Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [341]
Northwest of here, Wat Chang Rawp (Elephant-Encircled Temple) is just that –a temple with an elephant-buttressed wall. Several other temple ruins – most of them not much more than flat brick foundations, with the occasional weather-worn Buddha image – can be found in the same general vicinity.
OTHER TEMLPES
Across Mae Nam Ping are the neglected ruins of Wat Phra Borommathat, in an area that was settled long before Kamphaeng Phet’s heyday, although visible remains are post-classical Sukhothai. The compound has a few small chedi and one large chedi of the late Sukhothai period which is now crowned with a Burmese-style umbrella added early in the 20th century.
Wat Khu Yang contains a handsome wooden hr rai dating back to the 19th century.
KAMPHAENG PHET NATIONAL MUSEUM
The national museum (0 5571 1570; Th Pindramri; admission 100B; 9am-noon & 1-4pm Wed-Sun) has the usual survey of Thai art periods downstairs. Upstairs there is a collection of artefacts from the Kamphaeng Phet area including an immense Shiva statue that is the largest bronze Hindu sculpture in the country. The image was formerly located at the nearby San Phra Isuan (Shiva Shrine) until a tourist stole the idol’s hands and head in 1886 (they were later returned). Today a replica stands in its place.
KAMPHAENG PHET REGIONAL MUSEUM
The regional museum (0 5572 2341; Th Pindramri; admission 10B; 9am-4pm) is a series of Thai-style wooden structures on stilts set among nicely landscaped grounds. There are three main buildings in the museum featuring displays ranging from history and prehistory to the various ethnic groups that inhabit the province.
PHRA RUANG HOT SPRINGS
Located 20km outside Kamphaeng Phet along the road to Sukhothai, this complex of natural hot springs (8.30am-4pm) is the Thai version of a rural health retreat. The reputedly therapeutic hot waters have been diverged into seven private bathing rooms (50B), and there’s also an outdoor foot pool and several places offering traditional Thai massage. There is no public transport to the hot springs, but transport can be arranged at Three J Guest House (below).
Sleeping
Gor Choke Chai (0 5571 1247; 19-43 Soi 8, Th Ratchadamnoen 1; r 260-320B; ) This egg carton–like building is a good budget choice with its smallish but tidy rooms. Popular with Thai businessmen, it’s conveniently located in the centre of the new town.
Three J Guest House (0 5571 3129; threejguest@hotmail.com; 79 Th Rachavitee; r 300-600B; ) This pleasant collection of bungalows in a pretty garden has a very hospitable and friendly host. Pathways lead to clean log bungalows with terraces. The cheapest ones share a clean bathroom and the more expensive have air-con. There’s heaps of local information, bicycles and motorcycles are available for rent, and the owner can also arrange visits to his country resort near Klong Wang Chao National Park.
Navarat (0 5571 1211; 2 Soi Prapan; r 400-500B, ste 950B; ) Like many provincial Thai hotels, the Navarat has changed little, if at all, since its apparent construction in the early ’70s. Despite this, it’s a clean, cosy place and some rooms have nice views.
Phet Hotel (0 5571 2810-5; www.phethotel.com; 189 Soi Pracha Hansa; r 500-650B; ) Near the morning market, this comfortable hotel features spacious, well-maintained, modern rooms with views over Kamphaeng Phet. There is a small pool, a restaurant and bar. Look for the sign on the top of the building. The street-side sign is only in Thai script.
Chakungrao Riverview (0 5571 4900-8; www.chankungraoriverview.com; 149 Th Thesa; r 1000-1200B, ste 5000B; ) Kamphaeng Phet’s poshest digs has some nice rooms despite its unremarkable facade. Rooms are tastefully decked out in dark woods and forest green and feature balconies with river or city views. Suites are huge and available at a considerable discount.