Though Lopburi is one of Thailand’s oldest towns and on occasions functioned as a second capital, most Thais know it for its proliferation of macaques that swarm all over town, especially the Khmer ruins that are the main attraction. While they may seem cute and are actually treated to a feast once a year, they can also be a pain in the butt, so you need to cling on to your bags and close windows at night.

Khmer ruins

Like Ayutthaya, Lopburi’s main attractions are its Khmer-style temple ruins, which include Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat and Phra Prang Sam Yot, the latter of which is a favourite hang-out for macaques.

King’s palace and Phaulkon’s house

Also of interest is the Phra Narai Rachanivet (King Narai’s Palace), with its interesting museum and spacious grounds, and Ban Vichayen, once home to Constantine Phaulkon, a Greek who rose to prominence in the Siamese court of the 17th century.

Lopburi is smaller and has fewer historic ruins than Ayutthaya, but if you just want a quick look at Thailand’s Khmer legacy without hordes of other tourists around, this is your spot.

Practical Info

Train Regular trains connect Bangkok with Lopburi. Journey time is about 3 hrs.

Bus Buses leave regularly from Mochit bus terminal to Lopburi, taking about 2 hrs.