What are the best things to do in Lopburi, Thailand? Lopburi lies in Central Thailand. It dates back to the Khmer Empire and is also the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. That makes it one of the oldest cities in Thailand. Visiting it, therefore, will give tourists a feel of ancient times. Although the town slowly modernized, many of its ancient monuments remain.
The city comprises two distinct parts known as “New Town,” and “Old Town.” Most of the city’s historical and cultural attractions are found in the older section.
Tourists can easily navigate from one spot to another. Some accommodations offer free maps and recommendations, so tourists don’t miss the best landmarks. They can also ask the hospitable locals for directions.
Aside from its historical value, Lopburi has become more famous for its thousands of macaques that live and interact with humans.
So when planning your trip to Lopburi, here are the things to do to consider.
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Top 12 BEST Things to do in Lopburi
Interact with the Monkeys at Phra Prang Sam Yod
Thousands of monkeys inhabit Lopburi, especially in a structure known as the Monkey Temple. These monkeys are known as macaques, and they can often be found strolling on the streets.
Some locals would readily give them food and drinks like they’re just regular neighbors. Tourists can interact with the macaques as well. But be wary. Some macaques are naughty and could steal anything they could grab from you.
Make sure to secure wallets, hats, and accessories when interacting with them. One way to appease them is to offer bananas and other fruits. Because they are not afraid of humans, some macaques may climb on your back or sit on your shoulders.
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FIND HOTEL DEALS: Best hotels in Lopburi
Relish History at Wat Phra Sri Ratana Mahatat
Wat Phra Sri Ratana Mahatat is one of the ancient ruins of a vast empire, located just across a train station. Here, tourists don’t have to contend with some often pesky macaques. The local management has been maintaining the ruins well.
Thus, they remain in reasonably good condition. Tourists can enjoy strolling on the grassy pathways at the helm of towering pagodas, grand facades, and different Buddha statues. The ruin also hosts the largest stupa in the province and is one of the iconic Lopburi attractions.
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Venture to Wat Sao Thong Thong
Wat Sao Thong Thong may not be as grand as other temples in Lopburi. But it’s a special place for those who are into mysticism. Every day, devout Buddhists come here not only to pray but also to rifle through the pendants and charms.
Many believe that owning one or two of these can protect them from harm and attract blessings. Tourists can also buy from this small amulet market. Who knows? That could protect them during the rest of their travel.
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Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!
I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!
- Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
- Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
- Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
- SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
- GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
- My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
- Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.
Check out Wat Sao Paulo Ruins
Wat Sao Paulo is a unique landmark in Lopburi as the Portuguese built it in the 17th century. From then on, it served as a house of worship for Catholics. Because it’s located some two kilometers away from the town center, it is an ideal spot for contemplation.
When the Portuguese built it, they combined European and Thai designs. It was used for astronomy and star-gazing, aside from being a religious hub. But today, it lies in ruins and has become an off-beaten attraction then.
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Nourish Spirituality at Phra Khan Shrine
The Phra Kan Shrine dates back to the Khmer regime. To improve the site, however, the local authorities added new structures to cater to tourists and pilgrims.
For keeps, tourists can buy from the locals selling Buddhist religious items such as incense and flower garlands. The surrounding area also has several statues of Budhha. Tourists can also see monkeys swinging from one tree to another. The shrine is one of the best Lopburi tourist attractions.
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Trail on History along the Lopburi Heritage Walk
Besides exploring the historical spots mentioned above, tourists can also appreciate Lopburi’s history when they take the Heritage Walk. The trail will lead them to several historical landmarks and other places of interest that picture the city’s rich history. They will also have the chance to observe and learn from the traditional way of life.
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Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?
Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!
The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.
I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.
Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.
Feel like a Royal at Phra Narai Ratchaniwet
Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, also dubbed as the King’s Palace, was the official residence of a great Siamese king. The site, therefore, honors the said king and his accomplishments. It has distinct architecture, combining French and Khmer architectural elements.
It also contains a museum that showcases various items belonging to the kings of Thailand. Tourists will have a glimpse of the lives of Thailand‘s 17th-century monarchy and elite societal members, including farmers and ordinary citizens. When coming here just after the rains, take extra caution as the tiles are very slippery.
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Unwind at Ang Sub Lek
For tourists who prefer a natural setting, Ang Sub Lek is an ideal option. It is a vast reservoir surrounded by forest-clad hills and mountains and with a small island at its heart. Both locals and tourists spend their weekends here because of the area’s serenity and pristine beauty. There are bamboo-hut restaurants that serve authentic Thai dishes.
Aside from boating or bamboo rafting, tourists can swim on the lake and enjoy the cold waters. Mind you. Monitor lizards inhabit the lake. But don’t worry. They are friendly reptiles. Who knows? A tourist or two may make friends with them.
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Watch Spectacular Bat Shows
One of the famous caves in Lopburi is Wat Khao Wongkot. It’s not known for rock formations but for hosting hundreds of bats that show off one of nature’s jaw-dropping spectacles. Right before dusk, these bats come out of the cave to hunt for prey. To protect themselves from predators, the bats fly in formations until they disperse into the surrounding vegetation.
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Relax at PaSak Jolasit Dam
Another off-beaten destination in Lopburi is the Pasak Jolasit Dam, the biggest reservoir in Central Thailand. Among the favorite activities here are kayaking, swimming, and leisure walking along the dam’s banks.
A recognizable landmark, there is a giant and white Buddha statue. The place is a perfect respite for tourists who are not into touristy destinations or prefer a more rustic setting.
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What are my favorite travel must-haves?
As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!
- Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
- Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
- Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
- Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
- Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.
Experience awe at the Sunflower Farms
When visiting Lopburi from November to February, tourists should not miss out on seeing the Sunflower Farms. These farms occupy vast areas, and one could see vibrantly colored flowers blooming in every direction. Although it’s best to come here via private vehicles, tourists can hop on the tuk-tuk service offered by local drivers.
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Have a Banquet Meal with Monkeys
As part of their reverence, some locals prepare sumptuous meals for their monkey neighbors every November. They would line up several tables with an array of colorful vegetables and fruits, ready for pillage by the monkeys.
Tourists will also find big monkey statues as well as different food shops and competitions. One could just wonder how the monkeys got used to living with humans.
So those are just some of the best things to do in Lopburi. Make sure to try most or even all of them for a fun-filled and meaningful experience.
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