The beautiful Kamphaeng Phet is not quite popular among tourists but unbeknownst to most, it is one of the most important places in Sukhothai, along with Si Satchanalai.
The province of Kamphaeng Phet dates back to the 14th century and was a royal city of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. In fact, its name comes from Thai and Lao origins wherein Kamphaeng means ‘wall’ and Phet means ‘diamond’. It can be interpreted as ‘the wall as hard as diamonds because this province used to be the defensive line that protected the Ayutthaya Kingdom (modern-day Burma).
The province is also filled with remnants of the past and ruins that remind us of the mighty kingdom that once stood here. Perhaps, this province will complete your trip to all three of the Sukhothai UNESCO World Heritage Sites which include Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai.
To fully understand the history behind this history-filled province, we prepared a full-day Kamphaeng Phet Itinerary for you!
Kamphaeng Phet Itinerary Map Overview
Full Day Kamphaeng Phet Itinerary
8:00 AM: Start your day with a cup of coffee at Borirak Thai Cafe
To start off your day, you can head to กาแฟกำแพงเพชร Borirak Thai Cafe คาเฟ่เมืองกำแพง By วิทยาลัยเทคนิคกำแพงเพชร by taking a Grab from your hotel or from the bus terminal if you have just arrived in Kamphaeng Phet. This cafe is located at 50 Pindumri Alley, Nai Mueang, just 2 minutes away from King Rama V’s Monument
Borirak Thai Cafe is popular for its great coffee, which you will surely need for that extra boost of energy as you head on to a full day touring the historical sites of Kamphaeng Phet! They have great breakfast options too and their assortment of cakes is worth a try!
8:40 AM: Visit the monument of King Rama V
You can quickly visit King Rama V’s Monument after breakfast because it is just a 2-minute walk away from Borirak Thai Cafe. This is a great place for taking pictures with one of Thailand’s well-loved Kings! You must not linger for too long though as you have a full day ahead of you!
9:00 AM: Learn about Kamphaeng Phet’s history at the National Museum
Next, take a Grab to Kamphaeng Phet National Museum which is inside the Historical Park. It is the best place to learn a bit of history about the place. You’ll find artifacts, old sculptures, and many more when you visit the National Museum! The displays are amazing because they really show the beginnings of Thai culture and how it has evolved over the years!
You will have to pay an entrance fee of THB150 before entering the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. This is the cost of combined tickets for the Central Zone and the Northern Zone. However, there are some tourists that experienced getting in for free when they arrived there at 7:30 AM.
The Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is vast so walking from place to place might be tiring. Before going inside, you can rent bicycles at the entrances for THB30. You can also rent a motorcycle at some rental shops to get around faster. There is, however, an entrance fee for bicycles which costs THB10, while motorcycles cost THB20, and THB50 for cars.
10:00 AM: See the old Thai houses
Speaking of beginnings, head over to the Thai House Museum where you’ll see what traditional Thai houses looked like before! You can go inside and see for yourself what these houses look like. There is also a big banana collection with over 100 banana species in the area.
11:00 AM: Pay respect at Wat Phra Kaeo
There are a lot of temples in the area but among them is Wat Phra Kaeo which is the second largest temple ruin in Kamphaeng Phet! This temple ruin dates back to the 14th century. Its architecture is similar to that of the Wat Chedi Chet Thaew in Si Satchanalai which is the Sukhothai style.
11:20 AM: Head to Wat Phra That
Next Head to Wat Phra That which is very near Wat Phra Kaeo. This is another beautiful Wat in the park that you must visit. There are some locals here but they are really friendly. The area is a bit shady since there are trees around so it is quite nice!
11:40 AM: See the elephants at Wat Chang Phueak
Next Wat on the list is Wat Chang Phueak which is a beautiful Wat because of its elephant sculptures that guard the area. This is one of the most important Buddhist Temple relics in the ancient town and was built in the Sukhothai period.
You might also like: 1 Day Si Satchanalai Itinerary – Discover the Astonishing Princely City of the Sukhothai Kingdom!
12:00 PM: Have lunch at Cha Kang Rao Noodle (บะหมี่ ชากังราว)
By this time, you can go to Cha Kang Rao Noodle, a popular restaurant amongst locals in Kamphaeng Phet. The egg noodle dish they have here is what placed the Cha Kang Rao Noodle on the map. They also have very delicious Satays which you might want to try. The food options here are affordable with prices ranging from THB50 to 200. You must come early though because this restaurant tends to get crowded.
12:40 PM: Check out Wat Phra Non’s reclining Buddha
After lunch, you can now head to the Northern Zone of the Historical Park. The Northern Zone is also called, the Forest Area. Here you can find Wat Phra Non also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is a holy place for worshipping Buddhists and is one of the most visited parts of the park.
1:00 PM: Drop by Wat Phra Si Ariyabot
Another popular area in the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is the Wat Phra Si Ariyabot which is commonly seen on postcards and posters. It is also known as the Temple of Four Postures since there are Buddhas on each side with different ‘postures’. This is one of the most visual temples in the area so you must not miss it!
1:20 PM: Visit the Lion at Wat Sing
Near Wat Phra Si Ariyabot is Wat Sing which is also called, the Lion Temple because of the lion statue that used to be in front of the temple. Unfortunately, the whereabouts of the statue are unknown. Some say that it was damaged, while others say it was stolen but the truth remains a mystery. There is a Buddha here which you can still see but most of the area has weathered. Still, it’s a great site to visit in the park!
1:50 PM: Drop by the largest temple in Kamphaeng Phet
The largest temple in the Historical Park is the Wat Chang Rop. This temple features elephants lined around it. However, most of the elephants have lost their trunks so they might not look like elephants at all but they are! This temple is also great for photographs.
2:30 PM: Head to the City Gate
For the next stop, you actually have to go back to the Central Zone to visit the City Gate. This was the gate to the old city and is a nice spot to get some shade, relaxation, and a break. There is not much to see here but locals come here to walk and unwind since the trees keep them cool. If you are hungry, you can eat your snacks here to prepare you for the last parts of your tour around the Historical Park. You can have a quick picnic here if you will.
3:10 PM: Walk around the City Palace (Sa Mon)
As the heat of the sun weakens, you can finally head to the City Palace or locally known as the, Sa Mon. This used to be the Royal Palace during the Ayutthaya Period but nothing much remains of it now. Still, this is a great place to walk around and relax.
3:30 PM: Last stop at San Lak Mueang
Before you head out of the Historical Park, you can stop by San Lak Mueang also known as the City Pillar Shrine. This is the oldest shrine in the area, at 700 years old! It is believed that this shrine was built by King Woraman. You might get a chance to see locals doing their prayers here and also take note of the cars that honk every time they pass by the area.
4:00 PM: Explore and grab something to eat at Cha Kangrao Night Bazaar
During this time, Cha Kangrao Night Bazaar is starting to open. You don’t have to hurry to go there since stalls are still setting up. But going there around this time would be perfect so that you can go around the place and look at the products that are sold there. You might find souvenirs there that you’d want to bring back home! Simply take a Tuk Tuk or book a Grab to go there. It is only 8 minutes away from the Historical Park.
You can eat early dinner here as there are so many options to choose from! Stalls sell ready-made Thai dishes, cakes and other desserts, and other Thai specials. The food here is inexpensive, so you surely won’t be breaking the bank when you eat here. Descriptions are in Thai but you can use Google Translate for it or ask the locals what the foods are.
You can take your time exploring some of the surrounding places too as the last trip to Bangkok by bus is at 11:00 PM if you’re not planning to stay here overnight.
Food in Kamphaeng Phet
Borirak Thai Cafe
Borirak Thai Cafe is actually just a regular place but they serve great coffee and breakfast options too! If you want to fill up before your long day of touring around the historical park, you can grab breakfast here. This Cafe is also near King Rama V’s monument which is also relatively near to the entrance of the Central Zone of the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.
Location: 50 Pindumri Alley, Nai Mueang, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District, Kamphaeng Phet 62000, Thailand
Cha Kang Rao Noodle บะหมี่ ชากังราว
Cha Kang Rao Noodle is a great option if you want to have a taste of local food because this restaurant is literally a local favorite! It’s because their noodles here are reportedly good whether it is in a soup or stir-fried. Not only that, their Satay is a must-try too! It does get crowded here at lunchtime but that is a good sign. After all, people won’t come if the food is not delicious, right?
Location: FGCH+7J4, Rachadumnoen 1, ต.ในเมือง อ.เมือง Kamphaeng Phet 62000, Thailand
Things to Pack and Bring to Kamphaeng Phet
Thailand is a hot country and the heat you’ll experience in Kamphaeng Phet is no different! The scorching heat is what you’ll want to consider for the most part so here are some things you need to bring on your trip as well as other things that may be important too!
What should I bring to Kamphaeng Phet?
- Hat. The heat of the sun can become very intense and a hat is a great way to cover your head from it. So, Make sure to bring one on your trip.
- Sunscreen/sunblock. Speaking of protection, the best way to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays is sunscreen. Re-apply your sunscreen as needed to best protect your skin from sun damage
- Water. Water is essential wherever you go and in a new place like this, there’s a very high chance that you don’t know where to buy drinkable water or if there are vendors in the area you’re going to visit, so it is best to bring your own!
- Snacks. There are not a lot of places that sell food inside the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park so, you might want to bring food with you inside. A simple snack would be okay!
- Cash. You must bring cash with you because there may not be any ATM machines in the area or restaurants and other establishments might not accept cards for payment.
- Passports and IDs. Traveling to a foreign country is pretty unpredictable. We will never know when these will be needed, so just prepare them at all times.
Is Kamphaeng Phet worth visiting?
Being part of UNESCO’s Heritage Sites in Thailand, Kamphaeng Phet is definitely worth a visit. Thailand has such a beautiful culture and its traditions are kept to this day. That is because the people in Thailand exert extra effort in keeping their cultures and traditions well and part of that is preserving what is left of their history.
That is why, when you visit Thailand, you’ll find bits and pieces of its history still intact and seen despite the rising modernization and globalization. Kamphaeng Phet is not an exception. If you want to immerse yourself and learn about Thai history and culture, then you should definitely come here!
Transportation in Kamphaeng Phet
How to get to Kamphaeng Phet from Bangkok?
The best way to get to Kamphaeng Phet from Bangkok is to take the bus because there are no train stations here. You will be taking the second-class bus to Kamphaeng Phet which means that there is air conditioning! This is perfect since the ride is quite long and you’ll be comfortable.
Simply go to Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal and take the Thai Sriram Tour bus from there. You’ll arrive at the Kamphaeng Phet Bus Terminal. The traveling time is around 4 hours and bus ticket prices start at THB500 or USD16.70.
How to get around Kamphaeng Phet?
There are traditional transportation options in Kamphaeng Phet like the Tuk tuks and the Songthaews that you can ride on to get around the area. The downside is that these transportations can either get too pricey and won’t take you to your specific destination.
That is why, to easily get around, you can use Grab. It’s like Uber but the Asian version. Grab is popular in most Southeast Asian countries and it is convenient because you can book a ride from the app and you’ll instantly know the exact amount you’ll have to pay!
Accommodations in Kamphaeng Phet
Kamphaeng Phet is undeniably intriguing as it is part of UNESCO’s Heritage Sites like Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai. With that being said, you might find a reason to explore more of it. Usually, tourists like you would stay for another day to explore the less visited areas here. We believe that Jasmine Lodge is a great place to stay at in Kamphaeng Phet!
This lodge is run by a local family which is to your advantage since you can ask questions about your trip from people who actually know the place. The rooms here are small and cozy but they are new and kept really clean! Plus, they have delicious American and Thai breakfasts here which is part of their breakfast buffet.
Since this is not a big hotel, you won’t find a lot of tourists here which means that the place is fairly quiet and peaceful. It is located at the center of Maung Kamphaeng Phet which is great because you won’t have to commute far from the main attractions.
Room rates start at THB600 which is cheaper than other hotels and accommodations in the area. Don’t expect too much though because, for this price, the place is already great!
Location: FGJG+7XP, Nai Mueang, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District, Kamphaeng Phet 62000, Thailand
Phone: +66 87 001 1844
When is the best time to visit Kamphaeng Phet?
The best time to visit Kamphaeng Phet is from November to February. The rainy season in Northern Thailand starts in May and continues until October, so you might want to reconsider if you’re planning to go on a trip during these months.
We also don’t recommend you come to Kamphaeng Phet in March and April as these are the hottest and the most humid months here. The heat might become too overwhelming and might cause dangerous effects like heat strokes and the like.
How many days should I spend in Kamphaeng Phet?
Actually, you can already see the main attractions in Kamphaeng Phet in one whole day. If that is your plan, then one day is enough to spend here. But if you want to visit some other attractions like the waterfalls and many more, then you can add another day for that.
Do I need VISA to visit Kamphaeng Phet?
If you are planning to visit Thailand for less than 30 days, then VISA is no longer required. However, you must have a valid passport to enter the country. With that being said, you don’t have to have a VISA to visit Kamphaeng Phet but you must bring your passport with you!
There are 64 VISA exempted countries that can freely enter Thailand as long as it is for tourism only. Other nationalities may get a VISA upon arrival. To know more about the VISA policies in Thailand, read this article from the Thai Embassy about the “Tourist Visa to Thailand“
Kamphaeng Phet 2-Day Itinerary Budget
Kamphaeng Phet is actually not an expensive place to travel to! In fact, USD30 or about THB 1100 already covers basic expenses like food, transportation, and activities. If you wish to buy souvenirs or eat more snacks, you can bring extra just in case.
Do I need to bring cash to Kamphaeng Phet?
Yes! There are establishments that accept cards as payment in Kamphaeng Phet but for the most part, local restaurants as well as attractions, do not accept credit cards. So, it is best if you bring cash with you.
You can exchange your foreign currency for Thai Baht at the airport if you need money for a taxi, food, etc. Bangkok’s airport, for example, has a Kasikorn Bank booth wherein you can ask how much the rate is and exchange your money there. This bank offers the best rate among the other bank booths at the airport like Thai Military Bank and Siam Commercial Bank. But unlike TMB and SCB which are open 24/7, Kasikorn Bank is only open from 7 AM to 11 PM only.
You can also exchange your money at the hotel you are staying at. Usually, hotels in Thailand offer money-changing services, however, rates are usually lower compared to bank rates.
How much should my budget be for a One Day Kamphaeng Phet Itinerary?
Kamphaeng Phet actually isn’t a touristy place so there is a high possibility that you won’t get to spend a ton of money here. A budget of USD40 or THB1365 would be enough to cover the basic needs for your trip like food, transportation, and activities. But it would be wise to bring extra since you’ll never know what awesome things you’ll find!
Final Thoughts!
Kamphaeng Phet is one of three of the most important sites of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Learning about the history of this province will complete your knowledge of the old kingdoms in Thailand’s history and it’s amazing how well most of these are documented.
However, Kamphaeng Phet isn’t really meant for tourism but it’s trying to keep up with its surrounding provinces. You’ll find that establishments are more tourist/visitor friendly. Thai people are super friendly and accommodating and you might even fall in love with the people here!
Thailand is indeed one of the most intriguingly beautiful countries to visit, that is why we try our best to show you where to go and what to do in this country full of culture and history! You can read our other Thailand articles and itineraries to better plan your trip to this wonderful country! Or if you want to know more about other countries, check out different destinations in Asia too!
Hey! Do you want your business to grow? How about we work together to make that happen? Let us help you reach a lot more people by sharing your products and services with our readers! Simply send us an email or contact us through our social media pages!
Business Inquiries
Whether you’re a business or tourism board, we can always help bring added online exposure and value to your brand. See our media kit and read why you should work with us!
Got files or photos to send? Email us at collab@budgetitinerary.com
Follow Us
0 Comments