Chang International Circuit is not the most famous racing venue in Asia. There are circuits with longer histories, richer traditions, more famous corners. But no other circuit was built from scratch in 422 days, in a province that most international visitors couldn’t find on a map, by a man whose primary motivation was to prove what Buriram was capable of.
Chang International Circuit opened in October 2014. Within four years it was hosting MotoGP. Within a decade it had become the season opener for the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship, attracting over 200,000 fans across a single race weekend. That trajectory is, by any measure, remarkable.
The Circuit
Chang International Circuit sits approximately 10 kilometres south of Buriram city, adjacent to Chang Arena — the home of Buriram United FC, known to its supporters as the Thunder Castle. Together the circuit and the stadium form one of the most significant sporting complexes anywhere in provincial Southeast Asia.
The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, the German architect responsible for more FIA Grade 1 circuits than anyone else alive — Sepang, Istanbul Park, Circuit of the Americas, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and many others all bear his fingerprints. His design for Buriram is 4.554 kilometres long, with 12 corners (seven right-hand, five left-hand) and a main straight of 1,000 metres. It holds FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A certification — the highest classifications available — and a total capacity of 100,000 spectators, split between a main grandstand and open viewing berms.
The man behind it is Newin Chidchob, local politician, founder of Buriram United FC, and arguably the single most influential figure in Buriram’s modern story. When the project began in March 2013, the 422-day construction timeline was widely considered impossible. It was not. The total cost was approximately 2 billion Thai Baht.
Events at Chang International Circuit
MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix
The headline event, and the one that put Chang International Circuit on the international map.
MotoGP first came to Buriram in 2018 — the first MotoGP race ever held in Thailand — and immediately attracted 220,000 fans across the race weekend. The event has grown from there. From 2025, the Thai Grand Prix became the season opener, meaning Buriram is where the MotoGP world championship begins each year. The contract runs through at least 2031.
Race weekend spans three days: Friday free practice, Saturday qualifying and sprint race, Sunday the Grand Prix itself. The circuit layout rewards overtaking — the long main straight into the tight Turn 3 hairpin is one of the most productive overtaking points on the entire calendar.
One detail worth knowing: the Somkiat Chantra Grandstand is named after Thailand’s own MotoGP rider from the Buriram and Surin area — a local connection that gives the race weekend a dimension you don’t get at most international circuits. On race day, the Thai national enthusiasm for their home rider makes for an atmosphere unlike anything on the European rounds of the calendar.
For the full guide to attending MotoGP Thailand — tickets, hotels, race day logistics — see our dedicated MotoGP Thailand guide.
MotoGP typically takes place in March. Always verify current dates at the official event site before booking: motogpthailand.com
FIM Asia Road Racing Championship
The Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) is Asia’s premier regional motorcycle road racing series — a level below MotoGP in global profile, but producing fast, competitive racing across multiple classes: Asia Superbike 1000cc, Supersport 600cc and Asia Production 250cc. Chang International Circuit is one of the championship’s regular venues, typically hosting a round in May.
In 2026, Round 2 of the ARRC is scheduled for 8–10 May at Chang Circuit. It is an underappreciated event — genuinely quick racing, accessible tickets, and an atmosphere quite different from a MotoGP weekend. The championship serves as a development pathway for Southeast Asian riders with ambitions toward the world stage.
The calendar changes year to year. Always verify current dates and tickets at the official championship website: asiaroadracing.com
World Superbike Championship
The Superbike World Championship (WSBK) was held at Chang Circuit from 2015 to 2019, giving the circuit back-to-back international motorcycle racing weekends in its early years. The Thailand Round became a fixture of the WSBK calendar during that period and drew large crowds, particularly for the local support from Thai fans.
WSBK has not been on the Chang Circuit calendar in recent years, but the circuit holds the grade and the relationship that would make a return straightforward. It is worth checking the current WSBK schedule if you are a Superbike fan planning a visit to Buriram.
Asian Le Mans Series — 4 Hours of Buriram
The 4 Hours of Buriram featured on the Asian Le Mans Series calendar during the mid-to-late 2010s, bringing LMP prototype and GT machinery to the circuit in endurance format. The event was well-received, offering a different kind of motorsport spectacle from the pure motorcycle events — multiple classes on track simultaneously, night driving elements, and the strategic dimension that endurance racing adds.
The 4 Hours of Buriram is not currently confirmed on the Asian Le Mans calendar, but the circuit’s credentials for endurance racing are established. Check the Asian Le Mans Series website for the current season schedule.
Thailand Super Series and GT Racing
The Thailand Super Series is the country’s premier domestic motorsport championship, featuring GT3, GT4 and touring car classes. Chang International Circuit hosts multiple rounds of the TSS calendar each year, and these events — while lower-profile than the international weekends — offer a very different atmosphere: local fans, local drivers, local rivalries, and significantly easier access on the day.
GT World Challenge Asia has also held rounds at Chang Circuit, bringing international GT3 competition to Buriram alongside the domestic series.
If you happen to be in Buriram during a Thailand Super Series weekend, it is worth going. Tickets are cheap, the racing is close, and the circuit is never quieter or more relaxed as a venue.
Nexzter BRIC Superbike Championship
The Nexzter BRIC Superbike Championship is Thailand’s premier domestic motorcycle road racing series, and Chang International Circuit is its home. Multiple rounds are held at the circuit throughout the year — in 2026, rounds are scheduled across the season with summer dates in June among them. The championship produces Thailand’s top motorcycle road racing talent, with podium finishers regularly stepping up to regional competition including the ARRC.
For a closer atmosphere than the major international events — standing near the barriers, watching fast bikes on a nearly empty circuit — a BRIC Superbike round is worth attending if you are in the area. Tickets are inexpensive, the paddock is accessible, and the racing is competitive.
Current schedule and championship information: bricsuperbike.com
Buriram Marathon
The Buriram Marathon is one of the most remarkable events to use Chang International Circuit — and arguably the most accessible for visitors who are not motorsport fans.
Held annually in late January, the race starts and finishes at the circuit. The Fun Run category covers exactly 4.554 kilometres — a single lap of the track. The race is a World Athletics Gold Label event, the top tier of international road running certification, with IAAF-AIMS Grade A certified courses. It draws serious marathon runners from across Southeast Asia and beyond.
The race runs at night — beginning in the evening during Thailand’s cool dry season, with temperatures around 19–25°C. It is one of the most comfortable marathon conditions in Southeast Asia and a significant part of the event’s appeal.
Race categories:
- Full Marathon — 42.195 km
- Half Marathon — 21.1 km
- Mini Marathon — 10 km
- Fun Run — 4.554 km (one lap of the circuit)
Registration opens months in advance and sells out. If a Buriram visit in January is possible, the marathon makes an excellent organising principle for the trip. Full details in our Buriram Marathon guide, or go direct to burirammarathon.com to register.
Track Days, Drag Racing and Regular Events
Chang Circuit is not solely a race weekend venue. The BRIC Track Day programme runs throughout the year, offering limited sessions for motorcycle riders to experience the circuit on a non-race weekend. Spaces are limited and registration is online only — see bricsuperbike.com for the current schedule.
Beyond the organised track days, NGO Racing Thailand and similar promoters run motorcycle drag racing events at the circuit on a periodic basis. These are a different proposition entirely from the international race weekends — fast, informal, loud, and very Thai. If you have seen footage of these online, you will know the atmosphere. Events are typically weekend evenings and are worth tracking down if you are in the area with a taste for grassroots Thai motorsport.
Scheduling for these events is not always published far in advance. The best sources for current information are the official Chang Circuit Facebook page (Chang Circuit Official) and the circuit’s website at bric.co.th. Check before you travel if you want to attend something specific.
Attending an Event — What to Know
Tickets for MotoGP are available through motogpthailand.com/en/tickets. General admission (standing/berm) starts from around 2,000–3,000 THB for a race day ticket; grandstand seats command a premium. Three-day passes are available and represent better value if you are attending the full weekend. Book early — the grandstands closest to the main straight sell out months in advance, and prices increase as the event approaches.
What to bring: Sun protection and water are non-negotiable — race weekends in March can see temperatures of 34–36°C at the circuit. Ear protection is worth having for the grandstands during MotoGP sessions. The circuit has food stalls, fan zones, merchandise areas and screens throughout.
Getting around on race day: The circuit roads are well-managed for large events, but the final kilometre or two will be slow on race day regardless. Build extra time into your arrival plan. Most hotels within the complex have direct walking access, which removes this problem entirely.
Getting to Chang International Circuit
The circuit is 10 kilometres from Buriram city centre — a 15–20 minute drive. There is no regular public transport on non-event days.
By hire car: The most practical option for independent visitors, particularly if combining the circuit with temple visits or provincial exploration. Compare car hire rates for Buriram →
By taxi or Grab: Around 200 THB from Buriram city centre on a normal day; expect surge pricing on race day. Grab is available in Buriram.
On MotoGP race weekend: A dedicated shuttle bus (P3 service) runs between Buriram Bus Terminal and the circuit during the event. This is the simplest option if you are staying in the city.
From Bangkok: Buriram is 400+ kilometres northeast. The quickest route is to fly — AirAsia operates direct flights from Don Mueang Airport to Buriram, typically 14 or more times per week. Book AirAsia flights to Buriram →
Alternatively, trains and overnight buses run from Bangkok to Buriram, taking 5–7 hours. Find and book trains and buses to Buriram at 12Go →
For the full picture on getting to Buriram by every route, see our complete transport guide.
Where to Stay
Two hotels sit within the Chang Arena and circuit complex, within walking distance of the track. For any motorsport event, these are the obvious choices — and they sell out far in advance of MotoGP weekend.
BRIC Box is the purpose-built motorsport hotel: 80 rooms, all with private balconies overlooking Chang International Circuit. On race weekend, you watch the sessions from your balcony and walk to the circuit in minutes. Included parking.
- Purpose-built motorsport hotel inside the complex
- All 80 rooms have a private balcony overlooking the track
- Walk to the circuit in minutes; parking included
- Sells out months in advance for MotoGP
- Check availability as soon as race dates are announced
Amari Buriram United is the older, football-themed sister hotel within the same complex — two minutes’ walk from Chang Arena, slightly further from the circuit but still entirely walkable. Pool, sports bar, Amari-standard facilities. Check availability at Amari Buriram United →
Both sell out months in advance for MotoGP. If you are planning to attend the Grand Prix, check availability the moment the race dates are announced.
For visitors staying in Buriram city rather than the complex, Modena by Fraser is the best all-round option — pool, gym, kitchenette, centrally located near the Thunder Castle area. Check availability at Modena by Fraser →
Search all available hotels in Buriram →
For a full breakdown of every accommodation option in and around Buriram, see our complete guide to where to stay in Buriram.
For a dedicated guide to every accommodation option specifically for MotoGP weekend, see our MotoGP Thailand hotels guide.
Before You Go
Mobile coverage at the circuit is generally good, but rural roads between Buriram and the circuit can be patchy. An eSIM loaded before you travel removes any navigation uncertainty: Get a Thailand eSIM from Airalo →
Travel insurance is worth sorting before any international motorsport trip — large crowds, high temperatures, riding hire motorbikes on Thai roads, the usual considerations. World Nomads covers over 150 adventure activities including motorsport spectating, emergency medical, trip cancellation and more. For flexible monthly cover, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is popular with longer-stay visitors across Southeast Asia.
Feature image: Box Repsol / Jaime Olivares, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Circuit map: Gpmat, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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