15 Lopburi Temples: A Blend of Culture and Nature Attractions
Key Takeaway
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Lopburi, an ancient city that perfectly blends Khmer and Thai cultures, is not only renowned for its famous historical sites but also for its stunning temples. Among these, the old Lopburi temples showcase beautiful architecture and intriguing historical narratives.
For travelers who are planning to make merit in Lopburi Province, here are 15 must-visit Lopburi temples that you shouldn’t miss to enhance your blessings. Let’s see!
1. Phra Prang Sam Yot
Starting at the famous temple in Lopburi, Phra Prang Sam Yot, also known as the Lopburi Monkey Temple, stands as a significant landmark in the province. This site is not just a place for tourists to pay respects, but also an ancient monument showcasing the grandeur of Khmer art from the past. It reflects the beautiful Khmer architecture and embodies the beliefs and culture of the people during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
The temple features three prangs (towers) made of laterite, symbolizing the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It was built in the 13th century and is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Khmer Empire. The lively population of macaque monkeys adds to its charm, as they roam freely around the temple grounds, engaging in playful antics that delight visitors.
- Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri, Lopburi
- Location: Phra Prang Sam Yot
- Opening Hours: Everyday 08:30 AM – 06:00 PM
2. Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat
Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat is an ancient temple that is easily accessible, located directly across from the Lopburi train station. It is ideal for tourists who want to explore the world by taking a train trip. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period and has undergone several restorations, resulting in a blend of architectural styles from different eras, including Khmer, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya. This makes it a site of significant artistic and historical value.
Notable architectural features within the temple include the main hall (พระวิหารหลวง), which houses the principal Buddha statue, and a smaller Ubosot located to the south of the main hall. Additionally, it contains the largest prang (tower) in Lopburi, which is believed to have been constructed during the same period as Phra Prang Sam Yot.
- Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat
- Opening Hours: Everyday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
3. Wat Khung Tha Lao
Wat Khung Tha Lao, another Lopburi temple is distinguished by its stunning sculptures that prominently feature scenes from the Ramayana, a legendary tale of Lopburi. It showcases an impressive giant Hanuman statue with an open mouth large enough for visitors to walk through. This Hanuman is beautifully adorned with colorful glass mosaics, making it a must-visit highlight for anyone looking to take memorable photos.
Additionally, the temple’s Ubosot (ordination hall) features beautiful murals that narrate stories related to the Maha Chati and Phra Malai, significant tales in Buddhism. Art enthusiasts should not miss this temple, as it offers a rich artistic experience.
- Address: Bang Phung, Ban Mi, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Khung Tha Lao
- Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 02:00 AM – 03:00 PM / Saturday – Sunday 01:00 AM – 03:00 PM
4. Wat Khao Wong Phrachan
Wat Khao Wong Phrachan is another famous Lopburi temple known for its beauty and the challenging journey required to reach it, which serves as a testament to one’s faith. The temple is situated atop a high mountain, requiring a walk upstairs of over 3,790 steps.
However, this distance is not an issue when compared to the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the temple, making it an ideal place for meditation and spiritual cleansing. Within the temple, there are authentic Buddha footprints believed to symbolize the flourishing of Buddhism. Additionally, various worship festivals are held throughout the year, enhancing the spiritual experience for visitors.
- Address: Huai Pong, Khok Samrong, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Khao Wong Phrachan
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
5. Wat Kawisararam Ratchaworawihan
Another famous temple in Lopburi that history enthusiasts should not miss is Wat Kawisararam Ratchaworawihan, an ancient temple established during the reign of King Rama IV. The temple features a blend of various architectural styles, including Khmer, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya, with the ordination hall being particularly beautiful and distinctive. Additionally, the temple houses a sacred well that has been used for religious ceremonies for a long time. There is a belief that the water in this well will remain forever, adding to the temple’s spiritual significance.
- Address: 5Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Kawisararam Ratchaworawihan
- Opening Hours: –
6. Wat Kroen Ka Thin
Wat Kroen Ka Thin is a temple that is ideal for making merit in Lopburi province. It houses the revered Buddha statue of Luang Por Pan, which is a significant object of worship and a source of spiritual support for the people of Lopburi. The temple also features wax figures and an urn containing the ashes of Luang Por Phian, a highly respected monk known for his powerful magical abilities.
Additionally, the temple contains a stupa that enshrines relics of the Buddha, which is beautifully decorated with intricate designs. Inside this stupa are sacred relics that were bestowed by the Supreme Patriarch, adding to its significance and beauty.
- Address: Ban Chi, Ban Mi, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Kroen Ka Thin
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
7. Wat Pa Pattarapiyaram
For travelers who are looking to make merit while experiencing the peaceful natural environment of Lopburi, Wat Pa Phattharapiyarama is highly recommended. This temple once served as a retreat for meditation for over 50 years until Phra Niphon Chawaphan submitted a request to establish it as Wat Pa Phattharapiyarama, as it is known today. Visiting this temple guarantees a serene atmosphere that brings both physical coolness and mental tranquility.
- Address: Kok Toom, Mueang Lop Buri, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Pa Pattarapiyaram
- Opening Hours: Everyday 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM
8. Wat Tham Khao Prang
Wat Tham Khao Prang is a temple in Lopburi province that features the largest Buddha statue in the posture of the First Sermon in Thailand. The statue measures 32 meters wide and 56 meters tall, flanked by seven-headed naga along the walkway, which adds to the temple’s enchanting and captivating atmosphere, making it a must-visit at least once in a lifetime.
Additionally, the temple houses many interesting features, including the relics of meditation masters located at the top of the nine-tiered stupa. This stupa enshrines sacred relics for devotees to pay their respects and enhance their merit amidst nature, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the fresh air.
- Address: Nikhom Lamnarai, Chai Badan, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Tham Khao Prang
- Opening Hours: Everyday 07:00 AM – 08:00 PM
9. Wat Choeng Tha
Wat Choeng Tha is another charming and intriguing temple in Lopburi province. It features a unique architectural style influenced by Chinese design, evident in its pagoda, ordination hall, and even the monk’s quarters, which differ significantly from typical Thai temples. The harmonious blend of ancient Thai architecture with traditional Chinese decorations makes Wat Choeng Tha a site of great importance to the people of Lopburi, who have preserved it for future generations to experience its enchanting allure.
- Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Choeng Tha
- Opening Hours: –
10. Wat Lai
Wat Lai is another ancient temple that holds great significance for Lopburi province and is considered one of Thailand’s important archaeological sites. As a result, anyone passing through Lopburi should take the opportunity to pay respects to Phra Sri An, a revered Buddha statue that has been honored and respected since the Ayutthaya period up to the present day.
The temple also hosts an annual festival on the 14th day of the sixth lunar month, known as the Phra Sri An Procession. In the morning, a procession carries the statue through various villages, followed by evening festivities that include performances and celebrations. For those interested in participating in this tradition, it’s advisable to plan your trip carefully to ensure you don’t miss the chance to join the procession at Wat Lai.
- Address: Khao Samo Khon, Tha Wung, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Lai
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
11. Wat Huai Kaew
Wat Huai Kaew is another ancient temple in Lopburi province, boasting a history of over 140 years. This temple features architecture that is distinct from typical Thai temples, influenced by a blend of various cultures, including Thai, Khmer, and Burmese.
Inside the temple, visitors can admire the highlight of the site: the stupa in the water, known as Phra Maha Metta Ratana Rangsit. The decoration of the temple creates an atmosphere reminiscent of being in a forest, offering a lush and serene environment while simultaneously exuding an enchanting charm to exploration.
- Address: Mahason, Ban Mi, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Huai Kaew
- Opening Hours: Everyday 06:00 AM – 08:00 PM
12. Wat Sao Thong Thong
Wat Sao Thong Thong is an ancient temple in Lopburi, surrounded by many significant sites, including the Vichayen House, the Hindu shrine of Prang Khaek, and Phra Prang Sam Yod. Visitors who come to make merit at this royal monastery will experience the serene atmosphere of the Lopburi River, along with beautiful views to enjoy in the evening. The temple’s lush surroundings provide a tranquil setting that enhances the spiritual experience for all who visit.
- Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Sao Thong Thong
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
13. Wat Suwan Khiri Pidok
Wat Suwan Khiri Pidok is another temple in Lopburi that attracts significant interest from both locals and visitors. This cave temple offers a mystical atmosphere, providing a tranquil environment where bats can be seen flying out of the caves regularly, creating a fascinating sight amidst the beautiful natural surroundings.
The temple features a large and prominent Buddha statue known as Phra Buddha Sirinimit Mongkol, which stands majestically in the main hall. For those seeking a unique merit-making experience in an unfamiliar setting, this temple is a must-visit destination.
- Address: Nikhom Sang Ton Eng, Mueang Lop Buri, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Suwan Khiri Pidok
- Opening Hours: –
14. Wat Siri Chanthanimit Worawihan
Wat Siri Chanthanimit Worawihan is one of the few temples in Lopburi that was built during the Dvaravati period and remains in excellent condition, making it highly cherished by the local community. Evidence of the temple’s antiquity includes remnants of old walls, the foundations of ancient stupas on the hilltop, and an old reclining Buddha statue.
The uniqueness of this temple extends beyond its historical significance; inside, visitors can also find other revered objects such as a Sangkachai Buddha statue, a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, and a likeness of Phra Thep Vorakoon.
- Address: Khao Phra Ngam, Mueang Lop Buri, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Siri Chanthanimit Worawihan
- Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
15. Wat Weluwan (Khao Chin Lae)
Wat Weluwan, also known as Khao Chin Lae, is a temple that houses the revered Luang Por Khao Buddha statue, attracting many local worshippers. Although it may not be as ancient as other temples, it has gained prominence through the faith and devotion of the community, becoming a significant spiritual refuge for the people of Lopburi.
In addition to its spiritual offerings, Wat Weluwan is home to over 200 peacocks that roam freely within the temple grounds, providing visitors with a unique and beautiful experience as they enjoy the serene atmosphere alongside these magnificent creatures.
- Address: Nikhom Sang Ton Eng, Mueang Lop Buri, Lopburi
- Location: Wat Weluwan (Khao Chin Lae)
- Opening Hours: Everyday 06:00 AM – 07:30 PM
Summary
The famous temples of Lopburi not only offer a serene atmosphere but also serve as significant historical learning sites. Each temple has its unique history and distinctive features. If you’re interested in exploring Thai history, visiting these temples will allow you to immerse yourself in their rich historical importance and beautiful architecture.
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