.
Places
Of Interest 
Wat
Phra Sri Mahathat
This ancient temple is very important both in terms
of history and archaeology. Built around the 12th
century when the Khmers were governing Lopburi,
many restorations were done during the Ayutthaya
period. What can still be seen are the ruins of
numerous prangs and chedis which were built in both
Sukhothai and Ayutthaya styles.
Statue
of King Narai The Great
King Narai The Great had Lopburi built as the second
capital and turned it into a very prosperous city.
He also ordered his architects and his engineers
to build Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace and the Buddhist
sanctuary. King Narai was first Thai Monarch to
establish diplomatic relations with Europe and was
a keen student of European history.
San
Phra Kan
A Brahmanical shrine lying opposite Phra Prang Sam
Yot and consisting of two sections. The old section
dates back to the Khmer period and appears in the
form of a laterite mound. The new section is a building
constructed in 1951 containing a four-armed deity
figure fixed with a Buddha's head which is now a
major place of worship.
One
of the best sights for the tourists visiting San
Phra Kan is the great number of tamed monkeys which
feed themselves on food offered.
Prang
Khaek
A charming little Khmer ruin built in the 15th century
B.C. Located in the market place near Narai Ratchanivet
Palace, it was once a Hindu shrine but much smaller
than Phra Prang Sam Yot. The Indian influence can
be seen in its structure. It has been restored many
times and is regarded as the oldest ancient monument
of Lopburi.
Vichayen
House
Constructed by King Narai as a residence for Chevalier
de Chaumont, the first French ambassador to Thailand
and close friend of the King. Later the place was
occupied by Chao Praya Vichayen (Constantin Phaulkon)
until his death by the revolutionaries.
There
are many ruined buildings to be seen in the compound,
one which served as a Roman Catholic chapel, a hall
of residence for the ambassador and residences for
members of the foreign council. Ruins of water tanks
and fountains are also scattered around.
Narai
Ratchanivet Palace
A palace built by King Narai of Ayutthaya which
took over 12 years to be completed. Most of the
structures are of King Narai's period. Now the whole
compound has been turned into the National Museum
of Lopburi.
Apart
from ancient artworks displayed in the museum,every
pavilion in the Royal Palace has an interesting
history.
Wang
Kan Luang Waterfall
A beautiful spot in peaceful surroundings. It appeals
as a quiet and refreshing retreat from the city.
Wat
Lai
An ancient monastery of the Ayutthaya period where
the Phra Sri Ariya image is situated. The most interesting
thing to see is the vihara, decorated with stucco
in various motifs, front and back, depicting Buddha's
previous life story and the Lord Buddha's first
sermon. It is regarded as one of the master pieces
of Thai sculputre.
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