🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you want the one spot in Uthai Thani that gives you the best overview of the whole town, Khao Sakae Krang is the answer — a low hill that rises right up out of the middle of the city. Locals once called it 'Khao Kaeo'. On top sits Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, home to a revered Buddha image, a shrine housing a replica Buddha footprint, a great bell, and an important monument. All around the edge are viewpoints over the town and the Sakae Krang River, which looks lovely in the late afternoon.
This isn't a tall mountain you have to wear yourself out climbing — it's just a hill in the middle of town that you can reach on foot or by car, so it suits all ages. Each spot on the summit connects to the next, and you can see everything in about an hour.
Climb the 449-step naga staircase (or just drive up)
The image most people have of Khao Sakae Krang is the naga staircase that runs from the foot of the hill all the way up to the shrine on the summit — roughly 449 steps, with sculpted naga serpents lining both sides. People who want to test their legs usually take this route. You climb steadily, with rest points along the way, and it's not so steep that it's punishing, but it's a decent bit of exercise.
If you'd rather not walk, or you're with elderly relatives or small kids, there's also a road for cars that loops up to a car park near the shrine at the top. There are two ways up — one swings round past the sports ground — and once you park it's just a short walk to the Buddha and the viewpoint.
Tip
If you're set on walking all 449 steps, go in the early morning or close to evening when the sun is gentler, wear trainers, and bring water. If you drive up instead, you'll be able to stroll around the summit at ease without tiring yourself out first.
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The sacred sites on the summit worth visiting
The summit of Khao Sakae Krang has several important spots that people tend to visit in turn. They're all close together, so it's an easy walk from one to the next.
Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Saksit
An old Buddha image in the Maravijaya (subduing Mara) pose, enshrined in the hall on top of the hill. It's the guardian Buddha of the town and deeply revered by locals — said to be around 600 to 700 years old. It's the first place most people come to pay their respects.
Buddha footprint shrine (mondop)
A Thai-style shrine at the highest point of the hill, housing a replica of the Buddha's footprint. It was built back in 1905. Climb the naga staircase and you'll come out right here at this shrine.
The great sacred bell
A large bell in front of the shrine, built by the people of Uthai Thani back in 1900. The tradition is that anyone who makes it to the top should ring it for good fortune — the sound carries right across the summit.
Monument to Somdet Phra Pathom Borommahachanok
A life-size monument to the father of King Rama I. Uthai Thani is considered the birthplace of the Chakri dynasty, so people come to pay their respects here too.
The 360-degree view over Uthai Thani
Once you've paid your respects and rung the bell, don't rush back down — the other great thing about Khao Sakae Krang is the almost-panoramic view over Uthai Thani. Standing on the summit terrace and looking down, you'll see the town itself, the rooftops, the Sakae Krang River winding through the city, and the rows of riverside houseboats. On a clear day you can see all the way out to the rice fields around town.
The prettiest time is from the late afternoon into the evening, as the sun starts to set — the light turns warm and the hill's shadow stretches out over the town. That's the moment a lot of people come up to wait for and photograph.
The world marker (Laplace Station)
A U-shaped geographic reference marker installed back in 1975 — said to be one of three such points in Asia. It's about 400 metres from the temple grounds along a forest path, with information signs and a newly improved walkway.
Viewing terrace by the shrine
A popular photo spot where you can see the town and the Sakae Krang River together. Good for catching the breeze and taking photos in the evening.
Tak Bat Thewo, the scene Khao Sakae Krang is known for
If you come to Uthai Thani around the end of Buddhist Lent (the first day of the waning moon in the eleventh lunar month), Khao Sakae Krang holds the Tak Bat Thewo ceremony that the province is famous for. Hundreds of monks file down the 449-step naga staircase from the summit to receive alms on the grounds below — a striking sight that draws people from all over the province. If you can plan your trip to land on this date, it's well worth it.
- Opening hours — generally around 6am to 8pm. Come early for a quiet atmosphere, or in the evening for the sunset view.
- Admission — free; you can make a donation at the temple as you wish.
- Dress code — it's a temple, so dress modestly: nothing too short or too revealing at the shoulders.
- Time needed — about 45 minutes to an hour to see everything on the summit.
Where to go next from Khao Sakae Krang
The handy thing about Khao Sakae Krang is that it's right in the centre of town, so it's easy to keep exploring in the same day. Come down from the hill and a few minutes' drive gets you to the next stop.
- Sakae Krang River and houseboats — the river you saw from the hill. Come down to walk along the bank or take a boat to see houseboat life up close.
- Trok Rong Ya — the old-town district in the heart of the city, with cafés, restaurants, and old buildings to wander and photograph.
- Wat Uposatharam — an old riverside temple with mural paintings and a relaxed setting along the Sakae Krang River.
Plan a full trip around the riverside town of Uthai Thani
See the Uthai Thani travel guide →