Lopburi, about 150 km north of Bangkok, is one of the oldest towns in Thailand: a Khmer outpost, then King Narai's second capital in the 17th century. It is best known for its long-tailed macaques, which occupy the ruins of the town centre and the Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot. A day trip is enough to see the three prangs, King Narai's old palace and the San Phra Kan shrine, all a few minutes' walk from one another. The monkeys are wild and quick to steal: keep bags, glasses and bottles firmly closed, and do not feed them yourself.
Highlights
Phra Prang Sam Yot
This Khmer shrine with three towers of laterite and stucco, built in the days of the Khmer empire, stands in the middle of a roundabout, a short walk from the station. It was later turned into a Buddhist temple. Entry is charged for foreigners (50 baht reported by travel guides in 2026, to be confirmed on site); the macaques are most numerous here, on walls, roofs and statues.
The macaques of the old town
They roam freely between Phra Prang Sam Yot, the San Phra Kan shrine and the neighbouring lanes, especially on power lines and shop roofs. Carry nothing visible in your hands, do not hold out food and keep your distance; if you are bitten or scratched, go to a hospital without delay for rabies treatment.
Phra Narai Ratchaniwet
King Narai's old palace, built from 1666 with the help of European architects and engineers, blends Thai, Khmer and Western styles. Its halls now house a national museum; entry costs about 150 baht for foreigners according to 2026 information (to be checked). The palace is quiet, far from the monkey bustle, and takes about an hour to visit.
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and San Phra Kan
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, the old town's great temple, keeps a Khmer prang amid extensive ruins. The small San Phra Kan shrine, opposite the station, is where the monkeys are most at home; locals come to leave offerings.
The Monkey Buffet Festival
Every year, on the last Sunday of November (29 November 2026), tables of fruit and vegetables are set out in front of Phra Prang Sam Yot for the macaques. Expect several servings during the day; viewing areas are free, but the crowd is dense.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Bring no food or open bag, and take off sunglasses, hats and necklaces before entering the Phra Prang Sam Yot area. You can buy a small skewer of fruit from vendors, but it is better to watch from a distance than feed up close: the monkeys jostle. Cover your shoulders and knees in temples. Combine the visit with Ayutthaya on an organised tour if you are short of time (see Ayutthaya from Bangkok). Prices and hours taken from travel guides in October 2026: confirm on site.
How to get there
Lopburi old town, Lop Buri province 15000, about 150 km north of Bangkok. By train, allow about 2h30 to 3h from Bangkok depending on the service; Phra Prang Sam Yot is right opposite the old station, but since December 2025 some rapid trains stop at the new Lop Buri 2 (Tha Wung) station, far from the centre: check your train's stopping station with the SRT (hotline 1690) before buying. Minivans leave from the Mo Chit 2 bus terminal and take about 2h30 to 3h. Once there, the whole centre is walkable.
Opening hours
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