Kamphaeng Phet City Pillar Shrine is located near Wat Phra Kaew and the Kamphaeng Phet National Museum. Kamphaeng Phet’s name symbolizes strength and stability, like a city made of diamond. The shrine reflects this unshakable stability and is ideal for praying for housing, career, lost items, love, and other auspicious matters.

History:
The shrine is believed to have been established during the reign of King Maha Thammaracha I (Lithai), the ruler of Kamphaeng Phet. The original city pillar was made of stone (Sila Lang), about 2 meters long, protruding about 1 meter above the ground, with a guardian spirit head on top.
During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the shrine’s roof collapsed onto the pillar and the spirit head, leaving it in ruins for many years.

In 1929, Deputy Minister Luang Montri Rach (Wan) initiated the reconstruction of the shrine in traditional Thai style.
Later, in 1945, after the spirit head was stolen, Governor Luang Pariwat Vorawit (Chantra Charoenchai) had a new one made using soil from the highest peak of Khao Luang and soil from the center of temples and old chedis across Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, Phitsanulok, and Tak provinces.

In 1981, the shrine was renovated again into a mandapa-style building, with surrounding areas made of reinforced concrete, and Sila Lang-colored polished sandstone floors.

Beliefs:
Locals believe the Chao Pho Lak Mueang (City Pillar Spirit) protects the city and people’s well-being. Visitors come to pray for life stability, career, finances, housing, and recovery of lost items. The shrine is also a popular site for blessings for family prosperity and business success.

Architecture:

• The shrine is a mandapa-style building made of reinforced concrete

• Floors are Sila Lang-colored polished sandstone

• The original city pillar is stone (Sila Lang) with a guardian spirit head

• The shrine has a perimeter walkway for worship and sightseeing

• Combines traditional Thai artistry with modern construction for beauty and durability

How to Worship:

• Walk around the city pillar while praying

• Light incense, candles, and flowers to honor the spirit

• Pray with sincerity and respect

• Wear modest clothing and maintain quiet inside the shrine

Annual Activities:

• Chao Pho Lak Mueang ceremonies and water blessing during Songkran Festival (April 15 or Phaya Day)

• Cultural and religious activities in the old city area

• Serves as a starting point for cultural tourism tours with Wat Phra Kaew and the National Museum

• Visitors still come to pray for life stability, career, prosperity, and the return of lost items

By private car:

• From Kamphaeng Phet city, take Highway 101 (Kamphaeng Phet–Phitsanulok Road) toward the old city

• Upon reaching Wat Phra Kaew, turn into the nearby alley or park at the city pillar shrine parking area

• The shrine is on the main road and within walking distance of the National Museum and nearby historical sites

By public transport:

• From Kamphaeng Phet city, take a songthaew or tuk-tuk to the old city

• Tell the driver to go to Wat Phra Kaew or Kamphaeng Phet City Pillar Shrine

• After parking or getting off, walk around the shrine and nearby historical sites

• Start with worship at the city pillar, then visit other old city temples like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra That

• Visit in the morning for a peaceful atmosphere and better photos

• Songkran Festival (April 15) features ceremonies and water blessing

• Dress modestly and respect the site

• Can be combined with visits to the National Museum and nearby attractions

Admission Fee:

• Free of charge (entry to the shrine is free even within the old city area)

Opening Hours:

• 07:00 – 17:00

• Open daily