Lopburi Province, Thailand

Located 150 kilometers from north of Bangkok. It has an interesting historical monuments and national museum with lots of archaeological facts.

Lopburi had its greatest days during the Ayutthaya period, when King Narai the Great made the city his second capital. A lot of diplomatic activity with western nations took place at Lopburi during that time.

Prior to the Ayutthaya period, Lopburi was a provincial capital of the Khmer empire, and this is reflected in statues and architecture.

The city nowadays is currently known as monkey colonies. They are present by the hundreds at Phra Prang Sam Yod, probably ruining the monument in the process. Phra Sri Mahathat is located on a large compound, housing many chedis and smaller prangs.

How to get there:

By Bus
From Bangkok: Air-conditioned coaches and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal) every 20 minutes from 5.30 a.m. until 8.30 p.m. The ticket costs 62 bahts (ordinary bus) and 85 baths (air-conditioned). The journey takes 3 hours.

From Ayutthaya: There are buses that leave every 10 minutes from Ayutthaya Bus Terminal to Lop Buri. The price is half of the fare from Bangkok.

By Car

From Bangkok: The trip from Bangkok to Lop Buri by car may take up to 2 hours. It is possible to either drive along Highway No.1 via Saraburi (total distance is 153 kilometers), or use Highway No.32 via Ayutthaya, and travel further along Highway No.347 to Lop Buri via Tha Ruea District.

By Train

From Bangkok: Ordinary northern-route (Bangkok-Chiang Mai) trains leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 7.05 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. Both are third class only. Rapid trains leave the station 5 times a day (Travel time is 2.5 hrs.)

From Ayutthaya: regular 3rd class trains depart Ayutthaya to Lop Buri. Travel time is 1 hour.