About Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is an ancient temple complex in Tha Hin, Mueang Lopburi, Lopburi Province, located opposite Lopburi Railway Station in the old town. Originally a 12th-13th century Khmer Hindu shrine built in Lopburi style, it was later converted to a Buddhist temple and expanded during the Ayutthaya period under King Narai. Notable for its towering central prang, stuccoed galleries and Khmer-influenced architecture, it is one of Lopburi's most significant archaeological sites.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a compact archaeological park with a tall central prang, surrounding galleries, ruined viharns and laterite and sandstone structures decorated with stucco motifs. The site is open and largely roofless, set in the historic old town opposite the railway station. Visitors can walk around the central courtyard, view Khmer and Ayutthaya architectural details, see Buddha images and explore the grounds at ground level with interpretive signs.
Key highlights
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Tall central prang in Lopburi (Khmer) style with intricate stucco decoration
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12th-13th century Khmer architecture with later Ayutthaya-period additions
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Gallery and ruined viharn surrounding the main courtyard
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Historic stucco reliefs and Buddha images within the complex
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Archaeological site located in Lopburi old town opposite the railway station
History of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
Originally constructed in the 12th-13th century during the Khmer period as a Mahayana Buddhist shrine with Hindu influences, built in the Lopburi style. Later converted to Theravada Buddhism and expanded in the Ayutthaya period, particularly during the reign of King Narai the Great in the 17th century, when a viharn and other structures were added. The site reflects the transition from Khmer to Thai architectural traditions.
Culture & Context
An important Buddhist temple and archaeological site representing Lopburi art and architecture. It serves as a prominent example of Khmer-influenced religious architecture in central Thailand and remains a respected religious and cultural landmark for visitors studying Thai history and Buddhist heritage.
Route
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