Lopburi — Archives of the Monkey Kings

Lopburi is one of Thailand's oldest cities, with a history spanning over 1,500 years. Known as Lavo, it was initially a significant cultural and religious center under Dvaravati influence, then became a major outpost of the Khmer Empire from the 11th to the 13th century. The Khmers erected magnificent Bayon-style temples here, such as Phra Prang Sam Yot, which still bear witness to their artistic and spiritual dominance today. These temples, often dedicated to Hindu then Buddhist deities, were centers of knowledge where monks and scholars studied the stars and cycles of nature.

After the decline of the Khmer Empire, Lopburi fell under the influence of the Ayutthaya kingdom. But it was in the 17th century, during the reign of King Narai the Great (1656-1688), that the city experienced a new golden age. King Narai made it his second capital, building a magnificent palace and inviting European diplomats, particularly French, to establish trade and cultural relations. It was during this period that the city acquired its unique appearance, blending ancient Khmer heritage with Siamese and European architectures. Lopburi's famous monkeys, often considered descendants of a monkey army given to Rama in the Ramakien, have become an integral part of its identity, moving freely among the temple ruins and abandoned palaces, living guardians of a rich and mysterious past.