Lopburi — The Monkey City★★
Lopburi, 150 km north of Bangkok, is famous for its hundreds of macaque monkeys that rule the old town. They climb on temples, raid market stalls, steal tourists' sunglasses, and boldly pose for photos. Every November, the city celebrates the Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival — a huge feast on tables in front of Prang Sam Yot, just for the monkeys.
But Lopburi is much more than a monkey spectacle. The city has a 3,000-year-old history — first the Dvaravati capital, then an outpost of the Khmer Empire (hence the Angkor-style prang towers), then an important secondary capital under King Narai the Great (1656–1688), who received French diplomats here and had a magnificent palace built.
Lopburi is an authentic Thai provincial town without mass tourism — perfect as a stopover on the way from Bangkok to the north.
💡 Tipp
Do not wear sunglasses on your head, dangling earrings, or open bags in the old town — the monkeys are lightning-fast and surprisingly skilled. Never carry food openly! For photos: The monkeys in front of Prang Sam Yot are used to tourists and relatively tame. They are calmer in the morning than in the afternoon.
Sights
★★ Prang Sam Yot
Three majestic Khmer prangs from the 13th century — and the headquarters of the macaques. Originally a Hindu temple (Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma), then converted to Buddhism. The monkeys inhabit every corner of the site. A surreal image: ancient Khmer architecture full of lively, chaotic monkeys.
50 THB (approx. €1.30). Daily 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
★★ Phra Narai Ratchaniwet (King Narai's Palace)
The extensive palace complex (1665) of King Narai the Great is a fascinating blend of Thai, Khmer, and European architectural styles. French architect de Lamare designed parts on Narai's behalf — hoping to convert the king to Catholicism (which did not succeed). The Narai National Museum in the palace displays Khmer sculptures and artifacts on French-Siamese diplomacy.
150 THB (approx. €4). Wed–Sun 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
★ San Phra Kan (Kala Shrine)
Small shrine right next to the train station — particularly many monkeys gather here. Locals come here to pray, unimpressed by the macaques on their heads. Free of charge.
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Directly opposite the train station: impressive Khmer prang and a large standing Buddha. Less visited than Prang Sam Yot, quieter and more photogenic. 50 THB.
Arrival & Tips
From Bangkok
- Train (recommended): From Bang Sue Grand Station. 2–3 hours. 2nd class: 108 THB (approx. €2.80). Trains every 1–2 hours. The station is located in the middle of the old town.
- Bus: From Mo Chit: 2.5 hours, 150 THB (approx. €4).
Lopburi can be perfectly planned as a day trip from Bangkok or as a stopover on the way to Phitsanulok/Sukhothai. 3–4 hours are enough for the main attractions. Everything is within walking distance around the train station.