Lopburi: Palace History, Temples and Nature

Relics of the Buddha are kept in the main prang of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. The prang is considered the first Thai architectural prang and served as a model for many prangs of the Ayutthaya period. Phra Prang Sam Yot also has a distinctive form: its three interconnected prang towers are designed in the Bayon Khmer style.

Palaces, Temples and Historic Sites

King Narai's Palace is an important palace in Thai history. French and Italian engineers designed and built it. The Somdet Phra Narai National Museum displays artifacts both in the palace buildings and in various museum pavilions. Ban Luang Rap Ratchathut, also known as Ban Wichayen, offers another architectural blend: this historic site was built during the reign of King Narai the Great and combines Renaissance elements with Thai tradition.

The Ancient City of Sap Champa is an ancient city from the Dvaravati period. It is located in Moo 7, Tambon Sap Champa, Amphoe Tha Luang, Lop Buri Province. Wat Khao Samo Khon includes several caves, among them Tham Phra Non, Tham Phramanee, Tham Ching Cha, Tham Nam, Tham Phra Chai and Tham Kai Chae. Visitors climb the mountain there to take in the scenery of Tha Wung District, and also come to pay their respects to sacred objects.

Visitors pray for blessings at the Phra Kan Shrine and watch the monkeys. The Luk Son Chinese Shrine houses statues of Chinese deities, including Pun Thao Kong, Pun Thao Ma, Chao Pho Guan U and Chao Pho Khao Tok. A sacred stone in the shrine is believed by the people of Lop Buri to be an arrow belonging to Phra Ram.

Landscapes, Water and Trails

The Pa Sak Jolasid Dam is described as Thailand's longest earth dam. The railway station at the entrance to the dam is on the northeastern railway line and is operated by the State Railway of Thailand. For a different nature experience, the waterfall at Namtok Wang Kan Lueang Arboretum springs from a large underground source, and its water flows year-round. There is a camping area at the waterfall.

For a hike, the ascent of Khao Wong Prachan has 3,890 steps leading to the summit. This is a practical point of reference when planning a visit. The waterfall, dam and mountain offer contrasting landscapes; choose according to the sights that interest you most on your trip.

Seasonal Sights and Local Cuisine

Sunflower fields in Lopburi bloom from November to January, although the period can vary by field and year. Growing areas are found in Mueang Lop Buri, Phatthana Nikhom and Chai Badan districts. Particularly large areas are near Khao Chin Lae, close to Wat Welu Wan in Tambon Khok Tum, Mueang Lop Buri District. If you are planning your trip around the bloom, check the condition of the fields you want to visit shortly beforehand; individual field locations can change.

Ban Suan Khwan combines coffee by the canal with boat trips on the river. Som Fak is a local dish made from fermented fish, salt, crushed cooked rice and pickled garlic. These experiences complement the historic sites with insights into local activities and cuisine.

Discover more destinations: Don Pho, Phon Thong, Nong Muang, Nong Tao, Tha Hin, Khao Noi, Phai Yai, Mouang Khom, Sa Bot District, Chai Badan, Hua Lam, Khok Krathiam, Ban Mi, Bang Khu.

For the overall travel overview: Thailand.