Marvel Overland Holiday

Set astride the wide Ping River and framed by forested mountains in the west, the provincial capital of Kamphaeng Phet is best known for a small but worthwhile historical park. Hang around and you'll find a fun riverfront with several good markets, spirited locals and very few tourists.

While readiness for warfare was paramount, Kamphaeng Phet was also an important commercial and religious arm of Sukhothai. It's believed that Phra Kaew -- the Emerald Buddha now enshrined in Bangkok as Thailand's most sacred Buddha image -- was temporarily placed at Kamphaeng Phet's own Wat Phra Kaeo before flying off to Chiang