Lopburi Information guide
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, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Saraburi Provinces
on the South. Lopburi 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.
The Past
Lopburi 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 Lawo. 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 towns architecture and
was later commonly referred to as Lopburi 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, Lopburi
has been ruled by Thai Kings.
Lopburi 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.
Lopburi reached its height in 1664 when King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya named
Lopburi the Kingdoms second capital, which came after a threat of invasion from
Hollanders. King Narai the Great rebuilt Lopburi 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.
Lopburi 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.
The Present
Today, Lopburi 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, Lopburi provides opportunities for nature
lovers to visit its famous Sap langka Wildlife Sanctuary in the north.
Another special landmark of Lopburi is monkeys. To tourists, the city is known
as the land of monkeys. To the people of Lopburi, the monkeys are descendants
of Hanuman who, according to the Ramayana, built Lopburi 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.
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