fbpx
Site logo

--- Advertisement ---

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Meet the Monkeys – A Day in Lopburi

When you get the urge to explore a unique place but don’t want to go on a long expedition, Lopburi is a great place to visit. Located only 155km from Bangkok, you can get there in about 2.5 to 3 hours and spend the whole day discovering the city’s ancient temples and foreign embassies. And, of course, you should say hi to the famed monkeys… Below is more info on Lopburi’s main sights and its unusual inhabitants.

Phra Prang Sam Yot

Just about 200 meters from the train station is Phra Prang Sam Yot, Lopburi’s main attraction. It was built as a Hindu shrine by the Khmer in the 13th century but was converted to a Buddhist shrine by King Narai the great. Its three prangs are well preserved and offer a great place to study the Khmer style without having to go all the way to Cambodia.

But it’s not just the beautiful architecture that attracts many visitors to this place. Phra Prang Sam Yot is also the main home of the city’s many monkeys! They live on and around the shrine and are quite keen on meeting the visitors. The monkeys are very curious and love everything that looks like it can be eaten or played with, so make sure to pack whatever you don’t want them to steal.

If you would like to feed these new furry friends, bring some fruit or corn for them or buy these from the local vendors. This is sure to make you the centre of attention and will give you great opportunities for cool pictures. Young explorers will especially have fun with this. A word of caution though… don’t make any quick movements that could cause the monkeys to feel threatened. In such case, being bitten or scratched is a possibility. Encourage your children to be calm around the monkeys.

Phra Narai Ratchaniwet

This compound was built in the late 17th century and is located in the centre of the old town. It was constructed by King Narai the Great who wanted Lopburi to be a cultural hub and the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Today you can freely walk around the many buildings which have a strong Khmer influence but also feature some distinctly European characteristics. This mix of styles resulted from King Narai’s love of foreign ideas and styles, which led him to invite French architects to assist with the design and construction of his palace.

Take a stroll around the expansive grounds and marvel at the impressive buildings. You can see the former throne hall and learn about life at the Thai court or visit the adjacent museum to learn more about the geological and archeological history of Lopburi province and the rest of Thailand. Guests of all ages will find it interesting to learn about how life in Thailand has developed and changed over the centuries.

Wat Sao Thong

Located very close to Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, this temple is quite special. Although it is a Buddhist temple now, it is said that it was built for another religion originally. This is quite likely as the temple is in what used to be a Persian neighborhood that was predominantly Muslim. Today the temple features a large sitting Buddha in a beautiful shrine hall, making this place well worth a visit.

Wichayen House

This old mansion was constructed during the reign of King Narai the Great and is a tribute to his good relations with countries around the world. It was built to house the first group of French ambassadors that came to Thailand in 1685 and was later home to a Greek government official and royal minister. Today, the ruins of a Christian church, the main residence and some smaller structures are waiting to be explored.

How to get there:

From Bangkok, you can take either the bus for about THB 150 or the train for between THB 100 and THB 300 depending on whether you want to take 1st, 2nd or 3rd class. Alternatively, you can travel by car and take the highway north past Ayutthaya and Bang Pa In.

Register your email address here and we’ll notify you when a new article gets uploaded.

Pssst... like what you're reading?

Join our community and never miss an event, post or update!

Just enter your email address below:

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Follow Us!

Upcoming Events

Wellington College International Bangkok – Football Training

Wellington College International Bangkok 18 Krungthep Kreetha Road Saphan Sung District, Bangkok, Thailand

Join us here at Wellington for the finest football training in town! Our Wellington Extra providers, Galaxy, have lots of extra opportunities on their programmes this year. If your child […]

฿12000 – ฿35200

BimBi Italiani – Imparando l’Italiano

Salesian Sisters Foundation Saladaeng Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand +1 more

ANNOUNCEMENT : ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR "IMPARANDO L'ITALIANO" IN BANGKOK,THAILAND For everyone in , BimBi Italiani has reopened registration for the weekly group language courses for children in Imparando l'Italiano from September […]

฿610 – ฿8610

Asobiba Art Exhibition

XSPACE GALLERY 71 15 Pridi Banomyong 14 Alley, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana,, Bangkok, Thailand

“Asobiba” Group exhibition by Nagoya University of the Arts and the Department of Fine Arts at KMITL At Xspace Gallery, Bangkok. (Main Hall) SHOW PERIOD: September 7 – December 22, […]

Please Contact

ELC Family of International Schools Bangkok – After-School Activities

The City School - International School Bangkok 18 Sukhumvit 49/4 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand

We’re excited to open our After-School Activities registration today for children at The City School. We have a wonderful array of activities, including the following new classes available this year: […]

Please Contact

Alliance Française de Bangkok – French Course

Alliance Française de Bangkok 179 Witthayu road, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok,, Bangkok, Thailand

Great news for parents in Bangkok! Open the door to a world of linguistic and cultural discoveries for your children aged 3 to 11! Our next French course session begins […]

Please Contact
Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest kid and family-friendly activities and events in your inbox every Thursday! No spam, guaranteed.

More information

You May Also Like...

Santa in Bangkok

Where to Meet Santa in Bangkok

Remember that wonderful age when you believed in Santa and the magic of Christmas? Getting to see Santa in the flesh will be one of the many highlights of Christmas

Christmas Events in Bangkok

Are you looking to get in the holiday spirit? Or perhaps you’re ready to tick of all of those things your kiddos have on their list to Santa? Have no

Group kids play on festive camp at night

Festive Winter Camp Guide

Holiday breaks are a time for students to step back and refresh from the first academic semester. While many families will use this an another opportunity to continue exploring Thailand,