🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're in the upper central plains and want a trip that's close, cheap, and still gives you temples, nature, and World Heritage ruins all at once, the Phichit–Kamphaeng Phet route covers it in two days. The two cities are linked by Highway 115, which the Department of Highways has already widened into a proper main road — an easy drive of about an hour and a half to two hours. We've built the plan around one overnight stay; you can sleep on the Phichit side or cross over to Kamphaeng Phet, whichever suits you.
The 2-Day Route at a Glance
The idea is to spend day one covering the in-town spots in Phichit, then shift over to Kamphaeng Phet on day two so you have plenty of time to walk the historical park. The ruins there are spread out over a wide area with lots of shade, so set aside at least half a day for walking.
- Day 1 — Phichit Wat Tha Luang (Luang Pho Phet) → Bueng Si Fai → eats around town, then check in
- Night 1 Stay in Phichit, or drive over and sleep in Kamphaeng Phet if you want an early start on day two
- Day 2 — Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park (Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Chang Rop) → egg banana treats → Mo Kluai Khai market for souvenirs before heading home
Where to Base Yourself
If you're taking it easy, stay in Phichit the first night and drive over early the next morning — the air is still cool and walking the park is far more comfortable. But if you want to spend the whole morning and afternoon at the park, move over to Kamphaeng Phet from the first night so you cut out the morning drive entirely.
Book the activities in your Phichit trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — Phichit, City of the Chalawan Crocodile King
Phichit: temples, lake, eats in town
The legend of Kraithong and Chalawan is Phichit's signature story, which is why crocodiles turn up as a symbol all over town. If you enjoy local folklore, you'll have fun hunting down the crocodile spots scattered around the city.
The Connector — Driving Highway 115 from Phichit to Kamphaeng Phet
On the morning of day two, set off along Highway 115, the main road that links the two provinces directly. It's about 90–100 km town to town, taking roughly an hour and a half to two hours. The Department of Highways has widened many stretches to four lanes, so it's an easy run. Fill up the tank and head out early to reach the park before the sun gets harsh.
An Early Start Pays Off
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is open roughly 08:00–17:00. If you leave Phichit around 7am, you'll arrive in time to walk in the mid-morning before the sun is too strong — much more comfortable for photos than the midday heat.
Day 2 — Kamphaeng Phet, the World Heritage City
Historical park + egg banana treats
Highlights Inside the Historical Park
Wat Phra Kaew
The principal temple within the city walls, with a Lankan-style chedi, laterite walls, and rows of Buddha images and lions. It's the classic photo corner of the old city.
Wat Chang Rop
A large chedi on a rise, ringed by 68 stucco elephants in full regalia. It sits in the Aranyik zone outside the walls, shaded by big trees.
Wat Phra Si Iriyabot
A temple in the Aranyik zone with Buddha images in four postures — standing, walking, sitting, and reclining — set into the mondop walls. An easy walk on from Wat Chang Rop.
National Museum
Near the park, it holds artifacts and gives historical context for the old city of Chakangrao. Worth a stop before or after walking the park.
Two Cities' Eats Worth Trying
Luang Pho Phet + Phichit noodles
Phichit is known for several styles of noodles, at both in-town shops and riverside spots. It's an easy, friendly-priced opener for the first day of the trip.
Kamphaeng Phet egg bananas (kluai khai)
The province's signature fruit — sweet and fragrant eaten fresh, or processed into banana chips, butter-baked bananas, and banana paste. You'll find them all over town and at the Mo Kluai Khai market.
Ping River boat noodles
Kamphaeng Phet has boat-noodle shops along the Ping River, with rich broth, stewed pork or chicken, and a choice of noodles. A solid lunch for day two.
Souvenirs at Mo Kluai Khai market
A souvenir stop along the Asia Highway, with krayasart, taro and cassava chips, and fried bananas. Easy to shop before driving home.
Kamphaeng Phet night market
If you stay over on the Kamphaeng Phet side, the night market has a wide range of eats — noodles, fried snacks, and desserts — for an easy, budget-friendly dinner.
Before You Go
- A car is the easiest way The Kamphaeng Phet ruins are spread out, so a car helps you cover them all in a single day.
- Comfortable shoes + an umbrella or hat The park is open ground and the midday sun is strong, so bring sun protection and drinking water.
- Carry cash The park entry fee and some souvenir shops are easier to handle with cash.
- Check opening hours The park is open roughly 08:00–17:00, so plan your timing to walk it from morning into the afternoon.
Want to Add a Day
If you have time to spare, the Kamphaeng Phet side continues on to Khlong Lan National Park for waterfalls (open roughly 08:30–16:30, with a park entry fee) — good for anyone who wants to add a day of nature to the trip.
Want a full city plan for Phichit?
See the Phichit travel guide →