Lopburi Wats - Temples


Lopburi Province

Wat Sao Thong Thong

Situated on Rue de France, to the north of Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, this western style viharn was believed to have originally been built by King Narai the Great as a church for Christian envoys. It was subsequently restored by King Narai the Great, who ordered the replacement of Thai windows with Western-style windows with Gothic-designs in the secondary chapel. Later on, the viharn was converted into a Buddhist temple. It contains a large seated Ayutthaya-style Buddha image.

In addition, assorted Lop-Buri style Buddha images can be found on the surrounding walls.



Wat Mani Chonlakhan

Built during the reign of King Mongkut, the temple was originally called Wat Ko Kaew as it was located on a small island. Remains found in the compound include the Chedi Luang Pho Saeng, the ubosot, the viharn and a large Buddha image situated along the riverside.

Wat Nakhon Kosa

Located north of the railway station near San Phra Kan is Wat Nakhon Kosa which may have originally been a Hindu Shrine as the temple was built in 1157 by the Khmers. Later on, U-Thong style cement Buddha images were added on the prangs.



Wat Phra Si Maha That

The oldest temple with tallest Prang in Lop Buri, Wat Phra Si Maha That is located behind the railway station near the San Phra Kan. The Lop-Buri style prang in front of the temple was built around 1157 when the town came under Khmer rule. The U-Thong style Buddha images on the prang and the large viharn were later added by King Narai the Great. The laterite prang still has some original lintels and stucco work intact. A number of other chedis and prangs - most of which were restored were greatly influenced by both the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya styles.

The admission fee is 50 baht each. A package ticket is also visiting at 150 baht each, covering admission to Phra Prang Sam Yot, Vichayen House and Kraison Siharat Hall

Wat San Paolo

A Jesuit Church founded by the Portuguese during the reign of King Narai the Great, Wat San Paulo is situated approximately 3 kilometers east of town, off of Ramdaecho Road. The word San Paulo was probably dubbed by Thais especially when they pronounced Saint Paul or Saint Paulo in Thai style. Visible in the site are the remains of a brick wall and stucco tower, as well as an octagonal, 3-story, observatory.

Wat Yang Na Rangsi (Lop Buri Boat Museum)

Located on the bank of the Lop Buri River, 9 kilometers south of the town center along the Lop Buri-Bang Pahan route is Wat Yang Na Rangsi. The temple is famous for its Buddha images which were made of sandstone and quartz. It is also notable for its wooden sala (a wooden teaching hall) which was built in 1927 in a typical central region style. The sala has been converted into the Lop Buri Boat Museum, where a large collection of local vessels, in particular a one-seat barge, are exhibited.

San Phra Kan

Another former Brahman Shrine located next to Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot, across the railway station, is San Phra Kan. The compound is comprised of both old and new sections. The former can be dated back to the Khmer period, as attested by the laterite mound that was found. The new section, constructed in 1951, contains a famous object of worship a four-armed Vishnu figure fixed with a Buddha’s head. Located nearby is a guardian house in which various Buddha and Hindu images are enshrined. A troop of monkeys begging for food usually surrounds the Shrine. Sometimes, they can become offensive to visitors, especially those giving out food for their photographs.

Wat Khao Somphot

This temple is located 38 kilometers from Chai Badan District. There are 19 caves naturally decorated with stalactites and stalagmites in the environs of the mountainous temple. Recommended caves to visit include Tham Yai, Tham Chedi, Tham Phet, Tham Ram Wong, Tham Singto, and etc.

Wat Lai

Located on the bank of Maenam Bang Kham in Tha Wung District, approximately 24 kilometers from town, the Ayutthaya-period temple is famous for its chapel. Decorated with stucco in various designs showcasing Buddhas previous life and his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, the chapel illustrates extraordinary Thai craftsmanship which is truly exquisite. There is also the Phra Si Ari Buddha image which local people have worshipped for generations.

Wat Thammikaram

The canal side temple located on the west bank of Bang Kham canal, Wat Thammikaram was formerly known as Wat Khang Khao (Bat Temple). This was due to the fact that many thousands of bats used to live there. Visitors to this temple usually marvel at its notable murals which can be dated from the mid 1800s.

Wat Khao Wongkhot (Bat Cave)

Covering an area of 30 rai, Wat Khao Wongkhot is situated approximately 4 kilometers from Ban Mi city. The temple is built in the middle of three mountains with the Reclining Buddha enshrined at the foot of Sanam Daeng Mountain. Visitors are encouraged to stop at a pavilion which keeps the un-deteriorated body of Charoen Ditsawanno venerable Bhikku, former abbot of Wat Khao Wongkot who passed away in 1963.

Within the compound of Wat Khao Wongkhot is a bat cave which is considered to be the largest in Lop Buri. With millions of bats inhabiting the cave, the temple receives substantial revenues from the sale of bat dung. The bats will fly out of the cave at 6 p.m. to seek food. It takes up to 2 hours to empty the cave.