20 November 2023
The day began bright and early, with a slightly different breakfast routine. The main dining room was closed, so we grabbed a bite at the cafe just like we did on our last visit. By 7:50 am, we were packed up and ready to hit the road with clear skies and a cool 21°C temperature – perfect for traveling!
We refueled with a coffee break at 10:15 am at PTT Amazons. Here, we stumbled upon a fascinating sight – a parade float truck adorned with eye-catching Spiderman graphics.
Our journey towards Lopburi wasn’t just about getting there. We had a few exciting stops planned along the way, starting with Highway 226, which takes us below Korat. Our first stop was Wat Luang Phor Toh, a temple we’d visited before, located southwest of Nakhon Ratchasima.
Next up was a fuel and lunch break at a PTT station. Feeling refreshed, we continued our journey, stopping next at Wat Somphot Songtham.
This temple was a real head-scratcher! It combined modern and religious artwork, built right into the hills.
We even had to climb stairs and enter through caves! It felt like a mix of a temple, an art gallery, and a museum all rolled into one. We spent a delightful hour and a half exploring every nook and cranny before hitting the road again for Lopburi, which was just over 100km away.
Welcome to Lopburi!
Arriving in Lopburi, we checked into our hotel, the Latisha Resort, before grabbing some essentials at the nearby 7-Eleven. But the real highlight of the evening was dinner!
We ventured out to the Z-One Night Market, a bustling hub filled with countless food and drink stalls. Live music added to the vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect way to end the day.
21 November 2023
Today we drove a loop which took us for our first stop to at a scenic reservoir (Huai Sap Lek Reservoir).
Not only did it boast stunning views, but the presence of local eateries lining the bank offered a delightful taste of the region’s cuisine.
From this vantage point, we caught a glimpse of Wat Sawan Khiri Pidok, a magnificent temple perched atop a dramatic limestone cliff. Intrigued, we navigated our way to a park nestled beneath it and began our ascent up the limestone face to explore the Wat itself.
By lunchtime, our thirst for exploration led us to the awe-inspiring Thai Marble Corp. Witnessing the large-scale operation of this marble mine was a sight to behold. The process of cutting and extracting the marble provided a glimpse into the immense scale of this industry.
Refreshed and fueled by lunch, we ventured onwards to Wat Thamkrabok. This site left us speechless with its collection of towering statues – some of the most impressive we’d ever encountered. The sheer number and intricate details were truly remarkable.
With a sense of adventure, we approached Tham Khao Khiao Monastery, a place we had visited years ago. As we arrived, we were warmly greeted by a local monk who invited us to explore the steps that climbed the very limestone outcrop the monastery was built beside.
Our travels also brought us back to Wat Phra Bat Namphu Temple, a complex we’d encountered on a previous trip. We knew this place served as a sanctuary for those living with HIV, and in the past, we’d been touched by the outpouring of local generosity in the form of food and donations. While the temple continued its mission of caring for those with HIV, it had also become a home for a monkey sanctuary.
The sight of the monkeys was initially heartwarming, but the damage they caused to the temple structures and art was a significant downside, leaving a slightly bittersweet feeling about the visit. We did strike up a fun conversation with one lady who did her humour beauty queen acceptance speech. I was a fun time. 🙂
Finally, after a full day of exploration, we decided to revisit the Z-One Night Market, eager to replicate the enjoyable experience we’d had the night before. The delicious food and lively atmosphere provided the perfect end to our adventure-packed day.
22 November 2023
Leaving Lop Buri at 8:30 AM, our budget-friendly hotel provided clean comfort – just what you’d expect. The firm bed surprisingly offered a good night’s sleep, making it a place I’d consider staying at again.
Our first stop was an unexpected encounter! A drive through a graffiti-lined alley led us to a notorious “monkey area.” These cheeky primates swarmed our car, making for a hilarious photo op.
Continuing our journey, we witnessed a farmer tilling his muddy rice field with a small tractor – a traditional scene offering a glimpse into rural Thai life.
A quick visit to Wat Butda followed, leaving us with a sense of cultural immersion.
By 10:15 AM, a caffeine fix was needed. We pulled into a PTT Amazons, a convenient gas station stop for a coffee break. As the day wore on, we stretched our legs and admired the scenic beauty of the Chao Phraya River near Monorom.
Reaching a massive temple complex by 1:30 PM, we explored the dazzling Wat Thasung, also known as the Crystal Temple.
The intricate architecture of another structure, possibly referred to as “The Golden Castle,” left us equally impressed. We also stopped for our customry photo when asked by the local tourist police, who we think have more fun in Thailand than we do! LOL
Our adventure concluded in B2 Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, where we arrived by 5:30 PM. After exploring the vibrant local night market, we savoured a delicious dinner. Tomorrow we would drive in Sukhothai for Loy Krathong.