Morning sunlight warms the dark stone towers of Phra Prang Sam Yot. Fresh fruit scents spread across the temple grounds. Hundreds of wild monkeys climb along stone walls to reach breakfast tables.
Planning your trip takes clear facts on train times and safety rules. This Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival guide gives practical advice for your journey.
Quick Facts for Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival Visitors
- Event Date: Sunday, November 29, 2026.
- Main Sights: Phra Prang Sam Yot, San Phra Kan, and King Narai Palace.
- Feast Rounds: Four rounds at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM.
- Temple Entry Fee: Free street viewing; 50 THB ($1.45 USD) for ruins.
- Train from Bangkok: Northern Line commuter trains take two hours for 28 THB ($0.80 USD).
Confirmed 2026 Dates for the Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival
The Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival takes place on Sunday, November 29, 2026. Lopburi holds this grand feast each year on the last Sunday of November.
Events start early in the morning near the stone towers. City workers set up long tables on ancient stone courtyards. Most travelers arrive before ten in the morning to find good viewing spots. Therefore, catching an early train from Bangkok offers clear views.
Spiritual Origins of the Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival
Local people trace Lopburi's bond with monkeys back to the ancient Ramakien epic. According to legend, the monkey god Hanuman helped Prince Rama win a great war. As a reward, Rama shot a magic arrow to mark city borders. That settlement became modern Lopburi.
Local townspeople treat the resident macaques as living disciples of Hanuman. For centuries, Lopburi merchants have lived side by side with these animals. In fact, many locals believe the primates bring good luck and business success.
As a result, harming a macaque is strictly forbidden across the province. In particular, understanding these sacred legends helps you appreciate our Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival guide.
The modern banquet custom began in 1989. Local hotel owner Yongyuth Kitwatanusont started the feast alongside the Tourism Authority of Thailand. They wanted to thank the monkeys for bringing global guests.
Today, town leaders carry on the custom by donating tons of fresh fruit. This annual feast shows deep community gratitude for local wildlife.
Four Feast Rounds at Phra Prang Sam Yot
The feast runs in four separate rounds throughout the day. This schedule ensures every monkey group gets plenty of fresh food. In addition, each round brings out fresh tablecloths, fruit pyramids, and frozen fruit blocks.
Consequently, this setup lets guests take great feeding photos from multiple angles.
1. Morning Opening Ceremonies and Ice Blocks (10:00 AM)
The ten o'clock round serves as the official opening feast. Dancers in fine Thai silk perform graceful blessings outside San Phra Kan shrine. Next, workers roll out tall blocks of carved ice packed with ripe melon, pineapples, and dragon fruit.
Hundreds of macaques swarm down the three towers as soon as handlers step away. Young monkeys lick the cold ice while large males carry off whole fruit pieces.
Moreover, this morning round offers soft sunlight for photos. The scene matches the festive energy of the Songkran Thai New Year water festival.
2. Midday Fruit Towers and Sticky Rice (12:00 PM)
The noon round welcomes morning day-trippers arriving on trains from Bangkok. Caterers spread long buffet tables loaded with fruit salads, sweet corn, and sticky rice. In addition, workers serve sweet egg treats like thong yod and thong yip.
Midday heat rises quickly. Because of this heat, monkeys grab sweet food quickly and run to cooler perches. Guests should step back during this rush.
Meanwhile, small fights break out between rival troops over fresh corn cobs. These scuffles give great action shots for camera lenses.
3. Afternoon Jelly Pyramids and Cool Drinks (2:00 PM & 4:00 PM)
The afternoon banquets bring colorful treats. Local volunteers prepare giant jelly molds colored bright green, red, and yellow. Workers pack fresh fruit slices inside the sweet gelatin.
Monkeys dig their paws into the jelly. They pull out sweet treats with obvious joy.
Handlers also pass out cans of sweet fruit juice. Clever macaques pop open metal cans with their sharp teeth and drink the sweet juice.
By the final four o'clock round, hundreds of tired monkeys nap calmly along ancient brick walls.
Historic Khmer and Ayutthaya Temples in Lopburi
Beyond the buffet tables, Lopburi preserves grand ancient monuments from old kingdoms. In fact, exploring these stone ruins between feast rounds makes your trip deeply rewarding.
This Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival guide highlights the top historic sights in walking distance.
Phra Prang Sam Yot: The Three Laterite Spires
Phra Prang Sam Yot stands as the city's most famous landmark. Built in the late 12th century by Khmer King Jayavarman VII, it features three massive laterite towers. These tall spires represent the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Later, King Narai added a brick prayer hall in the 17th century. Carved stucco lintels still decorate the weathered stone doorways. Furthermore, hundreds of macaques climb across these ancient roofs all day.
Foreign guests pay 50 THB ($1.45 USD) to enter the inner grounds. As you walk inside, cool dark stone halls provide shade from the tropical sun.
Architectural Carvings and Stucco Art at Prang Sam Yot
Close inspection reveals delicate artistic details carved into the rough laterite stone. Khmer artisans covered the coarse dark blocks with fine white lime plaster.
Remains of carved stone nagas, lotus petals, and dvarapala guardians guard the tower entrances. King Narai also added brick window frames shaped like pointed flame arches. These unique arches blend Bayon Khmer design with 17th-century Ayutthaya court taste.
San Phra Kan: The Sacred Kala Shrine
Across the railway tracks stands San Phra Kan, an ancient shrine revered by local residents. It consists of an old Khmer laterite base and a modern spirit house built in 1951.
Inside the shrine, people worship a revered gilded Vishnu figure with four arms. Local drivers tap their horns three times when passing this shrine to ask for safe journeys.
In addition, tall banyan trees shade the surrounding courtyard. Large monkey families rest in the high branches above the prayer bells.
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat: Royal Ruins Near the Rails
Directly opposite Lop Buri Railway Station lie the sprawling ruins of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. This ancient royal monastery dates back to the 13th century. It served as the spiritual heart of the city during the Lopburi and Ayutthaya periods.
A soaring central corn-cob prang towers over ruined brick chedis and prayer cloisters. Unlike Phra Prang Sam Yot, monkeys rarely enter this enclosed park.
Therefore, you can walk through open courtyards in complete peace. Entry costs 50 THB ($1.45 USD) and offers superb angles for architectural photography.
Ancient Cloisters and Buddha Statues at Wat Mahathat
Around the central prang, long rows of brick galleries line the temple grounds. In past centuries, bronze and sandstone Buddha statues stood under tiled roofs.
Many of these statues reflect the distinctive Lopburi art style with square jawlines and calm expressions. Walking through these silent brick corridors offers a welcome contrast to the wild monkey banquet outside.
Prang Khaek: Ancient Hindu Shrines in the City Center
Prang Khaek sits at a small road junction just a short walk west of the station. Historians consider it the oldest Khmer monument in central Thailand, dating to the 10th century.
It features three brick towers without laterite bases. King Narai restored the small complex during his reign for royal Hindu ceremonies.
Although you cannot enter the tiny towers, viewing them from the grassy island is free. It shows how deeply Khmer culture shaped central Thailand.
Wat Choeng Tha: Riverside Halls and Ancient Stupas
Wat Choeng Tha rests quietly on the bank of the Lopburi River. King Narai often visited this peaceful temple before building his main palace.
Today, visitors can admire its Ayutthaya-style bell stupa and classic prayer hall. The quiet courtyard stays free of aggressive primates, offering restful riverside views.
Wat Sao Thong Thong: Ancient Mon and Ayutthaya Shrines
Wat Sao Thong Thong stands near the Old Town morning market. This ancient temple served as a place of worship for foreign communities during King Narai's reign.
The main hall features pointed arches built by Persian and French craftsmen. Inside, a tall seated Buddha image sits on an ornate lotus pedestal.
Local people gather here on festival mornings to light incense before walking to the monkey banquet. In addition, rows of sacred Bodhi trees provide quiet shade across the brick walkways. Travelers can pause here to rest before catching their return train.
17th-Century Royal Palaces and Foreign Envoys
Lopburi served as the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom under King Narai the Great. Today, you can walk through grand brick palaces where French and Persian envoys once walked.
Following this Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival guide leads you through Thailand's finest 17th-century palaces.
King Narai's Palace: Phra Narai Ratchaniwet
King Narai built this vast royal residence between 1665 and 1677. French architects helped design the tall brick gates, combining European arches with classical Thai roofs.
The palace divides into three main courts surrounded by thick defensive walls. In the central court, the Dusit Sawan Hall features tall arched windows where the king met French ambassadors.
Next door, the Chanthara Phisan Throne Hall houses the King Narai National Museum. The museum exhibits prehistoric bronze tools, Lopburi-style Buddha statues, and royal court furniture.
Entry costs 150 THB ($4.35 USD) for foreign visitors. Best of all, strict guards keep the grounds entirely monkey-free, making it an ideal midday escape.
Royal Waterworks and French Engineering at the Palace
King Narai installed an advanced hydraulic water system across the palace grounds. French engineers laid clay pipes connecting the palace to nearby natural lakes.
These pipes supplied fresh water to ornamental fountains and royal bathing pools. Today, travelers can see the brick water reservoirs and arched stone pipe channels during their museum walk.
Ban Wichayen: Residence of Constantine Phaulkon
A short stroll north brings you to Ban Wichayen. King Narai built this complex for the French embassy sent by King Louis XIV. The Greek adventurer Constantine Phaulkon, who served as Narai's chief minister, also lived here with his wife.
The compound contains ruins of European residences, a Roman Catholic chapel, and narrow brick water channels. Tall brick arches still frame the old chapel altar.
Walking along the shaded brick paths costs 50 THB ($1.45 USD). It offers a fascinating glimpse into 17th-century world trade and diplomacy.
Where to Watch the Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival
Finding the right spot keeps you safe and gives you great photos. The grass lawn in front of Phra Prang Sam Yot offers the best view. From here, you can frame the three Khmer spires behind the busy feeding tables.
San Phra Kan shrine sits across the railway tracks and hosts the morning blessing. The shrine courtyard provides welcome shade under tall trees. However, monkeys in this area roam along the ground. Therefore, keep your bags zipped tight while taking photos.
The pedestrian crossing between the two shrines offers wide open views. Police close the road to cars during feast hours, so guests can walk freely.
You should stand near open spaces so young monkeys cannot jump onto your back. Above all, rely on this Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival guide to navigate the busiest viewing zones safely.
Getting to Lopburi: Express Trains and Highway Transit
Traveling from Bangkok to Lopburi is simple and very cheap by rail. Trains run by the State Railway of Thailand depart often from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
Taking the train is the top route recommended in this Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival guide. Third-class tickets cost just 28 THB ($0.80 USD). The ride takes two scenic hours across flat rice fields. You can book your Bangkok to Lopburi train and van tickets online before holiday weekends sell out.
Lop Buri Railway Station stands directly in Old Town, just steps from the temples. In addition, this train line links travelers to the historic ruins of Ayutthaya. Heading north next? Read our Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper train guide.
Where to Stay for the Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival
Lopburi divides into historic Old Town and modern New Town. Pick your base based on your plans.
Old Town inns sit a short walk from Phra Prang Sam Yot and the train station. Staying here lets you stroll directly to the morning feast. However, keep your bedroom windows latched shut at all times so monkeys cannot enter.
New Town lies three kilometers east and has zero monkey presence. Stay at HOP INN Lopburi for quiet air-conditioned rooms. Shared songthaew trucks run to Old Town in ten minutes for 15 THB ($0.45 USD). Check other vetted Lopburi accommodations search on Booking.com to compare holiday rates.
What to Eat in Lopburi: Night Markets and Central Thai Classics
Lopburi serves wonderful central Thai food near the train station. After watching the monkeys, head to street stalls for tasty meals.
Order a plate of kai yang, tender grilled chicken flavored with garlic and lemongrass. Pair it with fresh green papaya salad and warm sticky rice for 70 THB ($2.00 USD). Another local dish is tender pork leg khao kha mu for 50 THB ($1.45 USD). Enjoy your meal with sweet iced Thai milk tea.
Temple Etiquette and Macaque Safety Rules
Visiting Phra Prang Sam Yot during the feast calls for sensible wildlife precautions. The Fine Arts Department of Thailand protects the site. They ask guests to treat the ruins with care.
When dressing for your trip, wear modest temple clothes similar to guidelines for sacred Buddhist temples in Bangkok.
Follow these basic rules to stay safe:
- Never carry plastic bags, because macaques snatch them quickly.
- Place sunglasses, jewelry, and hats deep inside zipped bags.
- If a monkey grabs your water bottle, let it go immediately.
- Avoid staring at monkeys, since primates view eye contact as a threat.
- Keep food off your clothes so monkeys do not climb on you.
If a monkey scratches you, wash the skin with soap for fifteen minutes. Then visit King Narai Hospital in Lopburi right away for rabies shots.
Step-by-Step Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival Itinerary
This balanced one-day plan helps you see the best feast rounds and ancient royal monuments.
| Time Window | Location & Activity | Key Experience & Practical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 – 09:30 | Train from Bangkok to Lop Buri | Board the morning commuter train from Krung Thep Aphiwat. Enjoy views of green rice paddies across central plains. |
| 09:30 – 10:45 | San Phra Kan & Phra Prang Sam Yot | Watch opening dance blessings and the 10:00 AM fruit banquet. Photograph macaques enjoying cold fruit ice blocks. |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Phra Prang Sam Yot Courtyard | Observe the 12:00 PM midday banquet round. Stand back to see rival troops sharing fresh corn and sticky rice. |
| 12:30 – 13:45 | Old Town Market & Lunch | Walk two minutes to local food stalls. Enjoy grilled chicken kai yang, fresh som tum, and cold Thai milk tea. |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | King Narai's Palace & Museum | Tour the 17th-century royal palace museum. Walk through quiet grassy courts completely free of monkeys. |
| 15:30 – 16:30 | Phra Prang Sam Yot Perimeter | Watch the 4:00 PM sweet jelly round. See macaques dig into colorful fruit gelatin before walking to the station. |
| 17:00 – 19:30 | Return Train to Bangkok | Board the evening train back to Bangkok. Relax in air-conditioned comfort as the sun sets over rural rail tracks. |
Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival Travel Costs & Daily Budget
Visiting Lopburi is very cheap because street viewing is free and train fares remain low.
| Expense Category | Budget Tier (THB / USD) | Mid-Range Tier (THB / USD) | Luxury Tier (THB / USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Train Fare (Bangkok – Lopburi) | 56 THB ($1.60 USD) / 3rd class | 250 THB ($7.25 USD) / 2nd class AC | 800 THB ($23.20 USD) / 1st class or van |
| Nightly Lodging (Optional Overnight) | 400 THB ($11.60 USD) / Old Town room | 850 THB ($24.65 USD) / modern hotel | 2,400 THB ($69.60 USD) / resort room |
| Temple & Museum Entry Fees | 50 THB ($1.45 USD) / Prang Sam Yot | 200 THB ($5.80 USD) / temple + palace | 200 THB ($5.80 USD) / temple + palace |
| Three Daily Meals & Cool Drinks | 180 THB ($5.20 USD) / street stalls | 450 THB ($13.05 USD) / cafes & dining | 1,100 THB ($31.90 USD) / fine dining |
| Local Transport (Songthaew & Tuk-Tuk) | 30 THB ($0.85 USD) / shared truck | 120 THB ($3.50 USD) / private tuk-tuk | 350 THB ($10.15 USD) / private car |
| Total Estimated Daily Cost (THB) | 716 THB | 1,870 THB | 4,850 THB |
| Total Estimated Daily Cost (USD) | $20.70 USD | $54.25 USD | $140.65 USD |
Prices checked on 04 October 2026. Local currency conversions calculated at 1 USD = 34.48 THB.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival
Planning your trip to Lopburi is simple with verified facts. Here are clear answers to common questions about our Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival guide.
When is the Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival held each year?
The festival takes place on the last Sunday of November. In 2026, the banquet falls on Sunday, November 29. Events run from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon.
How much does it cost to attend the monkey banquet?
Watching the feast from public streets and San Phra Kan is free. Foreign visitors pay 50 THB ($1.45 USD) to enter Phra Prang Sam Yot. Thai citizens pay 10 THB.
Is Lopburi safe to visit with wild monkeys roaming around?
Yes, Lopburi is safe if you stay alert and follow basic wildlife rules. Avoid carrying plastic bags, secure your sunglasses, and never tease monkeys with food. Keep a respectful distance when dominant males feed.
Can you visit Lopburi as a day trip from Bangkok?
Yes, Lopburi makes an ideal day trip from Bangkok. Trains take two hours from Krung Thep Aphiwat station directly to Old Town. You can see multiple banquet rounds and return to Bangkok by evening.
What should you do if a monkey bites or scratches you?
Immediately wash the bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and warm water for fifteen minutes. Then go directly to King Narai Hospital in Lopburi to receive rabies and tetanus shots. Do not delay medical treatment.
