🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you think Chai Nat is all rice paddies and river, drive out toward the bird park on the edge of town and you'll find a pair of low limestone hills standing side by side: Khao Phlong and Khao Khayai. Both are in Khao Phlong subdistrict, Mueang district, only about 5–6 km from Chai Nat town, and they sit right next to Chai Nat Bird Park, which makes it easy to roll all three into one trip. Khao Phlong is the one with the temple and the viewpoint on top, while Khao Khayai is a natural hill people use to exercise and soak up the surrounding rice fields.
Khao Phlong — hilltop temple with views all around
On top of Khao Phlong sits Wat Pathom Thetsana Aranyawasi, which most people just call Wat Khao Phlong, in Khao Phlong subdistrict, Mueang Chai Nat district. The highlight is a large Sukhothai-style Buddha image in the Maravijaya (subduing Mara) posture, named Phra Phuttha Ariyathammo, set in the middle of an open plaza that looks straight out over Chai Nat town and the rice fields below. One level up from here is a golden stupa enshrining a Buddha relic, sitting at the highest point of the hill and visible from many spots around town.
There are two ways up Khao Phlong. If you want to walk, there's a Naga staircase to climb — the first stretch is about 147 steps to the Buddha plaza, then several hundred more up to the stupa on top. If you'd rather not get sweaty or you're bringing older relatives along, you can just drive up and park at the top; the winding road up the hill runs about 1 km. Figure on 1–2 hours wandering around up there, which is about right.
- Phra Phuttha Ariyathammo plaza — the large Maravijaya Buddha on a wide plaza facing out over Chai Nat town; this is the main photo spot.
- The stupa on top — enshrines a Buddha relic at the highest point of the hill, with panoramic views in every direction.
- The Naga staircase — you can walk up from the foot of the hill, or drive up, park at the top and just walk the last bit.
- Night view — after dark you can look down on the twinkling lights of Chai Nat town, a different vibe that locals like to come and sit with.
When the view looks best
Khao Phlong faces out over town, so the sunset view in the evening is really nice. The light starts to soften around 4 to 6 pm, which is the sweet spot — you catch both the rice fields and the horizon in one shot. If you go midday under a strong sun, bring a hat and water, because the plaza up top has very little shade.
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Khao Khayai — a natural hill to hike and cycle over the fields
Khao Khayai sits right next to Khao Phlong, a low hill with an open-forest feel. Unlike Khao Phlong, it doesn't have a big temple on top — instead it's been developed into a green space and exercise spot for townsfolk, with more trees planted each year so it keeps getting shadier. Locals come here to hike up, cycle, and sit looking out at the rice fields and town from a different angle.
What's become better known here lately is the cycling plaza and BMX track at the foot of the hill, plus the riding routes up the hill with both steep climbs and curves — good for mountain-bike fans. If you're not here for a serious workout, you can still just walk up to the viewpoint on top to catch the sunset. Down below there's a Khao Khayai sign for a check-in photo before you head up.
Hike up for the view
The walk up isn't long; head up to sit and look at the rice fields and Chai Nat town from above. The evening air is cool and pleasant.
Cycling at Khao Khayai
There's a BMX track at the foot of the hill and a winding riding route up it, good for mountain-bike fans. Go early and it won't be hot.
Rice-field photos
From the rainy season into early winter the fields around the hill are bright green; at harvest time they turn gold. The backdrop changes with the seasons.
Combining Khao Phlong & Khao Khayai with Chai Nat Bird Park
The nice thing about these hills is that they sit right next to Chai Nat Bird Park, the province's main attraction, so it's easy to make a half-day or full-day trip out of it. Most people start at the bird park in the morning while it's still cool, walking through the big aviary and bird tunnel, then move over to climb Khao Phlong in the late afternoon to line up with sunset. Khao Khayai suits early risers who want to cycle or walk for exercise before starting the rest of the day.
- Chai Nat Bird Park — right at the foot of the hill; walk through the big aviary, with rides and a fish museum too. Good for bringing kids.
- Khao Phlong — head up to pay respects, take in the city view, and catch the sunset in the evening.
- Khao Khayai — hike or cycle in the morning, with an open-forest feel and rice fields all around.
Trip-planning tip
If you have half a day, do the bird park in the morning and Khao Phlong in the evening, since the two sit right next to each other — only a few minutes' drive apart, no need to backtrack into town. Save Khao Khayai for the next morning if you're staying overnight in Chai Nat.
Getting there and what to know
- From Chai Nat town — drive out toward Chai Nat Bird Park, about 5–6 km. The road up Khao Phlong is in the same area as the bird park, and it's clearly signed.
- You can drive up the hill — Khao Phlong has a road all the way to the top, winding about 1 km. If you don't want to tackle the Naga staircase, you can just drive up and park.
- No entry fee — Wat Khao Phlong and Khao Khayai are free to enter; they're a temple and public space.
- Dress respectfully — Khao Phlong is temple grounds with a stupa, so dress neatly and skip the spaghetti straps and very short shorts.
- Bring water and a hat — the plaza up top gets quite strong sun midday, and if you're taking the stairs you'll want water with you.
Chai Nat is a small town, so getting around by your own car or a rental is easiest, since the sights are spread out around town and there's no public transport right to the foot of the hill. If you're without a car, your best bet is to charter a vehicle or hire a motorbike taxi from town for each leg.
Plan a full day in Chai Nat, covering the bird park, Khao Phlong, and riverside eats
See the Chai Nat travel guide →