Introduction. Editorial Team. Lop Buri: City of Civilization and Arts of Four Eras

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2 Introduction The City of Lop Buri Guidebook aims to provide the general public, especially visitors, with a guideline for visiting the tourist centre, as well as the historical sites in the provincial seat of Lop Buri. It contains a tourist attraction map of four routes. First, 1500 Years of Continuity. Second, Visit to King Narai the Great s Region. Third, City of Lop Buri : Learning Centre Outside the Classroom. Last, Paying Homage to the Nine Sacred Places of Lop Buri. Lop Buri is a fascinating city with a long history starting from the pre-history period to the Rattanakosin Era. During that time, Lop Buri was mainly under the influence of the Khom or Khmer with occasional independence, prosperity and decadence. However, Lop Buri has endured through time. During the golden era, Lop Buri was the center of economy, politics, art, culture and religion. Lop Buri was both receiver and donor of civilization. It was the second capital city of two different reigns; firstly during the reign of King Narai the Great in the Ayutthaya Era and secondly during the reign of King Rama IV in the Rattanakosin Era. At present, Lop Buri is a military center. As a result, Lop Buri is always home to many people. It has never been deserted. Today it is famous for a multitude of ancient sites and antiques with invaluable historical significance. On top of that, local wisdom has been passed from generation to generation. The cultural uniqueness is summed up in the provincial sites King Narai the Great s Palace, San Phra Kan, Famous Prang Sam Yod, City of Marl, Pa Sak Jolasid Dam and Golden Era of King Narai s Reign Editorial Team 2

3 City of Hanuman Descendants (Monkey City) Monkeys of different sizes are a common sight at San Phra Kan in Lop Buri City. This scene reminds all the visitors of a legend featuring Hanuman (King Monkey) reigning Lop Buri City, which is an episode in the Ramayana Epic. This legend is so convincing that Lop Buri is known as to the City of Hanuman Descendants (Monkey City). Moreover, Lop Buri monkeys are believed to be Hanuman s warriors. According to the legend, Rama granted Hanuman permission to build a new city of his own as a reward for his contribution to their victory over the devils. Rama then shot an arrow, and wherever the arrow landed would be a location of the new city for Hanuman. Lop Buri city is strongly influenced by this legend. Many places in Lop Buri derive their name from important places or events of the legend. These include Khao Samokon and Khao Sam Roi Yod. Moreover, even the name of Lop Buri is derived from the name of the city built by Hanuman. Upon completion of the construction, Rama named the new city as Lop Buri. 3

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6 6 Contents Introduction City of Hanuman Descendants (Monkey City) Arts of Four Eras Lop buri Important Tourist Attraction Sites Art, Handicraft and Highlight Products of Lop Buri Annual Events Introduction of Tourism Itinerary in Lop Buri Transportation Information Important Phone Numbers Cover Important Tourist Attraction Sites Place 1. King Narai s Palace 2. Wat Manee Cholkhan 3. Tha Bodhi Fort 4. Wat Phrommas 5. Talat Lang (Lower Market) 6. Phra Prang Sam Yod 7. Luksorn Shrine (Arrow Shrine) 8. Wat Puen 9. Envoy s Residences (Wichayen House) 10. Wat Sao Thong Tong 11. Prang Khaek Sanctuary 12. Wat Inthra 13. Wat Choeng Tha / Hor Sophonsilp Museum / Lop Buri Learning Centre 14. Wat Kawitsararam 15. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat 16. Wat Nicroth 17. Wat Tong Pu Page

7 สถานท 18. Ancient Moat (Klong Reuk) 19. Pibulwitthayalai School 20. Phra Kan Shrine 21. Thai Army Hotel 22. Wat Nakhon Kosa 23. Lawasri Building 24. Water Pressure Reducing Funnel 25. Erawan Building 26. Wat Bandai Hin 27. Pratu Chai (Victory Gate) 28. Chaichanasongkram Fort 29. Wat San Paolo 30. Paniad Gate (Elephant Corral Gate) 31. The Army Theatre 32. Lop Buri Zoo 33. Sri Suriyothai Roundabout (Srakaew Roundabout) 34. Kraison Siharat Throne Hall (Phra Thinang Yen) 35 Pak Jan Water Pipeline 36. King Narai the Great Monument หน า Art, Handicraft and Highlight Products of Lop Buri Place 1. Ban Tha Kra Yang Brassware 2. Salted Eggs 3. White Clay Filler at Ban Hin Song Kon Annual Events Events 1. King Narai the Great Festival 2. Parades of Chaophor and Chaomae of Looksorn Shrine 3. Sweet Santols and Highlighted Produce of Lop Buri 4. Chinese Banquet for Monkeys 5. Winter Festival in Lop Buri 6. Reminiscence of Loy Krathong Festival during Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram 7. Lop Buri City s Merit-Making Festival Page Page

8 Important Tourist Attraction Sites 8 1 King Narai s Palace One of the city s greatest treasures, King Narai s palace is a must for all visitors. It used to be a beautiful and majestic residence for Thai monarchs during the Ayutthaya Period. Today as soon as you step inside the royal residence, you will understand why it is said to possess the most beautiful architectural designs constructed with the most advanced technology of that time. Thanks to French architects contribution to the designs, King Narai s Palace depicts a juxtaposition of Thai and Indo Persian architectural features, which make it a unique and unprecedented building in Lop Buri. The palace also hosts the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum. Hours of Operation: AM PM (Except Mondays - Tuesdays and public holidays) Entrance fee: Thai 10 Baht / Foreigner 30 Baht

9 Wat Manee Cholkhan All visitors travelling along the Lop 2 Buri-Sing Buri Road will be greeted with Chedi Luangphor Saeng, a landmark indicating the boundary of the Lop Buri inner city. Luang Phor Saeng Pagoda was built during the reigns of King Rama IV and V. A large number of disciples made pilgrimages to Lop Buri to pay homage to the remains of Luangphor Saeng, the temple founder who was believed to possess some supernatural power. Inside the monasterial compound is a gigantic Bodhi tree behind a Buddha statue in a naga-protecting position. This tree, respectfully called Phra Sri Maha Bhodhi, has such a long history that it has become another pride of the city. It was King Rama IV who granted permission to plant Bhodhi tree in this temple. The seed of this Bhodhi tree was originally from Buddha Gaya, India, and it was the first time that Thailand received Bhodhi seeds from India. 3 Tha Bodhi Fort If you are interested in exploring a citadel, Tha Bodhi Fort in Lop Buri is not to be missed. When compared with Chaichanasongkhram Fort, it is equally big. Likewise, Tha Bodhi Fort also depicts ancient Pak Jan (Watergates). 9

10 Important Tourist Attraction Sites 10 4 Wat Phrommas This temple is also known as Wat Sam Jeen (Three Chinese Temple). According to historical chronicles, a group of three Chinese merchants settled down in front of the temple. To pay back for their business success along with great prosperity, the trio pooled their efforts and money to renovate this temple. That s why today it is fondly called Wat Sam Jeen. As the name implies, the artistic styles of this Buddhist temple is obviously in Chinese style. The highlight lies in the pulpits showing lavish wood carving in Chinese style. The art aficionados will never be disappointing. Talat Lang (Lower Market) It used to be a large retail and fish market in Lop Buri. After an inferno and less river transportation, the market faced decadence. However today it is a must see take a glimpse of a building in Western architectural style created by Chinese artists. There are still some old shops selling souvenirs. It is said to be a tableau vivant of Lop Buri lifestyles. 5

11 6 Phra Prang Sam Yod Phra Kan Shrine is considered to be a sacred place of Lop Buri. Equally significant is Phra Prang Sam Yod that is praised to be an important emblem of the city. In fact, it has stood majestic for centuries, built around 18th Buddhist Century. The name Sam Yod (three spires) originates from the three Prangs or pagodas connected with each other by corridors. Made of laterite with fresco decoration, the Prangs are in the Bayon Khmer style of art. It was King Narai the Great who ordered a restauration and expansion of the Hindu Shrine before converting it into a Buddhist temple. Today Phra Prang Sam Yod represents an amazing combination of Thai Ayutthaya style of art and European uniqueness. Today it is home to a large number of monkeys. Hours of Operation: AM 6.00 PM Entrance fee: Thai 10 Baht / Foreigner 30 Baht 7 Luksorn Shrine (Arrow Shrine) This small-sized building in Chinese architectural style serves as evidence to support a legend of the city foundation, which starts with a Monkey Monarch shooting an arrow of Phraram (Rama). The best evidence is a discovery of an octagonal stone believed to be King Rama s arrow. Lop Buri residents consider this stone to be the city foundation stone. Therefore, Luksorn Shrine or Arrow Shrine is a very interesting place. In fact it is a must-see and must-visit attraction for tourists who wish to study the legend and pay homage to the shrine at the same time. 11

12 Important Tourist Attraction Sites Envoy s Residences (Wichayen House) Wat Puen Wat Puen is located between the Envoy s Residences (Wichayen House) and San Looksorn. The origin of the temple name is uncertain. Some people say it is derived from Rama s gun or Rama s arrow because it is located near San Looksorn. (Puen means a gun and looksorn means an arrow). The ancient city plan, drafted by French artists in 1678 during the reign of King Narai the Great, showed a location of Jedi or Stupa on the temple s compound. Moreover, the interior decoration of the Viharn was a popular artistic style during the reign of King Narai the Great ( ). Therefore, it is highly possible that this temple was built during the reign of King Narai the Great. Or it might have been built previously and had undergone a great restauration during the reign of King Narai the Great. It was once widely believed that this place was a residence of Chaophraya Wichayen, a Greek academic serving in the royal court of King Narai the Great. However, many studies have proved that it was probably an accommodation for envoys in the entourage of King Narai the Great during his visit to Lop Buri. Today looking from the house to the gate, we can see a road directly connected with the palace. This could be evidence to confirm that Chao Phraya Wichayen was very close to the monarch. Moreover, the King s admiration could be seen from the architectural features of the two-storeyed building in European Renaissance style. Around the main building are a number of buildings of different sizes once serving as envoy s residences. Chaophraya Wichayen also stayed in one of those buildings. This compound was expansive enough to host its own church, which was praised to be the first Catholic Church with decoration in Thai style of art. Hours of Operation: 7.00 AM PM (except Mondays and Tuesdays) Entrance fee: Thai 10 Baht /Foreigner 30 Baht

13 10 Prang Khaek Sanctuary Wat Sao Thong Tong Between King s Palace and the Envoy s Residences (Wichayen House) is located an ancient temple named Wat Sao Thong Tong on Rue de France. It is the royal-patronage temple of Lop Buri. The original Viharn (building) was probably a Masjid for Persians, because in ancient times the compound of Wat Sao Thong Tong hosted a shrine for Muslims. The best evidence to confirm the long history of this temple lies in the names of the buildings including Piju, Khochasarn or Korasarn. It used to serve as an accommodation for state visitors and Persian ambassadors and their entourages. Piju was named after a region in the Persian Empire. At the heart of Lop Buri city are Prang Khaek (Indian Pagodas). The oldest Khmer shrine of Lop Buri, built around the 15th Buddhist Century, stands majestic in the heart of the city. They are the best evidence to prove Lop Buri s great achievement in conserving the past glory and blending it with today s backdrop in perfect harmony. In other words, in addition to testifying a long history of the city, Prang Khaek adds some memorable charisma to the city itself. Inside the pagoda are the remains of a foundation stone with Shiva lingam, concrete evidence to prove that it used to be a Hindu shrine. Later, it was King Narai the Great who initiated a construction of a Buddhist shrine in the back yard together with a container to supply water for the Envoy s Residences (Wichayen House). Both buildings are outstanding for their Thai-European style of art

14 Important Tourist Attraction Sites 14 Wat Inthra When you stand in the temple compound, you will find that the surrounding Viharn or pavilions stand on higher ground. The windows feature iron bars, which is an important architectural feature of the Early Ayutthaya Period. In spite of being deserted these days, Wat Indra s ancient remains are always attractive for visitors Wat Choeng Tha / Hor Sophonsilp Museum / Lop Buri Learning Centre In ancient times, this place served as a port for cargo carts and that s why its former name was Wat Tha Kwian (Cart Port Temple). Inside the monasterial compound are two buildings. First, Hor Sophonsilp Museum with permanent exhibitions depicting the history of Wat Choeng Tha and necessary utensils used by Buddhist Monks. Second, Lop Buri Learning Centre includes exhibitions depicting interesting stories of Lop Buri, such as geographic features, local wisdom and typical local lifestyles. Hours of Operation: 8.30 AM 4.30 PM.

15 14 Wat Kawitsararam It used to be called Wat Khwid. According to some records, the construction began during the reign of King Narai the Great. It was King Rama IV who later ordered a big restauration. The main purpose was to exchange the land with the land of King Narai s palace and turn the palace into his residence. Upon completion of the restauration, King Rama IV renamed the temple Kawitsararam. A major highlight of the artistic value of the temple is the exquisite mural paints in the Ubosot (main chapel). Inside is situated a Buddha image in the Lord Buddha subduing Mara position in the U Thong style of art. There is a big pond in an octagon shape. In ancient times, arms were soaked in this pond during the oath of allegiance royal ceremony. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat It was considered the most important temple during the Ayutthaya Era. This ancient temple is amazingly charming. Only the outer parts create an impressive memory for all visitors. Further uplifting the beauty and charms of this monastery are Frangipani trees dotting the front yard of this extensive compound. The principal Prang in the epicenter of the ancient site, which is the largest Prang of Lop Buri, is in Thai style during the pioneering era. It is believed to have been built when Lop Buri was under the Khmer influence. Surrounding the Prangs are captivating stuccos. Therefore it is a must for all visitors to Lop Buri city who will surely take with them a memorable appreciation of artistic value that has stood the test of time for generations. Hours of Operation: 7.00 AM 5.00 PM 15 (Except Mondays and Tuesdays) Entrance fee: Thai 10 Baht / Foreigner 30 Baht 15

16 สถานท ท องเท ยวท สำาค ญ Important Tourist Attraction Sites Wat Nicroth This ancient religious building was built with laterite in Prang or Prasart (Pagoda) shape. Unfortunately, the whole structure has collapsed. It was generally believed to have been built during the Lop Buri era under the influence of the Khmer civilization. The remaining laterite from the Prang construction was used for building nearby Chaophor Thep Shrine. Chaophor Thep was said to be the name of a statue once standing inside the pagoda Wat Tong Pu If you wish to get some moral support or to reactivate your energy, this temple is definitely not to be missed. In the past, Wat Tong Pu was the assembly point for Thai soldiers, where a ritual ceremony was performed in order to boost up the soldiers warrior spirit and courage. Also completed in this temple were all preparations needed for fighting against national enemies. As soon as you step inside Phra Viharn (Treasure House), all visitors can find themselves immersed into a certain supernatural power dominating the environs, probably because this temple is more than 300-years-old. Additionally, the temple houses an ancient recipient used for bathing Buddhist monks. This antique is currently the only one of its kind in Thailand. 16

17 18 Ancient Moat (Klong Reuk) If you wonder what the moat during Dvaravati era looked like, please drop by to take a glimpse of Klong Reuk. In ancient times, this canal served as an important route connecting the city with Paniad Gate. At present while commuting along the canal, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere on either side of the canal. Travelling further into remote villages, you will be welcomed with an ancient bridge across the canal. The more you travel along the canal, the more you will appreciate its classic charms and perfect harmony with surrounding components. Pibulwitthayalai School This school used to be called Phra Narai School and situated at the Envoy s Residences. It was Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram who ordered the school s relocation to its current location. The school buildings were in a modern simple style, which was later called Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram architectural style. Like many important buildings in Lop Buri, the school buildings depict a large number of patriotic mottos engraved on many corners of the constructions

18 Important Tourist Attraction Sites Phra Kan Shrine Phra Kan Shrine is an ancient place of worship in Lavo (former name of Lop Buri). Inside is situated a statue of God Narai in the standing position or Bodhisattva of Bayon Khmer style of art. The original head of the image has disappeared and was later replaced with a head of Buddha image from the Ayutthaya Period. It now serves as a very popular place for worship. In addition to the local zoo, Phra Kan Shrine is another spot where visitors can take a glimpse of monkeys in downtown Lop Buri. Local residents believe that they are immortal and native of this city Thai Army Hotel It was a five-star hotel. The construction project was initiated by Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram when his government adopted a policy to promote Lop Buri into a city with military importance. The building is in the Neo-classic style. The business operation has been closed for years. 18

19 Wat Nakhon Kosa This temple is located in the heart of Lop Buri city near Phra Kan Shrine. From the city railway station, visitors can spot an ancient Chedi or pagoda standing on a small hill. This is an important ancient site from the Dvaravati Period. Despite the fact that it is a deserted temple, there are many interesting things inside. The construction dates back from Dvaravati to Ayutthaya Periods. Standing on the top of the hill, visitors can enjoy the panoramic scenery of Lop Buri city Lawasri Building Lawasri Building located at Thepsatri Rajabhat University. One of the highlights in the campus tour is the Lawasri Building featuring a modern simple style. The flag post in front of the building is in the Art Décor style. 19

20 Important Tourist Attraction Sites Water Pressure Reducing Funnel Believe it or not!!!! Three hundred years back, Lop Buri City had its own water supply system. More importantly, the system was advanced enough to be able to control the water pressure all the time. The water pressure reducing funnel was built during the reign of King Narai the Great. If you are still skeptical, please go to Thepsatri Rajabhat University where you can see a water pressure reducing funnel on display there still in perfect condition, this funnel is among a very small number of this type facility still in existence. 25 Erawan Building This building once served as the accommodation of King Rama VIII or King Ananda Mahidol during his visit to Lop Buri to preside over the opening ceremony of Ananda Mahidol Hospital and Narai the Great Military Camp on 6th January, The late king was then 12 years of age. The building also served as an accommodation for Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram during his inspection tour of Lop Buri. The building features Neo-classic style of architecture.

21 26 Wat Bandai Hin If you go to Lop Buri by train, please be especially attentive when the train is approaching Lop Buri Station. Wat Bandai Hin is adjacent to the railway station. On the opposite side is Wat Phra Rattana Maha That. Today four walls of the Ubosot (main chapel) still remain. It underwent restoration during the reign of King Narai the Great. Many visitors can t help stopping to take a second or closer look at the doors and windows with arch frames. Equally intriguing are the big pagodas standing behind the Ubosot. Pratu Chai (Victory Gate) The road to victory is always glorious. Although it was built in city wall during Dvaravati Period, the Victory Gate, made of clay, stands majestic to welcome all visitors. In the past it was the royal paths of King Narai the Great, both for normal journeys and to battle fields. Today it is considered to be an auspicious route that is always worth a visit

22 Important Tourist Attraction Sites 28 Chaichanasongkram Fort This fort is an important landmark of Lop Buri. It has been standing there since the Lop Buri Era; apparently perfectly performing its duty to protect the city from all enemies. Standing on the top of the gigantic fort, we can see the beautiful scenery of Lop Buri River as well as some ancient Watergates. Visitors can also learn how Lop Buri ancestors used these Watergates to control the water levels. Wat San Paolo 29 Merely the name of this Catholic Church demands curiousity. But all visitors are mesmerized with its history and other features. This church is also widely known as Wat Saint Paul. The compound is not very large, but the overall atmosphere is very pleasant and encourages all visitors to linger a little longer. The architectural style of this church reflected a perfect combination of Thai and European styles similar to the Envoy s Residences (Wichayen House). Another must see attraction is the octagonal two-storeyed observatory. This ancient building serves as the best evidence to confirm that this is one of the pioneering sites of astronomical studies in South East Asia Paniad Gate (Elephant Corral Gate) This ancient gate is situated in King Narai s camp. It was connected to the City Gate. Paniad Gate and Victory Gate are the only two ancient gates that still remain to this day in nearly perfect condition. At Paniad Gate, you can see some remains of the elephant catching rites, including a mound where pachyderms were rounded up.

23 31 The Army Theatre Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram got had this building constructed for entertainment purposes. It was also aimed to occasionally host a house meeting when a national crisis arose from World War II. It is considered to be the second oldest entertainment hall after Sala Chalermkrung Theatre in Bangkok. The Army Theater building features Art Décor style of architecture. 32 Lop Buri Zoo Lop Buri Zoo was built during the administration of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram in After his rule, the zoo has been renovated several times by the Office of Unconventional Warfare and is now well-known as a recreational site where visitors can also learn about animals and plants. It is actually the second zoo in Thailand. Lop Buri city once hosted a wedding reception for a monkey couple named Mike and Zuzu at this local zoo. Amazingly, the world s unprecedented wedding for a monkey couple went on live telecast to national viewers and was reported in world headline news. In other words, Mike-and-Zuzu fever gained media coverage for days or even weeks. Hours of Operation: 8.00 AM 6.00 PM Entrance fee: Young Child 10 Baht / Teen and Adult 20 Baht 23

24 Important Tourist Attraction Sites 33 Sri Suriyothai Roundabout (Srakaew Roundabout) Just two kilometres away from the Phra Kan Shrine is Sri Suriyothai Roundabout, built during the administration of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram to create numerous road connections. For example, King Narai the Great Road was built to connect the three roundabouts. The idea of constructing a road with a monument in the centre of a roundabout might have been derived from France and Italy. Kraison Siharat Throne Hall (Phra Thinang Yen) Outstanding for its Thai style of art, this throne hall was used by its owner, King Narai the Great, as a recreational residence. A reception of state visitors was also hosted in this Throne Hall, which was situated on an island in the Thalae Chupsorn reservoir. It was also the place where King Narai studied astronomy. He gazed at lunar eclipses and solar eclipses in this throne hall. In fact, many people believe that Kraison Siharat Throne Hall was the birthplace of the study of modern astronomy in Thailand. Hours of Operation: 8.30 AM 4.30 PM Entrance fee: Thai 10 Baht / Foreigner 30 Baht 34 24

25 Pak Jan Water Pipeline Pak Jan Water Pipeline served as a water station between Thalae Chupsorn Reservoir and King Narai s Palace. All visitors to Lop Buri should not miss a chance to visit Pak Jan, which is still in perfect condition. You will see with your own eyes how water management was performed during the reign of King Narai the Great. From here you can see the shrine located at the mouth of Pak Jan. That s why it is known as Chaophor Pak Jan Shrine, because of its location near the water station King Narai the Great Monument All visitors who travel on Phahon Yothin Highway will be greeted with a majestic statue of King Narai the Great, in the standing position, in the centre of Thepsatri Roundabout. A monarch of the Ayutthaya Era, King Narai the Great ordered a construction of a palace in Lop Buri where he stayed until his death. 25

26 Art, Handicraft and Highlight Products of Lop Buri 26 1 Ban Tha Kra Yang Brassware Lop Buri s highlighted OTOP is brass work at Tha Kra Yang is said to be the most famous for a great variety of brass work. Villagers in this area are believed to have begun their production of brass work over 60 years ago. At first, production of brass Buddha images was merely a source of supplementary income. But today their product supply is very extensive. All visitors feel obliged to bring certain brass work back home as precious souvenirs.

27 2 Salted Eggs Every province claims to have its own recipe for salted eggs. However, their products are more or less the same. But, Lop Buri s salted eggs made by the Army Soldiers Wives Association, have long been praised for being distinctive for years. An unofficial research revealed that the secret lies in the fact that Lop Buri has got White Clay filler with the best quality to be mixed with salt grains. A duck egg is then coated with the mixture and then rolled over rice-husk ashes again. The good taste of Lop Buri s salted eggs is confirmed by the Shell certificate. To sum up, it can be the best gift from Lop Buri for your friends or family members back home. White Clay Filler at Ban Hin Song Kon Lop Buri s White Clay filler is said to be the best of its kind. It is made of white clay called Marl stone, and other areas in Thailand provide no larger source of Marl stone than Lop Buri. That s why production of White Clay filler has long been a staple source of income for Lop Buri people for generations. Today s current largest manufacturing base is Ban Hin Song Kon. To sum up, this village is worth a visit to observe the production of Lop Buri s famous local product. 3 27

28 Annual Events 1 King Narai the Great Festival Set in February, the largest festival of the province attracts many people from all walks of life to Lop Buri. The overall atmosphere encourages all visitors to indulge in the past glorious grandeur of this city of civilization. To revive the golden era of King Narai, a reenactment of important historical events is carefully produced, partly to pay tribute to the great monarch and to provide all visitors with a memorable performance 28

29 2 Parades of Chaophor and Chaomae of Looksorn Shrine Lop Buri s people with Chinese origin strictly practice this tradition of parading the statues of Chaophor (Chinese God) and Chaomae (Chinese Goddess) along the roads around the city in March every year. The parade is always mesmerizing and exciting for local people and tourists alike because it depicts character of those gods and goddesses demonstrating different kinds of supernatural power. The list of highly respectful gods includes Guan Wu, Naja and Poseidon. The last god amazes the onlookers by playing with boiling water. Sweet Santols and Highlighted Produce of Lop Buri It is best to visit Lop Buri during the months of June July when a festival of Sweet Santols and Highlighted Produce of Lop Buri is organized. Visitors can shop for sweet Santols transported directly from orchards in Lop Buri. Organized at the front yard of Mueang Lop Buri Office, the annual fair also features a wide range of important agricultural products from different corners of Lop Buri province. 3 29

30 Annual Events 30 Chinese Banquet for Monkeys Lop Buri people believe that monkeys are disciples of Chaophor Phra Kal at Phra Kal Shrine, which is a highly revered site in Lop Buri Province. Therefore monkeys are considered to be a symbolic animal of Lop Buri. A luxurious Chinese banquet is offered to over 3,000 monkeys at the end of November. A large number of tourists visit Lop Buri during this period. In short, the feast is included in the list of the world s ten most exotic events. It has been organized continually for over 20 years and now has become an unofficial symbol of the city itself. 4 5 Winter Festival in Lop Buri It is a very great and exciting way to say Good Bye to the old year. It should not to be missed because there are a wide range of art and cultural shows together with exhibitions. Visitors can also shop for different famous local products from every corner of the country. It is organized from November 31 to December 6 every year at Phibulwitthayalai School. The highlight of the festival is on December 5 when people from all walks of life join hands and warmly offer benediction to His Majesty the King on his birthday.

31 6 Reminiscence of Loy Krathong Festival during Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram Lop Buri s retro-loy Krathong Festival has been organized consecutively since 1996 at Suriyothai Roundabout (Srakaew Roundabout) organized by Lop Buri Municipality Office. The purpose is to reiterate the historical significance of Lop Buri as well as to promote Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram s great contribution to the development of Lop Buri. Thanks to the retrospective theme, Lop Buri Loy Krathong festival is very unique. Lop Buri City s Merit-Making Festival This event started in 1999 by the initiative of Lung Phor Thom, a former abbot of Wat Choeng Tha. This auspicious festival is the best testimonial of Lop Buri residents durable mutual bond, strong collaboration, as well as marvelous devotion to Buddhism. It is organized in December every year at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat. The choice of venue is the best, because it is one of the most revered Buddhist temples among Lop Buri residents. This religious festival attracts a large number of participants from different corners of Lop Buri and other parts of the country. 7 31

32 Introduction of Tourism Itinerary in Lop Buri 32

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