Lopburi is a city in central Thailand that is famous for its monkeys and ancient ruins. Lopburi was once the capital of the Khmer empire, and later a royal city of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Today, Lopburi is a fascinating destination for history and culture lovers, as well as animal lovers who want to interact with the friendly and mischievous monkeys that roam the streets and temples. Lopburi is also home to stunning sunflower fields that bloom in the winter, creating a colorful and scenic contrast to the old and gray ruins. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do in Lopburi, and provide you with some practical and useful tips for planning your trip to this unique and charming city.
Prang Sam Yot: The Monkey Temple
The Prang Sam Yot temple is the main attraction of Lopburi, and the reason why it is known as the monkey city. The temple is a former Hindu shrine that was converted to a Buddhist temple in the 13th century. The temple has three prangs (towers) that are connected by a corridor, and are decorated with carvings and sculptures of Hindu gods and mythical creatures. The temple is influenced by the Bayon style of the Khmer empire, and resembles the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
The temple is also the home of hundreds of monkeys that have taken over the place and made it their playground. The monkeys are crab-eating macaques, a species that is native to Southeast Asia and can adapt to various environments. The monkeys are very friendly and curious, and will often approach visitors to play, pose, or steal food. The monkeys are especially active in the morning and evening, when they are fed by the locals or tourists. The monkeys are also celebrated every year in November, when the monkey festival takes place. The festival is a fun and festive event that involves feeding the monkeys with fruits, vegetables, cakes, and ice cream, and watching them enjoy their feast.
If you want to visit the Prang Sam Yot temple, here are some tips and information that you should know:
- The temple is located in the old town of Lopburi, near the railway station and the market.
- The entrance fee is 50 baht per person, and includes a visit to the nearby Phra Kan shrine, which is another monkey hotspot.
- The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, but the best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the monkeys are more active and the temperature is cooler.
- You should dress modestly and respectfully, as the temple is still a religious site. You should also avoid wearing anything that might attract the monkeys, such as hats, sunglasses, jewelry, or bright colors.
- You should be careful and respectful when interacting with the monkeys, as they can be unpredictable and aggressive. You should not touch, tease, or feed the monkeys, unless you are prepared to deal with the consequences. You should also keep your belongings secure and close to you, as the monkeys might try to snatch them. You should also avoid eye contact and smiling, as the monkeys might interpret them as a challenge or a threat.
- You should have fun and enjoy the experience, as the monkeys are very entertaining and amusing to watch and interact with. You should also take lots of photos and videos, as the monkeys are very photogenic and cooperative.
Other Temples and Ruins in Lopburi
Lopburi has more than just monkeys and the Prang Sam Yot temple. The city is also rich in history and culture, and has many other temples and ruins that are worth visiting. Here are some of the most notable ones:
King Narai's Palace
King Narai's Palace is a complex of buildings that was built in the 17th century by King Narai, the most famous and influential king of the Ayutthaya kingdom. King Narai made Lopburi his second capital, and welcomed many foreign diplomats and traders, especially from France. The palace reflects the blend of Thai and European styles, and has many interesting features, such as the throne hall, the audience hall, the elephant stable, the observatory, and the museum. The palace is also the venue of the King Narai Fair, which is held every February, and showcases the cultural and historical heritage of Lopburi.
If you want to visit the King Narai's Palace, here are some tips and information that you should know:
- The palace is located in the old town of Lopburi, about 1 km from the Prang Sam Yot temple.
- The entrance fee is 150 baht per person, and includes a visit to the nearby Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That temple.
- The palace is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily, except on Mondays and Tuesdays, when it is closed.
- You should dress modestly and respectfully, as the palace is still a royal and historical site. You should also avoid wearing shoes inside the buildings, and follow the signs and instructions of the staff.
- You should explore and appreciate the architecture and history of the palace, and learn more about the life and legacy of King Narai. You should also visit the museum, which displays many artifacts and exhibits related to the palace and the king. You should also check out the observatory, which was built by a French astronomer, and was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Ban Vichayen
Ban Vichayen is a complex of buildings that was the residence of the first French ambassador to Thailand, Constantine Phaulkon. Phaulkon was a Greek adventurer who became a close adviser and minister of King Narai, and played a significant role in the relations between Thailand and France. Ban Vichayen was built in the European style, and had many rooms and facilities, such as a chapel, a library, a garden, and a fountain. Ban Vichayen was also the site of a historical event, when Phaulkon was arrested and executed by the Thai rebels who opposed the French influence.
If you want to visit Ban Vichayen, here are some tips and information that you should know:
- Ban Vichayen is located in the old town of Lopburi, about 2 km from the King Narai's Palace.
- The entrance fee is 50 baht per person, and includes a visit to the nearby Wat Sao Thong Thong temple.
- Ban Vichayen is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily, except on Mondays and Tuesdays, when it is closed.
- You should dress modestly and respectfully, as Ban Vichayen is still a historical and cultural site. You should also avoid wearing shoes inside the buildings, and follow the signs and instructions of the staff.
- You should explore and appreciate the architecture and history of Ban Vichayen, and learn more about the story and fate of Phaulkon. You should also visit the chapel, which is the oldest Catholic church in Thailand, and has a statue of the Virgin Mary that was brought by the French.
Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That
Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That is an ancient temple that dates back to the 12th century, and is one of the oldest and most impressive temples in Lopburi. The temple was built in the Khmer style, and has a large prang (tower) that is surrounded by smaller prangs and Buddha images. The temple was originally a Hindu shrine, but was later converted to a Buddhist temple. The temple is also known for its relics and treasures, such as a gold casket that contains the ashes of King Narai, and a stone inscription that records the history of Lopburi.
If you want to visit Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That, here are some tips and information that you should know:
- The temple is located in the old town of Lopburi, about 1.5 km from the King Narai's Palace.
- The entrance fee is 50 baht per person, and is included in the ticket for the King Narai's Palace.
- The temple is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily, except on Mondays and Tuesdays, when it is closed.
- You should dress modestly and respectfully, as the temple is still a religious and sacred site. You should also avoid wearing shoes inside the buildings, and follow the signs and instructions of the staff.
- You should explore and appreciate the architecture and history of the temple, and admire the prang and the Buddha images. You should also visit the museum, which displays many artifacts and exhibits related to the temple and the king.
Sunflower Fields in Lopburi
Lopburi is not only famous for its monkeys and ruins, but also for its sunflower fields that bloom in the winter. The sunflower fields are a natural and seasonal phenomenon that create a stunning and scenic contrast to the old and gray ruins. The sunflower fields are a popular and photogenic destination for tourists and locals, who flock to see and enjoy the bright and cheerful flowers.
If you want to visit the sunflower fields in Lopburi, here are some tips and information that you should know:
- The sunflower fields are located in the outskirts of Lopburi, about 30 km from the old town. The best way to get there is by car, taxi, or minibus, which can be arranged from the city center or the railway station.
- The sunflower fields are in bloom from November to January, but the best time to visit is in December, when the flowers are at their peak and the weather is pleasant. The sunflower fields are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and the entrance fee is 10 baht per person.
- The sunflower fields are a great attraction and activity for all types of travelers, such as families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the flowers, take amazing photos and selfies, bike around the fields, or join the sunflower festival, which is held every year in December, and features music, food, and cultural performances.
- The sunflower fields are also a good base to explore other attractions in the area, such as the Khao Chin Lae mountain, the Phra Narai Ratchaniwet temple, the Pasak Chonlasit dam, and the Lopburi Zoo. You can also find some accommodation options near the sunflower fields, such as resorts, homestays, and camping sites.
Conclusion
Lopburi is a city that offers a unique and memorable experience for travelers who are looking for something different and exciting in Thailand. Lopburi is a city that combines history, culture, nature, and fun, and has something for everyone. Whether you want to interact with the monkeys, explore the ancient ruins, admire the sunflower fields, or learn more about the Thai and French heritage, Lopburi will not disappoint you. Lopburi is a city that is worth visiting and discovering, and we hope that this article has inspired you to do so. If you want to know more about Lopburi, or plan your trip to this amazing city, you can visit our website, Tripoto, where you can find more information, tips, and reviews from other travelers who have been to Lopburi. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!