The city's guardian
The Phra Kan statue.
Phoebus 28 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christian Rebernik (maniac7791) — CC BY 2.5 · Stepnext — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Phoebus 28 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · พลกฤต สุนทรพล — CC BY-SA 4.0
A small shrine held in great regard by the people of Lopburi, standing on the laterite base of an old Khmer temple opposite Phra Prang Sam Yot. It holds a statue of a Hindu god known locally as Phra Kan, believed to guard the city, its body fitted with a head from a later period, and people come to pray and make offerings. The present hall was built in the twentieth century in Thai style, reached by a broad stair, and inside are gilded statues, garlands and the scent of incense. Around the shrine lie the remaining walls of the original Khmer temple, where Lopburi's monkeys gathered in large numbers before the relocation campaign that began in 2024. Entry is free and the shrine is open all day. It is a living place of worship, so modest dress is required, and it is best to ask before taking photos inside the hall. If you meet monkeys around it, do not feed them, and stow small belongings. The visit is short, so combine it with Phra Prang Sam Yot across the railway and the royal palace on one walk.
The Phra Kan statue.
Of old laterite.
Daily worship.
Opposite Phra Prang Sam Yot across the railway, central Lopburi
Phra Prang Sam YotThe symbol of Lopburi: three Khmer towers of sandstone and laterite joined by a 2 minutes walk
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Lopburi)Lopburi's largest and oldest temple ruin, directly opposite the railway station,5 minutes walk
King Narai's Palace (Phra Narai Ratchaniwet)The great palace of King Narai, who ruled the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1656 to 1685 minutes walkYes, in modest dress and respecting worshippers; ask before photographing inside.