Lopburi

Lopburi

General Information

A province in the central region of Thailand, Lopburi Province is located approximately 154 kilometers north of Bangkok. Covering an area of 6,199 square kilometers, the province is situated on the western end of the Khorat Plateau. It borders Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces on the east, Phetchabun and Nakhon Sawan Provinces on the north, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Saraburi Provinces on the South. Lop Buri Province is one of several provinces in central Thailand where many significant historical artifacts and prehistoric settlements have been discovered.
Formerly known as Lawo, Lopburi had for centuries been ruled by several Kingdoms. The remains of Lopburi, dating over 1,200 years attests to the strategic significance of Lopburi to many rulers. These relics, ranging from the Bronze Age to the Ratanakosin period, have made Lopburi a blend of east and west and ancient and modern, revealing the citys turbulent and alluring history and a glimpse of Thailands extraordinary past.
Lop Buri was first developed into a major town during the Dvaravati Kingdom (6th 11th centuries). Most historians believed the first settlers of the town were the Lawa (an ethnic group related to the Mons) which is the reason for naming the town Lawa. In 10th century, the town came under absolute sovereignty of the Khmers who made it one of their oldest provincial capitals. The Khmer Mahayana Buddhism style was a major influence on the town’s architecture and was later commonly referred to as Lop Buri Style. Remains of KhmerHindu architectural motifs found in the city include the Shivas Shrine (Prang Khaek), San Phra Kan, Phra Prang Sam Yot, and Wat Phra Si Mahathat.
It was in the late 13th century when the Thais, who migrated from the North, fought against the Khmers and declared their independence. Since then, Lop Buri has been ruled by Thai Kings.
Lop Buri first became known when King U-Tong, who established the Ayutthaya Kingdom, sent his son, Ramesuan the Crown Prince, to govern the city. The Prince commanded the building of moats, city walls and battlement towers.
Lop Buri reached its height in 1664 when King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya named Lop Buri the Kingdoms second capital, which came after a threat of invasion from Hollanders. King Narai the Great rebuilt Lop Buri with the help of French architects and ruled the Kingdom from there, instead of Ayutthaya., Thus the citys architecture mostly reflected a mixture of Thai and Western styles, which can be seen today in the remains of the Royal Palace, the Royal Reception House etc.
Lop Buri gradually faded from the political scene with the death of King Narai the Great. It, however, made a comeback approximately 200 years later when King Rama IV of the Ratanakosin Era decided to restore the city. He also commanded the restoration of the old Palace and named it Phra Narai Ratchaniwet (Narai Ratchaniwet Palace) in honor of King Narai the Great.
After Thailands democratic revolution, Marshall Poh Pibulsongkram rebuilt a military camp near the citys railroad, therefore, dividing the city into the old (ancient) and new zone.
Today, Lop Buri is administratively divided into 11 Amphoes (Districts) including Muang, Ban Mi, Chai Badan, Khok Charoen, Khok Samrong, Phatthana Nikhom, Tha Luang, Tha Wung, Sa Bot, Lam Sonthi and Nong Muang.
Apart from historical attractions, Lop Buri provides opportunities for nature lovers to visit its famous Sap langka Wildlife Sanctuary in the north.
Another special landmark of Lop Buri is monkeys. To tourists, the city is known as the land of monkeys. To the people of Lop Buri, the monkeys are descendants of Hanuman who, according to the Ramayana, built Lop Buri as his kingdom. The food offerings in San Phra Kan drew the monkeys from nearby forests. These mischievous monkeys have taken over several attractions such as San Phra Kan and Phra Prang Sam Yot. A big feast for the monkeys on the last Sunday of November is held annually at Phra Prang Sam Yot and is one of the most attractive and most talked about tourist events in Thailand.

Travelling in Lop Buri

TThere are plenty of Song thaews running along Wichayen and Phra Narai Maharat Roads connecting the old and new towns. The cost is 5 baht per person. City buses are also available. It costs 4 baht per passenger. Sam Lor or TUK-TUK will go anywhere in the old town from 30 to 50 baht.

Symbol

The provincial seal shows Vishnu in front of the Khmer temple Phra Prang Sam Yod.

The provincial tree as well as the provincial flower is the Bullet Wood.

Getting there

By Car

From Bangkok: The trip from Bangkok to Lop Buri by car may take up to 2 hours. It is possible to either drive along Highway No.1 via Saraburi (total distance is 153 kilometers), or use Highway No. 32 via Ayutthaya, and travel further along Highway No. 347 to Lop Buri via Tha Ruea District.

By Bus

• From Bangkok: Air-conditioned coaches and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal) every 20 minutes from 5.30 a.m. until 8.30 p.m. The ticket costs 62 baht (ordinary bus) and 85 bahts (air-conditioned). The journey takes 3 hours. Call 02 936 2852-66 for more information.
• From Ayutthaya: There are buses that leave every 10 minutes from Ayutthaya Bus Terminal to Lop Buri. The price is half of the fare from Bangkok.
• Lop Buri can be reached by taking buses from Kanchanaburi (the west), Suphan Buri, Sing Buri, Ang Thong (the central), and Nakhon Ratchasima (the east).

By Train

• From Bangkok: Ordinary northern-route (Bangkok-Chiang Mai) trains leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 7.05 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. Both are third class only. Rapid trains leave the station 5 times a day (Travel time is 2.5 hrs.) For more updated schedules and reservations, call 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 22237020 or visit www.railway.co.th.
• From Ayutthaya: regular 3rd class trains depart Ayutthaya to Lop Buri. Travel time is 1 hour.

Festivals

King Narai Reign Fair

This fair commemorates the reign of King Narai the Great, the Ayutthayan monarch best known for his promotion of diplomatic relations with European powers during the mid-1600s. The fair is centred at King Narai's Palace and features processions, a light and sound presentation, folk entertainment and sales of local products.

Interesting Products

Coconut Jelly

A common product of Lop Buri, Mushroom Jelly is produced by fermenting coconut juice with a microbe (acetic) similar to that used in vinegar preserving process. In the fermentation process, white fungi will float and gradually assemble into a group of mushroom-like jelly. It is found to be rich in vitamins, minerals and cellulose. The jelly is superb for making any kinds of dessert.

Din So Phong

In Kanchanaburi, high quality jewels are from mines scattered in Bo Phloi district. Some are also on display at the Bo Phloi jewel exhibition centre while others can be purchased from several shops in the district.

Preserved mango

Typical product of Lop Buri, Din So Phong is well known for its therapeutic capacities. It is said that the best Din So Phong in Thailand can be found in Lop Buri. Din So Phong producers have added Thai herbs to their products in order to increase their values.

Khai Khem Din So Phong (Marl Salted Egg)

This is a product that provides an excellent example of combining local wisdom and local resources. The egg was first introduced into the market by a group of soldiers' wives at King Narai Army Camp in 1989. To produce this salted egg, an egg is preserved in a plastic bag with a mixture of marl, sugar and salt for a period of 3-15 days. Adding Din So Phong to the process makes it even more unique as it is a food preservation method that is only found and done in Lop Buri.

Khao Phra Ngam Gems

Another type of precious stone found in Khao Prangam District, Lop Buri, the stone has dazzling and glittering characteristics similar to that of a real diamond and is known locally as Hin Kiew Hanumana (Sand Stone) or Quartz. The common colors are white, pink, green, purple and yellow. Since the stone is famous for its sparkling quality, it has recently become popular local souvenir.

Mat Mi Fabric

An easy-to-wash cloth that is inexpensive but of high quality Mat Mi fabrics can be found in the villages in Ban Mi District.

Metal Casting (Brass)

At Mu 2, Baan Ta Krayang, Taleh Chupsorn Sub-district, Mueang District, metal casting is a part of the villagers livelihood. Using molds made of clay, cement, and plaster, metal figures produced from Baan Ta Krayang are very popular among tourists who usually take them home as decorating items or souvenirs.

Reed mats

These mats are produced in Thai Din Dam near the Namtok Wang Kan Luang.

Rock carving Buddha images at Ban Nong Lang

This village which is famous for rock carving crafts Siva and Buddha images as well as Dvaravati stone sculptures. These carvings are sent to antique markets in Ayutthaya and Bangkok.

Sunflower products

Lop Buri residents produce a wide range of high quality sunflower products, including sunflower oil, cookies, honey syrup and liquid foambath.