Are the Lopburi monkeys dangerous?

The macaques are bold and accustomed to human presence — they will grab food, bags, and sunglasses. Do not make eye contact, do not carry open food, keep bags zipped, and remove sunglasses before approaching Prang Sam Yot. Scratches from monkeys should be cleaned immediately and medical advice sought. They are fascinating to photograph but require caution.

When is the Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival?

The festival takes place on the last Sunday of November each year. Elaborate spreads of fruit, vegetables, and sweets are laid out near Prang Sam Yot. It is a major tourist event and attracts large crowds — book accommodation well in advance.

Is Lopburi worth an overnight stay?

One day is sufficient to see the main sites — Prang Sam Yot, the Palace, and the museum. However, an overnight stay allows early morning visits when the monkeys are most active and light is excellent for photography. The town has simple, inexpensive accommodation.

Lopburi Province Guide — Monkey Temple, Khmer Ruins & Ancient History

About Lopburi Province

Lopburi is one of Thailand's most historically layered cities — it has been continuously inhabited since the Dvaravati period (6th century), was a major Khmer provincial capital, and then served as a secondary capital to Ayutthaya under King Narai in the 17th century when French ambassadors, Persian traders, and Greek adventurers all congregated here. Today, the city is internationally famous for one thing above all: its thousands of macaque monkeys who have colonised the ancient Khmer prang temples and most of the historic district, creating a uniquely chaotic and photogenic urban wildlife spectacle. The annual Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival feeds the monkeys ceremonially and draws large crowds.

Key facts

Population: 742,928 (2020)
Area: 6,200 km²
Density: 120 / km²
Districts: 11
Capital: Lopburi
ISO code: TH-16

All 11 districts

Ban Mi · Chai Badan · Khok Charoen · Khok Samrong · Lam Sonthi · Mueang Lop Buri · Nong Muang · Phatthana Nikhom · Sa Bot · Tha Luang · Tha Wung

Top Highlights

Prang Sam Yot
13th-century Khmer temple now occupied by hundreds of macaque monkeys
King Narai's Palace (Narai Ratchaniwet)
17th-century royal palace with French-influenced architecture
Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival
annual November event with elaborate fruit offerings to the monkeys
Phra Narai National Museum
artifacts from Dvaravati, Khmer, and Ayutthaya periods

Getting There

Lopburi is 150 km north of Bangkok on the main northern rail line — trains from Hua Lamphong take 2.5–3 hours. Buses from Mo Chit take about 2.5 hours. The city centre is compact and most sites are within walking distance of the train station. Lopburi is usually combined with Ayutthaya as a two-day circuit.

Inside Lopburi

Districts (11)

Ban Mi ·Chai Badan ·Khok Charoen ·Khok Samrong ·Lam Sonthi ·Mueang Lop Buri ·Nong Muang ·Phatthana Nikhom ·Sa Bot ·Tha Luang ·Tha Wung

Mapped in Lopburi

107 places of interest recorded in OpenStreetMap. Coverage is contributed by volunteers and varies by area, so treat these as a guide to what is mapped rather than a complete inventory.

73Temples
16Historic sites
6Markets
5Attractions
3Viewpoints
3Museums
1Family attractions

Named examples

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q336122 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026

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