Kamphaeng Phet & Khlong Lan National Park

Kamphaeng Phet is a peaceful small town with a population of around 30.000 people. It doesn't see many tourists, therefore it's a great place to experience ordinary life in a little town in lower Northern Thailand. The residents of Kamphaeng Phet, like any other region in Thailand that isn't overrun with tourists, are genuinely warm and welcoming. Kamphaeng Phet province lies about halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai and makes for a great stopover when you're on your way to one of the more northern provinces of Thailand or the other way around. It's home to Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Khlong Wang Chao National Park and Khlong Lan National Park.

Khlong Lan National Park covers 300 square kilometers and the main draw is the impressive 100 meter high and 40 meter wide Khlong Lan Waterfall. The waterfall lies about a kilometer drive or walk from the National Park's main entrance. There is a walkway along the river and to the waterfall with platforms to sit, swim and picknick. There is also a restaurant and a coffee shop that sells a variety of coffees and teas. I had an iced latte, but unfortunately it wasn't very good. Too much sugar and too little coffee, making it taste like sugary milk. It might be worth asking for less milk and sugar if you fancy an iced latte, which actually tastes like coffee.

There is a campground and cottages if you want to stay overnight. Which is probably quite nice to do. Especially when there is a lot of moon light, illuminating Khlong Lan Waterfall. Also, it makes it easier to go up the "Kio Nguang Chang Nature Trail" and see the sunrise or sunset overlooking Khlong Lan Waterfall and the surrounding lush green mountains.

At the main entrance there is a trail going up with three viewing platforms overlooking Khlong Lan Waterfall and the surrounding lush green jungle clad mountains, search the map for the coordinates.

Kio Nguang Chang Nature Trail is about 735 meters with an elevation gain of 211 meters. The signs in the park claim it's a 45-minute walk, but if you're reasonably fit, it'll be considerably shorter. It took me about 15 minutes to get to the last viewing platform. Signs in the park state that you can continue on the Khao Hua Chang Trail, which is another 700 meters, and that this part of the trail requires a guide. But to be honest, the last platform is at the highest point and I don't see any reason to continue for another 700 meter.

There are two roads that lead into Khlong Wang Chao National Park. One from the north and the 117 near Khlong Lan Waterfall. The 117 looks like a fun road to drive with your motorcycle, with lots of curves and several viewpoints. The road ends at a viewpoint with a camping. Unfortunately, there is a ticket booth with a barrier, and you can only enter before 15.00 o'clock if you don't stay camping in the park. I was there a bit later so I couldn't enter. Also, you have to pay 200 THB as a foreigner. Even if you just want to drive down the road.

The main attraction in Kamphaeng Phet town is Kamphaeng Phet's Historical Park which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It comprises a wide variety of ruins from the 14th to 16th centuries. Some of the ruins and structures can be seen free of charge. To enter the Khet Nai (Inner district) or the Khet Aranyik (Forest district) a ticket needs to be bought. The price is 100 THB per ticket, or you can buy a combined ticket for 150 THB.

I didn't visit Kamphaeng Phet's Historical Park because I've already been to a few historical parks and sites that are similar.

Three J Guesthouse is an excellent choice for travelers to Kamphaeng Phet or Khlong Lan National Park. It's owned and operated by a friendly family and offers affordable lodging in a lovely green garden with numerous pleasant seating spots. They have fan rooms or air-conditioned rooms, and rooms with en suite bathrooms or shared bathroom. They have a breakfast menu. There is complimentary drinking water, hot water, and instant coffee and tea. There is space inside the gates to park your motorcycle, and there is also a parking area across the street. The family can provide you with loads of information about the province, and they rent out bicycles and motorbikes.

You can Book on Agoda.