"Nang Rong, Buriram, Thailand" Nang Rong by Paul_the_Seeker

We visited a friend who lives here. It is not a touristy town by any means, but that is one reason why we liked it. Everything in town is not more than a five-minute drive away (and a not much longer walk). There are a couple small hospitals, a few inns, some great places to eat, a market area, and the usual gas stations (complete with coffee shops) and 7-11. The people are friendly and relaxed. When I was there, I kept thinking how nice it would be to live in such a relaxing environment. The grass always seems greener... well it was brown then: dry season. It would be a nice place to camp out for a while and learn Thai, with maybe a bicycle as the biggest worldly possesion I would desire (they have internet cafes).

One of the main tourist attractions is the ancient Khmer monument, Prasat Phanom Rung, built in the 10th-13th centuries for the Hindu god, Shiva. It is built on the only hill in the area, which is an extinct volcano. The complex faces east, towards Angkor Wat. On four days of the year, sunlight will pass clear through the main structure.

Prasat Muang Tam is another ancient Khmer monument a few kilometers south and is another worthwile visit.

I have many photos of these two places and will post them soon.