Lopburi Travel Guide

The key reason to visit Lopburi is to immerse yourself in one of Thailand’s longest-spanning historical sites. Ruins and artifacts found in the National Museum cover a remarkable 12 centuries, starting with the Dvaravati period back in the 6th Century, and ending with the fortifications built by King Narai in the 17th century when Lopburi served as the second capital of Ayuthaya.

There are few remains of the original Lavo culture that was erased by the Khmer, but many Davaravati pieces of antiquity are preserved in the important Lopburi National Museum. Although many of the best specimens have been placed in the National Museum in Bangkok, it’s definitely worth stepping into the local museum if you’ve come all the way to Lopburi.

Lopburi Attractions 

Prang Sam Yot (Monkey Temple)

Most of the attractions that draw tourists to Lopburi date back to the Narai era and earlier, between the 6th and 11th centuries, when Lopburi was ruled by the Khmers. The most striking example of Khmer influence here is Prang Sam Yot, originally a Hindu shrine that was later converted to Buddhism. The Monkey Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lopburi. The temple is home to a large colony of monkeys that roam freely around the grounds. Visitors can purchase food to feed the monkeys, and there is also a small zoo on site.

Visitors to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat will recognize similarities in the temple’s design. Other impressive Khmer ruins in the Lopburi include Prang Khaek in the marketplace and Wat Phra Si Maha That to the rear of the railway station, which has been well restored by the Fine Arts department.

As you would expect, there are several other remains of temple complexes that make up the bulk of attractions in this Lopburi. Wat Nakhon Kosa, Wat Indra and Racha, Wat San Paolo (originally a Jesuit monastery), and Wat Sao Tong Tong, are mostly dilapidated ruins but of interest to the history-minded.

San Phra Kan

The San Phra Kan is perhaps more popular, not because of the disappointing Kala Shrine (Hindu god of time and death), but rather the famous crowd of ‘Lopburi monkeys’. They are actually macaques and have become a nuisance, invading the town market, but the locals respect them as ‘children of Kala’, going so far as to throw a feast for them each November.

Narai Ratchaniwet Palace

Narai Ratchaniwet Palace is the largest complex of tourist offerings in Lopburi. Built over 12 years by King Narai during the middle of the 1600s, this palace is now a museum and extensive collection of artifacts all on display to visitors. The Chanthon Phisan Phisan Pavilion, with its collection of locally excavated Buddhist artifacts, and Dusit Sawan Thanya Maha Prasat Hall, the receiving hall for foreign dignitaries, are the must-see sections of the palace.

Phra Narai National Museum (in the Narai Ratchaniwet Palace)

Phra Narai National Museum is located in the Old City and houses a collection of artifacts from Lopburi’s history. The museum is named after King Narai, who ruled Lopburi during its golden age. The museum has a number of exhibits on Thai culture and history, as well as a section on the history of Lopburi.

Lopburi can also offer fans of flora and fauna some unusual attractions. Lopburi Zoo features birds from Southeast Asia and Australia along with an enclosure housing a rag-tag collection of tigers and dogs that is surprisingly trouble-free. A little further from the city (around 45 km out), Thailand’s largest sunflower field at Amphoe Phatthana Nikhom makes a colorful sight when the flowers bloom bright yellow in the winter.

Getting to Lopburi from Bangkok

This is easy as it’s a straight run heading due north up Highway 1 by car or bus that can be done in less than three hours depending on traffic in the capital.

Bangkok also connects to Lopburi on the main train line heading north. Again, the journey takes a couple of hours. Tourists staying overnight can enjoy one of the guesthouses beside or close to the Lopburi River which flows through the city.

Hotels and Guesthouses in Lopburi

The city is actually split into Old Lopburi (the tourist area) and New Lopburi (the commercial center), you would be better placed in the old part, but there are some good options in the new town as well.

Lopburi Inn Resort: this modern 3-star resort is the town’s premier hotel with comfortable facilities, a nice pool area, and motel-like rooms. Surprisingly good value. Plus, they also have a 24-hour reception desk, so you can rest assured that there’s always help in case you need it.

The average price is 835 THB per night.

It has wifi in all the rooms, a shuttle service, and a car park.

Pasak Hillside Resort: is surrounded by splendid mountains and beautiful lakes with a variety of rooms such as Lakeside Bungalow, Lakeside Villa, and Deluxe room.

It provides unbeatable value and a range of excellent services. Guests can enjoy free parking, 24-hour front desk service, air-conditioned rooms, daily housekeeping, balconies or terraces, a picturesque garden, and much more. Furthermore, they offer bicycle rentals as well as an indoor swimming pool and a cozy coffee shop on the premises. With its convenient location, great facilities, and affordable prices, this resort is sure to provide guests with a memorable stay.