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ThailandDescription and is it worth a visit
If you want to see the most interesting and large-scale historical landmark in Lopburi, then feel free to go to the temple of Phra Si Ratana Mahathat (Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat). This is a whole complex of ancient temple buildings located on an area of more than 3 hectares directly opposite the Lopburi railway station. It is the largest in the city, and definitely one of the most beautiful and photogenic. However, if you are only interested in monkeys, for which the old town of Lopburi is so famous, then you have nothing to do here, because they appear here very rarely and in small quantities. For monkeys, we recommend going to the temples Phra Prang Sam Yot, San Phra Kan and Wat Indra, which are only a five-minute walk from here.
The Phra Si Ratana Mahathat temple complex was built in the XIII century by the Khmer, i.e. it is already more than 800 years old. However, according to other sources, it was built even earlier, in 1157. But, most likely, such a discrepancy is simply due to the fact that different buildings were erected at different times. Anyway, the complex is large-scale and worth a visit, especially since the entrance fee here is symbolic.
Once on the territory of the temple complex, the first thing you will see will be the royal pavilion Sala Plueang Khrueang. Another important attraction is the northwestern Prang (Khmer tower in the form of a corn cob), with a relief image of angels Thep Fanom, in a state of worship, turning their faces in different directions of the world. This is a unique and beautiful feature of the temple, which is rarely seen in Thailand. Also interesting are the U-Thong Buddha images on the prang and the big viharna, which were added already by King Narai the Great during the Ayutthaya period.
🕐 Working hours
Daily from 08:30 to 18:00.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price
50 baht (approximately 1.53 USD, currency of Thailand).
🚶 How to get there
Phra Si Ratana Mahathat Temple is located in the center of the old town opposite the Lopburi railway station (Phra Si Ratana Mahathat on the map). From any place within the boundaries of the city of Lopburi, you can walk here. If you want to visit the temple in the form of a day trip from Bangkok, Pattaya or other resorts, you can buy a ready-made excursion to Lopburi or get there yourself, as told in detail here.
Friends, we remind you that it is much more interesting to get acquainted with the sights of Thailand with the help of excursions, and therefore we advise you to look at options with online booking and reviews on these excursion aggregators: