| Option | Duration | "From" price (October 2026) | For the festival | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private car with driver to Lopburi | about 10 hours | about €100 per group of 2 (listing, rated 4.5 from 43 reviews) | departure at the time you choose | arriving before 9:00 |
| Private Ayutthaya and Lopburi tour (GetYourGuide) | about 10 hours | from about €145 (listing, rated 4.8 from 205 reviews) | pickup at 9:00 according to the listing: risk of arriving after the buffet | those who also want Ayutthaya |
| Bangkok - Lopburi train | about 2 hours | ticket price to be checked at the station | you choose the earliest departure | small budget |
When, and at what time
According to event guides, the festival takes place on the last Sunday of November, which is 29 November 2026. The ceremony and dance start around 10:00; the decorated tables are emptied in about two hours. Arrive at 9:00 to see the preparations. We did not find the official 2026 programme from the province in October 2026: check with the Lopburi tourist office before you go.
Why not the standard day trip
The listing for the private Ayutthaya and Lopburi tour states hotel pickup at 9:00, with Ayutthaya first. You would therefore reach Lopburi after the festival, or nearly. Ask the operator whether the order can be reversed that day. Otherwise, a private car at the time of your choice or the morning train from Krung Thep Aphiwat station are better suited. Our general guide: Lopburi from Bangkok and the page on the monkey temple.
On site
- The monkeys are wild: take off your sunglasses, close bags and pockets, do not show food.
- Closed shoes: toes in sandals are sometimes bitten.
- Bite or scratch: clean it immediately and see a doctor.
- The crowd: get in place 30 minutes ahead, preferably on the raised area behind the tables for photos.
Traps
- Date: the programme may change, notably between one and two days.
- Return: the last direct trains leave in the early evening; check the return timetable before you go.
- Hotel: if you sleep in Lopburi, book early.
Frequently asked questions
What is the date of the festival in 2026?
Sunday 29 November 2026 according to event guides (last Sunday of November). One listing also mentions the 28th.
Is it paid?
Watching from the public areas is free; a small fee may apply at the entrance to the ruins.
How much food is there?
One guide mentions more than 4,000 kg of fruit, vegetables and sweets, a figure we have not verified.
Can you go by train?
Yes, about 2 hours from Bangkok; check the return timetable.
