This is the highlight of any visit to Kamphaeng Phet. The three well-preserved Buddha statues—two seated and one reclining—along with the standing Buddha of Wat Phra Si Ariyabot, are among the most important elements of the historical park. Wat Phra Kaew means "Temple of the Emerald Buddha" and once housed the small emerald statue, now located in the temple of the same name in Bangkok (there is also a Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai). Besides the three majestic Buddha statues at the rear of the temple, there are other statues preserved there, mostly damaged by age and weathering, a chedi, and the remains of another that was once carried by elephants. Without a doubt, this is the must-see monument in Kamphaeng Phet!

It is located in the historic city park. The entrance is on the street opposite the National and Provincial Museum or behind the shrine at the end of the same street (Pimduri Road). Admission costs 100 THB, or 150 THB for a combined ticket covering both park areas.

If you are staying in Kamphaeng Phet, you can reach Wat Phra Kaew on foot or by bicycle (some guesthouses and hotels rent bicycles). Otherwise, ask at the hotel reception if you can order a tuk-tuk.

Wat Phra Kaew is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do I get to Wat Phra Kaew? If you are staying in Kamphaeng Phet, you can easily reach Wat Phra Kaew on foot or by bicycle (some guesthouses and hotels rent bicycles). Alternatively, you can order a tuk-tuk from the hotel reception.