Exploring Lopburi in Central Thailand
Narai Ratchaniwet Palace
A traveller sees what he sees,
the tourist sees what he has come to see
G. K. Chesterton
Lopburi was once the former ancient town of the Khmer from the 10th to the 13th century and lies 150 kilometers or 90 miles north of Bangkok. Should you be visiting Ayutthaya at any time during your vacation, then you only need to drive a short distant further to the north east and you will be here in this small town. Narai Ratchaniwet Palace was partly designed by the French and built between 1665 and 1677. The Palace is surrounded by high walls and although most of it is in ruins, the surviving remains are well cared for. The grounds were divided into three sections enclosing government offices, ceremonial buildings and the private residence for the king. These ruins also show traces of the Suttha Sawan Pavilion where the king was believed to have died. The complex is open daily from 7.00 am until 6.00 pm. Vichayen House was originally built by King Narai in Lopburi as the official residence for Chevalier de Chaumont, the first French ambassador to Thailand during the reign of King Louis XIV. Constantine Phaulkon, the famous Greek advisor to the king had also at a later stage become a resident at Vichayen House. Constantine Phaulkon was later assassinated in 1688 during a time of struggle for power when the king was close to his death. Although the house no longer has it's roof anymore, the grounds are surprisingly in good condition and well worth the visit. The distinctive French architecture that remains throughout the grounds, houses the original residence formally occupied by the ambassador to the left with a Roman Catholic chapel in the middle and a hall of residence for members of the foreign mission.
Phra Prang Sam Yot
Places of interest in Lopburi
Phra Prang Sam Yot also known as the Temple of Three Prangs, is considered one of Lopburi's most important archeological sites. Originally these ruins were built as a Hindu monument and later converted to a Buddhist temple during the reign of King Narai. The three laterite-sandstone structures seen on the premises are said to represent the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The prang on the right as you enter the complex, is considered the best preserved of the three. Monkeys are the order of any day at Phra Prang Sam Yot therefore it would be in your best interest to keep all your valuables close to your person. You cannot help but notice loads of these primates running freely throughout the city and nobody seems to mind at all. Although these monkeys are relatively harmless and seemingly quite tame, they do have the freedom of the town and are allowed to run wild all over the place, including many of the archeological sites.
Monkeys on Buddha Phra Prang Sam Yot
A monkey banquet is held in Lopburi every year on the last week of November. Unfortunately I arrived during the month of October before this event took place, but nevertheless I did enjoy the day wondering around taking in all the sites, sounds and smells all the while having scores of monkeys running all around me. I am told that the monkey banquet is financed by a local businessman every year at this time affording a huge treat for these friendly primates. Other local Thai's who come to pay their respect during these festivities, often bring heaps of food themselves including of course all the monkeys favourite snacks.
Monkeys rule the Town
Those of you who may have seen one of the episodes of the "The Amazing Race" on television a while back, may have noticed that at some point, participants of the race, after arriving in Thailand, headed for this central town where they had to prepare various banquets for the monkeys. It was absolutely hilarious. Tables are laid with lots of goodies especially fruits of many kinds for the picking or should I say gorging. Apparently it is one fat feeding frenzy. Photojournalists from all around the world take advantage in order to get the best pictures which I believe are then posted all over the local news papers in the area. Should you be in the neighbourhood of Ayutthaya in central Thailand around this time, you may want to take advantage of this once in a lifetime event. It's only a short drive away. Various other local activities surround these colourful events.
Monkeys at the Banquet
Places of interest in Lopburi
San Phra Kan which is also known as the Kala Shrine consists of two divisions. One section dates back as far as the Khmer period while the other section was recently built as early as 1951. This former Brahman shrine, now a location for worship, houses the four-armed deity of Vishnu on which sits a Buddha's head. The entire statue is covered in gold leaf. While the area around the compound is now enclosed to prevent the large group of monkeys who inhabit the grounds from being run over on the streets around the site, you are advised to take care of all your belongings. San Phra Kan lies adjacent to Phra Prang Sam Yot. Prang Khaek is a small Khmer ruin which much like that of Prang Sam Yot, was originally constructed as a Hindu shrine. This historical archeological site consists of three small brick Khmer prangs, said to be the oldest in central Thailand. Much of the site has been restored several times. The ruin is located in close proximity to Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace and the market place on Vichayen Road. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is a historical 12th century archaeological site of great important that was constructed during the time of the Khmer reign. What stands out most on this particular site is the strikingly tall prang, said to be the tallest in Lopburi. Although much of the decorative detail on the prang which was constructed entirely out of laterite, has corroded, much of the lintels and fine stucco details are still unmistakeably present. Much restoration work has been carried out by the Thai Fine Arts Department. Wat Nakhon Kosa is another fine Khmer temple ruin said to be built around the 12th century. This historical site was also originally considered to be that of a Hindu site constructed by the Khmers, with the prang out in front. Buddha images found on the site are predated by the rest of the edifice. The shrine is in a fair state of disrepair although some restoration has been attempted.
Monkey Families having a Feast
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