Kamphaeng Phet, a historical city that rivals those of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai, is a city in the lower northern part of Thailand. The name of the city literally translates to "The Wall of Diamond" due to the fact that the city and its formidable fortification were used as an outpost to defend against invaders from the north during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya reigns in the 13th - 15th Century.
Due to its long history as one of the most formidable fortified outposts in Siamese history, the remnants of those days can still be seen in Kamphaeng Phet today, so much so that they have their own historical park just like Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai.
Within this backpacking guide, you will find all the information you need to travel around Kamphaeng Phet and see what this relatively unknown city has to offer. Without further ado, let's begin with the itinerary map.
Kamphaeng Phet Itinerary Map
Quick Summary
| 🏛️ Best Museum: | Learn about the History of Kamphaeng Phet at The National Museum |
|---|---|
| ♥️ Must Visit: | Cycle Around Wat Phra Non in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park |
| 🥘 Place to Eat: | Eat Dinner at Kamphaeng Phet Night Plaza |
| 🛌 Place to Stay: | Three J Guesthouse |
| 🌤️ When to visit: | Nov - Jan |
| 🏃♂️ Getting around: | Bike |
11 Best Things to Do in Kamphaeng Phet
1. Learn about the History of Kamphaeng Phet at The National Museum
- 📍 Location: Kamphaeng Phet National Museum [Map Link]
- 🕐 Opening Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM
- 💰 Entry Fees: 100 THB (~3 USD)
There is no better way to explore a historical city like Kamphaeng Ohet than to start by learning about its history at Kamphaeng Phet National Museum. With a newly-renovated museum, air-con on full blast, and all information well-displayed in both Thai and English, the National Museum in Kamphaeng Phet is probably one of my favorite museums out there.
The museum contains all the information you need to know about the importance of Kamphaeng Phet as a fortified outpost city, what drove the growth of the city during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya reigns, and why it is important now.
The museum also contains some of the artifacts found on the sites of the many places you will be seeing today, so it is good to read up on them first before you go and explore the historical park.
- Three J Guesthouse (Budget)
- La Riva Boutique Hotel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- White Wall Riverfront Hotel (High-End)
- 3 Experiences: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, Trekking Trail (10 to 12 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
- Best Seller! Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project - Chiang Mai (8 to 9 hours)
- Half Day Thai Cooking Course at Farm (Chiang Mai) (6 hours)
The museum opens from 9 AM until 4 PM, 5 days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday. The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 THB. Considering the content you will get, I think the price is well worth it.
Where to Stay in Kamphaeng Phet?
I have nothing but praise for Three J Guesthouse. The owner and his family were extremely friendly. They gave me free breakfast as well as all the information I needed to explore and write about Kamphaeng Phet. There is no better place to stay in Kamphaeng Phet than here.
2. Check Out the City Pillar Shrine
- 📍 Location: City Pillar [Map Link]
As you ride around on your bike from the National Museum, you will see a huge temple complex on your left, and you may wonder where the entrance is. It took me a while to realize that the entrance is from the City Pillar, not too far from the museum.
Simply bike your way there in the morning, on a weekend if possible, and you might find several people paying respect to the pillar and offering all kinds of stuff, from flowers to pig's head. It sure is a colorful event to see.
3. Walk Around Wat Phra Kaeo in the Morning
- 📍 Location: Wat Phra Kaeo [Map Link]
- 💰 Entry Fees: Inclusive ticket available
Once you are at the City Pillar, continue walking towards Wat Phra Kaeo, and you will find a ticket booth where you can buy the inclusive ticket to enter this old temple area and the Historical Park we will be visiting shortly.
Wat Phra Kaeo is the largest temple in the central zone of Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, and you can see its scale right out of the gate. It was built in the 15th century at the center of Kamphaeng Phet and comprises a principal chedi, a dozen subsidiary chedis, a few assembly halls, and a number of well-preserved large Buddha images.
One of my favorite features of this temple is the assembly hall with 3 huge Ayutthayan era Buddha images - 2 are seated and one is lying down. It reminded me of one of the stages in the old NES Street Fighter game, but on a smaller scale.
In the morning, when the light is just perfect and the weather is cool, you will have a better chance of getting the perfect photo of Wat Phra Kaeo and all its beautiful structures without having to be in the heat. Hence, I recommend you start off here.
4. Explore Wat Phra That
- 📍 Location: Wat Phra That [Map Link]
- 🕐 Opening Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM
Within the central zone, you will also find another temple located on the eastern side of the area called Wat Phra That. Wat Phra That is another temple built in the 15th century with the main principal chedi in the Sukhothai-style bell-shaped structure, and some of the subsidiary chedis, as well as an assembly hall, still remain.
For both Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Phra That, you will likely need about an hour just to walk around the temple complex and take some photos, so make sure not to rush through it. Both temples are open from 9 AM to 4 PM, with a break in the afternoon, sometimes from 12:00 PM to 2 PM. This may change though, as I was told it was not always like this.
5. Cycle Around Wat Phra Non in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
- 📍 Location: Wat Phra Non [Map Link]
After spending some time in the central zone of Kamphaeng Phet, it is time to go explore the real deal: the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park northern zone, which is about a 15-minute bike ride away from the central zone.
One of the first temples you will encounter in the park is Wat Phra Non, which translates to The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple was built around the 15th - 16th century, which puts it in the Ayutthaya era. It is comprised of the principal chedi, an assembly hall, an ubosot, and a mondop.
The principal chedi is built in a beautiful Sri Lankan Sinhalese style, evidenced by its large bell shape. Some parts of the temple are still intact to this day, like the enormous columns that once supported the wooden roof and the walls of the mondop. To this day, I am still wondering where the reclining Buddha image went...
6. Admire the Beauty of Wat Phra Si Ariyabot
- 📍 Location: Wat Phra Si Ariyabot [Map Link]
Just north of Wat Phra Non, you will find another temple called Wat Phra Si Ariyabot, which translates to the Temple of the Four Postures of Buddha. It is a large temple complex with several Buddha images in four postures: walking, standing, sitting, and reclining.
The largest Buddha image is the one with the standing posture, which is still in quite good condition. It seems like it has seen better days, though, as some parts of the Buddha image were missing when I was there.
7. Check Out Wat Sing
- 📍 Location: Wat Sing [Map Link]
Not too far from the standing Buddha image, you will also find a Sukhothai-style assembly hall with another seated Buddha image. This is Wat Sing, or the Temple of the Lions, which is believed to have been built around the same time as Wat Phra Si Ariyabot, from the 15th - 16th Century.
The temple derives its name from the lion statues that used to be in front of the temple, which are nowhere to be found now. All you see are the seated Buddha image and the base of what looks like another assembly hall.
8. Go Up Wat Chang Rob
- 📍 Location: Wat Chang Rob [Map Link]
One of my favorite temples from the northern zone of Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is Wat Chang Rob, which translates to the Temple Surrounded by Elephants. As you guessed it, the temple is, in fact, surrounded by elephant statues at its base.
The most prominent feature of the temple is the statues of elephants that seem to be carrying the entire temple on their backs at the base of the chedi. While most of the statues are badly damaged, there are a few left that you can see the fine decorations on them.
You can climb up the steep steps to the top of the base of what is left of Wat Chang Rob. A chedi used to stand at the top of the temple, but it has since collapsed, and what is left are the statues that surrounded it.
9. Visit Wat Avasa Yai
- 📍 Location: Wat Avasa Yai [Map Link]
This is the last temple worthy of your visit within the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. It is located at the northern end of the park, right at the other park entrance.
Wat Avasa Yai is a large 15th/16th-century temple that comprises a wall of its own, the principal chedi, several subsidiary chedis, the assembly hall, a large pool dug out from the laterite soil, and some wells.
I have seen quite a few old ruins from Sukhothai to Kamphaeng Phet, and yet it is not often that I see a functional structure that still remains to this day, like the large pool that was dug in this temple. It gives us a glimpse of what life was like for the monks who used to live in this temple.
10. Ride Around Kamphaeng Phet Old City Wall
- 📍 Location: Fortress-Wat Chang Gate [Map Link]
After you have explored all the old ruins of Kamphaeng Phet, it is time to head back to the city center. However, I would recommend riding back along the old city walls that surrounded Kamphaeng Phet so you can see for yourself whether the city is worthy of its name, "the Walls of Diamond."
Along the wall, there are several fortresses that you can go through to see the mighty moats that help prevent many invasions throughout the city. Be sure to drop by Fortress-Wat Chang Gate and walk out to see why it is so hard for outsiders to get in.
11. Eat Dinner at Kamphaeng Phet Night Plaza
- 📍 Location: Kamphaeng Phet Night Plaza [Map Link]
After a day of exploring the outdoors of Kamphaeng Phet, it is time to receive your rewards in the form of delicious street food for dinner. Kamphaeng Phet Night Plaza is the prime area for you to buy some delicious street food to eat back at your accommodation.
You can bike to the Night Plaza at around 6 PM, and you will find a bustling mix of fresh food and street food market that you can indulge yourself in. Be sure to try things like fried dumplings, Phat Thai, Hoi Tod (fried mussels), etc.
What to Eat and Drink in Kamphaeng Phet?
1. Have a Coffee at Coffee Today
- 📍 Location: Coffee Today [Map Link]
One of the best cafes in the city is Coffee Today, located right by the City's Clock Tower. It is a modern cafe that serves Thai drinks such as Thai Milk Tea, as well as pastries and Thai traditional desserts sourced from the local community.
Buying from them is a great way to support the local community while you get to try all the delicious Thai desserts with a distinct taste that you won't find anywhere else. Plus, the cafe is air-conditioned, and you will definitely appreciate it after riding a bike all day in the sun.
2. Eat Roast Duck Rice at M Roast Duck Restaurant
- 📍 Location: M Roast Duck [Map Link]
When I was walking around the city center, I stumbled upon a local restaurant that looked and smelled really good. So, like a curious travel blogger, I went in and tried some of their dishes. And my god, was it worth the risk.
M Roast Duck serves delicious roast duck on rice dishes in a delectable sweet sauce that will make you drool once you see it. I was there only around 2 PM, and they told me they were already about to run out of roast ducks. That's how good this place is, and if you are looking for a place to have lunch, be sure to check them out.
When to Visit Kamphaeng Phet?
The best time to visit Kamphaeng Phet is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's northern climate. This makes it much more enjoyable to cycle around Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.
That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.
March - April is the hottest and most humid period of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be slightly better during this time, but it's not guaranteed.
All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which means that even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also see a lot more rain, which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. The air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.
As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.
How to Get to Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand?
Getting to Bangkok, Thailand
In order to get to Kamphaeng Phet, first, you will have to get to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Thankfully, Bangkok is a large hub in the region, so you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang International Airport (budget airlines only), Thailand.
From the US, unfortunately, there are no longer direct flights offered from Bangkok to the US via Thai Airways due to operational costs. However, you can get a cheaper and possibly better service through Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast, or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast, with only one transit.
From Europe, you can fly directly from most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa. You can also opt for Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.
From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from various hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Bangkok that you can choose from. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options. However, keep in mind that with budget airlines like these, you will land at Don Muang Airport instead of Suvarnabhumi Airport. This might be less ideal if you plan to fly domestically afterwards, but it is still a viable choice.
To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to search for the cheapest route and schedule. This way, you can compare and choose the best option.
Getting from Bangkok to Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand
By Bus: The best way to get from Bangkok to Kamphaeng Phet is by bus that goes towards Chiang Mai. There are several buses to Chiang Mai every hour from Morchit Bus Terminal, and you just have to ask at the ticket kiosk whether the bus goes through Kamphaeng Phet Bus Terminal or not.
Get on the one that goes through Kamphaeng Phet, and it should take about 5-6 hours before you arrive. The bus should cost you around 200-270 THB.
To get a bus from Bangkok to Kamphaeng Phet, you can also book through here, but it comes with fewer options: Book a bus from Bangkok to Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand.
Getting from Sukhothai to Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand
If you are already traveling in Sukhothai, there are a few private buses that connect Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Kamphaeng Phet Bus Terminal. When I was there at 8:00 AM in late December, there were 2 buses at 8:50 AM and 8:45 PM.
The schedule will depend on the day, so I would recommend you to get to Sukhothai Bus Terminal as early as you can and get the earliest bus available on that day. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around 60 THB per person.
How to Get from Kamphaeng Phet Bus Terminal to Your Accommodation?
Once you arrive at Kamphaeng Phet Bus Terminal, look out for a motor-taxi sitting under the shade right around the bus terminal exit. Ask them to take you to your accommodation. For the trip from the bus terminal to Three J Guesthouse, it cost me 60 THB, so do not pay any more than that if you are planning to stay at the same place as I did, which I highly recommend.
How to Get Around Kamphaeng Phet?
Bikes are the best way to get around Kamphaeng Phet. You will be able to go to all the places mentioned here in one day with a bike. If you are staying at Three J Guesthouse, they have several bikes you can rent for 50 THB per day. You can also rent a motorbike from the guesthouse, but I think it is overkill for this itinerary.
How Many Days to Spend in Kamphaeng Phet?
One full day in Kamphaeng Phet is recommended, a few more days if you have your own car and would like to see some of the waterfalls around the area, but for this itinerary, 2 nights are more than enough.
Day 1: Visit Kamphaeng Phet city center in the morning, starting with the National Museum. Continue to explore the City Pillar, Wat Phra Kaeo, and Wat Phra That. In the afternoon, continue on to explore Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park and end your day at the Night Plaza.
How Much Money Do I Need For Kamphaeng Phet?
From the itinerary above, we can roughly calculate how much money you will spend for a one-day itinerary in Kamphaeng Phet as follows:
Accommodation: With a total of 2 nights in Kamphaeng Phet, you will be paying around 20 USD (627 THB).
Food: Food costs about 40 THB maximum, so you can expect to pay around 120 THB for a day in Kamphaeng Phet.
Transportation: You will be paying 50 THB for bike rental, and that is all you need for this itinerary.
Activities: The entrance fees for both Wat Phra Kaeo/Wat Phra That are 100 THB, and another 100 THB for Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. However, you can buy an inclusive ticket for 150 THB, which will give you access to both. So, for the most economical option, you can get the inclusive ticket for 150 THB.
Total Budget for 1 day in Kamphaeng Phet: 947 THB (30 USD)
Is it Safe in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand?
Like most of the less-traveled places in Thailand, Kamphaeng Phet is very safe. You might have to negotiate a little with the motor-taxi, but other than that, most people you will meet are genuine, so there is no need to worry too much about getting scammed like in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
That said, please exercise precautions like you would when traveling in any foreign country. Do not leave your belongings unattended and watch out for your belongings at all times.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Kamphaeng Phet?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand:
There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverages. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.
There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fits your itinerary the most.
With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.
For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.