Lopburi

LOP BURI

Lop Buri, formerly known as "Lawo", was one of the important ancient towns of the Khmers from the 10th-13th century. Many Khmer ruins are found in and around this town. During the Ayutthaya period, King Narai the Great established Lop Buri as the second capital with the help of French architects. Most of the architecture of that time reflects the mixture of Thai and Western styles.

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Phra Prang Sam Yot



Located on Vichayen Road, approximately 200 meters from the railway station, Phra Prang Sam Yot is Lop Buris best known landmark and provincial symbol. A former Hindu Shrine built in the 13th century in the classic Bayon style of Khmer architecture, the compound comprises three prangs (towers) linked by a corridor. The three laterite and sandstone spires decorated with classic stucco are believed to have originally represented the Hindu Trimurti; Brahman (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Siva (the destroyer). During the reign of King Narai, the shrine was converted into a Buddhist temple when a brick viharn located to the east which houses a grand U-Thong-Ayutthaya style Buddha image was probably built. Buddha images were later added to the two prangs. The temple is open at 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m.

Wat Phra Si Maha That



This temple is located behind the railway station near Phra Kan Shrine. The Lop Buri style prang or tower fronting the temple was built around 1157 when the the town was ruled by the Khmer. The U-Thong style Buddha images on the prang were added at a late date. The temple was probably restored during the reign of King Narai the Great.

Narai Ratchaniwet Palace



The palace was built in 1665 and 1677, when King Narai the Great decided to make Lop Buri the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Although the buildings were designed by with the contributions of French architects, the Khmer influence was still strong. The Palace was a perfect blend of the both world, an awesome mixture of Khmer-European styles.

Statue of King Narai the Great



This statue is situated at the entrance of the town. It was erected to honour King Narai the Great who made Lop Buri an important and prosperous town. He commanded many magnificent structures built in this town including the Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, several fortifications and a Buddhist sanctuary. He was the first one to apply modern technology in the observatory and in laying terracotta pipes to supply water to the palace.

Prang Khaek



This charming and petite Khmer ruin is in the market place on Vichayen Road. The structure was built in the 15th century as a Hindu shrine with three adjoining towers, but it is much smaller than Phra Prang Sam Yot. It is considered to be the oldest monument of Lop Buri.

San Phra Kan



This former Brahman shrine is adjacent to Phra Prang Sam Yot. It consists of an ancient Khmer ruin and a shrine constructed in 1951 for a worshiped four-armed deity figure with a Buddha image's head. The monkeys living in the compound sometimes cause mischief when approached.

Khuen Pa Sak Cholasit



The biggest reservoir in Central Thailand, the Pa Sak Cholasit Dam was constructed as part of the Maenam Pa Sak Royal Development Project, an initiative of King Bhumibol. Constructed in 1989, the earth (soil)-filled dam with a clay core was granted the name by His Majesty the King who presided over its opening on 25 November 1999. The Dam stretches over Lop Buri and Saraburi Provinces. It is 4,860 meters long with a capacity of 785 million cubic meters.

Sunflower Field



The largest sunflower field in Thailand is located in Tambon Chong Sarika, Phatthana Nikom District. The panoramic sunflower field has become Lop Buri's major tourist attraction especially during November to January when they are in full bloom. To travel from Bangkok, drive along the Lop Buri-Saraburi Road for approximately 30 kilometers, then turn left into Highway No. 21 and proceed for another 15 kilometers. Traveling from Lop Buri town center, the sunflower field is located approximately 45 kilometers from the town.

Wat Mani Chonlakhan



The monastery was originally called Wat Ko Kaeo because it was located on a small island. Interesting to see are, Chedi Luang Pho Saeng, the ubosot, the wihara and the large Buddha image along the river.

Vichayen House



Vichayen House was a residence for Chevalier de Chaumont, the first French ambassador to Thailand during the reign of Louis XVI. Later, the place was occupied by Chao Phraya Vichayen (a Greek adventurer Constantine Phaulkon ) until he was executed by the revolutionaries in 1688. Many ruined buildings dot the compound, one served as a Roman Catholic chapel. Others were residences for the ambassador and mission members. Ruined brick water tanks and fountains are visible.

Wat Sao Thong Thong



Wat Sao Thong Thong is to the north of the Royal Palace. The wihara and the main Buddha image were created in the Ayutthaya period. Later, King Narai restored this monastery and changed the windows of the windows of the wihara into a western style.

Wat Khao Wongkot
Covering an area of 30 rai, Wat Khao Wongkhot is situated approximately 4 kilometers from Ban Mi city. The temple is built in the middle of three mountains with the Reclining Buddha enshrined at the foot of Sanam Daeng Mountain. Visitors are encouraged to stop at a pavilion which keeps the un-deteriorated body of Charoen Ditsawanno venerable Bhikku, former abbot of Wat Khao Wongkot who passed away in 1963.