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Lopburi (Lop-Buri)
155km north of Bangkok, this was once the provincial capital
of the Khmer Empire, and there are several monuments attesting
not only to the greatness of that empire, but also the long-standing
importance of the town to Angkor. Among these are the impressive
three-spired 13th century shrine, Phra Prang Sam Yod, and
the 11th century Indian-influenced Hindu spire of Prang Khaek
in the town centre. The town's importance to the Siamese empires
that followed Angkor's dominaton of the area can be seen in
the Lop Buri Palace, whose massive walls dominate the town.
King Narai of Ayuthaya also considered the town important
enough to place the Dusit Maha Prasat Hall there. This building
was purpose built for the King to receive the Ambassador to
Louis XIV in 1685. King Mongkut, in the 19th century also
added to Lopburi, with the Phiman Mongkut Pavillion.
 Sukhothai
It is little wonder that Sukhothai has been designated a UNESCO
World Heritage site. The remains of this ancient Thai capital
are spread over 70 square kilometres with 193 historic monuments.
Most of these monument, to be fair, are little more than clusters
of stones, but there are still around 20 important and beautiful
monuments still standing that attest to this city's former
importance. These include Wat Mahathat, the largest and arguably
the most beautiful temple in Sukhothai, built by its first
king. There are also the triple towered Wat Si Sawai, originally
a Hindu shrine, and thought to be the oldest structure in
Sukhothai, and Wat Sra Si, its beauty enhanced by a lotus-filled
lake. Of the city's Khmer heritage, one of the finest standing
monuments is Wat Phra Phai Luang, a former Khmer temple surrounded
by a moat. Sukhothai's Ramkhamhaeng National Museum has many
interesting exhibits telling of the former capital's glory
days. Another notable site is Si Satchanalai, built as a twin
city to Sukhothai, which stands 57 km away.
Other places of interest in the Central Plains include the
museum, temples and fortification of Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok's
famous Buddha image, Phra Buddha Chinnarat, at Wat Yai.
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