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2013-07-20

Kamphaeng Phet

Geographically located in the Lower North on the bank of the Ping River, Kamphaeng Phet is approximately 358 kilometres from Bangkok. To its east are riverine flatlands while the western areas are made up of high mountains lush with fertile forests where a number of national parks have been established.
Areas along the river bank at present-day. Mueang district used to host several ancient towns which had played a major role as strategic front-line frontiers since Sukhothai was the kingdom's capital down through the times of Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin (Bangkok) eras. The name Kamphaeng Phet literally means "Diamond Wall" a reference to the apparent strength of this formerly walled city's protective barrier. This level of security was necessary, as the city previously helped to protect the Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya kingdoms against attacks from Burma or Lanna.

Things to do in Khamphaeng Phet,
  • Visit Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, north of city (walk north, hard to miss) 09.00 -16.00. In former times Kamphaeng Phet was part of the Sukhothai kingdom. Ruins from this time are found to the immediate north of the new city.These along with the two related historical cities, became a world heritage site. 
  • Connect with locals in Kamphaeng Phet by Sightseeing the fruits farm, agricultural Tours, Services for Farm, Rural and agricultural tours.
The Thai Traveller Agriculture Tour Kamphaeng Phet
 "sweet yellow Marian plums" 
  • Visit Khlong Lan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองลาน) covers an area of some 300 km over mountain ranges to the west of the province. The highest peak is about 1,400 metres. Of mainly virgin jungles, it is the source of several streams which flow into the Ping River. The park headquarters is near the Khlong Lan waterfall, about 60 km from town. Attractions within the park include the 95-metre high Khlong Lan Fall with scenic surroundings, and the Khlong Nam Lai Fall (น้ำตกคลองน้ำไหล), a 9-level cascade and located off Highway no.1117 at Km. 35 and 10 km further on). The Kaeng Ko Roi (แก่งเกาะร้อย) (off Highway No.1117 at Pong Nam Ron intersection) is a group of rock formations jutting out of the stream looking somewhat like all islands.
  • Mae Wong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่วงก์) forms the border between Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan and covers an area of about 894 square km. Most of the land is rich in various types of plants. Along the Khlong Lan -Umphang route passing through the park's area, which leads up to the mountains, are several viewing points between km 81 to 115. At Km. 102 is a beautiful road-side waterfall. Other falls within the park include the Mae Krasa (น้ำตกแม่กระสา), Mae Liwa (น้ำตกแม่ลีวา) and others.
  • Khlong Wang Chao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองวังเจ้า) is located in King Amphoe Kosamphi Nakhon, 43 km from Kamphaeng Phet. This is an abundant forest with a density of naturally growing teak and beautiful waterfalls. Nearby the park, there is a hill tribe village.
  • The hot springs of Phra Ruang not so far from the main town. A precise route is to follow Highway 101 north (towards Sukhothai) out of Kamphaeng Phet town for 13 km and then a left and 12 km up this road you'll come upon the springs, can't be missed.
  • Otherwise there are many great national parks where you can do some hiking.
Local Product
Kluai Khai ("egg banana") is a famous product of this province. Raw and ripe bananas as well as other local produces such as sticky paste (made of rice, bean, sesame and sugar)
Festivals
The Nop Phra Len Phleng Fair (งานนบพระเล่นเพลง) is held during the celebrations of Makha Bucha (full moon in February). A tradition since the times of Sukhothai, it is described in the inscription stone found at Nakhon Chum of how processions were organised to pay homage to the town's major religious sites. The fair today consists of colorfully decorated parades of participants dressed in ancient attires crossing the Ping to pay homage to the Holy Relic on the Nakhon Chum side of the river.
Kluai Khai Fair (งานสารทไทยกล้วยไข่เมืองกำแพง) is held in September each year to promote the local banana for which the province is famous. There are banana contests and competitions on the making of Krayasat (a local sweet), as well as many entertainment performances.
Get In
Kamphaeng Phet is located halfway between Bangkok and Chiand Mai. Air-conditioned buses run regularly from Bangkok Northern Terminal to Chiang Mai, stopping off at Kamphaeng Phet on the way. Non air-conditioned buses are for inter-provincial travel to the other districts. Or by Mini-van from Victory Monument to Nakorn sawan, it cost 130 Baht per person, driving about 2.5 hours to reach Nakorn sawan city. Then take a bus from Nakorn sawan to Kamphaeng Phet take you another hour to get to Kamphaeng Phet.


The Thai Travellers Mae Wong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่วงก์)
Mae Wong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่วงก์)


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