10 Things to Do & See in Lopburi

Lopburi is a small historic town located just 140 km north of Bangkok. It is best known for its large monkey population that freely roams around the old town. In this article, I will share with you the list of the best things to do and see in Lopburi.

Lopburi is only around 1-2 hour train ride from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station in Bangkok. You can easily take a train trip from Bangkok to Lopburi, spend a few hours exploring the old town, then return back to Bangkok by train. Lopburi train Station is conveniently located right in the heart of the old town.

Lopburi has a rich history dating back to the 6th century. It was an important city during the Khmer Empire (11th–13th centuries) and Ayutthaya Period (14th–18th centuries).

If you are interested in history, you can visit King Narai’s Museum and Place. King Narai made Lopburi his secondary capital, bringing significant foreign influence to the city. He welcomed ambassadors and traders from various countries, including France and Persia, which led to cultural exchanges.

There are many ancient temples and ruins scattered around the old city. The main temples are Phra Prang Sam Yot and Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. When wandering around the old town, visiting the main temples, you will likely encounter many other smaller temple ruins. 

If you need my recommendations in itinerary and getting around Lopburi, you can read:

• My 1-2 Days In Lopburi Itinerary
• How to get to Lopburi and Get Around
• Where to Stay in Lopburi

In the evening, you can have a look at the night market near the train station. The market has many stalls selling Thai street food and sweets. The main road along the train track also has several lovely restaurants to have dinner and people watching.

10 Best things to do and see in Lopburi

#1. Phra Prang Sam Yot (Monkey Temple)

Phra Prang Sam Yot is the main temple in Lopburi Old town. It is an ancient Khmer-style temple that has the large population of monkeys that inhabit the area. If you want to see monkeys, this is the first place to check.

This Monkey Temple is located right next to a busy traffic roundabout, within just a 10 minutes walk from Lopburi train Station. Most of the monkeys are aggressive and often steal food from visitors. I recommend taking good care of your belongings and avoiding bringing the food around the monkeys.

Phra Prang Sam Yot has a beautiful Khmer style with three striking Prangs (temple’s towers), intricate carvings and detailed stonework. You can walk around outside the temple, admire the architecture of the temple and observe the monkeys. 

If you want to go inside, you need to buy a ticket at the entrance. It is 40 baht for foreigners. It is a small temple, you can easily spend 30 minutes wandering around the temple’s ground and taking photos. 

The traffic near the temple is very heavy especially in peak hours (in morning when people go to work and late afternoon), so pay extra attention when crossing the road.

#2. Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat

This is a big temple complex located just opposite Lopburi Train Station. This temple reminds me of temple ruins in Ayutthaya. It has ancient ruins, Khmer-style Prangs, Buddha statues, and big trees. 

The entrance fee is 50 baht and it is a great place to take photos. You can spend 30 minutes to 2 hours exploring the temple’s complex.

#3. Ban Chaophraya Wichayen

This ruin is located just a few minutes walk from King Narai’s Palace and Monkey temple. It is an ancient ambassador’s home during the reign of King Narai. It has a mix of Siamese and European architecture style. It has a private chapel, a wine cellar, and a pool. 

Ban Chao Phraya Wichayen is open everyday and the ticket is cheap, 10 baht for Thailand and 50 baht for foreigners. You can just have a look from outside to buy a ticket to go in for a look around 20-30 minutes.

#4. Wat Sao Thong Thong

This is a working temple, located close to Lopburi river, between Ban Chao Phraya Wichayen and King Narai Palace. Monks live at the temple and locals come to pray. You can spend 20-30 minutes wandering around the temple and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

#5. King Narai National Museum

King Narai the Great was the ruler of the Ayutthaya Kingdom during the 17th century. He made good policies with foreign countries, including France, Persia, and Japan, promoting trade, science, and art to the world.

This is a large area surrounded by a white, thick, tall wall. You can learn the history of Lopburi, King Narai, and explore the ruins of King Narai Palace. The museum is open daily, the ticket is 150 baht for foreigners, and you can spend an hour or two exploring the area.

#6. Prang Khaek

This is a small ruin with Khmer style Prang, located right on the main road connecting the Monkey temple and Ban Chaophraya Wichayen. When walking along the street, you can have a quick stop to take photos.

#7. San Luk Son

This is a small colorful Chinese temple located close to the river and right next to Ban Chaophraya Wichayen. Around the temple, you can see locals playing chess and visit ruins surrounded by Big ancient trees nearby. It is free to enter.

#8. Lopburi Night Market

The night market is a great place to explore in the evening. It is a small market located near Lopburi train station. The market has lots of street food stalls and tables and chairs to sit.

If you are concerned about food poisoning, you can eat at nearby restaurants on the main road.

#9. Lopburi Monkey Festival

Lopburi Monkey Festival is held once every year around November. During the festival, locals give food to the monkeys. The food includes a variety of fruits such as bananas, watermelon, cakes and snacks. It is laid out on tables and around the Phra Prang Sam Yot for the monkeys to enjoy. 

#10. Lopburi Sunflower fields

The sunflower fields are located 50 km outside of Lopburi Old town. They bloom primarily during the cool dry season, which is typically from November to January. If you are in town during these months, you can go to have a look. It is a beautiful place to take photos.

These are some of the top things to do and see in Lopburi. It is a very small city with several temples and ruins to explore. You can easily spend a few hours wandering around and see all of these attractions. If you visit during the Monkey Festival and the Sunflower season, you can participate in these activities.