Things to see and do Central Plain

Next to Wat Ratchaburana, this restored temple is equally worthy of interest. A very important spiritual centre, its creation dates back to Boromaraja I (1370-1388). There was once a royal monastery. In 1956, many gold cult objects were discovered in its foundations. There are still some prang and chedi, including one with a statue of Buddha leaning against it, and many amputated Buddha statues, walls and some columns. The great curiosity of the place is a Buddha's head embedded in the roots of a banyan tree.

The Umphang Reserve has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989. You can cross the reserve by raft (bamboo/rubber) over a 20 km route, passing through the following remarkable sites: Pha Woa cave, Gang Ta Kho Bi hot-water river, Khang Kao cave. Not forgetting the main attraction, the Thi Lor Su waterfalls, the "black waterfall" in Karen, the largest and most spectacular in the country, "discovered" just over 20 years ago.

You have to take a song-teo. The departure point is in downtown Mae Sot, a few hundred meters south of the mosque. Departures take place in the morning, approximately every hour from 6 a.m. (depending on the number of passengers) until around 2 p.m. at the latest: so be sure to take precautions and find out in advance so as not to miss the last transport! The journey takes around 4 hours 30 minutes and is not particularly comfortable. Umphang has to be earned!

The road is very winding and steep. It crosses a chain of small mountains, and you're treated to panoramic views of the local cultures or the jungle. The scenery is magnificent. Halfway along the route, you can stop for a toilet, a coffee or a snack.

Activities. The park is in many ways a remote area, but nothing insurmountable for those who really want to experience the charm of a more authentic, wilder Thailand... Give preference to local agencies!

The Phra Ratchawang Boran, also called Wang Luang, is the center of power, and as such is called the royal palace. The kings sometimes resided there, as well as the family of the dynasty. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was the capital of the kingdom during 417 years. Boran Palace is located opposite Wat Kasatra on the eastern bank of the ancient Lopburi River, whose bed in the 19th century became the Chao Phraya River.

Three palaces were built in the city, the two others are designated as the Chankasem Palace or Front Palace and the Wang Lang or Back Palace. The Grand Palace is now called the Old Palace. Alleys have been laid out around the remains of this palace which extends to the north of the island. The oldest part dates from King Trailok (1448-1488). Over the centuries, other parts were added. At present, only the foundations of the chedis remain.

The main buildings still standing are

Suriyat Amarin Hall from where one watched the procession of the royal boats on the Lopburi River, it is close to the enclosure of the city. It is very recognizable thanks to its bricks with quadruple gable.

Viharn Somdet. The place was used for the royal ceremonies, in particular with that of the coronation. Its roof was covered with gold leaves. It is surrounded by a cloister.

Sanpet Prasat. It was the rooms of receptions for the visitors of mark and especially for the foreign ambassadors. It is built on the same model as Viharn Somdet.

Banyong Rattanat. This building is located on an island in the middle of a basin and was used as place of rest and meditation.

Trimuk. This building which also has a majestic garden, is located behind the Sanphet Prasat. It seems to have served as a residence for the king's wives.

Chakkrawat Phaichayon. Located inside the enclosure of the city, in front of Wat Luang, it was used to observe the military maneuvers and the religious processions.

Phlapphla Chaturamuk, originally a wooden construction, which shelters today the Chankasem National Museum, rather poor in antiquities however. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm.

Wang Lang (Back Palace), near the Western Wall, where the distillery is located. Originally, it was a garden reserved for the walks of the king. Later, apartments were set up there for the members of the royal family. The chedi of Queen Sri Suriyothai, who died in battle, can be seen here.

The historic park deserves a detour for lovers of Siamese history, but not only. The place was the second city of the kingdom and the residence of the Crown Prince. Classified as a UNESCO heritage site since 1991, the site includes remains similar to those found in Sukhothai, dating from the 13th to 15th centuries. Located behind the Yon River, they are less restored than those in Sukhothai.

Built in the 12th century, Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat is the most imposing temple of the site built in 1357, under the reign of Li Thaï. It is accompanied by many statues representing Buddha in his different positions. A prang was added by Boromtrai Lokanat in the 15th century. This temple is also important because it has the second most revered representation of Buddha in Thailand after Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok. This is the last statue of the three initials. Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo and Wat Chang Lom are also worth a visit. The first is a very large temple complex and the main attraction of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. The temple enclosure has characteristics influenced by Khmer culture, lun, Burmese, lanna and, of course, by the architecture of Sukhothai. The usual entrance is located opposite the impressive Ceylonian-style Wat Chang Lom stupa, which is distinguished by its bell-shaped chedi with three-level square bases that rest on rows of elephant sculptures.

Located on the Nan River, this temple commonly known as Wat Yai dates from the mid-14th century. It is one of the only buildings to survive the major fire of 1957. Thecentral vihara houses the statue of Buddha Chinnarat in a seated position, one of the most revered and beautiful in the country. Made entirely of polished bronze, it is in the Sukhothai style. Its main feature is the headdress, a halo that takes the form of a sacred snake. The doors of the large image room are covered with pearls made by the king's craftsmen in the 18th century. Candlesticks on the ceiling majestically illuminate the room. Buddha statues line up in the corridors. A large 8-metre statue of standing Buddha, Phra Attharot, is located on the site. It would be from the same period as that of Buddha Chinnarat, and was once in a large room that no longer exists today but of which some ruins can be seen as pillars. The centre of the enclosure is dominated by a prang, a large Khmer style pagoda. Originally this structure was to form a Sukhothai-style lotus flower stupa, then had to be converted into a prang in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. A ceremony in honour of Buddha Chinnarat takes place every year at the end of January. Across the street, another temple, Wat Ratchaburana, is also worth a visit. It houses a magnificent three-headed Naga and 19th century murals.

In the heart of the historic park, in the old town. Plan and documentation for most paying.

The road is called n°12 green road because it provides access to various natural parks and waterfalls, the occasion for a nice trip of one or two days around the city. It is possible to get a menu with detailed information from the Tourist Office plan your itinerary.

This site has been classified as a historical heritage site by UNESCO since 1991. The old fortifications mark the boundaries of the old town, established according to the same concept as Sukhothai. Most of the remains are located in this area, but some monuments are also 2 km from the city centre in an area called the Aranyik Area. It is necessary to pay the entry fee for each zone. The park extends into a vast wooded area where one can visit the ruins of several temples, often with only the brick terraces and several laterite Buddha statues, more or less damaged by the bad weather. Not to be missed is Wat Phra Kaew, the royal temple, the highlight of any visit to Kamphaeng Phet. Its three very well preserved Buddhas, two seated and one lying, are with the standing Buddha of Wat Phra Si Ariyabot the most striking elements of the Historical Park. The Wat Chang Rop chedi, supported by elephant statues, also attracts attention. Excavations are still ongoing to uncover areas of fortifications buried under the slopes. The main area is easy to visit on foot while you will need a bicycle or a vehicle for the second area (Arunyk Area), located outside the boundaries of the old city in the forest. Allow about 3 hours for a full tour of the historic park. If you have to choose between the two, this park is more interesting than Si Satchanalai.

This national park is recommended for lovers of wilderness. The summit of Khao Luang is at an altitude of 1,200 metres and the 4 km path leading to it is reserved for experienced athletes. For those who just want to enjoy the forest, the spectacular Sai Rung Falls, spread over 4 levels, offer the opportunity to swim. You have to walk almost a kilometre to reach them. Provide food, water and equipment before going to the site