Lop Buri
,Lop Buri is a city in central Thailand known for its ancient temples and ruins, dating back to the Khmer era. The city is home to the famous Phra Prang Sam Yot temple, which is inhabited by hundreds of mischievous macaque monkeys. Lop Buri has a rich history dating back over 1,000 years and was an important center of power in the region.
The city's unique blend of historical sites and lively monkey population make it a popular destination for tourists seeking a glimpse into Thailand's past.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore the Temples
morning
:Start your day with a visit to Phra Prang Sam Yot, famous for its monkey population. Enjoy the intricate architecture and take some photos with the monkeys.
afternoon
:Head to Wat Phra Si Like and learn about its history while enjoying the serene surroundings. Don't forget to sample some local street food nearby for lunch.
evening
:Relax at a local cafe while watching the sunset over the temple ruins. If you're up for it, take a night stroll around the area to see it lit up.
Art and Culture Day
morning
:Visit the Lop Buri National Museum to discover the local history and culture. Engage with exhibits featuring the region's rich past.
afternoon
:Explore the local art scene and visit galleries or artisan shops. You might find unique souvenirs to take home.
evening
:Dine at a traditional Thai restaurant and try local specialties. Consider attending a cultural show or performance if available.
Highlights
Good
- Rich cultural history with ancient temple ruins such as Phra Prang Sam Yot.
- Unique attractions like the monkey population at Lopburi Castle.
- Affordable cost of living and travel compared to other tourist destinations in Thailand.
- A less touristy atmosphere, offering a more authentic Thai experience.
- Beautiful natural surroundings with easy access to nearby parks and outdoor activities.
Bad
- The presence of monkeys can be distracting and sometimes dangerous if not approached carefully.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities like Bangkok.
- Hot weather for much of the year may deter some visitors.
- Inadequate public transportation options within the city.
- Language barriers may pose challenges for non-Thai speakers.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Phra Prang Sam Yot
Explore the ancient Khmer temple, which is also a popular spot for watching the resident macaques.
Lopburi Zoo
Visit the zoo to see a variety of animals and enjoy the open outdoor spaces.
King Narai's Palace
Take a tour of the historical palace and its surrounding gardens.
Lopburi Sunflower Fields
During the sunflower season, take a trip to the expansive fields for picturesque outdoor scenery.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Lop Buri with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Phra Prang Sam Yot
A Khmer-style temple with monkey inhabitants, offering a unique and picturesque scene for photography
Lopburi Railway Station
Known for its photogenic architecture, particularly the old trains and railway tracks
Phra Kan Shrine
A historical and cultural site with beautiful architectural details, ideal for photography
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Khao Piek Sen
A noodle soup dish made with rice flour noodles, served with a flavorful broth and your choice of meat or tofu. It's commonly available at local noodle stalls and restaurants throughout Lop Buri.
Must-Try!
Miang Kham
A popular snack featuring a variety of ingredients such as toasted coconut, lime, shallots, peanuts, and ginger, all wrapped in a leaf with a sweet and savory sauce. Look for this dish at street food stalls and local markets.
Larb Lop Buri
A spicy minced meat salad mixed with fresh herbs and toasted rice, offering a burst of flavors. You can find this specialty at traditional Thai eateries in Lop Buri.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Lop Buri better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Lop Buri Night Market
This vibrant night market is a must-visit for street food enthusiasts. It offers a wide array of local dishes, from grilled skewers and fresh seafood to tropical fruit smoothies. Don't miss the opportunity to try authentic Thai snacks and treats here.
Chaat Chumphon Market
A bustling market where you can explore an abundance of street food options. Sample local favorites like Som Tum (papaya salad), grilled meats, and various fried delights. It's an excellent spot to immerse yourself in Lop Buri's street food culture.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for the monarchy
In Lop Buri, it's important to show respect for the Thai royal family and refrain from any disrespectful behavior or commentary.
Removing shoes indoors
It's a common cultural norm in Thailand, including Lop Buri, to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple as a sign of respect.
Proper greeting gestures
In Lop Buri, traditional Thai greeting gestures such as the 'wai' (placing palms together in a prayer-like fashion) are common and should be used as a sign of respect when greeting others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Lop Buri with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Lop Buri, Thailand, tipping is not a common practice. While it is appreciated in some high-end restaurants and hotels, it is not expected in most establishments. However, if the service is exceptional, a small tip may be given as a token of appreciation.
Payment
Cash is the primary form of payment in Lop Buri, especially in small shops, markets, and local eateries. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger stores, but it's always advisable to carry enough cash when visiting Lop Buri. ATMs are available in the city center for cash withdrawals.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Lop Buri.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry Season (November to February)
Best time to visit with cool and dry weather, and the famous Monkey Buffet Festival in November.
Hot Season (March to May)
Expect hot and humid weather with temperatures averaging around 30°C - 36°C. This is also the time when the sunflowers bloom.
Rainy Season (June to October)
Expect heavy rainfall and high humidity, but this season is also a good time to witness the lush greenery and the beautiful countryside.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Khao Phaengma
A beautiful viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, popular for hiking and photography.
Khao Sangkhla
This area features various trails amidst lush forests and limestone cliffs, ideal for hiking enthusiasts looking for a moderate challenge.
Khao Sam Nuan
Known for its scenic trails, Khao Sam Nuan provides a unique hiking experience with glimpses of wildlife and natural beauty.
Khao No
A less-traveled spot that offers serene hiking trails with opportunities for experiencing nature and tranquility.
Prang Ku
Located near Lop Buri, this site offers hiking trails that lead to historical ruins along with natural scenery, catering to both history buffs and nature lovers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Lop Buri through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Lop Buri by plane.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Located about 115 km from Lop Buri, it is one of the two main airports serving Bangkok, primarily for low-cost and domestic flights.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Situated approximately 130 km from Lop Buri, it is Bangkok's primary international airport, handling the majority of international flights.
Phitsanulok Airport (PHS)
About 150 km from Lop Buri, it serves domestic flights and is a gateway to Northern Thailand.
Cha-am Airport (CJM)
Approximately 160 km from Lop Buri, this airport offers limited services and is primarily used for domestic flights.
Sukhothai Airport (THS)
Located roughly 180 km away, this airport provides domestic flights, particularly to Bangkok.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Thai
The predominant ethnic group in Lop Buri, comprising the majority of the population.
Chinese
A significant minority group, with many having settled in Thailand for trade and commerce.
Isan
People from the northeastern region of Thailand, contributing to the cultural diversity.
Mon
An ethnic group that has historical roots in the central region of Thailand.
Khmer
A smaller demographic group, primarily from the eastern borders of Thailand.
The Soul of Lop Buri
Discover the essence of Lop Buri through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Muay Thai
A traditional martial art and combat sport from Thailand, known for its striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Football (Soccer)
A popular team sport played between two teams of eleven players, highly favored among locals and has a vibrant local league.
Volleyball
A widely played sport in various forms, including beach volleyball and indoor volleyball, enjoyed by both men and women.
Sepak Takraw
A traditional sport native to Southeast Asia, similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball and players use their feet, head, knees, and chest to hit the ball.
Basketball
Growing in popularity, especially among youth, basketball is played in schools and local communities across Lop Buri.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Many local eateries offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as stir-fried vegetables, tofu-based curries, and flavorful salads. Additionally, Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in Lop Buri provide an extensive selection of plant-based meals.
Gluten-Free Choices
While authentic Thai cuisine heavily incorporates rice, some dishes may contain soy sauce or wheat-based ingredients. It's advisable for individuals with gluten restrictions to communicate their needs clearly when ordering, and to opt for naturally gluten-free options like rice-based noodle dishes and grilled meats.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Lop Buri with these cultural adventures.
