Happy New Year 2560, Readme friends! It's only been a few days since the New Year, and after people have flocked to the provinces during the long New Year's holiday, they have now all returned. I didn't hesitate to travel to Lopburi, as it's the time when tourist attractions are starting to become deserted, peaceful, and free from traffic jams. This made for a very relaxing travel experience on this trip.

This trip was a short getaway from Bangkok, only to Lopburi province. I chose to admire the radiant yellow sunflowers at Khao Chin Lae and stayed at the Pasak Chonlasit Dam, where we enjoyed grilling and cooking our own meals.

I set out in the evening to rest and save time for my trip to KP Plase tonight. Judging from the condition of the room, the friendliness of the staff, and the reasonable price, I booked it through Agoda for 600 baht without breakfast. But let me tell you, this accommodation deserves a perfect 10. It's beautiful and clean.

This morning, I woke up early and checked out of KP Plase. My first destination was Wat Khao Chin Lae. As I approached the entrance, I decided to stop for a cup of coffee.

The coffee shop at the entrance of Khao Chin Lae, named Kra Pao & Coffee, also serves food in addition to coffee.

Behind the coffee shop, they have planted a field of cosmos flowers that are in full bloom with vibrant colors.

A short drive from the entrance, before reaching the main sunflower field at Khao Chin Lae, there is another sunflower field not far away, less than 5 minutes from Khao Chin Lae. I stopped to take some pictures, and it was beautiful in its own way.

This angle also offers a view of Wat Khao Chin Lae.

A short drive brought us to Khao Chin Lae, where we eagerly disembarked to capture the breathtaking vista. The panoramic view stretched as far as the eye could see, truly a sight to behold.

She took a big picture, not caring about anything.

This sunflower is facing the opposite direction of all the other sunflowers, which is quite unusual. It seems even sunflowers can think outside the box! Haha.

Continuing the drive to Wat Khao Chin Lae, we encountered elderly vendors selling roasted sunflower seeds. They informed us that the temple was home to a large population of peacocks.

Upon exiting the vehicle, I was greeted by this creature perched on a tree, eagerly awaiting my arrival.

Another one is beautifully shaking its tail.

Zoom in.

The woman immediately rushed to feed the peacocks.

Abundant in all directions around the temple.

They are walking everywhere.

The tail is very beautiful.

The church door is decorated with a painting depicting the life of Buddha.

The area surrounding Wat Khao Chin Lae is characterized by dry dipterocarp forest.

The temple we see from the sunflower field

Departing from Wat Khao Chin, I continued driving to the Pasak Chonlasit Dam, arriving in the late afternoon. The weather was fantastic, with a perfect cool temperature.

Please show me the interior of the room first.

The bed is quite large and offers a view of the outdoors.

TV and dressing table

The bathroom is basic and functional, as expected for the price and location.

Our accommodation for tonight is Baan Thongchai 3, priced at 1,300 baht per night for two guests, excluding breakfast. The atmosphere is fantastic, and it's located at the very back with a private waterfront view.

A party corner for large groups to enjoy the view and cool breeze.

Prepare the grill for tonight.

The atmosphere is very good, there are no mosquitoes, but there are a lot of insects.

We woke up late today and checked out at noon. We then set off for Khao Wong Phrachan, catching a glimpse of it from afar.

We have arrived at the entrance.

The temple grounds are spacious and clean, especially the restrooms.

Get ready to take on the challenge.

At our own pace, depending on who walks slower or faster.

The path we are currently walking on does not include the steps leading up to Khao Wong Phra Chan. The first step is still quite a distance ahead.

We have arrived at the entrance to Khao Wong Phrachan. The statues of Indra and Brahma stand guard at the gate.

Let's start counting the steps.

She still walks leisurely and calmly.

500 steps already, walking comfortably.

The view offers a glimpse of the temple under construction.

An encounter on the way up: a foreigner using a sack to slide down the handrail, accompanied by a panting dog.

Each stage has a designated rest area.

Another dog was sleeping soundly. I sat down to rest and took some photos, talking loudly, but it still wouldn't wake up. So I tried nudging it with my tripod to see if it was still alive... It just moved its leg a little and then went back to sleep. Haha.

The higher you climb, the clearer you see the Buddha statue.

1,000 steps completed, with over 2,000 steps remaining.

1,500 steps completed, halfway there...

Despite her age, she remains energetic. The view from behind is even more beautiful the higher you go.

Take a break to regain your strength, then continue walking. Step by step, you will reach your destination.

During the dry season, the trees change color, creating a beautiful and unusual sight.

2,000 steps already, just a little more, the destination is not far, just over a thousand steps.

Upon reaching the 2,000th step, a shop awaits, offering refreshments, snacks, and candy. While the trail leading up Khao Wong Phrachan normally features stalls along the way, many were closed during my visit. Only two remained open, but they provided a welcome opportunity to purchase chilled beverages, candy, and snacks to enjoy during the climb.

Just a short walk from the shop where we stopped, another sign indicated that we were 2,500 steps away from our destination.

I have climbed 3,000 steps and am nearing the summit.

We have arrived at the peak of Khao Wong Phra Chan, a place often referred to as the "mountain that tests love."

She looks quite heavy, good thing she didn't faint.

Monkeys greeted us at the entrance. Upon entering, we saw many monkeys inside.

The path to Nang Fa Waterfall.

This area features a helicopter landing pad. To reach Nang Phaya Viewpoint, follow the path past the helipad. However, due to time constraints, I was unable to visit Nang Phaya Viewpoint.

The sun has begun to set.

Enjoying the sunset as a couple, a romantic moment indeed.

A panoramic view

Footprint of the Buddha

"Let's have a picture taken as a souvenir to remember that we conquered Mount Kradeng. Oh, I mean...!! We conquered the peak of Khao Wong Phra Chan."

The woman mysteriously obtained a large sack and slid down it, but she was worried about falling backward or hitting her face.

The atmosphere began to darken before reaching the halfway point. Visibility decreased, requiring the use of a mobile phone flashlight to navigate. Due to the darkness, no further photographs were taken.

Khao Hanuman, also known as Khao Wong Phrachan, is said to be a place where couples can test their true love by conquering the 3,790 steps leading to the top. Located at Wat Khao Wong Phrachan in Kok Samrong District, Lopburi Province, the mountain stands at an elevation of approximately 650 meters above sea level.

The arduous climb to the mountain's peak, while physically demanding, offers a unique opportunity for couples to deepen their understanding of one another. The shared experience can either strengthen their bond or expose underlying incompatibilities. While the outcome remains uncertain, the breathtaking views from the summit, as attested by Wat Khao Wong Phra Chan, are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

During the "Climbing Khao Wong Phrachan" festival in Lopburi Province, which takes place annually between January and February, the mountain is open for 24-hour access. The walking path is illuminated with electric lights and lined with shops selling various goods.

For further inquiries, please contact

Wat Khao Wong Phra Chan, Tel. 086-1317743 (Phra Palat Chai) and TAT Lopburi Office, Tel. 036-770096-7

See you on the next trip.