About Kamphaeng Phet
Kamphaeng Phet is a town of about 30,000 inhabitants in the lower part of northern Thailand, on the Ping River. The town is best known for its historical park, with ruins of temples, city walls and forts from the fourteenth to sixteenth century, part of the UNESCO World Heritage around Sukhothai. Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Phra That lie in the city park, while Wat Chang Rob with a row of elephants and Wat Si Iriyabot with a standing Buddha lie in the zone outside the walls. The park is quiet and easy to see on foot or by bicycle. Kamphaeng Phet is less visited than Sukhothai, so you have lots of space to yourself. A good day trip from Sukhothai or Phitsanulok. The park is divided into zones inside and outside the city walls, and you can see the main ruins in half a day. Start in the morning, before the heat builds.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry, with chilly mornings in the hills. From February to April smoke and haze from agricultural burning can limit visibility; June to October is the rainy season, green and quiet. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus (about 5 to 6 hours) or from Sukhothai or Phitsanulok about 1.5 hours; the town lies on the Ping. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Kamphaeng Phet
- Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Phra That Two temples inside the city’s historical park.
- Wat Chang Rob A temple with elephants around the base of a large chedi.
- Wat Si Iriyabot A temple with a standing Buddha outside the walls.
- Cycling the park The park is quiet and flat; rent a bicycle at the entrance.
Kamphaeng Phet on the map
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