Lopburi Monkey Temple & Ayutthaya Old City Tour from Bangkok | Thailand

The monkeys in Lopburi are primarily found around Phra Prang Sam Yot temple and Phra Kan Shrine, both central to the city. These ancient Khmer ruins serve as their main habitat and feeding grounds. You'll see them freely roaming the temple grounds, climbing structures, and interacting in their natural urban environment, offering unique viewing opportunities.

To reach Lopburi from Bangkok, you have several options. The most common include taking a train from Hua Lamphong Station directly to Lopburi Station. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2). For a more convenient and structured experience, consider a guided tour from Bangkok, which often includes comfortable transportation to both Lopburi and nearby Ayutthaya, streamlining your travel logistics.

Visiting Lopburi Monkey Temple offers a truly unique experience due to the hundreds of long-tailed macaques that freely inhabit and interact within the ancient temple ruins. It's a rare opportunity to observe these wild animals up close in a historical setting, witnessing their social behaviors and daily lives amidst magnificent architecture. The blend of history and wildlife creates a memorable and distinctive cultural encounter.

The annual Monkey Buffet Festival at Lopburi Monkey Temple is traditionally held on the last Sunday of November. This unique event celebrates the monkeys, who are believed to bring good luck, with an elaborate feast of fruits, vegetables, and sweets laid out for them. It's a vibrant cultural spectacle that draws many visitors to Lopburi, offering an unforgettable experience.

An Ayutthaya Old City tour typically includes several key historical temples. You can expect to visit sites like Wat Mahathat, famous for its Buddha head entwined in tree roots; Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the former royal temple grounds; and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, known for its Khmer-style architecture along the river. These temples showcase Ayutthaya's grandeur as a former Siamese capital.

When interacting with the monkeys at Lopburi Monkey Temple, it's important to be cautious. Avoid direct eye contact, as monkeys may perceive it as a challenge. Keep food and drinks out of sight and secure your belongings, as monkeys are known to snatch items. Maintain a respectful distance and avoid provoking them, especially if they have young, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.

Beyond Phra Prang Sam Yot (the Monkey Temple), Lopburi city boasts other notable historical sites. King Narai's Palace (Phra Narai Ratchaniwet) is a significant landmark, showcasing a blend of Thai, Persian, and French architectural styles. San Phra Kan Shrine, adjacent to the monkey temple, is another important historical and religious site. These offer insights into Lopburi's rich past as an ancient capital.

The best time of day to observe the monkeys at Lopburi Monkey Temple is generally in the morning or late afternoon. During these times, the weather is cooler, and the monkeys tend to be more active, foraging, playing, and moving around the temple grounds. Midday can be hot, leading to less monkey activity as they often seek shade and rest.