Lopburi Province

Known as Lavo during most of its history, Lopburi probably dates back to prehistoric times. During the Dvaravati period (6th to 11th century) it was called Lavo. The Khmer and built many impressive temples. Lopburi might have liberated itself from the Khmer rulership at least temporarily, as it sent independent embassies to China twice in 1115 and 1155. In 1289 it sent an embassy again, but then soon became associated with the Thai kingdom Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya.

In Ayutthaya period, King Ramathibodi I sent Phra Ramesuan (later King Ramesuan) who positioned Uparaja to reign Lopburi. In 1665 King Narai the Great ordered to build the new palace on the east bank of the Lopburi River and made Lop Buri the second capital of the country in middle of the 17th century as Ayutthaya was threatened by the Dutch. After the king reign, the city was nearly empty and less important.

The city was enriched again when King Rama IV renovated the King Narai Palace in 1856. And in 1938 Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram started his plan to relandscape and set Lop Buri as the biggest military base of Thailand.


Lopburi province is covering area about 6,200 square kilometres and its population is about 750,000.

There are many attractive places such as Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (temple), Phra Narai Ratchaniwet (Palace), Phra Prang Sam Yot, and San Phra Kan.
 

Local Transportation

Car: Take road Highway no. 1 (Phaholyothin Road) passing Ayutthaya and Saraburi province through Lopburi province. Total distance is about 153 kms. Bus: Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Northern and North-Eastern Bus Terminal (Kamphaengphet 2 Road) to Lopburi province daily. Train: Leaving daily from Bangkok's Hualumphong Railway Station to Lopburi province.