Phra Narai Ratchaniwet

Start your tour of Lopburi at this former royal palace. Inside the palace grounds is the Lopburi Museum (officially called Somdet Phra Narai National Museum), which houses displays of local history. The museum is divided into three separate buildings. In Phiman Mongkut Pavilion there are sculptures and art from the Lopburi, Khmer, Dvaravati, U Thong and Ayuthaya periods. The Chantara Phisan Throne Hall contains paintings and artefacts in memory of King Narai, while the European-style Phra Pratiab Building has a small display of traditional handicraft and hunting tools.

Built between 1665 and 1677, with help from French and Italian engineers, the palace was used to welcome foreign dignitaries. The main entry point is through Pratu Phayakkha gate, off Th Sorasak. To your left are the remains of the palace reservoir and former reception hall.

Ahead of these are the elephant stables and towards the rear of the compound is the Suttha Sawan throne hall, where King Narai died.

A 150B one-day pass to the main ruins can be bought here.