Lopburi is a Thai city that you can explore in just an hour or choose to spend a night in. Everything is easily accessible, with the main attractions within walking distance. In fact, the train station is conveniently located right in front of the first set of ruins worth visiting.
But what makes Lopburi truly special is that it’s known as the “City of Monkeys” in Thailand.
Lopburi is one of Thailand’s most unique, and perhaps even surreal, destinations. The city is small, and everything you need to see is easily accessible. Simply wandering through the ruins filled with monkeys in a decayed yet fascinating environment makes the trip worthwhile.
However, many travelers, pressed for time during their visit to Thailand, may think Lopburi is forgettable. In reality, it can be easily combined with a trip to Ayutthaya, as they are very close by train. You could even stop by Lopburi while traveling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
“Monkey City” offers a peaceful and relatively tourist-free experience. It’s perfect for those seeking a tranquil day, yet it’s compact enough to explore in just a couple of hours, as everything is close by.
Scenes like the ones shown in this description are common in Lopburi’s historic center, which is surrounded by stunning Thai ruins and intersected by a railway line. As if that weren’t enough, each street is filled with remnants of past civilizations, and you’ll find excellent cafés and restaurants. With very few tourists, it feels like stepping into a post-apocalyptic city, serene and quiet.
The most notable feature of Lopburi, however, is the presence of monkeys. Some people say that Lopburi can be skipped in favor of more impressive ruins in Ayutthaya or Sukhothai. But the macaques are what make this city stand out. If you’re uneasy around monkeys, it may be best to avoid Lopburi.
However, if you love monkeys or are intrigued by an urban landscape overtaken by animals, where ancient ruins are ruled by free-roaming macaques, then Lopburi is a must-see. In our opinion, it’s definitely worth visiting, as it offers an experience unlike any other.
Just remember, the monkeys rule here. Enjoy their presence, but don’t even think about interacting with them.
In terms of weather, Lopburi is similar to Bangkok and Ayutthaya, meaning you can visit year-round. This isn’t a beach destination, so rain or clouds won’t ruin your experience. Still, some seasons are more comfortable for exploring.
Ultimately, Lopburi is worth visiting any time of the year. Whether you choose to spend just a few hours or an entire day, the city offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Travel Tip: Check out our article on the best time to visit Thailand for month-by-month climate information.
To begin with, we always recommend getting good travel insurance Thailand. This can save you a significant amount on medical expenses and, most importantly, ensures that the insurance covers the costs upfront, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
In the previous article, we go into more detail about healthcare in Thailand, as well as tips on how to get the best insurance (and save money).
Nowadays, finding hotels, guesthouses, or restaurants in Thailand with free Wi-Fi is pretty common. However, there are still those who prefer (or need) to stay connected at all times.
That’s why we’ll show you how to get an eSIM Thailand card with internet— now also available with unlimited data.
The best way to reach Lopburi is by train, which provides easy access from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phitsanulok. This route follows the northern line, making it ideal for combining a day trip to Lopburi with a visit to Ayutthaya, as both cities are nearby.
From Bangkok, the train journey to Lopburi takes just over an hour. The price for a seat in an air-conditioned carriage is around ten dollars, and tickets can be purchased online through the links mentioned earlier.
An alternative from Bangkok or Ayutthaya is traveling by road. However, this trip can take two and a half hours or more, depending on traffic. Vans from Mochit station in Bangkok cost around five dollars, and it’s advisable to buy your ticket in advance.
As soon as you arrive at Lopburi train station, you’ll find the ruins of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, which shares the architectural style of Ayutthaya. This complex features remnants from the Siam and Sukhothai empires, with some areas dating back to the Khmer period in the 12th century.
Located right next to the station, this is a convenient place to purchase a tourist pass for four temples, which costs 150 baht. Without the pass, entry to this complex alone costs 50 baht.
A five-minute walk north from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat leads to an area filled with monkeys. You’ll see them everywhere, in the streets, shops, and even on motorbikes. The roundabout at San Phra Kan, and the streets that intersect it, are particularly overrun with macaques.
This area is unique, where wildlife and urban life blend together. The monkeys are fed in specific locations and follow their own routines. Keep in mind that you should never feed or disturb them. They are territorial, but generally not aggressive.
Be cautious, though, monkeys are known to steal from passing vehicles or people who are careless with their belongings. Make sure to keep your phone or camera secure. If you’re a fan of monkeys, you’ll enjoy this lively neighborhood where they rule the streets.
If you’re a fan of monkeys, you’ll enjoy this lively neighborhood where they rule the streets.
Phra Prang Sam Yot is perhaps the most iconic attraction in Lopburi. It features three 13th-century Hindu towers in the Khmer style, which were later adapted for Buddhism during the Ayutthaya period, with Buddha images added.
The entire temple is inhabited by macaques, and you’ll see whole families of them roaming freely. At the entrance, they give you a stick to ward off the macaques, but it’s usually unnecessary. Being respectful and cautious is enough. The views of the temple are stunning. The entrance fee is 50 baht, but if you’ve already purchased the previously mentioned temple pass, you won’t need to pay again.
This small and peaceful temple, located near San Phra Kan, is a quiet spot for a rest, often with few visitors.
Like many of the structures in Lopburi, it has Khmer origins and dates back to the 13th century. Admission is free.
The city of Lopburi flourished during the Ayutthaya era, with the present-day “Monkey Kingdom” being the second-largest urban center of the empire. A significant part of Lopburi’s historical legacy stems from King Narai, one of the most important monarchs in Siamese history, who chose to establish his main palace here, where he resided for eight months of the year.
Although much of the palace now lies in ruins, parts of it remain in good condition. After King Narai’s death at the end of the 17th century, the city of Lopburi was abandoned.
Located in the same area as the palace is the province’s national museum, which is over a century old and serves to commemorate the city’s history before its decline. Admission to both the palace and the museum is 150 baht, though the previously mentioned pass is not valid here. There is also a café in the garden area offering magnificent views.
The Phrang Khaek statue is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable roundabouts you’ll encounter. The ruins of this structure stand in the center of a roundabout, guiding traffic, and resemble the Phra Prang Sam Yot. This similarity is due to their shared Hindu origins before they were later converted to Buddhism.
Phrang Khaek is also one of the oldest ruins in the province, with its towers dating back to the 8th century.
Another ruin complex that you shouldn’t miss in Lopburi is the Vichayen House, located just 300 meters from Phrang Khaek. These ruins mark the site of the first house where foreigners settled in the 17th century.
Additionally, if you purchased the pass at the start of your visit, you can enter Vichayen House for free.
If you’re short on time and want to visit Lopburi while in Bangkok, you can book a private tour that includes both Ayutthaya and the Lopburi Monkey Temple. The choice is yours.
While Lopburi doesn’t have an abundance of hotels, you won’t have any difficulty finding accommodations, from small hostels to larger hotels. Prices are affordable, but keep in mind that after sunset, most places close early. Here are a few recommendations:
Lopburi is a peaceful town where you can easily spend an entire day. One benefit is that, despite being a tourist destination, it’s rarely crowded. Near the town center, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés, all reasonably priced.
We highly recommend visiting Pad Thai Ka Prao Hom, a restaurant with an excellent menu of Thai noodles. The highlight is their fusion of the popular Pad Thai with Thailand’s iconic basil rice dish. The result is delicious, though quite spicy.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Lopburi.
