Lop Buri: Temples and Monkeys in Thailand’s Ancient City
Lop Buri, Thailand is one of the oldest cities in the country, dating back to the 6th to 10th century. As such, Lop Buri still features temples and relics from long-gone empires and nearly all of the periods in Thailand’s history. The city is divided into two separate downtown areas simply called Old Town and New Town. While it has a rich history and stunning attractions, Lop Buri is probably most famous for the overwhelming presence of macaque monkeys all over the Old Town. The busy city is about three hours from Bangkok and its two international airports, the Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Don Mueang International Airport.
Best Time to Visit
Book your Lop Buri, Thailand hotels from November to January, so you’re in perfect timing to get a glimpse of the biggest sunflower fields in the country. This is also a time period that doesn’t see much rain in the city, which would make exploring much easier.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Go on a temple run to dive deeper into Thailand’s heritage. There are plenty to see in Lop Buri, but some of the most important ones are the Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat, Temple of Great Jewels Relic, Prang Khaek, and Phra Prang Sam Yod. Feed macaque monkeys at a playground near Phra Prang Sam Yod, known as the Monkey Temple, at two designated times of the day. It’s also worth visiting the King Narai National Museum to see artwork from the different Thai time periods. If you’re seeking for more action-packed activities, try rock climbing at nearby Khao Jeen Lae. Check in at the best Lop Buri accommodations, such as the LopBuri Inn, the budget-friendly Nett Hotel, and the MDR Hotel.