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Crab-eating macaques behind Sarn Phra Karn shrine in Lopburi
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thailand,_Lopburi,_Gibbons.jpg
Christian Rebernik
Lopburi ลพบุรี
is a city in Central Thailand located some 150 km north of Bangkok. This city of 27,000 people is the capital of Lopburi Province. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. It was established more than a thousand years ago, during the Dvaravati period (6th to 11th century), when it was known as Lavo.
Phra Prang Sam Yothttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lopburi_Prang_Sam_Yot.jpgAhoerstemeierWith the rise of the Khmer empire, Lopburi became a trading post for the Khmers. During the Khmer period, the prangs of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and Prang Sam Yot were built. Just as the power of the Khmers began to decline, the Sukhothai kingdom became powerful and launched a number of offensives to bring Lopburi under its control. Nonetheless the city remained independent until it was absorbed into the kingdom of Ayutthaya by marriage during the 14th century.
During the Ayutthaya period, Lopburi was a summer capital of Siam. The Ayutthayan King Narai (1656-88) preferred to stay in Lopburi rather than at Ayutthaya.
Today the city comprises the Old Town and modern Lopburi, which is located to the east of the Old Town. It draws a constant stream of visitors to its ruins in the Old Town, but most of all, to the now popular sight of crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that overrun its temples, particularly Prang Sam Yot and Sarn Phra Karn. In November every year the people of Lopburi holds a Monkey Festivals were food are laid out for these monkeys.
Travel to Lopburi
Take the air conditioned buses from Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The fare is about ฿100 per person and takes about three hours to reach Lopburi.Travel within Lopburi
Look out for songthaew (passenger pickup trucks), tuk tuk or motorcycle taxi to take you around.
Sorasak Road, Lopburi Old Townhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lopburi_01.JPGBjoertvedtPlaces of Interest in Lopburi
- Lopburi Market
A place to watch the locals or get a meal. - King Narai's Palace
Phra Narai Ratchanivet, built by King Narai in the 17th century with French, Italian and Portuguese expertise, and restored by King Mongkut in 1856. - Phra Prang Sam Yot
Ancient Khmer temple with three prasats or towers, overrun with monkeys. - Samdej Phra Narai National Museum
Museum located within Phiman Mongkut Hall in King Narai's Palace. - Sarn Phra Kahn
A small shrine dating to the Khmer period. Lots of monkeys here. - Wat Phra Phutthabat
Temple located 17 km southeast of Lopburi. - Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
One of the most important temples in Lopburi, and luckily, no monkeys here. - Wat Sao Thong Thong
Buddhist temple with a small amulet market on its grounds.
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