Kamphaeng Phet Tourism Places Of Interest

A Laterite Wall Of Kamphaeng Phet Fortifications

The major historical monuments at Kamphaeng Phet are:

• The Laterite Walls and Moats - The fortification walls (shown above) are 2.2 kilomtres long and are made of laterite blocks (as were all the remaining monuments). A moat also srrounded these walls. Inside the city of 50,000 people lived in houses made of wood. The monuments left today in side these walls are the laterite remains of the foundations, walls and pillars of the Temples (the viharns and stupas). The Buddha images were also made of laterite and covered in stucco. Some are weathered and worn away to their laterite cores, others like those at Wat Phra Kaeo pictured, here are still testimony of their grace and style.

• Wat Phrao Kaeo - Wat Phra Kaeo was once a royal temple and once housed the famous and sacred Emerald Buddha, now housed in Bangkok. Here are the serene trio of Buddha images, (restored), two sitting and one reclining. They are portrayed in the Kamphaeng Phet style of broad foreheads and square chins. The rest of the ruins comprise the laterite foundaions and weathered pillars. Whilst the monuments here are not as significant as at Si Satchanalai and Sukhothai, a visit here to walk within the walled enclosure through what is now a lovely treed park, is the third location of choice when coming to Sukhothai.

• Wat Phra That - Wat Phra That, the Monastery of the Great Relic, is one of the oldest monuments in Kamphaeng Phet. The Temple grounds here are well weathered. The main Chedi surrounded by pillars combines the trio of Ayutthayan, Sukhothai and Sri Lankan styles.