Khao Kradong Volcanic Forest Park lies six kilometers outside of Buriram and is home to an extinct volcano 265 meters high, whose crater is still visible. Formerly known as Phanom Kradong (Khmer for Turtle Shell Mountain, due to its resemblance to a turtle shell), the site offers three highlights: the Phra Suphattharabophit Buddha statue at the summit with a viewing platform offering distant views of the city, the often water-filled crater, and the suspension bridge spanning it. The Kradong volcano's crater is estimated to be between 300,000 and 900,000 years old. While all the sights are accessible by car, the most pleasant and physically demanding way to begin your visit is by climbing the Nakkharat Staircase, built in 1969, with its 297 concrete steps (I counted them on the way up; see my video). It's not a strictly necessary visit, especially if you're only staying in Buriram for a short time, but it's still a nice excursion.

Admission is free. The access road is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Two major festivals take place annually in Khao Kradong Volcanic Forest Park: the Khao Kradong Festival on the full moon day of the fifth lunar month (April), during which a procession ascends the steps and a long saffron-colored cloth is wrapped around the Buddha statue, and the Buriram Volcano Festival in December, usually between Christmas and New Year's.

Khao Kradong Volcanic Forest Park is located 6 km south of Buriram. The Panorama Hotel, opposite the large sign for the park on Route 2445, is probably accessible by songthaew or public bus. The bus to Prakhon Chai likely stops there as well, but I haven't tested it. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk in downtown Buriram. There are almost always several waiting in front of the train station or the hospital.

How to get there

How do you get to Khao Kradong Volcanic Forest Park? Khao Kradong Volcanic Forest Park is located 6 km south of Buriram. You can reach the Panorama Hotel, opposite the large sign for Khao Kradong Volcanic Forest Park on Route 2445, by songthaew or public bus. The bus to Prakhon Chai probably stops there as well, but I haven't checked. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk in downtown Buriram. There are almost always several waiting in front of the train station or the hospital.