Kamphaeng Phet

UNESCO Site

Kamphaeng Phet is a province in Northern Thailand known for its rich history and its valleys together with forested mountains with several National Parks. Its main attraction is the ruins of ancient Kamphaeng Phet, a town built during the Sukhothai period from the 13 century onwards.

 The name of the province translates to “Diamond Wall” referring to the walls that were built to protect the city during the Sukhothai era when the city served as a “wang” or garrison city, to protect the capital Sukhothai against invasion. The provincial capital houses Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, a large park spread out across several sites on both sides of the Ping river. The park contains the ruins of a great number of ancient temples in various states of preservation.

Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, together with the historical parks of Si Satchanalai makes up the UNESCO World Heritage Site -  “Historic town of Sukhothai and associated historic towns”.

In the lower north of Thailand on the bank of the Ping River, Kamphaeng Phet is about halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. To its east, are riverside plains while the western areas are made up of high mountains lush with forests where a number of national parks have been established.

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This historical site is spread over a large area. We had focus on the central square that houses 2 temple.s

Original signage - so happy we got recorded.

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A sketch map of this particular site

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Wat Phra Kaeo - Temple of the Emerald Buddha It is 400 ms long and 50 m wide.

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This section would be the main interest of modern visitors. The "Mondop" or Image Hall. All 3 images dated back to the early Ayutthaya period.

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At the base of the stupa are the remnants of 32 animals statues, including the front quarters of elephants. Well we did not see the "singha" or lions.

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The Chedi itself is ruined leaving only its base.

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This is the temple wall probably built in 1403.

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This place Kampheang Phet - is an out post and not the fortified walls of the royal capital.

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An Update on the Park

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The whole historical site is now spruced up and seating in a manicured environment . Could see the whole square from outside.

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More administrative offices at the entrance as compared with the time when the first picture way taken.

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There was a  signage at the perimeter fence.

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Without dwelling into history and the significance of this place, would not understand its past glory. How lucky we were to be at  a place where so much had taken place in the past. From the cursory tour, see only stones and broken walls. No structure that artistic. to be admired