Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
Location: Amphoe Muang
Major features of Kamphang Phet Historical Park include archaeological remains of ancient sites such as Muang Chakangrao
to the east of the Ping River, Muang Nakhon Chum to the west and Muang Trai Trueng some 18 kilometres from the town to the southwest.
Services from the Tourist Centre are available, the centre itself being located some 5 kilometres from town on the Kamphaeng Phet-Phran Kratai route.
The ancient ruins in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park are divided into 2 areas:
This important monastery is situated in the heart of Kamphaeng Phet City. Its walls are
made of whose slabs of round sand stone laid parallel to the city walls.
All structure within the monastery are made of sand and it is presided over by a large pagoda of Sri Lankan style.
It has been built by King Woraman, during Sukhothai Period. It is highly respected by Kamphaeng Phet residents.
Wat Phra Si
Iriyabot
is located to the north of Wat Phra Non and has similar pond and bathroom
facilities as its neighbour. Walls on the four sides are of laterite materials
with an entrance also made of laterite. A Mondop structure houses Buddha statues
in four postures-walking, sitting, standing and reclining in the Sukhothai artistic style.
Today only the statue in the standing posture still remains.
This is the
second largest monastery located within the city wall, just
east of Wat Phra Kaeo. It is presided over by a pagoda built
of sand stone and bricks, surrounded by a Vihara with sand stone
walls having a gate on each side. The construction is classical
Kamphaeng Phet style.
This shrine is situated behind the Provincial
Court. The structure is of square sand stone base with 1.5 meters
high floor and a staircase. On the Chooe,Chee pedestal there
is a bronze of Isuan God, cast during the period of Governor
Chaowas Sudlapha, (the genuine image is displayed in Kamphaeng
Phet National Museum.) During the reign of King Rama V, however,
a German tourist to Kamphaeng Phet secretly removed the head
and hands of there idol and brought them to Bangkok in 1886.
The Ruler of Kamphaeng Phet notified Bangkok about the incident
and H.M. the King had personally requested the return of the
head and hands. A replica was cast and graciously given as a
replacement, which is now displayed in the Museum of Berlin,
West Germany.
is fenced in by laterite walls on four sides. At the front of the temple are a square-shaped pond,
bathrooms and an ancient floating pavilion which is supported by a large laterite column.
The entire column was cut out in one single piece from its source and measures 1.1 meters
on each side and 6.4 meters in height, the largest such stone in the country.
A lion sculpture and Sema stones (boundary stones) can still be discerned.
The large Vihan which once housed the Reclining Buddha has crumbled entirely.
is believed to have been constructed during both the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods.
With laterite walls, it has a square-shaped principal Chedi with arches on four sides.
In front of the Ubosot are ornamental lion and Naga figurines.
Kamphaengphet National Museum
Location: Amphoe Muang
The Kamphang Phet National Museum, located on Pindamri Road in Muang district,
houses ancient objects and other antique arts articles from various eras found
in the provincial town. These include sculptured and earthen designs, heads of
Buddha statues, traditional celadon products, sculptures of demons and celestial
and human beings used to decorate Chedi bases or Vihans. It is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.
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