One of the Oldest City : Lop Buri
One of the oldest cities in Thailand, Lop Buri was created during the Dvaravati period (6th to 10th century), when it was known as Lavo. The palaces and temples that remain today, in various states of disrepair, are from the Khmer kingdom and the subsequent Ayuthaya. King Narai (r 1657–88) made Lopburi the second capital, hosting many foreign dignitaries.
It is home to impressive ruins and major attractions including King Narai’s Lopburi Palace and Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, a historic temple. Lopburi is often overlooked by many tourists, since it is off the beaten path of the country that attracts tourists to Thailand in the first place.
However, that may change when tourists hear about one of Thailand’s biggest festivals taking place in Lopburi: the Monkey Festival.
Lop Buri(Thailand) History
Lop Buri is a rice collection point on the banks of the Lop Buri River and on the north-south railway line of the city. Founded as Lavo in the 5th and 7th centuries, it was incorporated into the Khmer kingdom of Angkor in the 10th or 11th centuries and became an important capital city.
It later became an active center in the kingdom of Ayutthaya (founded in 1351) and was the summer capital of Ayutthaya King Narai (reigned 1657-1688). After that, the city collapsed and many of its buildings collapsed. One of Thailand’s most historic sites, the city retains many buildings from the earliest times.
The Khmer built Prang Sam Yod (“Three Spiers Shrine”), the symbol of the Lop Buri region. Phra Narai Rachanives Palace is now a museum. King Narai built the royal reception hall to receive the Chevalier de Chaumont, the first French ambassador to Thailand (1685).
Other places of interest include the temple Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That (1157), the remains of the Nakhon Kosa temple and the ruins of the 17th century Jesuit San Paolo Church.
Best Activities to do in Lop Buri Thailand
Walk around Ban Chao Wichayen
Another ancient ruin you should visit in Lopburi town is Ban Chao Wichayen, the residence of the French ambassador which was built in the 17th century next to King Narai’s palace to receive the ambassador of King Louis XIV of France in 1685.
Ban Chao Wichayen has many old buildings of colonial style with the facade, doors, windows of the main building still intact. You will also see the Roman Catholic church system that still exists in Europe, which is rare here.
The story goes that the first French ambassador to Siam accompanied Constantine Phaulkon, a famous Greek merchant-turned-consultant who came to Siam in 1695 on one of the ships of the English East India Company. .
Phaulkon rose through the ranks of a merchant and became one of the most prominent foreign figures in Siamese politics at the time and became an adviser to King Narai. He was so integrated into Siam that he was given the name Chao Phraya Wichayen.
The building was given to Phaulkon to look after when the ambassador left and locals mistakenly believe that Phaulkon owned the place, hence the name Ban Chao Wichayen. Unfortunately, he ended up paying the highest price to get close to the king. When King Narai died, another king killed Phaulkon because of his deep ties to the royal house and rumors that he wanted to become king himself.
Monkey temple
Prang Sam Yot, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, is Lopburi’s favorite attraction. Here, in the “3 sacred Prangs” and San Phra Kann Sanctuary opposite, many monkeys live. Who would like to look at the ancient Hindu temple from the 13th century, can enter the side of the temple for a small entrance fee of 50 – baht and see the monkeys there well.
In this area, feeding monkeys is acceptable, but we do not recommend it. Some of these funny little people are scary, jump on your head and can steal things very quickly (food, glasses, mobile phones…)! Inside the temple, there is a small statue of Buddha. This can be included if you ask at the door.
Sunflower field
A visit to the sunflower fields, also known as Lopbiri Sunflower Fields, is an absolute must in the area around Lopburi, especially for local tourists.
The sunflower field is about 40 kilometers from the city, and tours are offered from Lopburi to this site.
Discover the Bon Mueang Vintage Market
At that time, it should be noon and if you are looking for a place to have lunch, you can go to Tui Noodle Restaurant located inside Bon Mueang Vintage Market.
After lunch, you can spend some time wandering around the Bon Mueang Vintage Market, a traditional Thai-style market where locals gather to buy/sell all kinds of products, from fresh food to clothes. The market is very busy on Sunday mornings so if you want to see what the local life in Lopburi is really like, Bon Mueang Vintage Market is a great place to watch and take pictures.
Enjoy the panoramic view of Lopburi and Khao Phraya Doenthong view
One of the best places in all of Lopburi is Khao Phraya Doenthong, which is 50 kilometers from Lopburi town.
The view of Khao Phraya Doenthong will take you to the top of Khao Phraya Doenthong and give you a panoramic view of Pasak Dam, its floating railway and a breathtaking view of the landscape of Lopburi. To get there, you can follow the directions of Google Maps and it will lead you along the asphalt road to the top of the hill. You don’t need to walk to get here.
