Looking for one of the most unusual destinations in Thailand? Welcome to Lopburi, the famous City of Monkeys, where long-tailed macaques roam freely among ancient temple ruins.
Planning Your Trip to Lopburi
Lopburi is just a few hours from Bangkok, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. Here’s how to plan your visit.
Getting to Lopburi
- By Train: The easiest and most scenic option. Regular trains run from Bangkok, and the journey usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Lopburi railway station is centrally located, within walking distance of the main historic sites.
- By Van: Minivans from Bangkok offer a budget-friendly option and usually take around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Departure points can vary, so it is best to check the latest schedules before traveling.
- By Bus: Buses depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, but they do not stop directly in the old city center.
- By Car: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility and makes it easier to combine Lopburi with nearby attractions, such as the sunflower fields in season.
Where to Stay in Lopburi
Most visitors stay near the train station or the old city for easy access to the main monkey areas and historic landmarks. Wherever you stay, make sure to secure your belongings, as the city’s macaques are famously curious.
- KP Place: A cozy and affordable option with a warm atmosphere.
- NooM Guesthouse: A popular backpacker-friendly spot with a laid-back vibe.
- The Little Lopburi Village: A traditional-style guesthouse for a more local feel.
- Windsor Resort: A comfortable choice for families or couples.
- Privacy Residence: Ideal for travelers looking for a quieter stay.
- Ruanmai Resort & Spa: A more relaxing option with wellness facilities.
What to See: Temples, History, and Monkey Hotspots
Lopburi is a fascinating mix of ancient architecture and everyday wildlife, where history and macaques share the same streets.
Phra Prang Sam Yod
The city’s most iconic landmark, this striking Khmer temple is made up of three stone towers and is the main gathering point for Lopburi’s monkeys. Visitors come for both the historic architecture and the chance to watch macaques moving freely around the ruins.
San Phra Kan Shrine
Located just across the street, this small but important shrine is another major monkey area. The macaques here are especially bold, so it is one of the best places to observe them up close — and one of the places where caution matters most.
Wat Mahathat
One of Lopburi’s oldest temples, Wat Mahathat offers a glimpse into the city’s deep Buddhist roots. It is usually quieter and less dominated by monkey activity, making it a more atmospheric place to explore at a slower pace.
King Narai’s Palace & National Museum
The restored Phra Narai Ratchaniwet palace once hosted royalty and foreign ambassadors. The complex also includes the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum, which is one of the best places to understand Lopburi’s royal and diplomatic past. Nearby, Ban Wichayen, a former French residence, reflects the city’s historic ties with Europe.
⚠️ Essential Monkey Safety Tips in Lopburi
The monkeys are wild animals. While they are used to people, they can still be unpredictable. Follow these rules for a safe and respectful visit.
- Do NOT feed the monkeys. Feeding encourages dependency and aggression.
- Secure your belongings. Keep bags closed and wear your backpack on your front. Avoid carrying plastic bags, which monkeys often associate with food.
- Avoid direct eye contact. This can be interpreted as a sign of aggression.
- Keep your distance. Do not try to touch or pet the monkeys, especially mothers with babies.
- Stay calm. If a monkey jumps on you, stay still and do not panic. It will usually lose interest and move on.
The Story of Lopburi: From Royal Capital to Monkey City
To truly understand Lopburi, it helps to look beyond the monkeys and discover the city’s long and complex history.
A Royal Past
In the 17th century, Lopburi reached its height under the reign of King Narai the Great. The city became a secondary capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and developed a reputation for its diplomatic importance and international connections.
Sacred Protectors
Local belief holds that Lopburi’s monkeys are linked to Hanuman, the monkey god of Hindu tradition. This cultural reverence has helped them thrive, making them symbolic protectors of the city in the eyes of many locals. Thailand is full of unusual human-wildlife encounters, including the Malay monitor lizards often seen in Bangkok.
When Tourism Meets Chaos
While the monkeys attract tourists from around the world, their large population — often estimated in the thousands — also creates daily challenges for local residents. They are known to steal food, damage property, and sometimes behave aggressively. In response, local authorities have carried out sterilization campaigns to help manage population growth, reflecting the delicate balance between tourism appeal and urban disruption.
Lopburi as a Day Trip or Overnight Stay
Lopburi can easily be visited as a day trip from Bangkok, especially if your main goal is to see the monkeys and the city’s best-known temples. However, staying one night gives you more time to explore at a slower pace and visit some sites outside the busiest daytime hours.
Lopburi: An Unforgettable Lesson in Coexistence
A visit to Lopburi offers something rare: a city where history and wildlife genuinely coexist. The monkeys are not just a backdrop — they are part of daily life, shaping the city’s identity as much as its temples and royal heritage. Visiting with awareness and respect is the best way to experience what makes Lopburi unlike anywhere else in Thailand.
FAQ about Lopburi
1. What is Lopburi known for?
Lopburi is a historic city in central Thailand, best known for its large population of monkeys that roam freely through streets, shrines, and ancient ruins, especially around Phra Prang Sam Yod.
2. Why is it called the Monkey City?
The nickname comes from the thousands of long-tailed macaques living in the city. Their constant presence and close interaction with both locals and visitors make Lopburi one of Thailand’s most unusual destinations.
3. Are the monkeys dangerous?
They are not usually dangerous, but they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or spot food. Avoid feeding them, keep your distance, and secure your belongings.
4. Is Lopburi worth visiting?
Yes. Beyond the monkeys, Lopburi offers ancient temples, royal history, and a very different atmosphere from most day trips from Bangkok.
5. When is the best time to visit?
The cooler months between November and February are generally the best time to visit. November is also a particularly interesting month thanks to the King Narai Festival, which brings part of the city’s history back to life.
🔄 Last updated on April 22, 2026
