Lopburi, one of Thailand's oldest cities, served as a capital and later as the second capital after Ayutthaya's establishment in 1350. It fell into decline after the death of King Narai in 1688 but saw partial restoration in 1856 under King Mongkut (King Rama IV), who designated it as the summer capital in 1864. Throughout its history, Lopburi has been integral to the Khmer Empire and later became part of the Ayutthaya kingdom. It gained prominence as the secondary capital during the reign of King Narai the Great, who spent a significant portion of each year there. Subsequently, King Mongkut of the Chakri Dynasty also resided in Lopburi. The city boasts remnants from various epochs of Thai history. Lopburi also has several traditional markets that offer a variety of local products, from fresh food, souvenirs, to clothing. You can visit these markets to get a feel for the local atmosphere and sample a variety of Lopburi cuisine. In addition, you can also enjoy nature tourism for trekking, hiking, or just seeing various wild animals there, such as elephants, birds, monkeys, and others. For tourists who want to find a unique and unforgettable travel experience, Lopburi can be the right choice to visit for a vacation.
To travel between the old and new parts of Lopburi, you have a few options. Motorbike taxis are available for around THB30 for short distances. For those wanting to venture outside of Lopburi itself, hiring a motorbike is recommended, with daily rates typically around THB300.
Lopburi was once part of the Khmer Empire and later became part of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It is arguably a historic city and an important archaeological site. The temples and ruins here were built by the Khmer people in the 13th century, and to this day still exist and can be visited. Likewise, the palaces and other historical monuments that made Lopburi the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. One thing that is also an attraction of Lopburi is that every year in Lopburi, a unique Monkey Festival is held, where locals give food offerings to wild monkeys. This festival is a long-standing tradition and is a popular tourist attraction.
There are many choices of tourist attractions that you can visit in Lopburi. For example, the Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple, an iconic temple famous for its three towering stupas, which are a symbol of Lopburi's glory in the past. There is also the Phra Narai Rachamanegkon Temple, the former palace of King Narai that features stunning Khmer architecture and beautiful Buddha statues. If you want to enjoy nature tourism, there is Khao Yai National Park which is a vast tropical rainforest with a variety of rich flora and fauna in it. In addition, there is a beautiful cave inside Khao Yai National Park and is famous for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. You can explore other tourist attractions further when you are in Lopburi.
While Lopburi remains accessible throughout the year, the optimal time to visit is during the dry and cool season spanning from November to March. Late November and early December are particularly recommended for a brief getaway from urban life to witness vast sunflower fields in full bloom, offering a breathtaking experience even for those not typically fond of flowers. A highlight of late November is the renowned Monkeys Buffet Festival, the most significant event in Lopburi's calendar. During this festival, revered monkeys are honored with a lavish vegetarian feast throughout the day, accompanied by local ceremonies where they receive gifts such as mirrors and toys.
Lopburi is divided into two distinct areas: the historic old town, situated near the river, which encompasses the temples, ruins, and the monkey population; and the newer part of the city, sprawling across the eastern side. If you prefer accommodation close to the main attractions, opt for the old town, where you'll find a variety of simple guesthouses and budget-friendly options. However, for those seeking more luxurious accommodations, the new town is the better option, although you may need to rely on public transportation to reach the old town if you don't have your own vehicle.
Lopburi offers a lively night market scene, found in both the old town and the new town. Each night, you can explore a variety of street food and Thai delicacies at affordable prices. If you're visiting for just one evening, you may find the street food options more appealing than dining at a sit-down restaurant. Nevertheless, the old town boasts numerous dining spots ranging from authentic Thai eateries to restaurants catering to tourists with English menus and Western dishes.
Travel Tips for Lopburi
Get to Know Lopburi