Lop Buri

Lying on the western end of the Khorat Plateau on the east side of the Chao Phraya River valley, Lop Buri is an interesting town in central Thailand with almost the area is plains and hills, the rest is low alluvial plain. The province occupies an area of 6,199 square kilometers, about 153 km to the north of Bangkok and consists of 11 districts including Mueang Lop Buri, Khok Samrong, Phatthana Nikhom, Chai Badan, Ban Mi, Tha Wung, Sa Bot, Tha Luang, Lam Sonthi and Nong Muang.

Lop Buri was one of the oldest capitals of the Khmers who set their power to Lawo and Lop Buri towns in the early of the 10th century and dominated the area till the middle of the 13th century when the Thais fought defeated them and since then, Lop Buri has been ruled by the Thais people. It is also one of a few provinces housing numerous significant historical artifacts and excavations. Many Khmer-style monuments were built in Lop Buri as Phra Kan Shrine and the Hindu Shrine which still exist in abundance. With the help of French architects, many architectural styles combining Thai and westerns can be found in the Royal Reception House or the Royal Palace, etc.

The fascinating thing in Lop Buri is the unique blend of the East and the West, ancient and modern, majestic ruins and royal splendor which help tourists have a mouthwatering glimpse about the alluring history of the city. Lop Buri offers a lot of attractions, from historical sites as Wat Phra Sri Ratana Maha Tat, the 12th century ruins in Khmer temple complex with the influence of the Angkorian Khmers; Phra Narai Ratchaniwet palace, Prachao Hao Building, Water Tank, Elephant Stables, Somdet Phra Narai National Museum, Wat Sao Thong Rong, The City Pillar Shrine, etc. Besides, the province offers the chance for nature lovers to visit the famed Sap Langka Wildlife Sanctuary which is the residence of monkeys, or visit Khao Somphot Non-hunting Area where has high limestone mountain ranges, caves and cliffs. Lop Buri is also famous for its local products which can be found in some villages as Din So Phong village with white marl, Khai Khem Din So Phong with salted egg, Metal Casting with diamond, Khachonwit Mushroom Farm with the biggest mushroom, etc.

Lop Buri province is the land of rich culture with many event and festivals held as King Narai the Great’s Reign Fair (February) with various activities and local entertainment, Lop Buri Monkey Banquet (November) with a large number of monkeys, Lop Buri Sunflower Blooming Festival (December), etc.