Lopburi One Day Trip from Bangkok – Exploring Ancient Sites

By thailandenjoy

Lopburi is a city just as historically important as Ayutthaya. Near Bangkok , is only 2.5 hours away. Perfect for a day trip, it’s full of historical sites, culture, art and including classic ancient sites. Here’s an itinerary for one day trip to Lopburi. Get ready for a fun experience.

Lopburi One Day Trip

  • 7:00 AM: Start your journey at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
  • Go to Gate 4 and buy a train ticket to Lopburi.
  • 7:30 AM: Take the Rapid Train No. 111 (Krung Thep Aphiwat – Denchai).
  • 9:42 AM: Arrive at Lopburi Train Station. You’ll find local transportation like local tricycle and motorbikes waiting outside.motorbikes waiting outside.

For easy travel between sites, rent a motorbike! It costs around 250-300 baht per day. We recommend Noom Guesthouse, open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call 064 15 4 4342.

Pick up location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dLY8u5G1pkdCTgDZ9?g_st=il


  • Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
  • Prang Khaek
  • Nom Cup D café
  • King Narai’s Palace
  • Ban Wichayen
  • Phra Prang Sam Yot

First place to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat located opposite the train station. You can walk across the road here. This ancient temple is a Lopburi landmark. Explore the beautiful prang (tower) and other historical structures.

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat

It’s a blend of architectural styles from different eras and cultures: Lavo (early Lopburi), Khmer, Ayutthaya, and Western. The temple grounds are well-maintained and very clean.

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat

Get local transport from the train station to Phra Prang Sam Yot , The iconic Lopburi landmark is famous for its three prangs and resident monkeys.  It’s a beautiful temple built in the Khmer Bayon style.

Phra Prang Sam Yot
Phra Prang Sam Yot

It’s around 700 years old and made from laterite with lovely stucco decorations.  It’s a mix of Ayutthaya and European styles, especially when you look at the doors and windows. Inside, you’ll find a sandstone Buddha statue, which is typical of early Ayutthaya art.

Phra Prang Sam Yot
Phra Prang Sam Yot


Prang Khaek one of the oldest Khmer temples in Lopburi province.  It’s one of the oldest Khmer temples and it’s a fantastic example of their impressive architecture. Buildings have a mix of Thai and European architectural styles .You can really get a sense of their powerful history when you see it.

Prang Khaek
Prang Khaek
Prang Khaek
Prang Khaek

Located 200 meters from Prang Khaek. Explore the grand monuments and learn about Lopburi’s history at King Narai’s Palace officially named Phra Narai Ratchaniwet . King Narai’s Palace covers about 43 acres and was designed by French engineers. The architecture is a blend of Thai and Western styles.  King Narai spent most of the year in Lopburi, only returning to the capital Ayutthaya during the rainy season. This made Lopburi an important center during his reign.

King Narai's Palace
King Narai's Palace
King Narai's Palace

After King Narai’s death in 1688, the palace was abandoned. It wasn’t until the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 1800s that the palace was restored. King Mongkut ordered repairs to the original buildings, constructed new ones, and gave the palace its current name, “Phra Narai Ratchaniwet”.

King Narai's Palace


Time for a break at Nom Cup D, a cute cafe in Lopburi,located opposite King Narai’s Palace. The cafe has a warm, cozy atmosphere with cute, minimalist decor. There’s plenty of space and seating, and every corner is Instagram-worthy! The best photo spots are at the front of the cafe and by the large windows with views of Narai Palace.

Nom Cup D
Nom Cup D

They’re known for their delicious traditional Thai sweets and a wide variety of drinks

Nom Cup D
Nom Cup D

400 meter walk from Nom Cup D, I go to Wichayen House also known as the Ambassador’s Residence, was built to accommodate foreign ambassadors who visited King Narai the Great in Lopburi. The first French envoy to arrive in 1685 stayed here. Later, Constantine Phaulkon, a Greek man, served the king and was awarded the noble title “Chao Phraya Wichayen” along with this residence located on the west side of the house.

Wichayen House
Wichayen House

The architecture of some buildings is t European in style. The large two-story brick building on the east side, with its windows and archways, exemplifies the Western Renaissance art that was popular at that time.

Wichayen House
Wichayen House
Wichayen House


From Ban Wichayen, take a local tricycle and motorbikes to the Watcharin Tour van station. They have frequent departures to Mo Chit station in Bangkok.

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