Once a year, on the last Sunday of November, it’s time for the Monkey Buffet in Lopburi, Thailand. Located about 150 km north of the national capital, Bangkok, the history of Lopburi dates back almost 1,000 years.
While under control of the Khmer Empire from Angkor (Cambodia), around the 13th century, many temples were constructed here, many of which are still standing today. One of them, built as a Hindu shrine, is Phra Prang Sam Yot.
Over the years, hundreds of crab-eating macaques moved in, hence the temple is commonly known as the “Monkey Temple”. These monkeys are cared for by the local people all-year round. However, the annual Monkey Buffet is a special day for the monkeys, locals, and many visitors from around the country and from abroad.
Lopburi is an interesting town to visit. There is historical evidence that the city has been continuously inhabited for around 3000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Thailand. Formerly known as Lawo, Lopburi had for centuries been ruled by several Kingdoms, until the 14th century when control was taken by the then Siam. The many artefacts uncovered in and around the area point to a colourful if some-what turbulent past. Today Loopburi still offers many ancient ruins.
The day before the monkey buffet the Lopburi Symphony featuring a few Thai artists normally plays at King Narai’s Palace, officially known as Somdet Phra Narai (now the National Museum), located in the old centre of Lopburi town. It is also referred to as “Chom Wang, Fang Dontri” (live band performance).
During the Monkey Buffet Festival, a lot of interesting street food is available for the curious foodies!
How to get to Lopburi from Bangkok:
By BUS: Air-conditioned coaches and non-air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal) every 20 minutes from 5.30 a.m. until 8.30 p.m. The ticket costs approx. 80 Thai baht (ordinary bus) and 100 baht (air-conditioned). The journey time is 3 hours. Call 02 936 2852-66 for more information. Nearby is the Bangkok Mochit New Van Terminal where minivans take 3 hours and 20 min at a fee of about 170 baht.
By TRAIN: Bangkok-Chiang Mai trains leave Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 7.05 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. Both are third class only. Rapid trains leave the station 5 times a day (Travel time is 2.5 hrs.)
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Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.