Lai Temple is an ancient temple of great historical and artistic significance, located along the Bang Kham River in Tha Wung District, Lopburi Province. It is believed to have been established in the early Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Borommatrailokanat, and later underwent major restoration during the reign of King Suea. As a result, the temple stands as an enduring center of Buddhist art and faith that has been preserved for several centuries.

The greatest importance of Lai Temple lies in its enshrinement of Phra Si Ariya, a revered cast Buddha image that is deeply worshipped by local people and devotees from many regions. It is widely believed that those who come to pay respects will receive blessings, peace, and prosperity in their lives. Phra Si Ariya has long served as the spiritual heart of communities along the Bang Kham River.

One of the most remarkable architectural and artistic highlights of the temple is the Nine-Chambered Viharn, an Ayutthaya-style structure renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship. The most outstanding features are the stucco reliefs on the gables, both at the front and rear, depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and the Ten Jataka Tales. These works are celebrated by art historians as among the most refined and well-preserved stucco masterpieces in Thailand.

Behind the viharn stands a prang (tower) constructed in the twenty-cornered recessed style, reflecting the height_ of Buddhist artistic achievement during the Ayutthaya period. The form of the prang represents the Buddhist cosmological concept and adds a solemn and sacred atmosphere to the surrounding temple grounds.

Lai Temple also plays an important cultural role through its annual traditions. Each year, during the 14th and 15th waxing moon and the 1st waning moon of the sixth lunar month, the temple hosts the Phra Si Ariya Procession Festival. This long-standing tradition involves placing the revered image of Phra Si Ariya on a ceremonial procession, allowing people along the route to bathe and pay homage. The event is filled with devotion, traditional music, and folk performances that are rarely seen today.

For visitors who appreciate history and Buddhist art, Lai Temple can be regarded as a living museum, preserving stories of faith, craftsmanship, and tradition within a single space. The serene riverside setting, combined with the dignified presence of ancient structures, offers visitors both knowledge and a deep sense of spiritual calm.

All are warmly invited to experience the sacred atmosphere and admire the beauty of ancient Thai Buddhist art at Lai Temple, a place where time and tradition meet in one of the most graceful ways in Lopburi Province.

Private Car:

• From Lopburi city, take the Lopburi-Sing Buri road (Highway 311) to the Tha Khlong intersection. Turn right onto Highway 3028, cross the Bang Kham River bridge, and the temple will be on your left.

Public Transport:

• Take a Lopburi-Ban Mi or Lopburi-Tha Khlong bus, get off at the temple entrance, and then use a local motorcycle taxi.

Best Time to Visit:

• During the 6th lunar month (May) to experience the grand Chak Phra festival, or early weekday mornings for a quiet view of the stucco carvings.

Photography:

• The pediments of the Nine-Room Vihara are the best spots for capturing the stucco details, especially when angled sunlight highlights the depth of the carvings.

Etiquette:

• Inside the vihara, please be respectful and avoid touching the ancient stuccoes to help preserve them.

Nearby Places:

• You can continue your trip to the nearby Wat Khao Samo Khon to see the views and the reclining Buddha.

Admission Fee

• Thai Visitors: Free

• Foreign Visitors: Free

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 08:00 – 17:00.