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Lop Buri Province / ข้อมูลท่องเที่ยว
จังหวัดลพบุรี
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A province in the central region of
Thailand, Lop Buri 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. Lop Buri Province
is one of several provinces in central Thailand where many significant
historical artifacts and prehistoric settlements have been discovered.
Formerly known as Lawo, Lop Buri had for centuries been ruled by
several Kingdoms. The remains of Lop Buri, dating over 1,200 years
attests to the strategic significance of Lop Buri to many rulers. These
relics, ranging from the Bronze Age to the Ratanakosin period, have
made Lop Buri 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
Lop Buri 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 Lop Buri 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, Lop Buri has been ruled by Thai Kings.
Lop Buri 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.
Lop Buri reached its height in 1664 when King Narai the Great of
Ayutthaya named Lop Buri the Kingdoms second capital, which came after
a threat of invasion from Hollanders. King Narai the Great rebuilt Lop
Buri 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.
Lop Buri 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, Lop Buri 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, Lop Buri provides opportunities for
nature lovers to visit its famous Sap langka Wildlife Sanctuary in the
north.
Another special landmark of Lop Buri is monkeys. To tourists, the city
is known as the land of monkeys. To the people of Lop Buri, the monkeys
are descendants of Hanuman who, according to the Ramayana, built Lop
Buri 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.
Distances from Amphoe Muang to Other Districts:
Tha Wung 15 kms.
Ban Mi 32 kms.
Khok Samrong 35 kms.
Phatthana Nikhom 51 kms.
Nong Muang 54 kms.
Sa Bot 65 kms.
Khok Charoen 77 kms.
Tha Luang 83 kms.
Chai Badan 97 kms.
Lam Sonthi 120 kms.
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 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 baht
(ordinary bus) and 85 bahts (air-conditioned). The journey takes 3
hours. Call 02 936 2852-66 for more information.
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.
Lop Buri can be reached by taking buses from Kanchanaburi (the west),
Suphan Buri, Sing Buri, Ang Thong (the central), and Nakhon Ratchasima
(the east).
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.) For more updated schedules and reservations,
call 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 22237020 or visit www.railway.co.th
From Ayutthaya: regular 3rd class trains depart Ayutthaya to Lop Buri. Travel time is 1 hour.
Travelling in Lop Buri:
There are plenty of Song thaews running along Wichayen and Phra Narai
Maharat Roads connecting the old and new towns. The cost is 5 baht per
person. City buses are also available. It costs 4 baht per passenger.
Sam lors will go anywhere in the old town from 30 to 50 baht. |
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| More information Tourism
Authority of Thailand :>> |
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| Hotels in Lop Buri Province / โรงแรม
รีสอร์ท ที่พัก แนะนำใน ลพบุรี |
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