Fah Thai Magazine - Inflight Magazine of Bangkok Airways Issue Jan-Feb 2024
Fah Thai Magazine is an In-Flight Magazine of Bangkok Airways.
Fah Thai Magazine is an In-Flight Magazine of Bangkok Airways.
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
OVERTURES<br />
THAILAND TREASURES<br />
Words by Phoowadon Duangmee<br />
Swinging through<br />
History in Lop Buri<br />
Follow the tailed tour guides on a journey through Siam’s past in<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land’s ‘Monkey City’<br />
Take a two-hour train ride north from<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong> and you swing into Lop Buri, the<br />
“Monkey City” where more than 10,000<br />
long-tailed macaques playfully roam amid<br />
ancient ruins and lively streets. However,<br />
look beyond the mischievous monkeys<br />
and Lop Buri unfolds a captivating tapestry<br />
<strong>of</strong> cultural heritage and warm local vibes.<br />
Daily budget-friendly trains depart<br />
bustling <strong>Bangkok</strong> bound for the charm <strong>of</strong><br />
Lop Buri. The historic destination is ideal<br />
for both a day trip or a more leisurely stop<br />
for those meandering through the heart<br />
<strong>of</strong> Central <strong>Thai</strong>land. Let the monkeys be<br />
your playful guides as you explore this<br />
delightful city where history, culture and a<br />
friendly atmosphere seamlessly intertwine.<br />
A good place to begin your<br />
adventure is the iconic Lop Buri landmark<br />
<strong>of</strong> Phra Prang Sam Yot. This 13thcentury<br />
Hindu shrine, standing proudly<br />
in the classic Bayon style <strong>of</strong> Khmer<br />
architecture, serves as a testament to<br />
Lop Buri’s historical richness. Its three<br />
towering Prangs (spires) bear witness to<br />
the city’s significance as an outpost <strong>of</strong><br />
the Khmer Empire. Connected by elegant<br />
stone corridors, the Prangs symbolise<br />
the Hindu trinity <strong>of</strong> Brahma, Vishnu, and<br />
Shiva. The temple was transformed into a<br />
Buddhist monastery in the 17th century,<br />
adding another layer <strong>of</strong> history.<br />
As you admire the intricate carvings <strong>of</strong><br />
Phra Prang Sam Yot, imagining the ancient<br />
rituals that once took place in these sacred<br />
precincts, you will soon come across the<br />
“temple guardians” – the monkeys.<br />
Lop Buri has been a haven for these<br />
creatures since ancient times. According<br />
to legend, the roots <strong>of</strong> their presence<br />
can be traced back to the Ramayana, the<br />
classic Indian epic. In the aftermath <strong>of</strong><br />
Rama’s victory over Ravana (Thossakan),<br />
Hanuman, his loyal monkey warrior, was<br />
rewarded by being made king <strong>of</strong> Lop Buri.<br />
Accompanied by his troop <strong>of</strong> monkeys, the<br />
Top Right<br />
Phra Prang Sam<br />
Yot, a 13thcentury<br />
Hindu<br />
temple, serves as a<br />
testament to Lop<br />
Buri’s historical<br />
richness<br />
Bottom Left<br />
Welcome to Lop Buri<br />
– the Monkey City<br />
monkey king established Lawo, presentday<br />
Lop Buri, as their home.<br />
The legend became entangled<br />
with King Narai <strong>of</strong> Ayutthaya, who was<br />
considered to be an incarnation <strong>of</strong> Rama<br />
(Vishnu). In 1665, King Narai built his<br />
second palace in Lop Buri, the “City <strong>of</strong><br />
Hanuman”, to distance himself from<br />
the political intrigues and cold-blooded<br />
murders <strong>of</strong> the Ayutthaya court.<br />
King Narai’s 17th-century palace is<br />
an architectural marvel blending <strong>Thai</strong>,<br />
Khmer, and European styles. Though<br />
it fell to ruins after the king’s demise,<br />
it remains a compelling destination,<br />
inviting exploration <strong>of</strong> its opulent halls,<br />
meticulously landscaped gardens, and<br />
ancient artefacts.<br />
Close by, the King Narai National<br />
Museum traces the town’s history,<br />
art and local lifestyles, starting with<br />
14