One-Day Trip in Thai Dress to Lopburi: Exploring Local Delicacies with a Local Expert

This trip invites you to explore Lopburi in a unique way with the "LocalTable" campaign, a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), TakeMeTour, dtac, King Power, Thai AirAsia, and AccorHotels.

Local Table: A Culinary Adventure Through Thailand's Local Flavors

Local Table is a unique campaign that combines the best of local cuisine and tourism. It features over 70 curated itineraries that highlight the culinary gems of various provinces in Thailand.

What makes Local Table special?

• Focus on local ingredients: Each itinerary showcases dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a true taste of the region's culinary heritage.
• Expert-led experiences: Local experts guide participants through the culinary landscape, sharing their knowledge and insights about the region's food culture.
• Variety of choices: With over 70 itineraries to choose from, there's something for everyone, from food enthusiasts to adventurous travelers.

How to participate:

• Visit the TakeMeTour website, a leading platform for booking personalized tours in Thailand.
• Browse the Local Table itineraries and choose the one that interests you.
• Book your tour and embark on a delicious journey through Thailand's local flavors.

Local Table is more than just a culinary experience; it's a chance to connect with the local community, learn about their traditions, and discover the hidden gems of Thailand's diverse culinary landscape.

This one-day trip allows you to check in at various tourist attractions in a short period of time.

Tourist attractions and activities in the trip...

1. National Museum Phra Narai

2. The Royal Thai Embassy Residence (Wichayen Residence)

3. Three-Spire Prang

4. The Throne Hall of the Royal Residence of the White Elephant (The Cool Palace)

5. Enjoy a LocalTable lunch prepared by a Local Expert.

6. Sunflower Field at Khao Chin Lae

7. Wat Khao Chin Lae

8. Wat Takra Thong

9. ร้านกะเพรา & Coffee

This translates to:

9. Basil & Coffee Shop

10. อ่างเก็บน้ำซับเหล็ก

This translates to:

10. Sap Lek Reservoir

*Entrance fees to historical sites and various attractions will be covered by the team.

1. King Narai National Museum

After changing into the Thai costumes prepared by the team, the first place we visited was the Narai National Museum, also known as the Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, or simply Wang Narai. Our local expert, Cartoon, told us that it is common for people in Lopburi to dress in Thai costumes, and that during the early part of the year, there is a "Narai Festival" where people throughout the province dress in traditional Thai attire. This year, the festival will be held from February 8th to 17th, 2023. If you are planning to visit Lopburi during this time, don't forget to bring your Thai costume for some beautiful photos!

Opening hours: 09:00 - 16:00

Admission Fee: Thai citizens 30 baht, foreigners 150 baht.

Phone: 036-411458

2. The Royal Residence for Foreign Envoys (Wichayen House)

Was the house of "Constantine Phaulkon" built to welcome the first French diplomatic mission to Ayutthaya, as depicted in the drama "Bupphesanniwat"? To find out, you must visit the actual location. The entrance fee for Thai citizens is 10 baht.

3. The Three-Peaked Pagoda

A must-visit attraction in Lopburi is the Phra Prang Sam Yot, a landmark of the province. I have visited it three times and stopped by every time. This time, the Phra Prang Sam Yot looked better than before due to the landscaping with green grass. Visitors can now enter the prang.

Caution

The area around the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple is home to a large population of monkeys. Visitors are advised to avoid carrying bags, food, or dangling earrings, as these items may attract the monkeys' attention and lead to them being snatched. Individuals dressed in traditional Thai attire should be particularly cautious in this regard.

Our local expert was highly skilled in deterring the monkeys from approaching us. If you are visiting independently, it is recommended to have someone carry a stick to keep the monkeys at bay. However, please refrain from chasing or hitting the monkeys.

4. The Royal Pavilion of Kraisorn Siharaj (The Cool Palace)

This site, located approximately 5 kilometers from the city center, served as a place for King Narai the Great to study lunar eclipses, marking the beginning of modern astronomy in Thailand. The serene atmosphere and abundance of shade make it an ideal location for photography and relaxation. Admission for Thai citizens is 10 baht.

5. Enjoy a LocalTable lunch prepared by a Local Expert.

After capturing stunning photos in traditional Thai attire amidst historical landmarks, we recharged at the home of a local expert who graciously hosted us and prepared a delicious meal. The warm and inviting atmosphere was enhanced by the mother's charming home décor, which offered picturesque photo opportunities. In addition to the Thai costumes provided by the host, we also had the chance to don kimonos for a unique photoshoot experience.

The primary focus of this trip is to savor dishes prepared with local ingredients, including stewed chicken with pickled citron, salted egg fried rice, and butterfly pea flower banana dessert.

Let's start with the first menu, "Salted Egg Fried Rice." The special ingredient is salted egg made with the finest quality white clay from Lopburi, a famous souvenir of the province. The world's best white clay is found in Ban Hin Song Gon, Lopburi Province. You can contact them to visit the white clay production site.

"Stewed Chicken with Pickled Lime" features tender chicken in a fragrant pickled lime broth. This unique dish boasts a harmonious flavor profile, where the pickled lime adds a subtle tang without overpowering the other ingredients. The rich broth is so delicious that you'll find yourself savoring every last drop.

Before the meal, my mother and Ms. Cartoon held a workshop for us to make "Butterfly Pea Banana Cake." It looked very easy to make, but if we were to do it ourselves, it would definitely be a mess. Haha! Using natural color from butterfly pea flowers, adding young coconut to enhance the aroma and smooth texture. Eating it while it's hot is very delicious. It was a very delicious, happy, and memorable meal.

6. Sunflower Field at Khao Chin Lae

We were fortunate to visit during the peak sunflower bloom, as the flowers will begin to wilt in a few days. While the long weekend attracted many tourists, venturing beyond the designated photo spots allowed for pictures with minimal crowds. The site offers tram rides, food and beverage stalls, and souvenir shops. Be mindful of the soft ground in some areas, which can stain shoes if not careful. Please refrain from picking or damaging the flowers; let's share the beauty responsibly.

7. Wat Khao Chin Lae

According to local experts, the temple is home to a large population of peacocks that roam freely. These peacocks are tame and often display their plumage for visitors. Visitors are welcome to feed the peacocks, but are strictly prohibited from requesting them as pets.

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8. Wat Takra Thong

Also known as Wat Suwannakiri Pidet, this hidden gem in Lopburi is located on a mountain, with some parts of the temple blending seamlessly into caves. The incorruptible remains of Luang Pho Bunlue are enshrined here for veneration.

Unseen Wonders: Breathtaking Views and Bat-Filled Caves

This hidden gem boasts stunning views of the Sap Likae Reservoir against a mountainous backdrop. Witness the spectacle of bats emerging from their cave at dusk, a truly unforgettable sight. However, be prepared for the strong odor of bat guano, so bring a mask if you plan to stay for an extended period.

9. Sap Lek Reservoir

The atmosphere felt like we were visiting the sea. There were restaurants and floating platforms for dining, but we just stopped by to take some photos. This was a bonus stop outside the tour program from the Local Expert.

10. Basil & Coffee

This cafe offers food and drinks and is located near the Khao Chin Lae sunflower field. In addition to food and drinks, there is also a cosmos flower field and a wooden bridge for taking beautiful photos. However, you need to come at the right time. During our visit, the flowers were not yet fully grown and only partially bloomed. Even so, we were able to take many beautiful photos. The entrance fee for the cosmos flower field is 20 baht per person. The closing time for entry is 6:00 PM.

This trip to Lopburi was a worthwhile experience, covering 10 attractions and dining spots within a single day. The itinerary offered a high level of privacy and personalized attention. The highlight was the lunch, which felt more like a gathering at a friend's house than a typical guided tour.

We can visit many places due to the small number of people, making it easy to move around different locations. It is convenient and we don't have to worry about changing public transportation or getting lost because we are with a local expert.

For those seeking unique travel experiences like ours, explore our curated trips at the following link:

Click >> TakeMeTour

Follow our adventures at:

KeepGoing Thailand

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