Fah Thai Magazine - Inflight Magazine of Bangkok Airways Issue Jan-Feb 2024

OVERTURES
THAILAND TREASURES
Words by Phoowadon Duangmee
Swinging through
History in Lop Buri
Follow the tailed tour guides on a journey through Siam’s past in
Thailand’s ‘Monkey City’
Take a two-hour train ride north from
Bangkok and you swing into Lop Buri, the
“Monkey City” where more than 10,000
long-tailed macaques playfully roam amid
ancient ruins and lively streets. However,
look beyond the mischievous monkeys
and Lop Buri unfolds a captivating tapestry
of cultural heritage and warm local vibes.
Daily budget-friendly trains depart
bustling Bangkok bound for the charm of
Lop Buri. The historic destination is ideal
for both a day trip or a more leisurely stop
for those meandering through the heart
of Central Thailand. Let the monkeys be
your playful guides as you explore this
delightful city where history, culture and a
friendly atmosphere seamlessly intertwine.
A good place to begin your
adventure is the iconic Lop Buri landmark
of Phra Prang Sam Yot. This 13thcentury
Hindu shrine, standing proudly
in the classic Bayon style of Khmer
architecture, serves as a testament to
Lop Buri’s historical richness. Its three
towering Prangs (spires) bear witness to
the city’s significance as an outpost of
the Khmer Empire. Connected by elegant
stone corridors, the Prangs symbolise
the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and
Shiva. The temple was transformed into a
Buddhist monastery in the 17th century,
adding another layer of history.
As you admire the intricate carvings of
Phra Prang Sam Yot, imagining the ancient
rituals that once took place in these sacred
precincts, you will soon come across the
“temple guardians” – the monkeys.
Lop Buri has been a haven for these
creatures since ancient times. According
to legend, the roots of their presence
can be traced back to the Ramayana, the
classic Indian epic. In the aftermath of
Rama’s victory over Ravana (Thossakan),
Hanuman, his loyal monkey warrior, was
rewarded by being made king of Lop Buri.
Accompanied by his troop of monkeys, the
Top Right
Phra Prang Sam
Yot, a 13thcentury
Hindu
temple, serves as a
testament to Lop
Buri’s historical
richness
Bottom Left
Welcome to Lop Buri
– the Monkey City
monkey king established Lawo, presentday
Lop Buri, as their home.
The legend became entangled
with King Narai of Ayutthaya, who was
considered to be an incarnation of Rama
(Vishnu). In 1665, King Narai built his
second palace in Lop Buri, the “City of
Hanuman”, to distance himself from
the political intrigues and cold-blooded
murders of the Ayutthaya court.
King Narai’s 17th-century palace is
an architectural marvel blending Thai,
Khmer, and European styles. Though
it fell to ruins after the king’s demise,
it remains a compelling destination,
inviting exploration of its opulent halls,
meticulously landscaped gardens, and
ancient artefacts.
Close by, the King Narai National
Museum traces the town’s history,
art and local lifestyles, starting with
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