🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Plenty of people don't realise Buriram has a volcano at all, let alone one this close to town. Khao Kradong went extinct long ago, but the crater still keeps a clear shape. Geologists rank it among the best-preserved and youngest volcanoes in Thailand. These days it serves triple duty: a place to make merit, a viewpoint, and a spot where locals come to exercise.
The best thing about it is how easy it is — no real planning needed. It's a quick drive or motorbike ride from town, entry is free, and you can walk every point in about half a day. It works well as either the first stop or the last on a Buriram trip.
What is Khao Kradong, and why is it a volcano?
Khao Kradong is the remains of a fully extinct volcano, rising about 265 metres above the plain. The crater you see today is roughly 300,000 to 900,000 years old — geologically very young, which is why its shape stays clearer than most older volcanoes. The crater floor is now a pool of water ringed by forest that's still green.
The area is managed as Khao Kradong Forest Park, though some signs call it the Kradong Volcano Non-Hunting Area. There are nature trails around it and car parks both at the bottom and the top, so anyone who can't manage the stairs can simply drive up and park near the Buddha.
- Location — Samet subdistrict, Mueang district, Buriram province, about 6 km from town
- Type — Extinct volcano + forest park + place of worship
- Height — Around 265 metres above the plain
- Crater age — Roughly 300,000–900,000 years, fully extinct
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Opening hours, entry fee, and how to get there
Khao Kradong is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00, and entry is free — there's no gate fee. The road up the hill is open to cars during the same hours. If you're planning to shoot the evening light, leave yourself time to get back down before closing, as the top goes quiet near the end of the day.
- Private car / rental — From town, head south on Highway 2445 for about 6 km. There are signs the whole way, and you can drive right up to the summit car park.
- Rental motorbike — The most convenient option for solo travellers. Several rental shops in town charge around 200–300 THB/day.
- Taxi / hired car — You can hire a round trip from town; agree on the price before you set off.
- On foot — Park at the lower lot and climb the 297-step Naga stairway, for anyone who wants the workout.
Timing your visit
Mornings bring softer sun and clearer air, so the city views are sharp and good for photos. Late afternoon into evening gives gentler light, but plan to be back down before 18:00.
The 297-step Naga stairway
If you want the real feeling of climbing the hill, park at the bottom and walk up the Naga stairway. This set of stairs was built back in 1969 and has 297 steps in all, with the body of a Naga serpent running up both sides to the summit. There are landing points along the way to catch your breath and take in the view.
Honestly, the stairs are fairly steep — small children and older visitors will find them tiring. If it's too much, you can drive up and park near the Buddha and just walk around the top instead; you're not required to take the stairs. But if you want that long shot of the Naga's body climbing the hill, this is the photo highlight here.
Before you climb
Wear trainers or shoes you walk comfortably in, bring water, and have a hat or umbrella for shade. The stairway has no cover for most of the way.
Phra Suphatbophit, Buriram's guardian Buddha
At the summit stands Phra Suphatbophit, a large brick-and-plaster Buddha image in the meditation posture, with a lap span of about 12 metres. It was finished in 1969 and faces north, looking down over the city. The head enshrines relics of the Buddha. People in Buriram regard it as the guardian image of the province, and locals come to pay their respects regularly.
Nearby is Phra That Khao Kradong, a golden stupa on the summit, a short walk from the Buddha. It's a lovely spot for photos and a popular place to make merit. If you come on a major religious day or during the annual festival in mid-April, expect especially big crowds.
Local etiquette
This is a sacred site — dress modestly, keep noise down, and remove your shoes where signs indicate. Photos are fine, but avoid poses that look disrespectful toward the Buddha image.
The volcanic crater and suspension bridge
The natural highlight here is the volcanic crater. A path runs around the rim, and a suspension bridge crosses it so you can stand and look straight down into the crater basin from above. The bridge is about 59 metres long and around 15 metres above the crater floor. It sways a little as you walk, but the handrails are solid.
The crater you see today has a pool of water at the bottom, ringed by trees. From one angle it looks like an ordinary hollow, but once you know it's the mouth of a volcano hundreds of thousands of years old, the feeling shifts. A full loop takes only a short while — good for anyone who enjoys an easy nature walk.
honest
If you're expecting a deep, dramatic crater like in the movies, this isn't that. It's a shallow basin with standing water. The appeal is in the story and in standing on the suspension bridge, more than the scale of the pit itself.
Buriram city viewpoint
Because Khao Kradong stands alone above a flat plain, the top gives you a wide view over Buriram. The plaza in front of the Buddha and the points around the summit look out over the city and the rice fields, and on a clear day you can see for many kilometres. Mornings are clearest; evenings bring golden light, though some days are hazy with dust.
Plaza in front of the Buddha
The main viewpoint, looking out over the city to the north — best for morning photos.
Crater suspension bridge
Stand and look down into the crater with forest all around — the standout photo angle here.
Naga stairway
The angle for the Naga's body climbing the hill — shoot from the bottom looking up.
Half-day Khao Kradong trip + more in town
Khao Kradong takes about 2–3 hours to see in full, so it slots into a Buriram trip easily. Here's a half-day plan that works well, followed by food and sights in town.
Khao Kradong + local food
More to see in Buriram town
If you have more time, pair Khao Kradong with Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tam the next day, and you'll get both the volcano and the stone sanctuaries in one trip.
Tips before you go to Khao Kradong
- Go early — Clear skies, sharp city views, cooler air, and a much easier climb up the stairs.
- Bring water and a hat — The sun is strong up top and there's little shade.
- Comfortable shoes — Both the stairs and the crater path involve a fair bit of walking.
- Dress modestly — It's a place of worship; bring a shawl if you're in a sleeveless top.
- Check the time — Closes at 18:00; plan to be down before the hill road shuts.
Plan a full Buriram trip — volcano, stone sanctuaries, and local food
See the Buriram travel guide →