Lopburi Province Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Lopburi

ลพบุรี

Province

Lopburi City Gate, from old to new city

Seal

Map of Thailand highlighting Lop Buri Province

Country

Thailand

Capital

Lop Buri

Area

• Total

6,199.8 km² (2,393.8 sq mi)

Area rank

Ranked 37th

Population

(2014)

• Total

758,406

• Rank

Ranked 30th

• Density

122.3275/km² (316.8268/sq mi)

• Density rank

Ranked 38th

HDI

• HDI (2009)

0.742 (medium) (35th)

UTC+7 (ICT)

036

TH-16

ลพบุรี

Lopburi (Thai: ลพบุรี) is a province in the central part of Thailand. It is a very old place where many historical buildings, ancient items, and even settlements from long, long ago have been found.

History of Lopburi
Geography of Lopburi
Education in Lopburi
Fun Things to See in Lopburi
Local Products and Souvenirs
Festivals in Lopburi
Images for kids
See also

History of Lopburi

Lopburi was known as Lavo for a long time. Its history likely goes back to prehistoric times. The name Lavo came from the Dvaravati period, which was from the 6th to 11th centuries CE. Later, the Khmer Empire built many amazing temples in the city.

In 1856, King Mongkut of the Chakri dynasty ordered King Narai's palace to be fixed up. The city became important again in 1938. That's when Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram chose Lopburi to be the biggest military base in Thailand.

Geography of Lopburi

Lopburi is located on the east side of the Chao Phraya River valley. It sits between the Lopburi River and Pa Sak Rivers. Most of the land in Lopburi is a mix of flat plains and rolling hills.

Education in Lopburi

Lopburi has several universities:

Thepsatri Rajabhat University
Kasetsart University, Lopburi Campus
Ramkhamhaeng University, Lopburi Campus

Fun Things to See in Lopburi

Lopburi is full of interesting places to visit. Here are some of the most popular sights:

Wat Sao Thong Thong (วัดเสาธงทอง): This temple's main hall might have been a religious site for another religion a long time ago.

King Narai National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติสมเด็จพระนารายณ์): This museum was opened in 1923. It shows off the history and culture of Lopburi.

Wichayen House (บ้านหลวงรับราชทูต หรือ บ้านหลวงวิชาเยนทร์): This was once a Christian church.

Phra Prang Sam Yot (พระปรางค์สามยอด): This is a Buddhist temple with three towers. It's a famous symbol of Lopburi. Many monkeys live around this temple!

Lop Buri Zoo (สวนสัตว์ลพบุรี): A great place to see different animals.

Phra Narai Ratchaniwet (พระนารายณ์ราชนิเวศน์): King Narai built this palace in 1666. It was his royal home in Lopburi.

Wat Khao Wongkot (วัดเขาวงกต): This temple has a huge bat cave on the side of the mountain. Millions of bats live inside! Their droppings even help the temple earn money.

Khao Wong Phrachan (เขาวงพระจันทร์): This is the highest mountain in Lopburi. From the top, you can see amazing views of the area.

Sunflower Fields (ทุ่งทานตะวัน): Lopburi is famous for its beautiful sunflower fields. Huge areas are covered in sunflowers, usually blooming from November to January. It's a fantastic sight!

Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (เขื่อนป่าสักชลสิทธิ์): This is the longest clay-core dam in Thailand. There's also a museum nearby that teaches you about the river and local culture.

Ban Pong Manao Site Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์เปิดบ้านโป่งมะนาว): This is an ancient place where people lived about 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. Thirteen ancient human skeletons were found here!

Sap Langka Wildlife Sanctuary (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าซับลังกา): This area is important because it's where the Lam Sonthi River starts. It's also a food source for many wild animals, including protected goat antelopes.

Special Warfare Command (หน่วยบัญชาการสงครามพิเศษ): Located in Mueang District, this military base sometimes has demonstrations. You might see how soldiers survive in the forest, jump from a tower, or climb cliffs. There's also a museum about the special forces.

Local Products and Souvenirs

Lopburi has many unique local products:

Metal Casting (Brass) (การหล่อโลหะ (ทองเหลือง)): You can find brass Buddha images and copies of old items made here.
Khao Phra Ngam Diamond (เพชรเขาพระงาม): This is a special gemstone from Lopburi.
Mudmi Fabric (หมู่บ้านทอผ้ามัดหมี่): This is a beautiful tie-dyed fabric woven by local people.
Som fak (ส้มฟัก): A type of preserved fish made with fish, salt, cooked rice, and pickled garlic.
Pla som (ปลาส้ม): Another kind of preserved fish.
Coconut Jelly (วุ้นน้ำมะพร้าว): A popular dessert and souvenir. It's made by fermenting coconut juice until it turns into a jelly. It's often mixed with different syrups and bottled.
Sandstone Sculpture (หมู่บ้านแกะสลักหินทราย): Artists here carve garden decorations, Buddha images, and other stone items.
Corn Husks Handicrafts (ผลิตภัณฑ์จากเปลือกข้าวโพด): In Phatthana Nikhom District, where lots of corn is grown, people dry and dye corn husks. They turn them into cool crafts like flowers, dolls, and key chains.

Festivals in Lopburi

Lopburi hosts some exciting festivals each year:

King Narai Festival (งานแผ่นดินสมเด็จพระนารายณ์มหาราช): This festival happens every February. It celebrates the great things King Narai did for the province.
Monkey Buffet Festival (งานเลี้ยงโต๊ะจีนลิง): This unique festival takes place on the last Sunday of November. A huge feast is prepared for the many monkeys that live in Lopburi!
Sunflower Festival (งานทุ่งทานตะวัน): Held around December, this festival celebrates when the sunflower fields are in full bloom. It's a beautiful time to visit!

Nakhon Sawan Province	Phetchabun Province	Chaiyaphum Province
Singburi Province		Nakhon Ratchasima Province
	Lopburi Province

Ang Thong Province	Ayutthaya Province	Saraburi Province