First MotoGP in Thailand - Everything you need to know

Get ready, MotoGP is coming to Thailand!

The first ever race in the Land of Smiles will be held on October 5-7, 2018 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. The official race name is the PTT Thailand Grand Prix 2018. Having MotoGP in Thailand is a huge deal for the country’s tourism industry, and for the millions of motorsports fans who live here.

Thailand Grand Prix Buriram

Thailand MotoGP – About the Chang International Circuit

This track in Buriram was designed by German architect Hermann Tilke and opened in 2014. The 12 meter-wide, 4.6 kilometer track features five left corners and seven rights. The longest straightaway is 1000 meters. The track has FIM Grade A and FIA Grade 1 classifications, and hosts both two and four-wheel motorsports events.

Chang International Circuit track details

Those who have spent time in Thailand know that it can be difficult finding infrastructure here built to high Western standards, even in some luxury hotels. Having explored this track last year with press passes, we can confirm that this is a truly world-class facility. Between the VIP boxes, grandstand, and various sidestands, the circuit has a total fan capacity of 100,000.

Thailand MotoGP motorshow pretties models

Buriram travel information for Thailand MotoGP fans

Buriram is the capital city of Buriram Province, and is located 400 km east of Bangkok. The city has an airport (code BFV) that is served by five daily flights by Nok Air and Air Asia out of Bangkok Don Meuang (DMK). There is frequent bus service from Morchit Bus Station, and train service from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok.

Buriram has a number of hotel options and decent places start at just 500 Baht ($15 USD) per night. Nicer business class options are available as well. The Chang International Circuit is a ten minute drive out of the city. There are also a few hotels located at or near the track. The closest is the BRIC Box. The nicest hotel is probably the Amari Buriram United located at the football stadium next to the track. The entrance to the track is around the backside, so even if you’re staying nearby it’s still a long walk in.

Thailand MotoGP fans

Why you should go

MotoGP and other motorsports fans will obviously love this event. Even if it’s not your cup of tea though, you will have a great time here. We went to a race during Songkran (Thai New Year) 2017 and had a blast. We’re not die-hard MotoGP fans but we loved it. Besides the usual excitement of MotoGP events, seeing a race at the Chang International Circuit has its own local flair. Thai sport fans bring horns and drums and have a lot of great cheers.

Buriram is also an exciting and fun-loving city that is being promoted as a sport destination by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The Buriram United football club are perennial contenders in the Thai Premier League.