Lop Buri

Lop Buri is the capital city of Lop Buri Province, about 150 kilometres north-east of Bangkok. Lopburi’s laid-back vibe and its convenient location from Bangkok make it an ideal gateway to escape the hustle and noises of the capital.

This is an ancient city with the history dated back in the Dvaravati period more than 1000 years ago and founded by King Kalavarnadish, who came from Northwest India in 648 AD. Under the rule of the Angkor Empire, the city then became one of the main centers in the Chao Phraya Basin.

After the foundation of Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 14th century, Lopburi became a citadel of Ayutthaya's rulers. It was later chosen as the new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century where the king stayed for about eight months a year. This capital city was abandoned after the death of King Narai in 1688. Later on, King Mongkut of the Bangkokian Chakri Dynasty resided here. Based on the city’s long history, heit remains the relics from almost all periods of Thai history.

Today the city is best known as home to hundreds of Crab-Eating Macaques that live in the middle of the Old Town, especially in the Khmer temple, Prang Sam Yot and a Khmer shrine, Sarn Phra Karn. They are fed by the residents; there is also the Monkey Festival in November. These monkeys are not afraid of humans and might jump on people to snatch food and stealing bags or anything that they suspect may contain something edible so, keep an eye out for them. If you have a simian phobia, strike Lopburi off your list.

Lop Buri is a wise choice for those interested in history and ancient architectures. Most of Lopburi’s highlights can be seen and appreciated in one or two days en route north from Ayutthaya.

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