Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BRICKS & MORTAR
The primary building material of many of the religious structures of Kamphaeng Phet and Sukhothai is laterite (
sì·lah laang
in Thai), a claylike substance found over much of Southeast Asia. When still in the ground, laterite is
soft and pliable, but when exposed to light and air, it hardens. The early builders discovered this and shaped the
clay into bricks before drying it in the sun. As is evident today, laterite is extremely porous and must be coated with
plaster to give it a smooth look. The new and helpful 'Reconstructed' placards near most ruins give an idea of what
the structures originally looked like.
Other Sights
Kamphaeng Phet
MUSEUM
National Museum
(Th Pindamri; admission 100B; 9am-noon & 1-4.30pm Wed-Sun)
Kamphaeng Phet's visit-worthy mu-
seum was being renovated when we stopped by. Previously, the museum has been home to
an expansive collection of artefacts from the Kamphaeng Phet area, including an immense
Shiva statue that is the largest bronze Hindu sculpture in the country.
until a German missionary stole the idol's hands and head in 1886 (they were later re-
turned). Today a replica stands in its place.
Kamphaeng Phet Regional Museum
(Th Pindamri; admission 10B; 9am-4.30pm)
The regional museum is a series of Thai-style wooden
structures on stilts set among nicely landscaped grounds. There are three main buildings in
the museum featuring displays ranging from history and prehistory to the various ethnic
groups that inhabit the province.
MUSEUM
Wat Phra Borommathat
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(off Rte 1078; daylight hours)
Across Mae Nam Ping are the ruins of Wat Phra Borom-
mathat, located in an area that was settled long before Kamphaeng Phet's heyday although
visible remains are post-classical Sukhothai. The compound has a few small
chedi
and one
