Kamphaeng Phet Travel

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kamphaeng Phet is from November to January where the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thai's northern climate making it much more enjoyable to cycle around Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.

That said, Thailand in recent years has suffered a lot from air pollution due to the burning season and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January) so even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decided to visit Thailand during this time.

March - April is the hottest and humid period of the year so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime BUT now that the air quality is getting worst and worst, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler, good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

Check the below table for the general idea of Kamphaeng Phet weather throughout the year.

Kamphaeng Phet’s current weather and 7-day forecast

KAMPHAENG PHET WEATHER

With ancient ruins, natural splendours, and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone here. Go hiking in national parks and spot varied wildlife, stroll along the Ping River, bathe in hot springs, step back into the past, and more. If you needed even more incentives, locals are friendly and the costs are pretty cheap when compared to other parts of the Kingdom.

Here are some of the best things to do in Kamphaeng Phet:

1. Visit Khlong Lan National Park

Khlong Lan National Park is home to many tall mountains covered in lush rainforest. It’s a favourite spot with forest monks looking for somewhere peaceful, scenic, and natural to spend long days in serene meditation. There are walking trails and driving routes through the park leading to great viewpoints. The 100-metre-tall Khlong Lan Waterfall is a highlight. It’s best viewed in the rainy season when at its fullest. Khlong Nam Lai Waterfall, on the other hand, has nine sections that you can hike up.   

2. Discover Mae Wong National Park

Mae Wong National Park spreads across almost 900 square kilometres in the Thai provinces of Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan. Enjoy long hikes to scenic waterfalls or tackle the multi-day trek to reach the peak of the soaring mountain of Mo Ko Chu. (Some climbing is needed too.) You can soak up glorious vistas from Chong Yen lookout point and spot a rich array of flora and fauna.

3. Walk around the Old Fortress remains

Although little remains of the interior of Kamphaeng Phet’s old fortress today, the high outer walls still stand proudly and sturdily, letting you imagine how mighty the fort would have been at the peak of its power. The fort is a throwback from the times when the city was fortified to help protect the nearby ancient capital of Sukhothai.

4. Soak at Phra Ruang Hot Spring

Phra Ruang Hot Spring is a terrific place to rest and recharge. Pools and streams contain naturally heated mineral-rich waters where you can soothe away any aches, pains, stresses and strains. Feel tensions simply melting away in the deliciously warm waters. There are cold springs too for cooling off and really getting your blood pumping. Private bathing areas are available and should you wish to stay the night, the onsite accommodation comes in the form of charming bamboo huts.

5. Explore Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park

The ruins in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park are atmospheric and sure to fire up your imagination. As a lesser-visited spot, there are few people to punctuate the peace and quiet, letting you explore the nature- and jungle-surrounded ruins blissfully alone. Let your mind wander back to the times when the city was a powerful part of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The historical park is spread over several locations: one is close to the heart of town and easy to explore by foot, while rented bicycles are a top way to get around the more expansive site. (Bikes can be rented on-site.) You’ll see ancient walls, ponds, moats, and courtyards, as well as temples, storage areas, pagodas, and lookout points.  

6. See the Town Clock

I only glimpsed at the Town Clock through the window of a moving car, but it is an impressive tower-like monument that reflects the area’s local history. There’s a large portrait of the King and a waterfall in front of the clock, and Thai flags flutter in the breeze, displaying national pride.  

7. Visit King Chulalongkorn’s former home

Although now in a state of decay and disrepair, there’s something quite cool about seeing the forlorn remains of King Chulalongkorn’s former abode. Built from wood, with large shuttered windows that now fly open to the elements, it takes some imagination to think of how grand the home would have been in times gone by. There is little to indicate the building’s previous wealth, save for some small pictures and a shrine inside that can be glimpsed through the open doorway. Do note that you cannot enter the property—it would be unsafe to do so.

8. Stop by the Karen Village

Some parts of Kamphaeng Phet are mainly inhabited by members of the Karen ethnic group. The Karen are mainly found in modern-day Myanmar, around Shan state, but large numbers migrated to Thailand over the years, setting up homes in rural mountain areas. There’s a small Karen Village in Kamphaeng Phet where you can see traditional homes and learn more about the everyday lives of one of the nation’s ethnic minority groups.

9. Hit up the local markets

There are several markets throughout Kamphaeng Phet where you can observe local life and browse an assortment of local goods and products. The markets are especially great for foodies, with a wide selection of authentic meals cooked to order. Some stalls have basic seating areas whereas others only offer dishes to take away. Try Northern favourites as well as dishes that are popular right across the country.

Budget options

P.Paradise Hotel 

Add: 58 Tedsaban 2 Rd, Soi 1, T. Nai Muaeng, A. Muaeng, 62000 Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand

Located in the city area, P.Paradise Hotel offers comfortable accommodation set within 2 km from department stores. The hotel boasts a salt-water swimming pool with a slide suitable for both adults and children. There is a children's playground on site. WiFi is accessible throughout the property. Free private parking is available.

All rooms come with air conditioning, a balcony and a cable flat-screen TV with a DVD player. There are also a fridge, an electric kettle and complimentary coffee/tea sets. The en suite bathroom is fitted with a bathtub.

Guests can enjoy massage at the property. The services include laundry services, tour guides, bicycle and bike rental.

Shuttle service can be arranged upon request.

Navarat Heritage Hotel 

Add: 2 Soi 21 Taysa 1 Road, A.Muang, 62000 Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand

Located on the banks of Mae Ping River and next to Night Market, Navarat Heritage Hotel is located in Kamphaengphet City and offers free Wi-Fi, free private parking and a fitness room.

Rooms offer satellite TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker and a private bathroom.

Navarat Heritage Hotel has a cafe serving international and Thai dishes. Laundry services and bicycle rentals are available.

Navarat Heritage Hotel is a 1-hour drive from Phitsanulok Airport and Sukhothai Airport.

Mid-range options

FIG Boutique Hotel 

Add: 45 Soi 2, Thetsaban2 Rd., A.Muang, 62000 Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand

FIG Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in Kamphaeng Phet. Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is a 10-minute drive away.

Each room comes with a flat-screen TV. Some units have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. The rooms include a private bathroom.

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.

Phet Hotel 

Add: 189 Moo 1, Bumrungraj Road, Naimuang, Muang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, 62000 Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand

Phet Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, shuttle service and meeting rooms. Massage service can be arranged upon request.
Rooms come with a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and seating area. En suite bathrooms are equipped with a bathtub.

Guests can enjoy Thai dishes at the on-site restaurant.

Deluxe options

ลา ริว่า บูติคโฮเต็ล La Riva Boutique Hotel 

Add: 33/3 Moo 2 Nakornchum,Muang, 62000 Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand

A 15-minute drive to Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, ลา ริว่า บูติคโฮเต็ล La Riva Boutique Hotel offers non-smoking modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax with massage sessions. Free shuttle service from Kamphaeng Phet Bus Station.

ลา ริว่า บูติคโฮเต็ล La Riva Boutique Hotel is a 30-minute drive to Khlong Numlai. It is a 1 hr drive from Namtok Khlong Lan. Khlong Lan National Park is 50 km away.

Explore the city with rental motorbikes and bicycles. Alternatively, guests can rent a kayak for a water exploration. The hotel features an outdoor saltwater swimming pool and a sauna. Staff can assist guests with laundry services and luggage storage.

Styled with contemporary decor, each air-conditioned room comes with a private balcony, a satellite cable flat-screen TV and a refrigerator stocked with minibar. An en suite bathroom is included in all rooms.

Local and International restaurants are located within a walking distance from the hotel.

Scenic Riverside Resort 

Add: 325/16 Tedsa 2 Rd., T. Naimuang, A. Muang, 62000 Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand

Located 2 km away from the centre of Kamphaengphet CIty, Scenic Riverside Resort offers stylish accommodation along with the convenience of on-site parking. It boasts an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi, which is available throughout the resort.

Scenic Riverside Resort is just a 2-minute walk from Provincial Electricity Authority. It is a 5-minute ride from local police station and a 10-minute ride from Kamphaengphet Historical Park.

Featuring a private balcony, all comfortable units are provided with air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV with a home theatre system and a seating area. En suite bathrooms are fitted with shower facilities.

Guests can explore nearby attractions by hiring a bicycle or enjoy relaxing massage at the residence. For convenience concierge service and meeting facilities are provided.

A varied buffet breakfast is served daily at the on-site restaurant. Guests can enjoy local cuisine served at the restaurants located within a 5-minute ride away.

We won’t call Kamphaeng Phet the foodie’s capital if Thailand, yet there are a couple of addresses which will make your culinary acquaintance with this amiable town a pleasant one.

Markets and Street Food

Make sure you don’t miss the night market close to the river if you stay in town just for one night. 

While in many other towns, the markets are more like a place to go and grab food that will be consumed somewhere else, in Kamphaeng Phet it is some kind of a place for socializing where the city dwellers come to spend all their evening. Lots of tables and chairs are provided and you won’t have any problem to find a place to sit.

The market opens from 4pm till 10pm but wait until 6pm when all the stalls will be in full operation and don’t go too late when many places run out of food. Expect to pay THB30/THB40 for a basic dish like pad thai or pad krap pao (chicken or pork stir-fried with basil leaf) while the most expensive one will probably be full freshwater grilled fish (THB120). The menus in English are not available but everything is cooked right in front of you so it shouldn’t be impossible to understand what they’re cooking.

The absolute pick in street food category is ba mi kyao chagangrao stand dishing out THB25 bowls of crazy tasty noodles traditional style. It is the best breakfast in the whole Kamphaeng Phet, and they close before 3pm. Look for their stand at the corner of Ratchadamnoen 1 and Ratchadamnoen 1 Soi 1. There are several tables to sit and free tea is also provided.

Mu Katha Restaurants

One of the local favorite meal is mu katha, a combination of Korean barbecue and Chinese hot pot. The pot in the centre of the table is made in such a way that you can grill sliced meat (pork and chicken usually) in the middle while on the side there’s the space for the soup where the vegetables and other ingredients will be steamed. There are many places around town that offer mu katha in combination with a buffet (with a large selection of ready to eat food) where you can eat as much as you want for a price of THB160 (drinks are usually not included).

Thai Food

For a comfortable dinner in an air-conditioned restaurant head over Tasty Café (115-119 Thesa 1 Road, open every day from 10.30am till 11pm). Located close to the bridge over the river Ping, few steps from Chakungrao Riverside Hotel. This is a good option if you still want to taste traditional Thai food but you feel like you need a nice, clean and quiet restaurant. Staff are professional and speak good English and you also have an English menu. Prices are obviously a bit higher than what you pay in the market, but they’re still reasonable (starting at THB80) and the food is tasty and presented in an innovative way. Highlight of the dinner was the Bavarian draught beer. It’s also a good spot during the day for a good ice cream or a delicious coconut cake.

Even if it’s a bit out of the centre and you’ll need a taxi to get there Baan Nichapa Restaurant (47/17 Moo 1, Ban Wang Yang, Nakhon Chum, open every day 11am – 11pm) is a real dining experience. Located on the opposite side of the river, the location is impressive itself. Don’t stop inside unless you really need an air-con and head to one of the two open-air river side balcony or even better to the lower level right on the river bank where few different dining areas are nicely separated from each other for a more private atmosphere with a stunning view of the river. The food is delicious; the chef Nichapa is mainly focused on country-style traditional Thai food which is cooked with a modern touch always respectful of the original taste. The several variations of chicken curry are all worth it

Western and International Food

For western food you have no choice but heading to one of the guesthouses’ restaurants or to Big C department store where you’ll find some of the international chains (KFC and Pizza Company).

Cafes and Coffee Shops

There is an impressive amount of tiny coffee shops in town like Suea Yim Coffee in So1 1 Rachavitee relatively near Three J Guesthouse. 

The most popular coffee house and bakery is Western-style Pa Yao Bakery Coffee House. It looks nice from outside but unfortunately it was closed when we passed by, but other travellers recommend it strongly.

Get in

By plane

The closest international airports are Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi (BKK IATA) and Don Mueang (DMK IATA), 370 and 340 km from Kamphaeng Phet, respectively. Flying to the regional airports of Phitsanulok or Sukhothai only makes sense if you are picked up or rent a car there, as public transportation from these airports to Kamphaeng Phet is inconvenient and very slow.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By train

Kamphaeng Phet is not connected with the rail network. The closest train station is in Phitsanulok, from which it's a nearly three-hour bus ride to Kamphaeng Phet.

By bus

The most usual way to get in, is by bus. Buses from Bangkok's northern terminal (Mo Chit) and from Chiang Mai arrive about hourly. There are also some overnight connections. The ride from Bangkok takes five to six hours and costs 204 or 263 baht, depending on the class of coach. Most buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Uttaradit, Mae Sot, Sawankhalok or Sukhothai stop in Kamphaeng Phet and may be used (ask at the counter).

Non-AC regional buses from Phitsanulok run hourly, from 05:00 to 18:00. For just 100 km, they take nearly three hours due to frequent stops and detours to villages along the way. A ticket costs 59 baht.

From Sukhothai you may either get on a bus towards Bangkok and hop off at Kamphaeng Phet, which takes some 1½ hours and costs around 70 baht (though passengers who book all the way to Bangkok may be preferred) or take the more rustic songthaew (converted pickup with passenger benches on the bed) that departs whenever there are enough passengers, takes up to 2½ hours and costs 60 baht.

The government-owned Transport Company's 1 bus terminal used by most intercity buses is somewhat incoveniently located, about 2 km outside the city centre, on the other bank of Ping River. From there, irregularly running songthaews, tuk-tuks, or motorcycle taxis (if available) take you to the city centre. Preferably, you ask your hosts to arrange a pickup. Wintour buses on their way from Bangkok to Sukhothai (or back) instead stop at the 2 bodhi tree close to the city centre.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

By car

Kamphaeng Phet is conveniently accessible via Route 1 (Asian Highway 1), about halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It is a four to 4½ ride from either city. From Sukhothai it takes just over one hour, from Phitsanulok 1½ hours via decently paved roads.

Get around

Kamphaeng Phet lacks an actual public transportation system. The city is not well prepared for tourists. There are no regular taxis, and even tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, or rickshaws are pretty rare. Reddish-brown painted songthaews (i.e. converted pickups with benches on the bed) cruise through the city, between the bus terminal and Big C shopping mall. Their departure times are irregular. Other songthaew lines connect with the surrounding province, departing either from the bus terminal or the large day market in the city centre. It may be difficult to find out where exactly they are going without speaking Thai. They do not have exact departure times either, but go whenever there are enough passengers for a certain destination.

To be independent and be able to do individual excursions to the hinterland, it is best to arrive with a hired car (e.g. from Phitsanulok) or to rent a motorbike (e.g. at Three J Guesthouse or Praepimpalai Resort).

Most distances within the city centre can be covered on foot. Moreover, Kamphaeng Phet is relatively bicycle-friendly (at least, in comparison to most Thai cities). While there are no designated bike paths, traffic on the roads is quite minimal, and there are quite a lot of green areas. To discover the historical park, the bicycle is just about the ideal means of transportation: it is a little too far to walk, while you cannot see that much from inside a car. Some guesthouses lend or rent out bikes to their guests. Another rental location is right at the entry to the historical park (Khet Aranyik)—30 baht per hour, mountain bikes for 50 baht.