🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
A lot of people know Lopburi as the "monkey city," but the monkeys are only part of the story. This was the second capital under King Narai the Great, so the historic sites are a real mix of Khmer art, Ayutthaya style, and Western-style buildings put up by European craftsmen. Head out of town and you hit the central plains meeting the hills, which is why you also get sunflower fields, a big dam, and hilltop viewpoints. We've grouped everything below to make it easier to plan.
Culture & History
Lopburi's old town is almost entirely walkable, clustered around Lopburi train station. If you arrive by train you can step off and start exploring on foot — no car needed.
Phra Prang Sam Yot
A Khmer temple in the Bayon style with three towers in a row — the city's landmark and the spot where the macaque troops gather thickest. The light is great for photos in the morning, but watch anything in your hands because the monkeys are quick to grab. It's right across from the train station and easy to reach on foot.
King Narai's Palace (Phra Narai Ratchaniwet)
The palace King Narai had built, with Thai architecture mixed with Western touches that French craftsmen helped design. Inside is the King Narai National Museum where you can browse antiquities, and the grounds are shady and pleasant to wander.
Ban Vichayen (Phaulkon's Residence)
A cluster of European-style brick buildings that once belonged to Constantine Phaulkon, the Greek official in King Narai's court. The arched ruins and old church give off a completely different feel from a Thai temple. It's a short walk from King Narai's Palace.
San Phra Kan Shrine
An old downtown shrine that locals hold in high regard, with ancient deity and Narai images, and another spot where the monkeys are everywhere. People stop to pay respects before exploring the old town. It's near Phra Prang Sam Yot.
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Lopburi
An old temple across from the train station, with a large central prang and ruined assembly halls where you can still clearly read the structure. It's an enjoyable place to walk and photograph, and people usually pair it with Phra Prang Sam Yot since the two are close together.
What you need to know about the monkeys
The monkeys in Lopburi's old town are smart and very fast. Don't carry plastic bags or sweet drinks, and don't leave glasses or hats in your hand. Keep your phone and bag zipped away. We don't recommend feeding them yourself — they'll swarm and can get aggressive. If one climbs on you, stay still and walk away slowly.
Want more out of Lopburi? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Nature — Outside Town
Head out toward Phatthana Nikhom and Khok Samrong districts and you'll meet another side of Lopburi: a big dam, sunflower fields, and hilltop viewpoints. You'll need your own car or a rental for this part, since the spots are fairly spread out.
Pa Sak Jolasid Dam
The longest earthen dam in Thailand, built under King Rama IX's initiative. The highlight is riding the train across the dam crest in the middle of the water — the views open up wide, and there are viewpoints, cycling paths, and waterfront restaurants. It's in Phatthana Nikhom district.
The Floating Train (special cool-season service)
A special train from Bangkok to Pa Sak Jolasid Dam, running only on weekends from November to February. The highlight is the stop in the middle of the dam, surrounded by water, where it looks like the train is floating. Book ahead — it sells out fast.
Khao Jeen Lae Sunflower Fields
A large sunflower planting on the hillside, spanning hundreds of rai, in full bloom during the cool season. There's a viewpoint looking down over the whole hill turned yellow — it's the classic image of Lopburi at the end of the year.
Khao Jeen Lae / Sunrise Viewpoint
Khao Jeen Lae itself is a viewpoint over the town and the surrounding fields. You can drive up to the top, and the views are best in the early morning and evening — a good photo stop to pair with the sunflower fields on the same trip.
When do the sunflowers bloom?
Lopburi's sunflower fields don't all bloom at once — each plot is planted at a different time. Before you go, check the field's Facebook page or the TAT Lopburi office to see which plots are blooming, so you don't show up to a field that's already been harvested. The safest window is mid-November to early January.
Old Town — Cafés & Strolling
The old-town quarter around Lopburi train station is small and easy to walk, with coffee shops in old buildings, local snacks, and lanes and alleys you can wander and photograph as you go. It's best in the morning or evening when the sun isn't harsh.
Kai Fa Walking Street
An old-town walking street that opens in the evening on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with local food, sweets, and souvenirs — a relaxed stroll through the old quarter's atmosphere.
Old-Town Cafés
The old shophouses around Sri Suriyothai Circle and Vichayen Road have several cafés set up inside historic buildings — a nice place to rest and sip a coffee between sights.
Sa Kaeo Circle
A downtown landmark locals all know — good for a stroll and photos, and a handy starting point for the food streets nearby.
- By train — Get off at Lopburi station and you can walk straight into the old town; Phra Prang Sam Yot, King Narai's Palace, and Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat are all within walking distance.
- By car — Best if you want to head out to Pa Sak Jolasid Dam and the sunflower fields outside town. Parking in the old town is hard to find on weekends.
- Combining provinces — Lopburi borders Ayutthaya and Saraburi, so it's easy to build a multi-province trip along one route.
A 2-Day, 1-Night Lopburi Trip
If you've only got a weekend, this plan covers both the old town and the nature without rushing.
Old Town + Monkeys
Dam + Sunflower Fields
The best season for Lopburi
The cool season, November to January, is Lopburi's peak: the sunflowers are blooming, the cooler weather makes walking the old town comfortable, and it's exactly when the floating train is running. If you come during this window, book your accommodation and train tickets ahead.
Sort out where to stay in Lopburi for your trip
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