Lopburi is a small city located in central Thailand, about 150 kilometers north of Bangkok. It is only 1.5-3 hours by train from Bangkok, and around 1 hour by train from Ayutthaya. This city is a popular stop for traveling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
The city has a long history with ancient ruins and temples dating back to the Khmer period. It is also known for its large population of monkeys roaming free in the old city. And if you visit the city during the right season (December to January), you can have a chance to explore the beautiful sunflower fields.
It is possible to take a day trip from Bangkok to Lopburi to see the monkeys and ancient temples, especially if you take a rapid/ Special Express train and leave early in the morning. You will need half a day around 3-4 hours to explore the old town, then get the train back to Bangkok.
If you have time during your holiday, I highly recommend staying in the old town for at least a night or two to fully experience what the city has to offer.
I had a brief stay in Lopburi when traveling from Khao Yai National Park to Sukhothai. In this article, I will share with you the best areas and places to stay in Lopburi.
Here are more articles about Lopburi:
2 Best Areas to Stay in Lopburi
#1. I personally stay in the old town, and I believe that it is the best area to stay in Lopburi. The old town offers easy access (short walking distance) to the train station, the famous Monkey temple, and lots of ancient ruins and the museum. You can find small hostels and guest houses in the old town.
Some highlights of the old town Lopburi are the main Monkey temple (Phra Prang Sam Yot), Prang Khaek, Ban Chaophraya Wichayen, King Narai’s Palace, and Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat. They are all located in a small area, so you can explore all of them easily on foot.
The night market is also located in the old town, next to the rail track between the train station and the main temple. The market is a great place to try local street food, and sweets.
#2. You can consider staying in the new town, which is located around 3 km east of the old town. The new town offers more modern accommodations. It is a good choice to stay in a new town if you are planning to rent a scooter to explore the city.
The Best Places to Stay in Lopburi
Noom Guesthouse
This is a popular hotel located Phaya Kamchat Road and Ratchadamnoen 1. It is only a five minute walk from Lopburi Train station and King Narai Museum. The famous temples and ruins are also within walking distance. You can walk to the night market for around 2 minutes.
This guest house has both dorm rooms and private rooms. It has a bar restaurant on the first floor which is a great place to meet other travelers.
Pee Homestay
This is a family-run homestay located near the busy roundabout of Lopburi Old Town. You can walk for 10 minutes to reach Phra Prang Sam Yot and San Phra Kan. The train station, and the night market are also easily reachable from this accommodation.
Lopburi City hotel
I personally stayed at this hotel. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of the old town, just steps away from the main temple and the busy roundabout. When I arrived at the train station, I just walked to the hotel for around 7 minutes, saving money on using tuk tuk and songthaews.
In addition to the Monkey Temple, there is the night market and several ruins located in the same street as the hotel. You can walk to Wat Inthra and Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat.
There are several nice authentic restaurants nearby such as Khao Tom Hor restaurant. Lots of locals eat here with tables and streets lining the side of the street. You can do laundry at the 24h self service laundry shop on the main street with local prices.
The hotel is newly renovated from abandoned buildings (like many buildings in this area). You can see lots of monkeys roaming free on the back of the buildings.
The female owner was very friendly. She kept saying sorry because all the rooms with the street views were fully booked and put me in the back side. I had no problems with it because it wasn’t mentioned in the booking.
My room was spacious with a double bed, air conditioning, clothing rack, a TV, a table, chair, and a mini fridge.The bathroom was clean and there was a restaurant on the ground floor at the reception area.
The restaurants have beautiful street views. If you order food from them, make sure to ask for less spicy food if you can’t eat spicy food. I forgot to tell them and had a bit of a spicy meal.
Lopburi old town is a small town and there aren’t many hotels and guest house options. I booked this one because all other hotels were fully booked and it was a good place to stay for a stopover. You can ask for a street view room for a better experience.
Sriintra Hotel
This is a newly renovated hotel located in the same street as Lopburi City hotel. Its central location offers easy access to the train station, night market, ancient temples, the monkeys, and several local restaurants. The hotel has clean and comfortable rooms, great for a short stay and stop over.
Nett Hotel
This hotel is located in Ratchadamnoen Alley, between the main road and King Narai Museum. It is in the central location of the old town, easy distance to the train station, night markets, and all other historical sites.
The hotel has both double room and triple room with air conditioning and fan option. It has all basic amenities and is a good option in the heart of the ancient city.
I hope you have a good trip to the Monkey City. Whether you take a day trip from Bangkok or stay in Lopburi for a night, you will be able to explore all major sights of the old town and meet the monkeys.