I'm now into the final month of my long stay in Thailand. Medical issues continue to dominate, and I need to manage the varicose veins in my leg. Accordingly, I'm not planning anything ambitious, but in any case, I have a number of appointments due soon. Still, I'm not incapacitated to the extent that I cannot travel.
Last night we considered taking a 3-day trip, but on waking this morning, nothing is decided. Finally, I open my laptop and book accommodation. For a short stay, it won't take long to get ready. By 10:30 AM we're on our way north. It's not much more than 2 hours to our destination.
After an hour, we take an early lunch at Mae Praphaisri Noodle in Bang Pahan district in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. There's a good selection of food here. I'll have to remember it.
We continue north on HWY 33 into Ang Thong, then drive east following the Lopburi River. It won't be long before we reach Lopburi City. It's still early afternoon, and I search around for any attractions on the way. First I come up with a historic temple beside the Lopburi River. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period and owes its existence to the river, which was the only realistic form of transportation at the time. It seems to have connections with King Narai the Great in the 17th century, although some sources suggest origins or renovations during the later Ayutthaya era under King Borommakot (around 1732-1758).
We already have an understanding of the life and times in the area, and another temple on our route adds to that. We head for the Boat Museum at Wat Yang Na Rangsi. The temple here was established during the reign of King Narai due to the navigable waterway. In fact, the Lopburi River was used by the king and his entourage to travel between Ayutthaya and Lopburi. The open-air boat museum is housed in a beautifully preserved traditional wooden pavilion (sala) built in 1927 in classic central Thai architectural style. The structure, originally an old gathering hall (Sala Kan Parian), was restored in the late 1980s through community efforts by the Lopburi Monument and Environment Conservation Club. In 1988 a new museum, considered Thailand's first folk boat museum, opened to expand the boat collection. The building itself received an award for Best Architectural Preservation in 1993. Also in the grounds of Wat Yang Na Rangsi is one of the largest rubber trees in Lopburi Province - a massive, iconic tree that's a local landmark and adds to the shady, scenic vibe by the river.
We can finally head to our accommodation. Booking the room at the last minute, I was surprised to find something so cheap, including breakfast. We arrive at Benjatara Boutique Hotel, hoping that it meets our expectations. I paid for a premium room in a four-story building across the road, which looks smart enough. However, at reception they explain that the lift is not, but we agree to a room on the 2nd floor as we're travelling light. The room I selected is really spacious, and our luck is with us again, as there are no issues that I can see. With no adjustments needed, it's time for a siesta on this hot day.
At 5:00 PM it's time to think about dinner, and that's easily fixed. It's hardly more than 5 minutes to Z-One night market. Arriving at this market, I'm impressed by the selection of food. Six or more aisles of food vending is amazing. Besides the food stalls, there is open-air seating, more than enough at present. Then at 6:00 there is a concert. It's a great end to the day.
Back at Benjatara, we find the lift is now working. By taking things easy today, we're quite relaxed about travelling for a change.

Source: Visit