Kamphaeng Phet

Travel guide

The provincial capital Kamphaeng Phet is split into the new city, which is a fairly typical central Thai city and the old city, encircled by the original walls, which is home to the historical park. During your visit, you'll most likely sleep and eat in the new city but spend most of the rest of your time in the old.

The modern town is characterised by concrete egg-carton architecture facing onto a surprisingly pretty and well maintained riverfront area. There's plenty of eating options and a fair range of hotels -- including an excellent guesthouse. Be sure to try the night market, and if you've always wanted to try a silkworm or grasshopper-topped pizza, then you're in the right place.

A half-day to a day would allow you to see all the main historical sites within town, but as Kamphaeng Phet is also a handy base from which to visit Khlong Lan National Park (some 60km away) some travellers linger longer.

Ruins aside, take a walk along the river's edge, cycle around town and just soak up the small town atmosphere. Be sure to swing by Triple J Guest House during your time in Kamphaeng Phet -- they've got enough information to keep you exploring the province for ages.

Our recommendations

Book online

Phet Hotel
Kamphaengphet
From: US$19.00 with Sawasdee

Chakungrao River Hotel
Kamphaengphet
From: US$27.00 with Sawasdee

Chakungrao Riverview Hotel
149 Taysa 1 Road Amphur Muang
From: US$48.00 with Agoda

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Kamphaeng Phet reviews

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Diamond in the Rough
By exacto (dabbler - 13 reviews)
Written on 17th December, 2009 after a visit to Kamphaeng Phet in December, 2009
Despite being at the midpoint on the major road route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Kamphaeng Phet has managed to keep a friendly, small town feel.

The old city includes a UNESCO World Heritage site area with Sukhothai-era ruins (100 baht), but there really isn't much to see, particularly if you have already visited Ayutthaya or Sukhothai or Satchanalai. The place is most worth a stopover for those who want to experience that off-the-beaten-path "real" Thailand that people talk about. English-language menus are few and far between and there's not a banana pancake in sight, although there is one backpacker-friendly guest house in town so you won't have to figure everything out on your own.

Kamphaeng Phet has a particularly excellent night market with a good range of Thai dishes in the 25 to 30 baht range. There is a great local nightlife too, with a good selection of bars clustered between Eagle Pub and the night market. The sports park along the river is the spot to catch a sunset, and the hot springs 30KM out of town is worth a side trip as well.

Sights & activities   History & culture   Scenery & environment   Eat & drink

Traveller's scene   Romance   Value for money   I'll be back (or not)

Also reviewed by exacto: Champasak, Chiang Mai, Ko Maak, Lopburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Pakse, Phitsanulok, Savannakhet,

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