Lopburi, one of Thailand's most important cities way back in the 17th century is now more famous for its resident monkeys than the remains of former imposing buildings.
The link for a map of the tour;
bit.ly/LopburiWalkingTourMap
The link for the map of the route between the bus station and rail station;
bit.ly/LopburiBustoRailStationMap
Associated website;
goingtobangkok.com/
Transcript; (truncated by UA-cam protocol but available in full at associated website goingtobangkok.com)
Lopburi is home to several ancient monuments in various states of disrepair and famous for its resident monkeys. Some of the historic venues are closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays so plan your visit accordingly.
The journey to Lopburi from Bangkok takes about three hours. Mini buses leave from Mo Chit New Van Terminal and trains from either Bang Sue or Don Mueang stations.
Lopburi rail station is located within the old city and there's an easy two-kilometre walk which starts and ends there. It visits most of Lopburi's ancient monuments and many of its resident monkeys.
It is not known when Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat opposite the station was founded, only that the Khmer style prang there probably dates from the 11th or 12th century. By the second half of the 17th century, the temple had fallen into disrepair so King Narai who lived nearby decided on a program of restoration. Unfortunately, after he died maintenance was neglected and the buildings once again fell into a state of disrepair.
Upkeep is now the responsibility of The Fine Arts Department of Thailand which charges a small entry fee except on public holidays when the temple is closed to visitors.
After exiting Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat walk along the road with the railway over to the right. At the second turning left with a seven eleven store on the corner turn towards the entrance of King Narai's Palace, passing Suan Rachanusorn which is not open to the public, along the way.
Narai was king of Ayutthaya from 1656 until 1688. During the latter part of his reign, he resided mostly at his palace in Lopburi only returning to Ayutthaya for a short period each year during the rainy season.
Following his death the palace was abandoned for almost 200 years until King Mongkut ordered its restoration and the construction of some new buildings.
In 1924 the complex became a museum with exhibits being displayed in some of the more modern buildings.
Wandering past the ruins of older buildings within the well-attended gardens gives an insight into how the palace was laid out when King Narai lived there.
Just like other museums in Thailand, the complex is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays.
Exit left through the gate then turn left again at the crossroads. After walking beside the palace wall for about 200 meters head into Rue de France, the second road to the right.
Take a quick look at Wat Sao Thong Thong where the assembly hall is believed to have been a Christian Church, Hindu Temple and Mosque during its lifetime. It is now home to a nine-meter-high seated Buddha statue.
Before visiting Ban Chaophraya Wichayen opposite the end of Rue de France, turn left to see what little remains of Wat Puen. On the far side of the park, San Luk Son, a small brightly coloured Thai Chinese religious centre houses the city pillar, a granite block whose base is always covered with water.
Return to Ban Chaophraya Wichayen which was built in 1685 during the reign of King Narai as a residence for visiting foreign dignitaries and government officials but is now not fit for the purpose. A small fee is payable if you wish to enter. Like King Narai's Palace, it is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays.
Continuing past Ban Chaophraya Wichayen leads to Prang Khaek, a Hindu shrine built in about the 10th century and thought to be the oldest structure in Lopburi.
Then further on, just before the railway track, 13th-century Phra Prang Sam Yod closes on public holidays. There is a small entrance fee. Some visitors consider the view from outside the boundary fence adequate.
It's where you will see monkeys. More correctly known as crab-eating macaques, they steal. You are responsible for your possessions. Feeding them generates excitement which often leads to aggressive behavior. So maybe it's better not to.
Phra Kan Shrine on the traffic island across the rail tracks is another temple favoured by monkeys. It has been in existence since possibly as long ago as the 6th century and was extensively rebuilt during the early 1950s.
Turn right beside the railway for about 80 meters to the remains of Wat Nakorn Kosa. As with many other places in Lopburi not much is known about its history. Records show that substantial structures were added in the 10th or 11th centuries and again during the 17th century although these days they no longer exist.