Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat

The Wat Phra Sri Mahathat is a large Royal temple in the center of Lopburi town. The temple was founded when Lopburi was under control of the Khmer empire from Angkor, in present day Cambodia.

The eight acres complex which is little visited by foreign tourists houses structures from several periods, the oldest ones being the main prang dating back around 800 years. Restoration works on the temple were done by the Thai Fine Arts Department.

Khmer style Prang

The main prang was built by the Khmer in the Bayon style in the late 12^th or early 13^th century. Standing on a platform, it was probably flanked by similar prangs of smaller size, of which virtually nothing is left. On the West side a portico protrudes out from the structure, giving access to the prang’s interior.

The prang was adorned with fine stuccoed artwork depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, some of which are still intact. Inside is the cella, the room where the Khmer people worshipped the linga, the representation of the Hindu God Shiva. Surrounding the platform supporting the prangs was a gallery, of which the base of the walls is still visible.

Viharn Luang

Centuries later several buildings were added to the complex. In the second half of the 17^th century King Narai the Great, King of Ayutthaya, had his Palace built directly next to the temple. The King had the temple restored, added a viharn or assembly hall and several chedis.

The Royal viharn or Viharn Luang opening to the East stands in front of the main prang. The large viharn, its high walls still standing, contains several images of the Buddha that are in a poor state of preservation. Around the viharn are several chedis in various architectural styles. Next to the Viharn Luang is a pavilion where the King could change and get ready for ceremonies in the temple. Only the base and a few pillars remain today.

Other structures on the grounds

Encircling the top section of a subsidiary chedi are stuccoed relief depictions of angels, standing in adoration with the hands folded in the “wai” posture, facing all directions. The niches in the upper part of a circular chedi standing on a high square base contain images of the Buddha, most of them damaged.

Other structures include several smaller prangs, a small ubosot or ordination hall and several chedis in different styles, including Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

How to get to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat

The temple is located directly opposite the main railway station in the center of Lopburi town. From the old town, take a samlor (bicycle taxi) for about 40 Baht.

Opening hours

The Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat opens Wednesday thru Sunday from 7 am until 5 pm.

Entrance fee

Admission charged at the ticket booth is (Thai Baht):

A combo ticket is also valid for Phra Prang Sam Yot, Baan Wichayen and Kraisorn Siharat throne hall.

• Prang Sam Yot Khmer temple
• Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
• King Narai’s Palace
• Wichayen House
• Monkey Festival
• Lopburi Sunflower Fields

• Lopburi province
• Central Thailand