race?

The venue’s first race weekend hosted Super GT in October 2014, drawing big crowds and setting the template for annual international events, including WorldSBK from 2015 and the Thai Grand Prix for MotoGP from 2018 onward.

What's the circuit like?

  • Power into patience: The lap opens with a long full-throttle blast into a tight T3 hairpin, then again hammers down to T4. These are the marquee pass zones before the rhythm changes through the faster infield.
  • Flowing middle sector: Linked right-left arcs reward a planted front end and clean traction, especially for GT3 and prototypes in hot conditions.
  • Spectator friendly: Grandstands ring much of the lap, so you can follow duels from braking to exit without moving far. Capacity is cited around 100,000.
  • Benchmark pace: MotoGP pole 1:28.700 and race-lap 1:30.896 set the bike ceiling; GT3 references sit in the low 1:33–1:34s depending on series and BoP.

Lap records and benchmarks (by series)

  • MotoGP - pole: 1:28.700 - Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati, 2024. Race lap: 1:30.896 - Jorge Martín, Ducati, 2023. 2025 GP winner: Marc Márquez.
  • Super GT GT500 - race lap: 1:24.977 - Yuhi Sekiguchi, Lexus LC500, 2018.
  • Asian Le Mans LMP2 - race lap: 1:23.848 - Nick Cassidy, Ligier JS P217, 2020.
  • WorldSBK - race lap: 1:32.724 - Álvaro Bautista, Ducati V4 R, 2019.
  • GT World Challenge Asia - reference: 1:33.698 GT3 lap record listed by the series.

Why go?

Buriram pairs huge overtaking zones with grandstands that keep you close to the action. MotoGP brings capacity crowds and late-brake heroics into T3 and T4, while WorldSBK, Super GT and GT World Challenge Asia deliver slipstream fights and tyre-strategy swings in Thailand’s heat.

Where's the best place to watch?

  • Main straight to T1: Starts, pit work and the run into the first big stop. Great for sprints and photo finishes.
  • T3 hairpin grandstands: Deep braking after the longest acceleration zone on the lap – prime for divebombs and cutbacks.
  • Infield S-section: See who keeps momentum through the flowing middle as tyres go away late in the stint.

Not just one series - headline events at Buriram

MotoGP - Thai GP: A modern calendar highlight with record crowds and multiple title-shaping races since 2018.

WorldSBK: Staple since 2015, showcasing multiple race formats and close elbows-out action down to T3.

Asian Le Mans Series: The 4 Hours of Buriram brought multi-class prototypes and GT3s with sub-1:24 LMP2 laps.

Super GT & GT World Challenge Asia: Japan’s GT500/GT300 once lit up Buriram, and today Asia’s top GT3 sprint series keeps the grid stacked.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Buriram International Circuit (Chang International Circuit) - Buriram, Thailand

Best options are bus - train from Bangkok to Buriram then taxi - songthaew to the circuit, domestic flight to Buriram Airport then 40 km taxi, and driving via Routes 2 - 24 - 218 to signed parking zones. Event shuttles and farm-truck circulators run on MotoGP weekend.

Address
444 Moo 15, Tambon Isan, Mueang Buri Ram District, Buri Ram 31000
Commonly listed circuit address for navigation and taxis.
Nearest rail
Buri Ram Station
All Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani line services stop at Buri Ram Station.
Airport
Buri Ram Airport BFV ~40 km
Approximate road distance - 30 - 45 minute taxi to the circuit.
Event shuttles
On-site shuttle - farm trucks
MotoGP weekend circulators move fans between lots and gates.
Parking
Large free lots on headline events
Parking areas for cars - motorcycles are opened around the circuit during MotoGP.

Public transport - Bangkok to Buriram by bus - train, then short taxi

  • Bus from Bangkok: Frequent services from Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal to Buriram, typically around 6 hours.
  • Train: State Railway services on the Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani corridor stop at Buri Ram Station. From the station take a taxi - local ride to the circuit.
  • From Buri Ram city: Local taxis - moto taxis connect the bus terminal and railway station to the circuit area.

Driving - straightforward via Routes 2 - 24 - 218

  • From Bangkok: Route 1 Phahonyothin → Route 2 Mittraphap → merge Route 224 → follow Route 24 through Nong Ki - Nang Rong → exit left onto Route 218 to Buriram City and circuit signs. Trip about 6 hours for 410 km.
  • City approach: From Buriram center, follow signs toward Highway 2078 - Tambon Isan to the circuit precinct shared with the football stadium.

Parking - large signed areas around the venue

  • General parking: Free public lots for cars and motorcycles are opened on major events - arrive early for bays closest to the gates.
  • Internal shuttles: On MotoGP weekend the farm-truck shuttle moves fans between parking, grandstands and entrances.

Flights - Buriram or Bangkok then onward

  • Buriram Airport BFV: around 30 - 45 minutes by taxi to the circuit depending on traffic.
  • Bangkok options: Fly DMK → BFV, or travel by bus from Mo Chit 2 if you prefer overland.

Taxis and set downs

  • Set destination: Chang International Circuit, 444 Moo 15, Tambon Isan, Buriram 31000. Staff direct drop off - pick up to active gates on event days.
  • From Buri Ram Station - Bus Terminal: Typical road time to the circuit is around 10 - 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Walking from car parks - shuttles

  • From public lots: Expect 5 - 20 minute stewarded walks to grandstands. The farm-truck shuttle reduces walking distances on headline weekends.

About the venue - quick context

  • Grand Prix circuit 4.554 km - 12 turns: Thailand’s first FIA Grade 1 - FIM Grade A facility, opened 2014.

Quick guide - what is nearest

  • From Bangkok: bus from Mo Chit 2 or train to Buri Ram Station, then taxi to the circuit.
  • Fly: BFV is about 40 km from the circuit - easiest transfer is taxi.
  • Parking: free public lots on major events, with on-site shuttles.

Nearby Activities

Things to do around Buriram International Circuit - Chang International Circuit - Buriram (Thailand)

Whether you are here for MotoGP Thailand, WorldSBK, Thailand Super Series, Asian Le Mans tests, national bike - car festivals or a trackday, the modern circuit sits on Buriram’s sports campus with temples, crater parks and lively Isan food culture close by for non race days.

Motorsport at Buriram
MotoGP - WorldSBK - GT - Touring - National series - Trackdays
Hermann Tilke designed 4.55 km layout opened 2014 with big grandstands and excellent sightlines. Regular fan zones and evening programs on headline weekends.
Typical peak window
October - March
Cooler, drier months suit long days at the track. April - May are hottest. May - October brings tropical afternoon showers.
Nearby hubs
Buriram City - Khao Kradong - Phanom Rung
The sports complex includes Chang Arena football stadium and Buriram Castle lifestyle village next to the circuit.
Event impact
Festival scale weekends
MotoGP and WorldSBK bring concerts, markets and late shows. Hotels and city restaurants fill Thursday - Sunday.

Family friendly highlights on site and nearby

  • Buriram Castle: Open air shopping - dining village with a Khmer themed gate, fountains and nightly food stalls. Ideal for post qualifying dinners.
  • Chang Arena - Thunder Castle: Buriram United’s home ground. On non match days, look for stadium tours or team stores for souvenirs.
  • Khao Kradong Forest Park: Short stair climbs to a hilltop Buddha, crater rim viewpoints and a photogenic skywalk. Cooler in early mornings.
  • City Night Markets: Rot Fai style evening markets and Walking Street pop ups with smoothies, grilled skewers and games for kids.
  • Play La Ploen Flora Park: Flower gardens, shaded paths and seasonal exhibits in Lam Plai Mat district - a gentle half day with children.
  • Local karting and fun rides: Temporary fairground rides and pop up kart loops sometimes operate around big race weeks near the sports campus.

Popular family venues use peak pricing or timed entry on headline weekends. Early slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.

Culture hits and rainy day winners

  • Phanom Rung Historical Park: Spectacular restored Khmer temple on an extinct volcano with wide views. Sunrise - sunset are magical. On a few dates each year, the sun aligns through all 15 doorways.
  • Prasat Muang Tam: Tranquil Khmer sanctuary with lotus ponds a short drive from Phanom Rung - great paired visit.
  • Buriram City Pillar Shrine: Ornate shrine near the old town for a quick cultural stop between meals.
  • Local weaving villages: Look for silk and cotton weaving demonstrations and small co ops around the province for textiles and scarves.
  • Museums and cafés: Compact city museums and air conditioned cafés around Jira Road and the station district work well if showers pass through.

Eat and drink like a local

  • Isan staples: Gai yang grilled chicken, sticky rice, som tam papaya salad, larb, nam tok and hot pot style moo kata are everywhere and kid friendly if you dial down the spice.
  • Noodles and rice dishes: Khao man gai chicken rice, boat noodles and tom saap sour - spicy soup for quick paddock lunches.
  • Buriram Castle - campus dining: Dozens of casual spots around the circuit and stadium open late on race weeks.
  • Sweet stops: Coconut ice cream, roti pancakes and mango sticky rice make perfect post session treats.
  • Drinks: Iced Thai tea, lime sodas and fresh fruit shakes help with the heat. If you sample local beer or rice whisky, designate a driver.
  • Race week tip: Reserve Friday - Saturday dinners near the sports campus and in the old town. Street vendors extend hours but sit down spots fill quickly.

Active outdoors between sessions

  • Khao Kradong crater loop: Short shaded trails and stairways around the rim for sunrise - early morning workouts.
  • Huai Talat - wetlands: Birdwatching boardwalks on calm mornings just outside the city.
  • Campus jogs: Wide pavements link the circuit, stadium and Buriram Castle for safe dawn - dusk runs.
  • Reservoir paddles: Small lakes around the province offer casual kayak - SUP rentals on select weekends.
  • Massage - spa reset: Thai massage shops in town or at hotels for a quick recovery between practice and qualifying.

Easy day trips if you are extending your stay

  • Phanom Rung - Muang Tam combo - 60 to 90 minutes. The signature heritage loop of the province with great photo stops.
  • Surin weaving - elephant heritage - 90 to 120 minutes. Silk villages and cultural shows on select dates if you add time eastward.
  • Korat - Phimai Historical Park - 90 to 120 minutes. Another superb Khmer temple complex amid a quiet town.
  • Khao Yai edge towns - 2.5 to 3 hours. Cooler highlands, short waterfalls and vineyard cafés if you are road tripping onward to Bangkok.
  • Ubon Ratchathani - 3 to 4 hours. Temples, riverfront and candle festival timing if you plan a longer Isan loop.

Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Some heritage sites use dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs near sunset.

When to go and what to expect

  • Peak motorsport - Late year MotoGP typically lands during the cooler season, with WorldSBK in the shoulder months. National series and festivals run most of the year. Hotels near the sports campus and in the city fill Thursday - Sunday.
  • Weather - Tropical savanna. Expect heat and humidity, with fast moving afternoon showers in the wet season. Pack breathable clothing, sunscreen, a hat and a light rain shell. Evenings are warm but breezier on the grandstands.
  • Festivals - Songkran mid April brings water celebrations across town. Local football fixtures at Chang Arena can add crowds and fireworks to race weeks.

Practical notes during race weeks

  • On site operations: Public experiences, tours and karting may pause or switch to special hours on headline weekends. Check the weekly schedule.
  • Ground and shade: Long, open walks around the bowl style grandstands. A small folding chair or blanket and refillable bottles help on hot days.
  • Dress code - temples: Shoulders and knees covered for shrine and historical park visits. Carry a light scarf or wrap.
  • Cash - cards: Cards are common in malls and hotels, but many night market vendors prefer cash or QR wallets.
  • Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, insect repellent for dusk, a compact umbrella and lightweight shoes that dry quickly.

Opening hours, seasonal programs, temple - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.

Hotels & Accommodation

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