Kamphaeng Phet, a name that means Diamond Wall, was a key defensive stronghold for the Sukhothai kingdom from the 13th to 15th centuries and remained relevant when it came under the sway of Ayutthaya. “A battlefield on many occasions” according to the excellent National Museum, the city was flattened during the Burma-Siam war of the 1760s. Pieces of original earthen walls still stand around the old city as testaments to its medieval military might.

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 ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 900 words.)