Meander through the ancient city of Lopburi.

Meander through the streets of Lavau

Last week was a long weekend, and I didn't have any travel plans, so I decided to drive back home. It only takes about 2 hours to drive from Bangkok to my hometown, which is very close to the capital. And lately, my hometown has been attracting a lot of tourists, so this time when I drove back home, there were more cars than usual in the city center. This is due to the popularity of the drama "Bupphesannivas". My hometown is Lopburi, Thailand.

This time I went back home for several days, so I decided to take a walking tour of Lopburi, following the footsteps of the drama "Bupphesannivas". The city center of Lopburi is not very large, so I could walk around and take pictures at my own pace. It was very relaxing. Getting to Lopburi is very convenient. You can drive or take a train. Lopburi Railway Station is located near the city center, so you can walk around the city as soon as you get off the train. So I decided to start my trip from Lopburi Railway Station before walking around the city of Lopburi. Let's learn a little bit about the history of Lopburi.

History of Lopburi

Lopburi is one of the oldest cities in the central region of Thailand. It is located on the plains of the Lopburi River and the Pa Sak River. Due to its geographical location, which is suitable for human settlement, it has been an important economic, political, cultural, and religious center throughout history. It has developed continuously from prehistoric times to historical times. And during the Ayutthaya period (19th-23rd centuries), which we are about to follow, Lopburi was an important political and commercial center. During the reign of King Narai the Great, it was declared the second capital. Now that we have a brief history, the first place we will visit is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, which is located directly opposite Lopburi Railway Station. Just cross the road and you will see it.

Lopburi Railway Station: Your First Stop

Upon arriving at Lopburi Railway Station, head across the street to your first destination: Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Remember to purchase an entrance ticket before entering. Individual tickets cost 10 baht, but if you plan to visit multiple sites, consider purchasing a combined ticket for 30 baht.

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, also known as Wat Phra That, is a religious site featuring a grand 70.7-meter-tall central prang. Flanked by smaller prangs to the north and south (now只剩下ฐาน), the main prang boasts intricate stucco decorations. The architectural style suggests construction around the early 19th Buddhist century. During the reign of King Narai, the temple underwent renovations, including the addition of a stupa, covered walkways, and a vihara.

The interior of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is truly magnificent.

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After exploring the grandeur and beauty of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, it was almost noon, so I decided to stop by a delicious Pad Thai restaurant that I've been frequenting since my high school days.

-Nhoy Yot Pad Thai

The restaurant is located in a row of shophouses opposite the Royal Memorial Park. I've been eating here for over 15 years. The price back then was 20 baht, and it still remains the same today. Not only is the price unchanged, but the taste is just as delicious as ever. The Pad Thai has perfectly chewy noodles and is flavorful enough to be enjoyed without any additional seasoning. However, for those who prefer a spicier kick, chili and lime are available to adjust to your liking.

Is our Pad Thai tempting?

After finishing our Pad Thai, we walked to Nom Cup D for coffee.

-Nom Cup D

This cafe is located directly opposite the Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace. The atmosphere is lovely, and we ordered coffee before continuing our walk. I had an iced latte, which was strong and flavorful. It only cost 40 baht per glass. We enjoyed our coffee while admiring the view of the palace.

Enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the view of the Narai Palace.

After we've finished our coffee, let's head over to the Narai Ratchaniwet Palace.

- Narai Ratchaniwet Palace

King Narai the Great, the 27th monarch of Ayutthaya, commissioned French and Italian engineers to design and construct the palace in Lopburi, along with the city walls and fortifications, in 1666. It served as his royal residence for official duties, receiving foreign dignitaries, relaxation, and hunting. He resided at the palace for extended periods each year and passed away there. After King Narai's reign, no other monarchs resided there until King Rama IV ordered its restoration and the construction of additional buildings. Today, it functions as the Narai National Museum.

The entrance fee is 30 baht, separate from the costume set we purchased earlier. Upon entering the palace, the sound of traditional Thai music filled the air, enhancing the atmosphere and enriching the experience.

For those who wish to wear a Thai costume, there is a free loan service available.

Plan of Phra Narai Ratchaniwet

- The Moon Palace

The permanent exhibition "Chalermprakiet Somdet Phra Narai Tahan Rat" showcases the history of Thailand during the reign of King Narai the Great. It features key historical events and artifacts related to this period.

A Diplomatic Encounter: Chevalier de Chaumont Presents Credentials to King Narai

This image depicts a pivotal moment in Franco-Siamese relations: the presentation of credentials by Chevalier de Chaumont, the French ambassador representing King Louis XIV, to King Narai of Ayutthaya. The scene unfolds in the opulent setting of the Saranrom Palace in 1685.

Chevalier de Chaumont, accompanied by three prominent clergymen – Abbe de Choisy (Jesuit), Father Guy Tachard, and Father Bénigne Vachet – approaches the throne with reverence. Below, the kneeling figure of Okya Wichyen (Falcon) gestures to the ambassador, indicating the proper manner of presenting the royal letter to King Narai.

This meticulously rendered scene captures the formality and grandeur of diplomatic protocol during the Ayutthaya period. The intricate details of the attire, the architectural elements of the palace, and the expressions of the figures convey the significance of this historical encounter.

Portrait of Phraya Wisut Sunthorn (Kosa Pan)

Treaty between Siam and France

- The Phra Thinang Phiman Mongkut Pavilion

A three-story building showcasing a permanent exhibition on the political development of Lopburi from prehistoric times to the present day.

- Floor 1

This floor houses the permanent exhibition on the historical development of Lopburi City, starting from the prehistoric period, approximately 3,500 years ago, to the early historical period or Dvaravati era. It also showcases the city's interaction with overseas territories during the 12th-16th centuries CE. The exhibition features prehistoric artifacts discovered at various archaeological sites in Lopburi province.

- Floor 2

The exhibition continues from the first floor, showcasing the development of Lopburi during the Khmer influence in Thailand, approximately 16th-18th centuries CE. Important artifacts and archaeological objects are displayed, including lintels, reclining Buddha statues, and various deities. The exhibition continues to the Ayutthaya period, showcasing artistic and craftsmanship works from the Ayutthaya period to the Rattanakosin period.

Floor 3

This floor features an exhibition celebrating the reign of King Rama IV (King Mongkut). The exhibition explores various aspects of his life and reign, including history, politics, society, and culture. It showcases his personal belongings, such as his royal bed, attire, and dining table accessories, all bearing his royal emblem (the crown). The exhibition also displays portraits and photographs of the king.

- Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall

This throne hall is used for receiving foreign ambassadors. It is the only building within the palace and the only royal palace outside the capital city that has a spire-shaped roof, known as a "maha prasat".

The Prasat Khek Shrine

This 15th-century Hindu shrine, built in the Lopburi style, features three brick towers without mortar, aligned towards the east. During the reign of King Narai, the shrine was renovated, and a Brahman chapel and a water tank were added.

Note: This translation focuses on the specific information about the Prasat Khek Shrine, omitting the introductory sentence about the tram service and the reference to the Narai Ratchaniwet Palace.

From the sanctuary of Prang Khaek, we turn left and pass the Lopburi Provincial Court. A short distance on the right, we will find the House of the Royal Envoy.

- House of the Royal Envoy (Baan Wichayen)

King Narai the Great ordered the construction of a residence for the diplomatic missions and priests in Lopburi. Later, a Greek man named Constantine Falcon entered the royal service and earned merit. King Narai the Great appointed him as Chao Phraya Wichayen and granted him a residence on the west side of the House of the Royal Envoy. The architecture of the building is in the Western Renaissance style, combined with the artistic style of the reign of King Narai the Great.

After visiting Ban Vichan, we walked straight ahead on the left. During this time, we need to prepare to collect our belongings and take good care of our belongings. Don't be too busy taking pictures until you are happy. Because from now on, the enemy can come close to you at any time. The enemy that Adi mentioned is none other than the local monkeys that live in the city area and the Phra Prang Sam Yot, which we are about to visit. Adi recommends that girls with long hair tie their hair up. Because monkeys like to jump and play when they see beautiful hair. The day Adi went, many girls were jumped on their heads. Another way is that when you enter the place where you have to pay money, there will be sticks to borrow. Just hold the sticks to threaten the monkeys and they will be scared.

-Phra Prang Sam Yot

Built of laterite, there is a connecting walkway between them. The main prang is 21.5 meters high, Lopburi art, around the 18th Buddhist century. Inside, there used to be a reclining Buddha statue made of laterite, a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and a statue of Prajnaparamita. Currently on display at the Narai National Museum.

Jao Chod drinks Yakult Chill with great pleasure.

Walking from Phra Prang Sam Yot, you will encounter the shrine of Phra Kan, a sacred landmark of Lopburi.

- Phra Kan Shrine

Another significant Brahmanical sanctuary, constructed from laterite blocks and featuring a high, tapering base with stairs on all four sides. The area surrounding the Phra Kal Shrine has yielded important archaeological discoveries, including Inscription No. 19, currently on display at the National Museum in Bangkok. The Vishnu statue, the lintel depicting Narayana reclining on Shesha, is exhibited at the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum, while the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is enshrined in the new Sala.

After paying respects and making offerings to Chao Pho Phra Kan, cross the road to the opposite side to find Wat Nakorn Kosa.

-Wat Nakorn Kosa

The archaeological site reveals traces of construction from three distinct periods: the initial construction of a large stupa during the Dvaravati period, the subsequent construction of a Khmer-style prang during the Lopburi period, and the final restoration as a temple during the Ayutthaya period. Evidence suggests that Chao Phraya Kosathibodi (Lek), a high-ranking official during the reign of King Narai the Great, oversaw the restoration, leading to the temple's name, Wat Nakhon Kosa.

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From here, the final destination of this trip may be a bit far for some. I recommend finding a motorbike from the Phra Kan Shrine. There is a shortcut along the side of the railway tracks to Wat San Pa Lo. You can then ask the motorbike to wait for you. However, if you are returning by train, you can take a leisurely walk across the railway tracks to the train station.

-Wat San Pa Lo

A religious site in Christianity, the pre-brick and mortar building was granted by King Narai the Great to French priests for the construction of a place for religious ceremonies and residence for the priests. Notably, the octagonal building was commissioned by King Narai the Great to serve as an astronomical observatory.

You can take a train back to Bangkok. If you stay until the evening, there will be food stalls selling food along the railway tracks. You can grab a bite to eat before heading back.

Getting There

By Car

From Bangkok, it takes about 2 hours.

Route 1: Take Phahonyothin Road through Saraburi, pass Phra Phutthabat District, and enter Lopburi city.

Route 2: Take the Asian Highway through Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Ang Thong Province, turn right at Chao Pluk Junction, drive along the canal road, and you will see the railway tracks turn left to Lopburi city.

By Train

The State Railway of Thailand has trains departing from Bangkok Railway Station to Lopburi Province every day. You can also board at other stations along the way. There are both ordinary and express trains.
For travel information and ticket prices, call 1690 24 hours a day or visit the website www.railway.co.th

By Van and Bus

You can take a bus at Mo Chit Bus Terminal.

How is it for a relaxing Lopburi trip like Adi's? Let me tell you that coming on this trip is like going back in time to that era because especially during this time there are dramas based on history that make the images from the dramas combined with the opportunity to walk around the real places and the images are even clearer. It makes visiting historical sites so much fun. If you have free time, don't forget to follow Adi to chill in the city of Lawo.

Readers who enjoy this content are encouraged to like my page here: >> ChillWithAdi : อดิพาชิล

Join Adin on a relaxing and enjoyable trip.