Thread by @RichardBarrow

I’ve arrived safely in Lop Buri, home of the monkeys. The train from #Bangkok only costs 50 Baht for 3rd Class with fan. I now have four and a half hours to explore the city before going back. This should be more than enough time as everything is within 10-15 minutes walking.

[2] My first stop was Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat which is opposite Lop Buri railway station. The prang was built in 1157 when the town was ruled by the Khmer. It was later restored during the reign of King Narai. Entry is 50 Baht or you can take photos from outside like I did.

[3] About 200 meters north of the railway station is Phra Prang Sam Yot which is where most of the monkeys hang out. Be careful as they will snatch things from you. This is a former Hindu shrine built from laterite and sandstone. If you want to go in, it is 50 Baht. #Thailand

[4] Ban Wichayen was the residence of the first French ambassador to Thailand during the reign of King Louis XVI. It was later the residence of Constantine Phaulkon until he was executed during a revolt in 1688. If you want to enter it is 50 Baht.

📍MAP:goo.gl/maps/esvTMCyAV…

[5] There are a number of ruins around Lop Buri that you can explore for free. So no real need to pay to enter Phra Prang Sam Yot, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and Ban Wichayen which are 50 Baht each for foreigners. All of my photos of those places were taken from outside.

[6] The highlight of any visit to Lop Buri is King Narai’s Palace which is also a national museum. You can wander around the grounds and visit the bilingual exhibits inside the buildings which tell you about the history and culture of the city.

📍MAP: goo.gl/maps/qPxXYj2Ez…

[7] The most well-known king who stayed in Lop Buri was King Narai the Great from the Ayutthaya period. Lop Buri was a kind of second home for him and a second capital for the country. The palace was constructed in 1666. Entry fee is 150 Baht for foreigners. #Thailand

[8] Lunch today was at Noom Guesthouse & Restsurant in Lop Buri. Several people recommended that I should take a break here for some food and a beer before catching the train back to Bangkok. They also have motorcycle rental if you need.

📍MAP: goo.gl/maps/EYY1o5SSY… #Thailand

[9] For many people, monkeys are the highlight of a visit to Lop Buri. But don’t get too near them as they can get vicious. They are also good at snatching your belongings. The best time to see them is during the Monkey Party on the last Sunday of November every year. #Thailand

[10] One of my favorite festivals is the King Narai Reign Fair in Lop Buri. It takes place in February every year. There is a big parade on the first day. People dress up in period costume at this event.

[11] I’m now back at Lop Buri station. It’s time to head home. The train is only 50 Baht. I had four and a half hours here which was long enough. If you want longer, then there’s a another train at 5:26pm but it will cost you 374 Baht. Follow @ThaiTrainGuide for more information.