An ancient Khmer and King-Narai-era city · Phra Prang Sam Yot overrun by macaques · San Phra Kan shrine · King Narai's palace and national museum · Pa Sak Jolasid Dam · and winter sunflower fields — an easy day trip ~75 km north of Ayutthaya
About 150 km north of Bangkok — and an easy 75 km hop above Ayutthaya on the northern rail line — Lopburi is one of Thailand's oldest cities, layered with ancient Khmer temples and the 17th-century palace of King Narai the Great. Its old town is famously ruled by troops of bold long-tailed macaques, celebrated each November at the surreal Monkey Buffet Festival, while winter blankets the surrounding hills in fields of golden sunflowers. Compact, cheap and rich in history, it's one of the best day trips in central Thailand.
Lopburi splits into two halves — the historic Old Town around the train station, full of ruins and macaques, and the newer town a few kilometres east with bigger hotels and malls. Most visitors pick one of these areas depending on whether they want atmosphere or comfort.
The atmospheric historic core — Phra Prang Sam Yot, San Phra Kan shrine, King Narai's Palace and the ruined prangs are all within walking distance. Simple guesthouses, street food and resident macaques everywhere.
A few kilometres east of the ruins, the modern district has Lopburi's largest hotels, a shopping mall, restaurants and easy parking. Comfortable and monkey-free, with a short drive to the historic sights.
Out toward Thailand's largest dam, around 40 minutes east. Resorts and homestays near the reservoir and the famous cool-season sunflower fields — a scenic base if you have your own wheels.
Backpacker-friendly guesthouses tucked in the Old Town's lanes — cheap, friendly and steps from the ruins. The classic choice for a quick overnight on the way north.
Selected for their handy locations across the New Town and the historic Old Town — from comfortable resorts to friendly guesthouses by the ruins. Compare prices across 3 booking platforms in one click.
Lopburi's largest full-service hotel, with a big pool, on-site restaurant and quirky monkey-themed décor. The most comfortable base in town, a short drive from the ruins.
The Inn Resort's smaller, more central sister hotel — a reliable mid-range choice with comfortable rooms, breakfast and easy access to the new town's shops and restaurants.
A long-running budget favourite tucked in a quiet lane right by King Narai's Palace and the ruins. Clean, friendly and unbeatably located for exploring the Old Town on foot.
Lopburi's best-known backpacker spot — a relaxed garden café-bar, bike rental and helpful owners who know the town inside out. A social, central base for budget travellers.
A bright, modern small hotel in the new town with crisp contemporary rooms and good coffee — a comfortable, design-minded choice for couples and business travellers.
A peaceful garden resort of low-rise bungalows on the edge of town, with parking and a homely Thai-kitchen feel. A quiet, good-value pick for families and road-trippers.
Found your ideal area? Compare prices from three leading booking platforms — Lopburi has great-value stays in both the New Town and the historic Old Town, from comfortable resorts to budget guesthouses by the ruins.
Lopburi sits in Thailand's central plains, so the food is classic central-Thai — bold, balanced and full of flavour — with a few local specialties of its own. From the famous sunflower honey to riverside river-prawn feasts, here is what you absolutely cannot miss.
Big freshwater river prawns from the Pa Sak River, grilled in the shell and served with a fiery seafood dipping sauce. A central-plains treat best enjoyed at the riverside restaurants around the dam.
Local SpecialtyLopburi's sunflower fields produce fragrant golden honey, sold alongside roasted sunflower seeds and crunchy snacks. The signature edible souvenir of the cool-season bloom — pick some up at the fields or the markets.
Famous SouvenirRich, dark central-Thai boat noodles served in small bowls — pork or beef in an intense, herby broth. A central-plains staple eaten by the stack; order several and keep count.
Central ClassicThe central plains are pad thai country — stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, egg, dried shrimp and crushed peanuts. Lopburi's old-town stalls do a great smoky, market-style plate for a few baht.
Street-Food StapleThailand's beloved dessert — sweet ripe mango with warm coconut sticky rice. The central plains grow some of the country's best mangoes, so the hot-season version here is a real treat.
Classic DessertLopburi's morning and evening markets near the train station overflow with curries, grilled skewers, kanom (Thai sweets) and fresh fruit. The cheapest, most authentic way to eat your way around the old town.
Market FoodLopburi packs a thousand years of history into a walkable old town — ancient Khmer temples, a 17th-century royal palace and resident macaques — with sunflower fields and Thailand's biggest dam just out of town. Here are the sights you shouldn't miss.
Lopburi's emblem — a 13th-century Khmer temple of three linked laterite towers, now ruled by troops of bold long-tailed macaques. The single most iconic sight in town.
City LandmarkA revered shrine beside the railway, built on an old Khmer laterite base and home to the town's most famous macaque colony. The heart of Lopburi's monkey lore — and the Monkey Buffet.
Shrine & MonkeysThe grand 17th-century royal residence of King Narai the Great, with elegant ruins, gardens and the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum inside. The cultural centrepiece of the old town.
Royal Palace · MuseumA vast, romantically ruined Khmer-style temple of soaring prangs right across from the train station. Atmospheric, photogenic and easy to combine with your arrival.
Temple RuinsOne of Lopburi's oldest structures — a small triple-towered brick Khmer shrine over a thousand years old, sitting quietly in the middle of the old town. A gem for history buffs.
Ancient Khmer ShrineThailand's largest dam, with a scenic reservoir and a seasonal sightseeing train across the water. Surrounded by the golden sunflower fields that bloom across Lopburi each cool season.
Day Trip · NatureLopburi works as a day trip, but an overnight lets you see it properly — day one for the old-town ruins, the palace and the monkeys, day two out to the dam and (in winter) the sunflower fields. Easy to tweak to your own pace.
Essential info, getting-around tips and a few monkey-safety pointers to help your Lopburi trip run smoothly from the very first step.
The easiest way is the train — Lopburi is on the northern line, about 2.5 hrs from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong / Krung Thep Aphiwat) and just over an hour from Ayutthaya. The station sits right by the old-town ruins. Buses and minivans also run from Bangkok's Mo Chit.
The old-town macaques are bold and quick. Hold bags and phones tight, hide food and drinks, take off sunglasses and hats, and never tease or feed them by hand. A simple bamboo stick (sold locally) keeps them at a respectful distance.
The old town is small and best explored on foot or by rented bicycle. Songthaews and Grab connect it to the new town, and a car or scooter is handy for the dam and sunflower fields out east.
Carry cash for markets and street food; cards and PromptPay QR work in the new town's hotels and shops. Pick up a tourist SIM (AIS, TrueMove or dtac) or activate an eSIM before you arrive — 4G/5G coverage is strong.
Click any pin for details — plan your route with ease
Lopburi has great-value stays in both the New Town and the historic Old Town — from comfortable resorts to budget guesthouses by the ruins. Pick your ideal area and start comparing right now.
A good trip doesn't end at one city — 3 central Thailand destinations easily reached from Lopburi.