Lopburi, 153 km north of Bangkok, or 2 hours drives. It was on of the oldest capital of the Khmers who expanded their power to the town of Lawo and Lopburi at the beginning of the 10th century and ruled over the area until the middle of the 13th century when the Thais, who had already migrated from the North and had settled down in this country, fought against them and declared the independence of the Thais. Since then Lopburi has been ruled by the Thais. Many Monuments in Khmer style were constructed in Lopburi such as the Hindu Shrine, Phra Kan Shrine etc. These monuments still exist in abundance.

Phra Prang Sam Yot, once a Hindu Shrine is the landmark of Lopburi. It was constructed in Lopburi style with laterite and sandstone decorated with stucco. The adjoining prangs signify the Hindu Trinity of Brahman, Vishnu and Siva. In the reign of Knig Narai, the Shrine was converted to a Buddhist temple as some Buddhist designs can still be seen on it.

Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, built by King Narai of Ayutthaya took 12 years to be completed (1665-1677). Most of the structures of the Palace are of King Narai’s period. Now the whole compound has been turned into the National Museum of Lopburi, Apart from ancient art objects displayed in the Museum every pavilion in the Royal Palace has interesting history.

Ayutthaya, the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Thai capital for 417 years, is one of Thailand’s major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U Thong when the Thais were forced Southwards by northern neighbors. During the period of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until is was sacked by the Burmese in 1767.

Phra Si Sanphet Temple, this is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and corresponds to The Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. In 1500 a 16 meters high standing Buddha was cast by King Ramathipodi II. The image was covered with gold weighing some 170 kilogram. In 1767, the Burmese set fire to the image to melt off the gold, completely destroying the image and the temple. Nearby are three Ceylonese style chedis built during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of 3 Ayutthayan Kings.

Chaiwatthanaram Temple, located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River to the west of the city island. It was built by the Royal command of King Prasat Thong. The existing main prang and pagodas around the corners are still in good shape.