King Narai the Great Fair

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Schedule : 16-19 February 2002

Venue : Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, Amphoe Muang, Lop Buri

Origin :
The fair is held to remember the deeds of King Narai the Great who built a palace in Lop Buri, making the city akin to a second capital to Ayutthaya. Lop Buri has prospered and remained important since then. Lop Buri people hold the fair to honor the great king and to promote tourism in the province.

Activities :
- Ceremony to pray to the spirit of King Narai the Great.
- Procession bearing royal messages, procession of noblemen and soldiers.
- Costumes from the period of King Narai the Great, shows, folk plays, and cultural performances.
- Light-and-sound shows and lantern decorations.
- Stores selling local products and exhibitions.

Nearby Tourist Spots :
- King Narai the Great Monument (Muang)
	is in the center of Thep Satri roundabout. This standing statue holds a sword in the right hand and the left foot slightly out in front.
- Sa Kaeo Lop Buri Zoo (Muang)
	is a place for relaxation and to study fauna. It is one of the most complete provincial zoos.
- Kraison Siharat Throne Hall (Muang)
	is also called Yen Throne Hall or Thale Chup Son Palace. It was the residence of King Narai the Great and from here he observed solar and lunar eclipses.
- Phra Prang Sam Yot (Muang)
	is three pagodas in a row. They all have Khmer architecture in the Bayon style and date from around the 18th Buddhist century.
- Phra Kan Shrine (Muang)
	is to the east of Phra Prang Sam Yot. It was an old sanctuary of the Khmer people and is built of laterite. The shrine is the home of numerous monkeys.

For more information, contact :
- Lop Buri Provincial Office.
	Tel. (036) 411500
- TAT Central Region Office: Area 7 (Lop Buri).
	Tel. (036) 422768-9, fax (036) 424089