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There is much more to Lopburi than just the monkeys, for which it is justifiably famous. This central Thailand Province can lay claim to many historical aspects. Artefacts of significance, and the unearthing of settlement from past civilizations have put Lopburii firmly on the map in terms of historical content. It’s proximity to Ayutthaya gives a clue to it’s historical past. A pat which is dated back to the sixth century.
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The
Lawa were supposedly the first settling
inhabitants – closely related to the Mons and
the culture of that group. Later, it was the
Khmers who took over the area – making it one of
their provincial capitals.
The Khmer architecture is in evidence today, though it now lays claim to being the lop Buri ‘style’. Today, Lopburi is also host to a mixture of other styles, both Thai and Western.
Lopburi came under the rule of the old Thai kings from around the tenth century, and has remained so ever since.
Lopburi is situated in the north of the central region, with Bangkok being some 150 km to the south.
Lopburi today, has eleven Amphurs, being Muang Lob Buri |
Ban Mi | Chai Badan | Khok Charoen | Khok Samrong |
Phatthana | Nikhom | Tha Luang | Tha Wung | Sa Bot | Lam
Sonthi | and Nong Muang.
One of the favourite tourist haunts is its famed wildlife
sanctuary to the north of the province – Sap Langa
Sanctuary.
Lob Buri is not nicknamed ‘The Land of the Monkeys’ for nothing. (Macaca fascicularis, to give them their proper name, are crab eaters, but are quite happy with tourists snacks – either as handed to them, or as taken!). The monkeys are reputedly descendents of Hanuman, the king who built Lopburi as his own personal kingdom. Wherever there are tourist is seems – so there are monkeys. They are as you would expect of monkeys – plain mischievous! If it can be grabbed, then so it will be. Photographers – you have been warned!
There is a special day devoted to the monkeys – and the wealth that they bring into the province by way of tourism. The last Sunday in November, there is feast worthy of their fame at Phra Prang Sam Yot! It is a BIG tourist event, but also very significant to the inhabitants of the Lob Buri Province.
