Lop Buri
ลพบุรี · Lop Buri Province
Population
60K
Budget / Month
$250
Internet
45 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Lop Buri
Lop Buri is a city of layers — over 1,500 years of continuous habitation have left behind Khmer prangs, Ayutthaya-period palaces, French-influenced architecture, and a modern military town. The most famous residents are hundreds of macaques that have claimed the ancient temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot, creating one of Thailand's most unusual spectacles.
The old town is compact and walkable, centered around King Narai's Palace — a 17th-century complex blending Thai and European styles from Thailand's most cosmopolitan era. Nearby, Phra Prang Sam Yot's three linked Khmer prangs are both an important archaeological site and a monkey circus. Each November-December, vast sunflower fields bloom across the eastern plateau, and the annual Monkey Banquet Festival in late November draws international media.
The city is also a major Thai Army base, giving it a practical, no-frills energy. Accommodation is affordable, food is excellent, and the combination of genuine historical significance, wildlife chaos, and seasonal beauty makes Lop Buri one of Central Thailand's most interesting small cities.
Historical Note
Lop Buri (originally Lavo) originated in the Dvaravati kingdom around the 6th century, became a major Khmer outpost in the 10th-13th centuries, and served as Thailand's second capital under King Narai (1656-1688).
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
ลพบุรี
Province
Lop Buri
Region
Central
Population
60,000
Area
6,200 km²
Elevation
18 m
Postal Code
15000
Founded
468
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month8,800 THB
~$250 USD
comfortable
/month17,000 THB
~$480 USD
luxury
/month31,300 THB
~$880 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 30 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 40 | 90 |
| Coffee (cafe) | 30 | 60 |
| Beer (local) | 40 | 65 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 10 | 15 |
| Fresh fruit smoothie | 25 | 40 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel | 200 | 350 |
| Budget hotel | 350 | 600 |
| Mid-range hotel | 600 | 1,400 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental (day) | 150 | 300 |
| Songthaew ride | 10 | 20 |
| Tuk-tuk ride | 30 | 80 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile internet (monthly) | 300 | 600 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Massage (Thai, 1 hour) | 150 | 250 |
| Museum entrance | 30 | 150 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
23% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
1
Weather & Climate
November to February for best weather and sunflower season (peak bloom November-December). Monkey Banquet Festival in late November. Avoid March-May when temperatures exceed 40 C.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 19 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 35 | 21 | 10 | 52% |
| Mar | 37 | 24 | 25 | 52% |
| Apr | 39 | 26 | 50 | 55% |
| May | 37 | 26 | 140 | 68% |
| Jun | 35 | 25 | 120 | 70% |
| Jul | 34 | 25 | 140 | 72% |
| Aug | 34 | 25 | 180 | 75% |
| Sep | 33 | 24 | 220 | 78% |
| Oct | 33 | 23 | 130 | 72% |
| Nov | 32 | 21 | 20 | 60% |
| Dec | 31 | 19 | 5 | 55% |
Things to Do
Phra Prang Sam Yot (Monkey Temple)
พระปรางค์สามยอด
Three linked 13th-century Khmer prangs overrun by hundreds of crab-eating macaques — ancient architecture meets monkey mayhem.
King Narai's Palace
พระนารายณ์ราชนิเวศน์
17th-century palace blending Thai and European architecture, with the excellent Somdet Phra Narai National Museum inside.
Sunflower Fields
Vast fields of sunflowers bloom across the eastern plateau in November-December, creating a spectacular golden landscape.
Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat
วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ
Important temple ruin with a tall laterite prang combining Khmer and Ayutthaya elements. Less visited but architecturally significant.
Vichayen House (Ban Vichayen)
บ้านวิชาเยนทร์
Ruins of the residence built for Constantine Phaulkon, King Narai's Greek advisor — a unique piece of European-Thai history.
Lop Buri Night Market
Decent-sized night market near the old town with street food, clothing, and household goods at very low prices.
Food & Dining
ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ
Kuay Tiew Reua (Boat Noodles)
Small bowls of rich, dark broth noodle soup — a central Thai classic found at the boat noodle alley near old town.
15-30
Boat noodle alley near the old town
เมล็ดทานตะวัน
Sunflower Seed Snacks
Roasted sunflower seeds — the local specialty product reflecting the province's famous sunflower fields.
20-40
Souvenir shops and market stalls
ส้มตำ
Som Tam Lop Buri
Green papaya salad in the central Thai style, available from street vendors throughout the city.
30-50
Street vendors throughout town
ขนมจีนน้ำยาปลา
Khanom Jeen Nam Ya Pla
Fresh rice noodles with fish curry sauce — a morning market staple in central Thailand.
30-45
Morning market
Night Markets
- Lop Buri Night Market
Food Streets
- Boat noodle alley near old town
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 350
THB / night
Budget Hotel
350 - 600
THB / night
Mid-Range
600 - 1,400
THB / night
Luxury
1,400 - 2,500
THB / night
Studio /mo
2,800 - 5,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
4,000 - 7,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Plenty of affordable options. Old town is atmospheric but watch out for monkeys. New town east of the railway is quieter with better hotels.
Getting There from Bangkok
Train
2.5-3 hours
50-300 THB
Bus
2.5-3 hours
150-250 THB
Self-drive
2.5 hours
Fuel + tolls THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
LimitedFixed routes in town.
10-20
Tuk-tuk
LimitedGood for an old town loop tour.
30-80
Motorbike rental
LimitedEssential for sunflower fields east of town.
150-300/day
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Chaotic, historic, monkey-filledHistoric core around Phra Prang Sam Yot, King Narai's Palace, and the railway station. Narrow streets, shophouses, and monkeys everywhere.
Best for: Sightseeing and history
New Town (East)
Modern Thai town, practicalModern commercial area east of the railway with malls, markets, restaurants, and newer hotels.
Best for: Shopping and comfortable stays
Festivals & Events
Monkey Banquet Festival
An enormous fruit and vegetable buffet laid out for the city's monkeys, attracting international media and tourists.
King Narai Fair
Week-long festival at King Narai's Palace with historical reenactments, performances, markets, and a son et lumiere show.
Practical Info
Hospital
Muang Lop Buri Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Everywhere
Language Tip
Thai primarily. Some basic English at tourist sites and hotels.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water everywhere.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Everywhere
Emergency Numbers
191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), Tourist Police 1155
Day Trips
Ayutthaya
UNESCO World Heritage ruins of the former Thai capital — one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological sites.
Saraburi & Wat Phra Phutthabat
Famous temple housing a Buddha footprint, one of Thailand's most revered pilgrimage sites.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the monkeys dangerous?
Generally no, but they can be aggressive if they see food or shiny objects. Secure everything, do not carry visible food. Bites require medical attention for rabies risk.
Is Lop Buri worth visiting?
Yes. Khmer ruins, the unique monkey experience, King Narai's Palace, and seasonal sunflower fields make it one of the best day trips or overnights from Bangkok.
How do I get there from Bangkok?
Train is most popular (2.5-3 hours, frequent departures). Bus and driving are also easy.
When are the sunflowers?
November to mid-December is peak bloom, though exact timing varies by year.
How long should I spend?
One full day covers the old town sights. Add a day if visiting sunflower fields in season.
What is the Monkey Banquet?
An annual event in late November where a massive fruit buffet is set out for the monkeys at Phra Prang Sam Yot. It attracts international media coverage.