Kamphaeng Phet Province holds significant importance in the realms of history, art, culture, and nature. Its diverse array of attractions encompasses world heritage sites, national parks, waterfalls, hot springs, temples, and bustling markets. For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is a must. Within this park lies the ancient Chakungrao City, home to historical gems like Wat Chang Rop, Wat Phra Si Iriyabot, Wat Phra Non, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Phra That. Complementing this historical journey is the Kamphaeng Phet National Museum, housing a wealth of information through photographs and antiques that showcase the province’s rich heritage. Nature enthusiasts are in for a treat in Kamphaeng Phet Province, as it boasts numerous national parks awaiting exploration. Options include the enchanting Mae Wong National Park, the scenic Khlong Wang Chao National Park, and the captivating Khlong Lan National Park. Each park unfolds a picturesque landscape of mountains, teeming with diverse wildlife and flora, accompanied by the allure of stunning waterfalls.
Kamphaeng Phet Province, situated approximately 355 kilometers from Bangkok, encompasses a total area of about 8,607 square kilometers. It shares its borders with Tak Province, Sukhothai Province, Phitsanulok Province, Phichit Province, and Nakhon Sawan Province. The province is administratively divided into 11 districts: Mueang Kamphaeng Phet, Sai Ngam, Khlong Lan, Khanu Woralaksaburi, Khlong Khlung, Phran Kratai, Lan Krabue, Sai Thong Wattana, Pang Sila Thong, Bueng Samakkhi, and Kosamphi Nakhon.
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park:
The Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, nestled in the Mueang District of Kamphaeng Phet Province, stands as a testament to its historical significance, situated not far from Sukhothai Province. Once an integral outpost of the Sukhothai Kingdom, the city of Kamphaeng Phet, also known as Chakangrao, boasted art and architectural elements akin to those found in the Sukhothai Historical Park. This site, recognized for its cultural resonance, earned UNESCO World Heritage status on December 12, 1991, alongside Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Within the precincts of Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, an array of expansive, precious historical sites await exploration. Wat Chang Rop, for instance, houses a sizable chedi believed to have drawn architectural influence from the Chedi Chang Lom in Sukhothai art. The base of this chedi is adorned with sculptures depicting 68 elephants, adding to its grandeur. Other remarkable structures within the park include Wat Phra Kaew, featuring walls constructed entirely from rounded laterite pieces, and Wat Phra That (or Wat Mahathat), characterized by a distinct architectural style attributed to the Kamphaeng Phet artisan lineage. Noteworthy also is Wat Phra Si Iriyabot (or Wat Phra Yuen), a temple crafted from laterite, hosting a Chaturamukha mandap that shelters a sizable Buddha image embodying the Four Noble Paths. The expanse of the park further houses intriguing spots like the Ancient Palace (Sa Mon), Kamphaeng Phet National Museum, City Pillar Shrine, Shiva Shrine, and the Kamphaeng Phet City Fortress—each contributing to the historical tapestry of the region. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Wat Phra Borommathat Nakhon Chum:
Nestled in the heart of Nakhon Chum Subdistrict, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, stands Wat Phra Borommathat Nakhon Chum, a revered temple that has stood the test of time for over six centuries. This sacred site holds immense significance for the people of Kamphaeng Phet, serving as a beacon of faith and a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The temple’s crowning jewel is the Phra Borommathat Nakhon Chum pagoda, a towering structure that exudes grandeur with its intricate architecture and gleaming gold exterior. This magnificent chedi houses a priceless relic: a fragment of the Buddha’s bones. Pilgrims and tourists alike flock to this holy site, seeking blessings and paying homage to the Buddha’s teachings. Beyond the Phra Borommathat Nakhon Chum pagoda, the temple complex offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking spiritual solace. Visitors can find serenity in the ordination hall, adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life. The reclining Buddha hall, home to a majestic statue of the Buddha in a reclining posture, invites contemplation and inner peace.
A striking feature of the temple grounds is the large golden Dharmachakra Sila Maruekhakala, a symbolic representation of the Buddha’s teachings and the wheel of righteousness. This gleaming monument stands as a reminder of the Buddha’s path to enlightenment and the enduring values of Buddhism. Wat Phra Borommathat Nakhon Chum extends a warm welcome to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The temple is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual inspiration, cultural immersion, or simply a moment of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stepping into Wat Phra Borommathat Nakhon Chum is like stepping into a portal to the past. The temple’s ancient architecture, preserved with meticulous care, whispers tales of bygone eras. The air is infused with an aura of serenity and reverence, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the timeless wisdom of Buddhism. For those seeking a glimpse into the heart and soul of Kamphaeng Phet, Wat Phra Borommathat Nakhon Chum stands as an essential destination. This revered temple is more than just a place of worship; it is a living embodiment of the region’s rich heritage and a source of spiritual nourishment for generations to come.
Khlong Lan National Park:
Encompassing a vast expanse in Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, Khlong Lan National Park sprawls across approximately 415 square kilometers. The pinnacle of the park is marked by the Khun Khlong Lan mountain range, soaring to an elevation of around 1,439 meters above sea level. The region experiences an average temperature of approximately 27 degrees Celsius throughout the year, and its topography is characterized by elevated and intricate mountainous terrain, teeming with diverse wildlife and plant species. A prominent highlight within Khlong Lan National Park is the awe-inspiring Khlong Lan Waterfall, hailed as the most beautiful waterfall in Kamphaeng Phet Province and among the finest in Thailand. Standing at an impressive height of about 100 meters and spanning 40 meters in width during the rainy season, the waterfall cascades forcefully into the basin below, generating a resounding roar that reverberates across the surroundings. At the base of the waterfall, a large basin unfolds, adorned with an arrangement of substantial and petite rocks that contribute to the waterfall’s picturesque allure. To access this natural wonder, visitors are required to pay an entrance fee: 200 Thai baht for adults and 100 Thai baht for children. The park offers convenient transportation and welcomes visitors throughout the year, making it an accessible destination for nature enthusiasts seeking to revel in the splendor of Khlong Lan National Park.
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