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Prang Sam Yot
As well known for its resident monkeys as its looming towers, this is Lopburi's most famous attraction. The three linked towers were built from laterite…
Lopburi
In Thailand's "Monkey City," imposing Khmer-era temples are assailed by an army of furry menaces. These adorable mischief-makers have the run of the town and are the headline attraction of Lopburi (ลพบุรี).
One of Thailand's oldest cities, Lopburi developed during the Dvaravati period (6th to 10th centuries), when it was known as Lavo. The palaces and temples that remain today, in various states of decay, are from the subsequent Khmer and Ayuthaya empires. King Narai (r 1657–88) made Lopburi a second capital, hosting many foreign dignitaries.
The "old town," spreads northwest from the train station and encompasses Lopburi's temples and ruins. The "new town" to the east has some of the best accommodation options.
The main sights can be seen in a day, but it's worth staying one more to venture out of the city for rock climbing, sunflower fields (November to January) and bat caves.
Explore Lopburi
- PPrang Sam Yot
As well known for its resident monkeys as its looming towers, this is Lopburi's most famous attraction. The three linked towers were built from laterite…
- PPhra Narai Ratchaniwet
Plan to spend a few hours at this former royal palace, now the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum, which houses excellent displays of local history. Built…
- WWat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat
Although almost every building at this large temple complex across from the train station dates from the Ayuthaya era; the 31m-tall prang (Khmer-style…
- SSan Phra Kan
Lopburi's holiest place sits in the old town's roundabout. It has a modern (1951) shrine in front of a Khmer-era laterite base from a toppled prang (Khmer…
- WWat Khao Chin Lae
Over 300 peacocks strut freely in the grounds of this large forest temple, but it's Wat Khao Chin Lae's views that steal the show. Climb 459 steps to…
- WWat Suwankhiri Pidok
This quiet temple up against Kao Ta Kra Thong mountain, 15km east of the city, is known for its bat cave. Every night shortly before sunset it disgorges…
- WWat Phra Phutthabat
One of Thai Buddhism's holiest sites, this temple was founded in 1624 after the discovery of a natural depression in the rock resembling a footprint,…
- BBan Wichayen
This compound, built in European style by King Narai, served as the residence of foreign ambassadors. It got its present name from the mistaken belief…
- AAng Sap Lek
With calm waters on one side and fingers of limestone on the other, views from the shore of this reservoir are picturesque. The western bank is lined by…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Lopburi.
See
Prang Sam Yot
As well known for its resident monkeys as its looming towers, this is Lopburi's most famous attraction. The three linked towers were built from laterite…
See
Phra Narai Ratchaniwet
Plan to spend a few hours at this former royal palace, now the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum, which houses excellent displays of local history. Built…
See
Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat
Although almost every building at this large temple complex across from the train station dates from the Ayuthaya era; the 31m-tall prang (Khmer-style…
See
San Phra Kan
Lopburi's holiest place sits in the old town's roundabout. It has a modern (1951) shrine in front of a Khmer-era laterite base from a toppled prang (Khmer…
See
Wat Khao Chin Lae
Over 300 peacocks strut freely in the grounds of this large forest temple, but it's Wat Khao Chin Lae's views that steal the show. Climb 459 steps to…
See
Wat Suwankhiri Pidok
This quiet temple up against Kao Ta Kra Thong mountain, 15km east of the city, is known for its bat cave. Every night shortly before sunset it disgorges…
See
Wat Phra Phutthabat
One of Thai Buddhism's holiest sites, this temple was founded in 1624 after the discovery of a natural depression in the rock resembling a footprint,…
See
Ban Wichayen
This compound, built in European style by King Narai, served as the residence of foreign ambassadors. It got its present name from the mistaken belief…
See
Ang Sap Lek
With calm waters on one side and fingers of limestone on the other, views from the shore of this reservoir are picturesque. The western bank is lined by…