"Rue de Louvo" to "Road to Lopburi"

The Enduring Appeal of "Love Destiny" and the Historical Treasures of Lopburi

The recent popularity of the Thai drama "Love Destiny" has brought renewed attention to the city of Lopburi, a key setting in the story. While many visitors flock to well-known historical sites like the Narai Ratchaniwet Palace and the King Narai's Ambassador's Residence, lesser-known locations offer equally fascinating connections to the era of King Narai.

Reaching Lopburi is convenient, with train journeys from Bangkok taking approximately three hours. During the trip, vendors offer a variety of snacks and refreshments, providing a glimpse into local culture and potentially sparking new friendships with fellow travelers.

"The Noblemen's Landing"

This trip, we set out with the goal of "not going where everyone else goes" while still focusing on "tracing the history of the Narai period." This led us to explore interesting locations by researching historical records and documents. This approach made our trip unique, intriguing, and exceptional.

The first place we recommend is "Tha Khun Nang," which served as a landing point for noblemen traveling from Ayutthaya to Lopburi during the Narai period. This riverside pier connected to the gate of the Narai Ratchaniwet Palace. Thanks to ongoing restoration efforts, it remains in good condition today. As depicted in the image, noblemen arriving from Ayutthaya would dock at this pier before entering the palace.

The Ancient City Walls and Moat of Lopburi

The second site is the remains of the ancient city walls of Lopburi, also known as "Lawo". If you travel by train, you will notice the ruins of the old city walls. Interestingly, the layout of Lopburi's city walls during the reign of King Narai followed a Western model, with distinct bastion corners. Even today, there are traces and remains that allow us to imagine the city's past.

Thanks to the help of a close friend, I was able to compare the current and historical city maps to help you trace the city's evolution. However, the map may not be perfectly accurate, and there may be some slight discrepancies. Nevertheless, it can serve as a useful guide.

"Rue de France"

This short street connects the Narai Ratchaniwet Palace to the Ambassador's Residence (Vichchaiyayen House). It celebrates the Thai-French relationship, and in France, there is also a Rue de Siam, connecting the two countries since the reign of King Narai the Great, who sent a "Tridute" embassy to establish friendly relations with the court of King Louis XIV.

"Wat Sak" (Wat Trak)

This site is believed to be the final resting place of Okya Wichai Yen (Constantine Phaulkon). Records indicate that Phaulkon was executed at "Wat Trak." While the record states "Wat Trak," the name has eroded over time to "Wat Sak," according to the assumption. However, remnants of the ancient site remain, including the dilapidated and abandoned ruins of an old Ayutthaya-era Ubosot. This overlooked location holds historical significance as the final resting place of Constantine Phaulkon, as recorded in history.

"San Pa Lo Temple: Observatory, Church, and the Mystery Skeletons?"

This intriguing headline refers to the historical significance of San Pa Lo Temple as an observatory and Christian church during the reign of King Narai. However, the story takes a fascinating turn with the discovery of a burial pit containing two skeletons and ceramic vessels several years ago.

The identities of these skeletons remain a mystery, with various theories proposed. One intriguing hypothesis suggests that the remains belong to King Narai's adopted son, Prince Pi, and Constantine Phaulkon. This theory is based on the physical characteristics of the skeletons: one with a hunchback and shorter stature, and the other a larger frame but missing its skull.

While the mystery remains unsolved, I had the chance to witness the excavation firsthand. The pit has since been filled in, leaving the identities of these individuals a historical enigma.

(Refer to the image from https://www.thairath.co.th/content/455419)

"Ultimately"

I want to tell everyone that when you travel, have fun within limits. Travel offers more than just beautiful pictures or something to show off on social media. It also provides experiences and knowledge that you can gain from each trip. And most importantly, you must always remember that the "place" is a public property, an important thing that should be "preserved" at all times. P.S. Have a fun trip! :)