"Our introduction to the Central Plains -15/01/2005" Top 5 Page for this destination Lop Buri by XLH

During this trip to Thailand, our intention was to visit the various historic sites scattered about the Central Plains as much as possible. As this area was known for its more humid weather, we decided to head up north to enjoy a little chill before heading back to Singapore.
Therefore, our confirmed plans at the start of the journey was to stay in Lop Buri for a night, proceed the next day to Phitsanulok (our base) for the next 2 nights, take the night train up to Chiang Mai for another 2 nights, and spend a last night in Bangkok before heading home.

Our lunch before catching the train to Lop Buri

We had a vague idea that we could take either a bus from the northern Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal to Lop Buri, or we could take the train. Alighting from the plane, we somehow managed to find the Don Muang train station - which was just a bridge across from the airport - and decided, no more wasting time of searching for the bus and headed straight for the train.
At the station, we had our lunch after we were told the next north-bound train will arrive in one and half hour's time (24baht/person). It arrived late by half an hour (as expected), and we were on our 2.5 hour journey.
The ride was punctuated by stops at small towns and there were welcome (yummy) snacks sold by vendors as well.

Prang Phra Sam Yod

On arrival, we had a quick meal of noodles which cost both of us a total of 50 baht! I'm starting to like this town.
At the city centre, we were greeted by hordes of monkeys! They were everywhere, on the grass patches, crossing the roads, swinging from electricity lines; it seemed the whole town belonged to them!
Of course, after the initial shock, we turned our attention back to the surroundings: Old, ruined temples among the newer structures. It was an odd sight...
My guidebook suggested a zig-zag route which would enable one to take in almost all the sites in a full day. There was the Prang Phrat Sam Yod, Phrang Khaek, Phaulkon's Residence, King Narai's Palace, and a couple more around the train stations. So, that was what we did...

• Pros:Small, historic town good for one-day walkabout.
• Cons:City Centre over-run by monkeys that snatch away your food on hand!!!
• In a nutshell:Quiet, lovely small historic town.