About Wat Kamphaeng Laeng
Wat Kamphaeng Laeng is in Phetchaburi town, and it's one of the few Khmer sanctuaries this far south. The laterite towers stand inside a working Buddhist temple, and a laterite wall once ran around them. They're usually dated to the late 12th or early 13th century. They would have been covered in stucco, and a few pieces are left. Sources don't agree on which faith it first served. A statue of the Hindu goddess Uma was found in one tower in 1956. Monks live here, so dress and behave as you would at any Thai temple.
Things to do at Wat Kamphaeng Laeng
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See the laterite towers
Culture
The weathered towers stand on stepped bases. Look for the few pieces of stucco that are left.
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Notice the old temple inside the new one
Culture
A working Buddhist temple has grown up around the ruins, and that's rare for a Khmer site.
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Dress for a working temple
Culture
Monks live here. Cover your shoulders and knees.
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Add it to a day in Phetchaburi
Culture
It's in town, so it's easy to fit in with Phetchaburi's other temples.
Boat trips and park access change with the season and weather, so confirm locally before you go.
When to go
Best months for Bangkok, Central and the West: Dec to Jan. Month-by-month guide
- Jan Best
- Feb Good
- Mar Mixed
- Apr Avoid
- May Mixed
- Jun Mixed
- Jul Mixed
- Aug Mixed
- Sep Avoid
- Oct Mixed
- Nov Good
- Dec Best
Regional weather guide, not specific to Wat Kamphaeng Laeng. Tap a month for details.
