The biggest reservoir in Central Thailand, the Pa Sak Cholasit Dam was constructed as part of the Maenam Pa Sak Royal Development Project, an initiative of King Bhumibol. Constructed in 1989, the earth (soil)-filled dam with a clay core was granted the name by His Majesty the King who presided over its opening on 25 November 1999. The Dam stretches over Lop Buri and Saraburi Provinces. It is 4,860 meters long with a capacity of 785 million cubic meters.
Pa Sak Cholasit Dam is a major source of water for household, agriculture and industrial use in Lop Buri and Saraburi Provinces. Moreover, it helps prevent flooding on the Pasak riverside and Bangkok and its outskirts. The dam also provides large-scale, fresh-water fish for locals.
An emerging tourist attraction, Pa Sak Cholasit Dam offers a unique opportunity to travel across the reservoir by train. The railway was constructed along the dams ridge which leads to Pa Sak Basin Museum and a scenic lookout point above the dam. The journey offers a breathtaking and refreshing view of the reservoir, and also a bed of sunflowers. It serves daily from 7.30 a.m.-18.00 p.m. The fare is 25 baht for adult and 10 baht for children.
Getting to Pa Sak Cholasit Dam is easy. By car from Lop Buri city, take Highway No. 3017 (Phatthana Nikhom Wat Mueang) for a total distance of 60 kilometers. It is highly recommended to take the trip by train during November January. The State Railway of Thailand operates a special route to and from Bangkok-Pa Sak Cholasit Dam every Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. For more information, contact tel: 02 223 7101 or 02 223 7020.
San Phra Kan, Lop Buri
San Phra Kan Another former Brahman Shrine located next to Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot, across the railway station, is San Phra Kan. The compound is comprised of both old and new sections. The former can be dated back to the Khmer period, as attested by the laterite mound that was found.
Another former Brahman Shrine located next to Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot, across the railway station, is San Phra Kan. The compound is comprised of both old and new sections. The former can be dated back to the Khmer period, as attested by the laterite mound that was found. The new section, constructed in 1951, contains a famous object of worship a four-armed Vishnu figure fixed with a Buddha’s head. Located nearby is a guardian house in which various Buddha and Hindu images are enshrined. A troop of monkeys begging for food usually surrounds the Shrine. Sometimes, they can become offensive to visitors, especially those giving out food for their photographs.
King Narai the Great Shrine, Lop Buri
The Statue of King Narai the Great is located near the town entrance. It was built to honor King Narai the Great in forging ahead technological development, foreign relations and prosperity to Lop Buri and the Ayutthaya Kingdom. He was the first monarch to bring modern technology into use such as the use of terra-cotta pipes and construction of celestial observatory. He is also remembered for his neo-foreign policy as he established close diplomatic ties with the European powers.
The palace was built in 1665 and 1677, when King Narai the Great decided to make Lop Buri the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Although the buildings were designed by with the contributions of French architects, the Khmer influence was still strong. The Palace was a perfect blend of the both world, an awesome mixture of Khmer-European styles.
After the death of King Narai the Great in 1688, the palace was deserted. It was not until the reign of King Rama IV during the Ratanakosin era, that the Palace was restored and renamed Narai Ratchaniwet.
The Palace is located in the town center, between Ratchadamnoen Road and Pratu Chai Road. The whole complex has been turned into the Lop Buri National Museum (commonly known as King Narai National Museum).
The Palace can be accessed through the Pratu Phayakkha, which is currently a town park, located off Sorasak Road. The Palace opens Wednesdays through Sundays from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Within the Palace lies a number of compounds containing pavilions, some built during the reign of King Narai and others constructed during the reign of King Rama IV.
Structures built during the reign of King Narai the Great include:
Chantara Phaisan Pavilion The first Palace of King Narai the Great in Lop Buri, the Pavilion was subsequently turned into an audience hall after he moved his residence to the Suttha Sawan Pavilion. The fact that the building is of pure Thai architectural style indicates that no French architects were involved in the design and construction process. King Rama IV (King Mongkut of the Ratanakosin era) restored the building in 1863. The Pavilion was once used by the privy-council as a meeting hall. Now, it serves as a hall displaying archaeological and art objects, especially the Lop Buri-style stone Buddha images, historic paintings from the era of King Narai the Great and Buddhist art objects from the Ayutthaya and Ratanakosin period.
Phra Khlang Supharat This compound was built as a place to store royal treasures and royal goods sold to foreign merchants during the late 1600s. It is commonly known as the Twelve Treasure Houses.
Elephant and Horse Stables This compound is located close to the wall separating the outer and middle sections of the Palace.
The Water Reservoir Constructed during the reign of King Narai the Great, the reservoir stored water which came from a freshwater lake Tale Chupsorn, through the well designed terra cotta pipes. Tale Chupsorn was the main lake supplying drinking water to Lop Buri residents.
The Dusit Sawan Thanya Maha Prasat Hall Constructed under the royal command of King Narai the Great, the Hall was formerly used by King Narai as an audience hall receiving high-ranking foreign ambassadors. This was the place where the King received Chevalier de Chaumont, the representative of King Louis XIV of France. The Hall was built in a perfect blending of French and Thai architectural styles.
The Suttha Sawan Pavilion The Pavilion was once located amidst a beautifully decorated garden with ponds and fountains. This was the place where King Narai the Great resided and died on 11 July 1688. Apart from the Pavilion, which had been restored by King Mongkut, only the remains of man-made hills and fountains can be seen.
Kraison Siharat Hall Commonly known as Phra Thinang Yen, the Hall is located on an island in a dried up lake, Thale Chupson, which once supplied fresh drinking water to the people of Lop Buri. Kraison Siharat Hall was used as the residence of King Narai, Jesuits and envoys of King Louis XIV of France when they came to witness a lunar eclipse on 11 December, 1685
Phra Chao Hao Building Built by King Narai the Great, the building is located to the south of the outer section of the palace. Serving as the Kings private audience hall, the building featured Thai-style architecture of which it is currently possible to see only the remains of wall sections with visible decorative motifs at the doors and windows.
Banquet Hall Surrounded on three sides by ponds, the Hall was built to entertain important foreign visitors. One of the remains includes a brick platform facing the Hall, which was used as a stage or theater possibly for shadow plays or dances indicating that the place was once used as an entertainment compound.
Phiman Mongkut Pavilion This pavilion was a three-story brick building where King Rama IV (King Mongkut) resided when he visited Lop Buri during the renovation of the Palace. Connected to the pavilion are three other buildings namely Suttha Winitchai Pavilion, Chai Sattrakon Pavilion and Akson Sattrakhom. All of these buildings are now being used as the offices of the Lop Buri National Museum.
Phra Prathiap Building A group of eight two-story buildings built behind King Mongkut's residence (Phiman Mongkut Pavilion), which were used as residences for inner court officials.
Royal Guards Residence This is located at the entrance of the middle court.
Phra Prang Sam Yot, Lop Buri Located on Vichayen Road, approximately 200 meters from the railway station, Phra Prang Sam Yot is Lop Buris best known landmark and provincial symbol. A former Hindu Shrine built in the 13th century in the classic Bayon style of Khmer architecture, the compound comprises three prangs (towers) linked by a corridor. The three laterite and sandstone spires decorated with classic stucco are believed to have originally represented the Hindu Trimurti; Brahman (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Siva (the destroyer). During the reign of King Narai, the shrine was converted into a Buddhist temple when a brick viharn located to the east which houses a grand U-Thong-Ayutthaya style Buddha image was probably built. Buddha images were later added to the two prangs. The temple is open at 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., admission fee is 50 baht.
Wat Phra Si Maha That, Lop Buri The oldest temple with tallest Prang in Lop Buri, Wat Phra Si Maha That is located behind the railway station near the San Phra Kan. The Lop-Buri style prang in front of the temple was built around 1157 when the town came under Khmer rule. The U-Thong style Buddha images on the prang and the large viharn were later added by King Narai the Great. The laterite prang still has some original lintels and stucco work intact. A number of other chedis and prangs - most of which were restored were greatly influenced by both the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya styles.
Lop Buri Zoo, Lop Buri
Lop Buri Zoo A 25-acre zoo is well known for its interesting residents: Asian and Australian birds and mammals. The most striking feature of the zoo is the unusual family of three tigers and four dogs who live harmoniously together in the same quarters. The zoo is located behind the Army Theatre near the Sa Kaew Circle. Opens daily from 8.00 a.m. 6.00 p.m.
A 25-acre zoo is well known for its interesting residents: Asian and Australian birds and mammals. The most striking feature of the zoo is the unusual family of three tigers and four dogs who live harmoniously together in the same quarters. The zoo is located behind the Army Theatre near the Sa Kaew Circle. Opens daily from 8.00 a.m. 6.00 p.m.
King Narai National Museum, Lop Buri
King Narai National Museum This museum was established in 1924 by with the Phra Narai Ratchaniwet as its exhibition halls. Currently, three historical buildings are used to display various art objects, including an impressive collection of Lop Buri-style sculpture and Khmer, Dvaravati, U-Thong and Ayutthaya arts.
This museum was established in 1924 by with the Phra Narai Ratchaniwet as its exhibition halls. Currently, three historical buildings are used to display various art objects, including an impressive collection of Lop Buri-style sculpture and Khmer, Dvaravati, U-Thong and Ayutthaya arts. In addition, traditional agricultural tools, including ploughs, carts, grain separators and fish traps, are on display in different buildings. The Museum opens daily except Monday and Tuesday, from 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht. Museum services include: lectures, tour guides, special exhibitions, slides, videos, postcards, books and a gift shop.
Ban Hin Song Kon, Lop Buri
Lop Buri is well-known for the production of the only best quality Din So Phong – marl - of Thailand. The source of production is at Hin Song Kon Village, Thale Chup Son Sub-district (by Khlong Chonlaprathan, around Saphan 6). It is the village where Din So Phong is produced in nearly every house. In that compound, there is white marl with a delicate and tight texture and thus, is not suitable for agriculture. However, due to local intellect, it has been used to produce Din So Phong which can be a raw material for many products such as talcum powder, cosmetics, toothpaste, furniture filler, etc. Contact Address: Thale Chup Son Subdistrict Administrative Organization Tel: 0 3661 1438
Nam Tok Wang Kan Lueang, Lop Buri
Nam Tok Wang Kan Lueang Located approximately 12 kilometers from Lam Narai Market is a waterfall that flows all year round. Perfect for people looking for a quite and refreshing retreat from the town, the waterfall is accessible via Chai Badan Tha Luang Road (Highway No. 2089). Look for the sign of the waterfall and proceed for approximately 7 kilometers.
Located approximately 12 kilometers from Lam Narai Market is a waterfall that flows all year round. Perfect for people looking for a quite and refreshing retreat from the town, the waterfall is accessible via Chai Badan Tha Luang Road (Highway No. 2089). Look for the sign of the waterfall and proceed for approximately 7 kilometers.
Kraison Siharat Hall, Lop Buri
Kraison Siharat Hall is commonly known as Phra Thinang Yen or Thale Chup Son Hall, 4 kilometres from the centre of town.
This hall is another residence of King Narai the Great. The hall is located on an island surrounded by Thale Chup Son, which was once a large reservoir surrounded with a dam made of stone and cement. King Narai the Great commanded its construction for relaxation. According to the French chronicle, when King Narai the Great hunted elephants in the east mountain, he would return and stay at this hall. The period of its construction was unknown. However, he also welcomed his honourable guests from France at this hall. Therefore, it must have been constructed prior to 1685.
It is a one-storey hall made of bricks and cement with a cruciform plan. There was a projecting windowed portico. The windows and doors are accented in the Ruean Kaeo style, a famous one during the reign of King Narai the Great. However, the only remain is the wall.
Within the compound, there is a group of small brick buildings with pointed arched doors and windows. It is assumed to have been the residences of the guards. A mounting platform for getting on horses or elephants is situated in the front and at the back of the hall.
Phra Thinang Yen is important in terms of astronomy because King Narai the Great utilised this place for an observation of the lunar eclipse on 11 December, 1685, and witnessed the solar eclipse on 30 April, 1688, with the Jesuit priests and the first group of envoys representing King Louise XIV of France. The reason of the hall’s usage to observe the lunar eclipse as stated in the French chronicle was because it was a suitable place where a panorama of the sky could be seen. Moreover, there was enough space for the installment of equipment. There is a painting of the lunar eclipse observation drawn by a Frenchman. In the painting, King Narai the Great wore a high-pinnacled hat, and witnessed the eclipse through a telescope placed on a tripod from the window of Phra Thinang Yen. On the balcony on one side of the window were crouching aristocrats, while on the other side sat astronomers, inspecting the phenomenon through telescopes. It can be said that modern astronomy happened for the first time in Thailand here at Phra Thinang Yen in Lop Buri.
Thale Chup Son in the past was a low-lying wetland area. King Narai the Great commanded the construction of a large embankment to direct the stream from Thale Chup Son passing through the baked-clay pipe to Lop Buri. At present, a mound still appears. The admission fee is 50 baht. For more information, please contact Tel. 0 3641 3779, 0 3641 2510.
Wat Sao Thong Thong, Lop Buri
Wat Sao Thong Thong Situated on Rue de France, to the north of Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, this western style viharn was believed to have originally been built by King Narai the Great as a church for Christian envoys. It was subsequently restored by King Narai the Great, who ordered the replacement of Thai windows with Western-style windows with Gothic-designs in the secondary chapel. Later on, the viharn was converted into a Buddhist temple. It contains a large seated Ayutthaya-style Buddha image. In addition, assorted Lop-Buri style Buddha images can be found on the surrounding walls.
Situated on Rue de France, to the north of Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, this western style viharn was believed to have originally been built by King Narai the Great as a church for Christian envoys. It was subsequently restored by King Narai the Great, who ordered the replacement of Thai windows with Western-style windows with Gothic-designs in the secondary chapel. Later on, the viharn was converted into a Buddhist temple. It contains a large seated Ayutthaya-style Buddha image.
In addition, assorted Lop-Buri style Buddha images can be found on the surrounding walls.
Wat Yang Na Rangsi (Lop Buri Boat Museum..., Lop Buri
Wat Yang Na Rangsi (Lop Buri Boat Museum) Located on the bank of the Lop Buri River, 9 kilometers south of the town center along the Lop Buri-Bang Pahan route is Wat Yang Na Rangsi. The temple is famous for its Buddha images which were made of sandstone and quartz. It is also notable for its wooden sala (a wooden teaching hall) which was built in 1927 in a typical central region style. The sala has been converted into the Lop Buri Boat Museum, where a large collection of local vessels, in particular a one-seat barge, are exhibited.
Located on the bank of the Lop Buri River, 9 kilometers south of the town center along the Lop Buri-Bang Pahan route is Wat Yang Na Rangsi. The temple is famous for its Buddha images which were made of sandstone and quartz. It is also notable for its wooden sala (a wooden teaching hall) which was built in 1927 in a typical central region style. The sala has been converted into the Lop Buri Boat Museum, where a large collection of local vessels, in particular a one-seat barge, are exhibited.
Bee Farm, Lop Buri
Bee Farm The center distributes information and knowledge on Bee cultivation in Thailand. It is also a place where natural bees products including royal jelly, honey (from sunflower, natural honey extracts, etc.) and other honey-related products are on sale.
Location: Soi 24 Sai Tri, Mo 9 Phatthana Nikhom District, Lop Buri 15220 The center distributes information and knowledge on Bee cultivation in Thailand. It is also a place where natural bees products including royal jelly, honey (from sunflower, natural honey extracts, etc.) and other honey-related products are on sale.
Wat Lai, Lop Buri
Located on the bank of Maenam Bang Kham in Tha Wung District, approximately 24 kilometers from town, the Ayutthaya-period temple is famous for its chapel. Decorated with stucco in various designs showcasing Buddhas previous life and his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, the chapel illustrates extraordinary Thai craftsmanship which is truly exquisite. There is also the Phra Si Ari Buddha image which local people have worshipped for generations.
Wat San Paolo, Lop Buri A Jesuit Church founded by the Portuguese during the reign of King Narai the Great, Wat San Paulo is situated approximately 3 kilometers east of town, off of Ramdaecho Road. The word San Paulo was probably dubbed by Thais especially when they pronounced Saint Paul or Saint Paulo in Thai style. Visible in the site are the remains of a brick wall and stucco tower, as well as an octagonal, 3-story, observatory.
Wat Nakhon Kosa, Lop Buri Located north of the railway station near San Phra Kan is Wat Nakhon Kosa which may have originally been a Hindu Shrine as the temple was built in 1157 by the Khmers. Later on, U-Thong style cement Buddha images were added on the prangs.
Wat Mani Chonlakhan, Lop Buri
Built during the reign of King Mongkut, the temple was originally called Wat Ko Kaew as it was located on a small island. Remains found in the compound include the Chedi Luang Pho Saeng, the ubosot, the viharn and a large Buddha image situated along the riverside.
Another former Brahman Shrine located next to Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot, across the railway station, is San Phra Kan. The compound is comprised of both old and new sections. The former can be dated back to the Khmer period, as attested by the laterite mound that was found. The new section, constructed in 1951, contains a famous object of worship a four-armed Vishnu figure fixed with a Buddha’s head. Located nearby is a guardian house in which various Buddha and Hindu images are enshrined. A troop of monkeys begging for food usually surrounds the Shrine. Sometimes, they can become offensive to visitors, especially those giving out food for their photographs.
The Statue of King Narai the Great is located near the town entrance. It was built to honor King Narai the Great in forging ahead technological development, foreign relations and prosperity to Lop Buri and the Ayutthaya Kingdom. He was the first monarch to bring modern technology into use such as the use of terra-cotta pipes and construction of celestial observatory. He is also remembered for his neo-foreign policy as he established close diplomatic ties with the European powers.
After the death of King Narai the Great in 1688, the palace was deserted. It was not until the reign of King Rama IV during the Ratanakosin era, that the Palace was restored and renamed Narai Ratchaniwet.
Located on Vichayen Road, approximately 200 meters from the railway station, Phra Prang Sam Yot is Lop Buris best known landmark and provincial symbol. A former Hindu Shrine built in the 13th century in the classic Bayon style of Khmer architecture, the compound comprises three prangs (towers) linked by a corridor. The three laterite and sandstone spires decorated with classic stucco are believed to have originally represented the Hindu Trimurti; Brahman (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Siva (the destroyer). During the reign of King Narai, the shrine was converted into a Buddhist temple when a brick viharn located to the east which houses a grand U-Thong-Ayutthaya style Buddha image was probably built. Buddha images were later added to the two prangs. The temple is open at 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., admission fee is 50 baht.
A 25-acre zoo is well known for its interesting residents: Asian and Australian birds and mammals. The most striking feature of the zoo is the unusual family of three tigers and four dogs who live harmoniously together in the same quarters. The zoo is located behind the Army Theatre near the Sa Kaew Circle. Opens daily from 8.00 a.m. 6.00 p.m.
Located approximately 12 kilometers from Lam Narai Market is a waterfall that flows all year round. Perfect for people looking for a quite and refreshing retreat from the town, the waterfall is accessible via Chai Badan Tha Luang Road (Highway No. 2089). Look for the sign of the waterfall and proceed for approximately 7 kilometers.
Kraison Siharat Hall is commonly known as Phra Thinang Yen or Thale Chup Son Hall, 4 kilometres from the centre of town.
Situated on Rue de France, to the north of Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, this western style viharn was believed to have originally been built by King Narai the Great as a church for Christian envoys. It was subsequently restored by King Narai the Great, who ordered the replacement of Thai windows with Western-style windows with Gothic-designs in the secondary chapel. Later on, the viharn was converted into a Buddhist temple. It contains a large seated Ayutthaya-style Buddha image.
Located on the bank of the Lop Buri River, 9 kilometers south of the town center along the Lop Buri-Bang Pahan route is Wat Yang Na Rangsi. The temple is famous for its Buddha images which were made of sandstone and quartz. It is also notable for its wooden sala (a wooden teaching hall) which was built in 1927 in a typical central region style. The sala has been converted into the Lop Buri Boat Museum, where a large collection of local vessels, in particular a one-seat barge, are exhibited.
Location: Soi 24 Sai Tri, Mo 9 Phatthana Nikhom District, Lop Buri 15220
Located on the bank of Maenam Bang Kham in Tha Wung District, approximately 24 kilometers from town, the Ayutthaya-period temple is famous for its chapel. Decorated with stucco in various designs showcasing Buddhas previous life and his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, the chapel illustrates extraordinary Thai craftsmanship which is truly exquisite. There is also the Phra Si Ari Buddha image which local people have worshipped for generations.
Built during the reign of King Mongkut, the temple was originally called Wat Ko Kaew as it was located on a small island. Remains found in the compound include the Chedi Luang Pho Saeng, the ubosot, the viharn and a large Buddha image situated along the riverside.
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