Tower sights in Thailand
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A
Prang Sam Yot
Opposite San Phra Kan, the Prang Sam Yot represents classic Khmer-Lopburi style and is Lopburi's most photographed Hindu-turned-Buddhist temple. Originally, the three towers symbolised the Hindu Trimurti of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Now two of them contain ruined Lopburi-style Buddha images. Some Khmer lintels can still be made out, and some appear unfinished.
An U Thong-Ayuthaya imitation Buddha image sits in the brick sanctuary in front of the linked towers. At the back are a couple of crudely restored images, probably once Lopburi style. The grounds allotted to Prang Sam Yot are quite small and virtually surrounded by modern buildings. The best view of the monument is …
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B
Baiyoke II Tower
Thailand’s tallest tower, if not its most architecturally attractive, the Baiyoke II tower soars to 88 storeys (85 of them above ground), the upper of which are often clad with some truly huge advertising. The main attraction here is the 77th floor observation deck. The views are as impressive as you’d expect (unless it’s too smoggy) but only just compensate for the tacky decor, uninspiring restaurant and inconvenient location. If you have a choice, the upstairs rooftop bars and revolving restaurant are better.
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C
Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat
The Fine Arts Department has restored the large 12th-century Khmer Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, considered one of the city's oldest. During Lopburi's heyday, it was the town's largest monastery, a fact clearly shown on a map drawn by French cartographers in 1687. A tall laterite tower still stands and features a few intact lintels and some ornate stucco. There is also a large wíhaan added by King Narai. Several chedi and smaller towers dot the grounds.
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D
Wat San Paolo
A partial brick and stucco tower is all that's left of Wat San Paolo, a Jesuit church founded by the Portuguese during King Narai's reign. A contingent of a dozen French priests came to run the church in 1687. An octagonal, three-storey celestial observatory was also erected here, though it is unclear under whose direction it was built.
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