Lopburi, Thailand

Lopburi, Thailand

Lopburi, a historical city located about 150 km north of Bangkok, is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. Known for its ancient Khmer and Ayutthaya-era ruins, Lopburi is also famous for its monkeys that roam freely around the town. It’s a great place to explore for history lovers and those interested in local culture.

 

Tourist Attractions:

  1. Phra Prang Sam Yot (Monkey Temple)

    • Entrance Fee: THB 50 for foreigners, free for Thais.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
    • Highlights: This iconic Khmer-style temple is famous for its resident macaques. Visitors come to see the monkeys, but the ancient prangs (towers) are also stunning examples of classical Khmer architecture.
    • Tip: Be cautious with your belongings as the monkeys can be mischievous.

  2. King Narai’s Palace (Phra Narai Ratchaniwet)

    • Entrance Fee: THB 150 for foreigners, THB 30 for Thais.
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: A beautiful palace built during the reign of King Narai the Great in the 17th century. It served as a residence for the king and a place to receive foreign envoys. The architecture blends traditional Thai and Western styles, reflecting Lopburi’s role as a center of trade and diplomacy during that period.

  3. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: This ancient temple is located next to the railway station. It has impressive Khmer ruins and is one of the most important religious sites in Lopburi.

  4. Ban Vichayen (Vichayen House)

    • Entrance Fee: THB 50.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: The remains of a European-style residence built for the French envoy, Chevalier de Chaumont, during the time of King Narai. It provides insight into the foreign influence during the Ayutthaya period.

  5. Wat San Paulo

    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
    • Highlights: An ancient Jesuit church built by Portuguese missionaries in the 17th century. Climb the remaining tower for panoramic views of Lopburi.

How to Get to Lopburi:

  • By Train: Regular trains from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to Lopburi take about 2-3 hours. The fare for third-class seats is around THB 30-50.
  • By Bus/Van: From Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal, buses and vans take around 2 hours to Lopburi. The fare is about THB 100-150.
  • By Car: Lopburi is easily accessible by car via Route 1 (Phahonyothin Road), and the drive takes around 2 hours from Bangkok.

How to Get Around:

  • Tuk-tuks and Motorbike Taxis: These are common and convenient for short distances around the town. Prices can be negotiated but generally range from THB 20-100 depending on the distance.
  • Bicycles: Many guesthouses and hotels offer bicycle rentals, usually for THB 50-100 per day. This is a great way to explore the old city at your own pace.
  • Walking: Lopburi’s main attractions are within walking distance from each other, particularly around the old town.

Popular Local Food:

  1. Pad Thai Sai Khai (Stir-fried Noodles with Egg): A unique version of Thailand’s famous pad Thai, where the noodles are wrapped in a thin egg omelet.
  2. Kuay Jub (Rolled Noodle Soup): A hearty soup with rolled rice noodles, crispy pork, and a rich broth.
  3. Sai Mai (Sugar Floss): A local dessert similar to cotton candy, wrapped in a thin roti-like pastry. Lopburi is famous for this sweet treat.
  4. Khao Lam (Sticky Rice in Bamboo): Glutinous rice cooked in bamboo with coconut milk, a popular snack in Lopburi.

Top Nightlife Spots in Lopburi:

While Lopburi is not particularly known for its nightlife compared to larger cities like Bangkok or Pattaya, there are a few spots where you can enjoy a laid-back evening:

  1. The Beer Garden

    • Location: Near Lopburi’s old town.
    • Entrance Fee: None.
    • Highlights: A casual open-air bar offering local beers and snacks. It’s a great spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
    • Happy Hours: Usually 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with discounts on beers and cocktails.

  2. Zanzibar Pub & Restaurant

    • Location: Near the Narai Palace.
    • Entrance Fee: None.
    • Highlights: A more upbeat spot with live music, serving Thai and Western food along with a variety of drinks.
    • Happy Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with discounted drinks.

  3. Ban Suan Khun Yai

    • Location: Just outside the main town center.
    • Entrance Fee: None.
    • Highlights: A local spot with a garden setting, serving traditional Thai food and offering local beers. It’s a relaxing atmosphere, with occasional live acoustic performances.

Getting to Nightlife Spots:

Most of these places are located near the old town and can be accessed via tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis. Prices for transportation around the city at night range from THB 30-80 depending on the distance.

Lopburi offers a peaceful charm with a mix of historical wonders and a unique monkey population, providing an off-the-beaten-path experience in Thailand.