A province with a long and important history, probably founded
during the Dvaravati period when it was known as Lavo. It later
became an administrative centre for the Khmer Empire during the
10th - 13th centuries, until the Khmers with driven out by Thais
migrating south from Chiang Mai and Sukhothai. A strong Khmer
influence can be seen in many of the old temples and shrines, and in
the emerging Lop Buri architectural style. Wat Phra Si Mahathat, Phra
Prang Sam Yot, and San Phra Kan display fine Khmer structures.
In 1664, King Narai made Lop Buri his second capital and with the
help of French architects built the Royal Palace in the city centre,
where visitors can see both Thai and Western architectural styles.
Nearby is the residence of the mysterious Constantin Phaulkon (Chao
Phraya Vichayen), once a close companion of King Narai. |
Location & Access
Located 153 kms north of
Bangkok. Easily reached by road
via Saraburi. The town is on the
main rail route to Chiang Mai.
Geography
Lop Buri is mostly lowlands, with
hills and forest in the east as it
approaches the northeast plateau.
Borders
North : Phetchabun and Nakhon
Sawan
South : Saraburi and Phra Nakhon
Si Ayutthaya
East : Nakhon Ratchasima
West : Sing Buri, Ang Thong and
Nakhon Sawan
Highlights
Attractions: Phra Prang Sam
Yot, Narai Ratchaniwet Palace,
Wat Phra Si Mahathat, Wat Lai,
Vichayen House
Souvenirs: Salted eggs in fragant
clay, mats, plaited handicrafts,
cast metal items, carved
sandstone, gems
Festivals: King Narai Reign Fair
(February); Chinese banquet for
monkeys (November) |
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