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. In
1664, King Narai, a King of Ayutthaya made Lopburi the second capital
with the help of French architects. Therefore, the architectural style
of Lopburi in the reign of King Narai was half Thai and half Western as
can be seen from the Royal Palace, the Royal Reception House etc.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.
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Tour Schedule |
Lopburi & Ayutthaya At
07.00 am, our tour guide in purple and navy blue uniform will meet and
greet at the hotel lobby. Depart hotel for smooth drive to Lopburi, 153 km north of Bangkok, or 2 hours drives to visit Phra Prang Sam Yot,
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. The next visit at 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 such as, Water Reservoir: constructed by King Narai to store water which came through terracotta pipes, Phra Khlang Supharat or The Twelve Treasure Houses: for storing the royal treasures as well as royal goods for selling to foreign merchants. Dusit Dawan Thanya Maha Prasat Hall: to be used as an audience hall for high ranking foreign visitors and ambassador, Banquet Hall:
to entertain important foreign visitors is surrounded by ponds on the
west, north and south. In front of the Banquet Hall stands a brick
platform which might be the remaining part of a theater in which the
guests were entertained after dinner and etc.
Return to Ayutthaya, 98 km or 1.20 hours drives to visit 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. The
next visit at 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. Return to
Bangkok and transfer to hotel
Tour Rate: 1 Person: Baht 12,600 2 Persons: Baht 6,300 each 3-4 Persons: Baht 5,250 each 5-12 Persons: Baht 4,500 each The rate mentioned is based on English speaking tour guide, others language will be at the surcharge of Baht 2,500 per tour. Payment: -Visa, Master, JCB at the link of
https://www.eastmeetswesttravel.com/payment/ipay.php -AMEX card, contact:info@emwt.asia
Tour Includes: - Welcome Garland - Natural Mineral Water and Cold Towel - Private Car - Transportation - Travel Insurance Certificate - Reliable First Class Services - Exclusive Professional Tour Guide - Admission Fees
Tour Excludes - Alcoholic Drinks and Meals (Lunch) - Extra Transportation |
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