Some circuits host a race. MotoGP Thailand at Chang International Circuit hosts an event. There is a difference, and it’s one that becomes clear the moment you arrive in Buriram for race weekend.
The city fills weeks before qualifying. Flights from Bangkok book up months in advance. Its most famous hotel — the Amari, two minutes’ walk from the pit lane — sells out even earlier. In a province that most of the world has never heard of, a world championship motorcycle race draws 100,000 spectators across the weekend, thousands of them from overseas, to watch the fastest motorcycles on the planet navigate 4.554 kilometres of Hermann Tilke-designed tarmac in the flat agricultural heartland of Northeast Thailand.
If you’ve been thinking about attending MotoGP Thailand, this is everything you need to know.
Chang International Circuit
Chang International Circuit is the full name, though most people call it Chang Circuit after the Thai beer brand that sponsors it commercially. Whatever you call it, the facility is extraordinary for where it is.
Designed by Hermann Tilke — the architect behind a significant proportion of the modern Grand Prix calendar — the circuit opened in October 2014. At the time, it became the first FIM Grade A and FIA Grade 1 certified circuit in Thailand. At a cost of THB 2 billion and with a capacity of 100,000 spectators (50,000 in grandstands, 50,000 on the natural berm and open areas), it was built to international specification from the ground up, not retrofitted.
The layout runs to 4.554 kilometres with 12 turns — seven right-handers and five left. It is a technical circuit: the back section has a flowing sequence of medium-speed corners that rewards precision, while the long main straight provides genuine overtaking opportunities under braking into Turn 3. In the dry Buriram heat, tyre management across a race distance is rarely straightforward.
MotoGP first visited in 2018. Almost immediately, it was a success — the Thai crowd took to the sport with an intensity that surprised even experienced paddock observers — 800,000 fans attended across the first four MotoGP events. The contract now runs until at least 2031, and since 2025 MotoGP Thailand has opened the World Championship season, making Buriram the first race of the year.
The Thunder Castle Complex
Chang Circuit does not sit in isolation. In fact, it is the motorsport half of the Thunder Castle complex — one of the most unusual sporting campuses in the world.
Immediately adjacent to the circuit is Chang Arena, home stadium of Buriram United FC, the most successful club in Thai football history. A 32,600-seat stadium, purpose-built and architecturally striking, sitting within a kilometre of the pit lane. On a weekend when neither football nor motorsport is scheduled, the complex is a remarkable thing to look at. On a MotoGP weekend, when both facilities are operational and the Amari hotel between them is at capacity, the scale of what has been built here — in Buriram province, in Isaan — is genuinely astonishing.
The Amari Buriram United hotel completes the picture. Sitting between the stadium and the circuit, it is the only accommodation in the world where you can walk to a MotoGP race and a top-tier football match from the same room.
When Is the MotoGP Thailand Race?
Since 2025, MotoGP Thailand has been the season-opening round of the World Championship — typically held in late February or early March. The 2025 race ran on 2 March; the 2026 race on 1 March.
For those planning ahead: check the official MotoGP calendar at motogp.com for confirmed dates. The season opener slot means the Thailand race is consistently one of the most-anticipated rounds of the year — early season, fresh machinery, no established championship hierarchy. The racing is usually unpredictable.
A sprint race (Saturday) and the full Grand Prix (Sunday) are now standard across all MotoGP rounds. Qualifying runs on Friday and Saturday. If you’re attending for the weekend, Thursday is worth arriving for — pitlane walk and practice sessions begin, and the atmosphere in the paddock and fan zones builds quickly.
MotoGP Thailand: Recent Race History
MotoGP Thailand 2025: Marc Márquez (Ducati Gresini) dominated — pole position, fastest lap, and victory. A statement result from the eight-time world champion in what was the opening round of his tenure with the factory-supported team. Francesco Bagnaia finished third; Ducati occupied the entire podium.
MotoGP Thailand 2026: Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) won from Pedro Acosta (second) and Raúl Fernández (third) — with no Ducati on the podium for the first time since the 2021 British Grand Prix, ending an 88-race consecutive podium streak. A landmark result for Aprilia, and a sign of how quickly the competitive order can shift.
In just two races, Buriram has already produced the kind of moments that circuits take decades to accumulate.
MotoGP Thailand Tickets
Tickets for MotoGP Thailand are sold through the official event website: motogpthailand.com. All tickets are three-day passes covering Friday through Sunday. Tickets are delivered digitally via the official MotoGP app.
Grandstand options:
- Main Grandstand — situated directly opposite the start/finish line and main straight. Prime position for watching riders hit top speed, the race start, and the podium ceremony. The most in-demand grandstand; books out earliest.
- Marquez Grandstand — positioned at the final corner complex, with a clear view of the straight leading into the last turn. Partly covered, which matters in the midday heat.
- Yamaha Grandstand — between Turns 9 and 10, watching riders through one of the more technically demanding sections of the circuit.
- Sidestand Grandstands — access to various designated sections along the back section of the circuit, including the run from Turn 1 to Turn 2 and the approach to the final corner. Flexible positioning, lower price point.
General admission (berm): Access to the large open area on the inside and outside of various corners. No reserved seat — you find your spot, typically on a natural slope or hillside section. The cheapest way to attend and surprisingly good for atmosphere, particularly at the corners where you can get close to the action.
Practical advice: Above all, book as early as possible. The Main Grandstand typically sells out first, followed by the Marquez Grandstand. If the grandstand you want is sold out on motogpthailand.com, MotoGP also sells official ticket packages through tickets.motogp.com — pricing is higher but availability sometimes persists when the official site is sold out.
Where to Stay
Accommodation for MotoGP weekend follows a simple rule: book early or accept a significant compromise.
Amari Buriram United
The obvious choice, and for good reason. Amari Buriram United sits within the Thunder Castle complex — Chang Circuit is approximately one kilometre from the hotel entrance, and Chang Arena is two minutes on foot. On race weekend, you walk to the circuit, walk back, and never need to think about transport. Post-race, you’re already home while the rest of the crowd queues for taxis.
In terms of facilities and service, it’s standard Amari — a step above the typical Thai provincial hotel. On MotoGP weekend, the atmosphere in the complex is unlike anything else in the region.
However, the trade-off: it sells out months in advance for race weekends, and prices during MotoGP are significantly higher than standard rates. If you’re planning to stay here, booking the moment race dates are announced is not an exaggeration.
Check availability at Amari Buriram United →
City Centre Hotels
If the Amari is sold out or over budget, Buriram city centre is approximately 4 kilometres from Chang Circuit. Mid-range options — Crystal Hotel, Fortune Hotel, Buritel — are well-reviewed, comfortable, and considerably cheaper than Amari rates. The trade-off is the need to sort transport to the circuit, which on race day requires planning.
That said, on MotoGP weekend, city centre hotels also fill quickly. Budget around 1,000–2,500 baht per night for mid-range, but expect premium pricing during race weekend across all categories.
Search all Buriram accommodation on Agoda →
Don Mueang Night Before
If you’re flying in from Bangkok, the Amari Don Mueang is connected directly to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) by a covered walkway — useful for an early morning flight to Buriram the day before the race. See our full accommodation guide for more detail on both Amari properties.
For a full breakdown of Buriram accommodation options across all budgets, see our Where to Stay in Buriram guide.
Getting to Buriram
By air is the practical choice for most international and Bangkok-based visitors. Thai AirAsia operates direct flights from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Buriram Airport (BFV) — approximately one hour. Services run around 14 times per week normally; additional capacity is added for MotoGP weekend.
Search AirAsia flights from Bangkok to Buriram →
By train from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal takes approximately seven hours and is an excellent option for those who want a more scenic, relaxed journey. First-class sleeper overnight is comfortable; book through 12go.asia or the State Railway of Thailand directly.
For the complete breakdown of all transport options — bus, car, train, and flying — see our Getting to Buriram transport guide.
Getting to the Circuit
Chang Circuit sits approximately 4 kilometres southwest of Buriram city centre. If you’re staying at the Amari, you walk. If you’re in the city, you need transport.
On race day, songthaews (covered pickup trucks operating as shared taxis) typically run informal shuttle routes to the circuit from the city centre — cheap and effective, though they fill quickly in the hours before the race. Agree a fare before you get in.
Taxis are available but not metered. On race weekend, demand significantly exceeds supply in the hours before racing. Agree a fare in advance; 80–150 baht from the city centre is a reasonable range for a normal journey, though prices rise on race day. Booking transport back after the race is harder than getting there — plan accordingly.
Hired car: if you’re exploring the province for several days around the race — Phanom Rung, the city, the wider countryside — hiring a car on arrival gives you flexibility that songthaews can’t. See Getting to Buriram for car hire options.
On Race Day — What to Expect
Weather in late February/early March: Buriram is in the dry season. Expect temperatures of 30–35°C by midday with direct sun. Cloud cover is limited. This is not a race in European conditions.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen — essential, not optional
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water (you can bring sealed bottles into the circuit; the queues at circuit vendors on race day can be long)
- Earplugs — even at distance, MotoGP bikes at full throttle are loud. At the grandstands, they are very loud.
- Comfortable shoes — the general admission areas involve walking across uneven ground
- Small bag or daypack — for water, sunscreen, camera
Fan zones and facilities: The circuit has an official fan zone with merchandise, food vendors, and screens. The fan shop sells official MotoGP and team merchandise. Arrive early for the best selection.
Connectivity: Mobile coverage at the circuit is good in normal conditions. On race weekend, with 100,000 people in a small area, networks become congested. A local SIM or eSIM loaded with Thai data (we recommend Airalo for the AIS network) helps with coverage during busy periods. Don’t rely on data for critical communications at peak times.
Travel insurance: Sort this before you leave home. You’re travelling internationally, attending a high-energy event in 35°C heat, and potentially hiring a car to explore the province. Making sure you have cover for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage is straightforward — and a lot easier to arrange before you’re at the airport.
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Beyond the Race
Buriram repays time beyond the circuit. A few options worth building around race weekend:
Phanom Rung — a Khmer temple complex built on the summit of an extinct volcano, approximately 80 kilometres from the city. One of the finest examples of Khmer architecture outside Cambodia, and almost entirely devoid of the crowds that make Angkor Wat difficult to enjoy. If you have a day either side of the race, this is worth the drive. Read our complete Phanom Rung guide.
Buriram United FC — if your timing allows for a Thai league match at Chang Arena, the football experience is genuinely enjoyable: cheap tickets, passionate Thai fans, and a stadium that genuinely creates atmosphere. See our guide to Buriram United.
The city itself — Buriram is a small, manageable Thai provincial city with good food, a relaxed pace, and none of the tourist infrastructure that homogenises bigger Thai destinations. The night market, the local restaurants along the main roads, and the general texture of Isaan daily life are worth an evening or two.
Summary
| Circuit | Chang International Circuit, Buriram |
| Length | 4.554km, 12 turns |
| Capacity | 100,000 (50,000 grandstand + 50,000 berm) |
| Race slot | Season opener — late February / early March |
| MotoGP contract | Until at least 2031 |
| Nearest airport | Buriram BFV — AirAsia direct from Bangkok DMK |
| Best hotel | Amari Buriram United — book months in advance |
| Tickets | motogpthailand.com — book early, Main Grandstand sells first |
| Weather on race day | 30–35°C, dry season, full sun |
For getting to Buriram, see our complete transport guide. For accommodation across all budgets, see our Where to Stay guide. For football at Chang Arena, see our Buriram United guide.
Photo credits: Featured image — Marc Márquez, Chang International Circuit, 2019. Race action — Dani Pedrosa leads the group, Chang International Circuit, 2018. Both: Box Repsol / Jaime Olivares, CC BY 2.0.