Khamphaengphet - a hidden jewel

I must admit that I was positively surprised by Khamphangphet.

All these years, I have been rushing through - or rather, around – the city. But after spending a joyful and relaxed weekend there, I can say it is a place to visit again. The roads along the river are small but not crowded and one can take leisurely walks along the shop houses, stop in small public parks, visit the local market, and take a rest on a small island in the river.

The Scenic Riverside Resort - which I chose from my GPS simply based on its name – turned out to be very neat, fairly priced, and family-run as I like my accommodations to be. The owner’s personal touch was clearly seen in the theme of the bungalows as well as in the interior design accessories. I felt like entering into a teenage girl’s room as the bungalow was cram-packed with stuffed animals and other cute stuff.

In any case, it was a good base for exploring the town and furthermore located in close proximity to the ruins from the town’s grand past. Khamphangphet was a religious center and had an important strategic location (both in terms of military and trade) during the Sukhothai and Aytthaya periods. The ruins are well preserved and the museum exhibition informative. If one is interested in history or simply likes to stroll around and enjoy fresh air under the shade of trees, then a visit to Khamphangphet’s Historical Park (ancient city area) is highly recommended.

Tak - Hot Springs

You can get in hot water if you believe the answers you get when traveling around Thailand.

For example, before I follow signs that indicate the way to hot springs, I tend to ask locals whether it is possible to enjoy oneself in the springs. Apparently, this question – and even the more specific question of whether it is possible to immerse oneself into the hot water – is open to interpretation.

After receiving confirmatory answers, I showed up at Mae Kasa Hot Spring near Mae Sot (Tak) only to find out that the only activity possible was to boil eggs in the spring.

At Phra Ruang Hot Spring (Kamphangphet), it was indeed possible to get into the water, but barely up to the knees. This was explained (?) by that the spring's mineral water can heal some diseases. That was also why they had built small platforms for people to sit and dip their feet in the hot spring water with high mineral content.

Not what I have expected, but still an interesting place to spend a couple of hours. And the grounds / park around the springs are very nicely maintained.

I am actually only interested if one can fully immerse oneself into warm spring water like at Hin Dad (Kanchanaburi) and Namtok Ran (Krabi). 

Kamphaengphet - Khlong Lan

Khlong Lan Waterfall impressed me. I have seen many waterfalls, but this one is beautiful and fun for a swim to cool down. And it is off the beaten track, so while popular with locals, few tourists drop by.


It is about 100 meters tall and 40 meters wide with plenty of spots at the base for picnic and for general relaxation. There is the possibility for a roughly two hours walk to a viewpoint (Khao Hua Chang) through luscious forest.


Khlong Lan Hilltribe Handicraft Center is located at the entrance to Khlong Lan Waterfall. The center gives support to the hill tribes in the surrounding area in improving the standard of their living. Souvenirs and products of each hill tribe are available on sale.