Together with Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai, Kamphaeng Phet historical park was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site in 1991.
How to get to Kamphaeng Phet and what to expect?
This article is a detailed travel guide to Kamphaeng Phet historical park, including ticket prices, transportation, places to stay, things to see, and tips to make the best of your trip.
About Kamphaeng Phet
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is located in Kamphaeng Phet town, about 360 km northwest of Bangkok. In Thai, Kamphaeng Phet means a diamond wall.
Kamphaeng Phet was a frontline city during the Ayutthaya period and was once considered a fortress protecting the kingdom.
Inside and outside the town, you can find a large number of ancient monuments in ruins. Most of them are the remains of sanctuaries dedicated to Ceylonese Theravada Buddism.
This place is an important historical site with a series of relics, fortresses, and ancient temples that show the glorious history of this city in the past.
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Kamphaeng Phet historical park entrance fee
The park actually consists of two sites: one site downtown with few structures, and a forest area north about 3.5km out of town.
The admission fee for each site is 100 baht. However, you can purchase a combined ticket for both sites at 150 baht.
Note:
We visited the Northern park at 7 am, and the security guy let us in for free. We saw many joggers in the park at that time.
Best places to stay in Kamphaeng Phet
Kamphaeng Phet is not touristic, so there are not many choices in accommodation.
If you’re on a budget, check out Three J Guesthouse. Quirky decor, lovely garden, and knowledgeable staff, this guesthouse is a great choice if you look for outdoor activities and unique lodgings at an affordable price.
Another choice is Ruen Thai Ban Rim Nam. This resort is located next to the river, offering a great view.
How to get to Kamphaeng Phet
Getting to Kamphaeng Phet
There’s no train station in Kamphaeng Phet, but you can get there by taking buses from Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Sukhothai.
We traveled from Sukhothai to Kamphaeng Phet, and the journey took about 1 hour.
Getting to Kamphaeng Phet historical park
We decided to visit the Northern park first, so we got to the site by tuk-tuk. Our hotel helped us with ordering one, and after exploring the forest area, we walked to the downtown site.
Things to see in Kamphaeng Phet park
There are many temples and historical relics in Kamphaeng Phet historical park.
In the heart of Kamphaeng Phet is Wata Phra Kaeo – a royal temple. To the east, you can find Wat Phra That and to the north are an area called Sa Mon and a Siva Shrine of Ayutthaya period.
Outside the town wall in the north is the area called Aranyik (forest temple precinct).
You can find a group of ancient monuments built on a lateritic mound. Some outstanding temples in this group include Wat Phra Non, Wat Phra Si Iriyabot, Wat Phra Sing, and Wat Chang Rop.
Wat Chang Rop
Wat Chang Rop is the most impressive temple in the Aranyik area. The remains of this ancient temple comprise the main chedi, the base of a large vihara, and a pond.
The main chedi was built in the form of a bell. However, the uppermost part of it was completely destroyed.
The lower base was built in the form of a quadrangle with steps on four sides leading to the upper base. The lower base was decorated with 68 sculptures of ornamented elephants.
Wat Phra Non
This temple was mostly made of laterite and consisted of a wall, a washroom, and a shelter. Most of the parts are ruins now, but you can still imagine how impressive it was in the past.
Behind the vihara’s base is the main bell-shaped chedi of this temple.
Wat Phra Si Iriyabot
About 100 meters from the north of Wat Phra Non is Wat Phra Si Iriyabot. The structure includes a well, a washroom, and a shelter.
Four sides of the wall were built to enshrine Buddha images in four different postures: walking, sitting, standing, and reclining. However, the only remain one is the standing Buddha image in the west.
This temple is famous for a standing Budha image.
You can admire the ancient beauty and learn more about the history of the unique architecture works in the park.
What to pack for Kamphaeng Phet historical park
You should expect to spend at least half a day exploring both sites, so wearing comfortable shoes and bring these
- Hat
- Suncream
- Sunglasses
- Plenty of water
- Snacks
