Complete Guide To Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park Thailand

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 many 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 consists of two sites: 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 areas at 150 baht. 

Note:

We visited Northern park at 7 am, and the security guy let us in for free. We saw many joggers in the garden 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. With quirky decor, a lovely garden, and knowledgeable staff, this guesthouse is an excellent choice if you are looking 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 bus from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Sukhothai.

We traveled from Sukhothai to Kamphaeng Phet, which took about 1 hour. 

Getting to Kamphaeng Phet historical park

We first decided to visit Northern park, so we got to the site by tuk-tuk. Our hotel helped us order 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 is an area called Sa Mon and a Siva Shrine of the Ayutthaya period.

Outside the town wall in the north is Aranyik (forest temple precinct).

You can find a group of ancient monuments built on a lateritic mound. Some impressive 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 destroyed.  

The lower base was built in 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 parts are in 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 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 remaining one is the standing Buddha image in the west. 

This temple is famous for its standing Budha image.

You can admire the ancient beauty and learn more about the history of the unique architectural works in the park.

What to pack for Kamphaeng Phet historical park

You should spend at least half a day exploring both sites, wearing comfortable shoes, and bringing these.

• Hat
• Suncream
• Sunglasses
• Plenty of water
• Snacks