It’s funny, but one thing I learned when visiting Lopburi is that you either like or hate monkeys after your visit. Don’t get me wrong – this duality shouldn’t be a reason to skip the province, given its rich history that goes way back to the Khmer Empire. 

So, instead of caving in to fear, we did what we do best: spend days figuring out the most exciting things to do in Lopburi and doing it. And at the end of the day, we’re proud to tell you that we’ve had one helluva good time. 

Whether you’re a history buff wanting to trace the ancient roots of Thailand or just another tourist who’s serious about getting a shot in the arm in your wanderlust, we have you covered! 

Tour the temple ruin in Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat

Address: Ratchadamnoen 1 Alley, Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Daily)

Admission Costs: 50 baht

Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat is one of the more captivating sights around Lopburi Old Town. It’s also next to Lopburi Station, so it’s most likely the first thing you’ll spot if you arrive at the old town area by train.

This temple ruin consists of numerous Khmer-style structures: prangs, stupas, a wihan, and an ubosot. Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat’s prangs, in particular, are notable for their distinct architectural style, which we think is worth checking out.

These prangs are well-known for their intricate stuccoed carvings of the Lord Buddha’s past life. Moreover, some of these carvings are fully intact, so it’s perfect if one of the things you want to do in Lopburi involves surveying archeological sites.

Spend the day around monkeys in Phra Prang Sam Yot

Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Website: https://www.lopburi.org/lopburi-prangsamyod

Admission Costs: 50 baht

If you enjoy exploring temple ruins as much as you like animals, Phra Prang Sam Yot is the place to be. This temple ruin is one of Lopburi’s most important historical sites, so expect to find numerous ancient structures dating back to the 18th-century Khmer era.

This includes the remains of a Khmer-style castle made with laterite materials and adorned with intricate stuccoed carvings. It used to enshrine images of Naga Buddha and Avalokiteśvara, making it one of the temple ruins’s central structures.

Aside from that, Phra Prang Sam Yot is well-known for its huge population of macaques which is why tourists frequent this place. Be sure to visit during the last Sunday of November for the Monkey Banquet festival to see the locals offer a buffet to them.

Explore the ruins in Ban Chaophraya Wichayen

Address: Thanon Wichayen, Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 86 810 3413

Website: https://www.finearts.go.th/promotion/view/19098-ไขปริศนาห้องลับ-บ้านหลวงรับราชทูต-เมืองละโว้

Admission Costs: 50 baht

Ban Chaophraya Wichayen is one of the more unique historical ruins in Lopburi. It used to be the residence of the French envoy during the 17th century, which is why its architectural style stands out amid the surrounding Buddhist temples.

Here, you’ll see the remnants of three Siamese and European-style buildings. Of the three, only the main building’s outer walls, doors, and windows are intact, but you can still make out their distinct architectural designs.

Checking out the torn-down Roman Catholic Church, in particular, is a must-do in Lopburi. Though the structure isn’t grand, by any means, its rarity within the region gives it more historical significance. 

Check out the exhibits at the King Narai National Museum

Address: Sorasak Alley, Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 36 411 458

Website: http://www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/pranarai/index.php/th/

Admission Costs: 150 baht

Going to King Narai National Museum is the best way to learn about the history of Lopburi, especially its significance in the country’s history as a whole. That’s why the museum has numerous floors with exhibits from different periods in Thailand’s history.

This includes Lopburi’s founding years and past relations with other Thai ethnic kingdoms like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. Aside from that, this museum also has a lot of interesting displays of artifacts, relics, and Buddha images.

If you enjoy looking at or taking photos of historical antiquities, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so inside the museum.

Drop by King Narai’s Palace

Address: ต 182 ถ Sorasak Alley, Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 36 411 458

Admission Costs: 150 baht

The ruins of King Narai’s Palace are also a must-see for tourists visiting the province. After all, checking the ruined structure in person is one of the things to do in Lopburi if you like to learn about its history and understand its significance to the region.

Though exploring the palace complex isn’t as informational as going inside the museum, admiring its architecture firsthand is definitely worth it. This way, you can inspect every detail on the palace’s remaining walls, pillars, and statues.

Moreover, the palace grounds are lined with trees and surrounded by lush grass fields. That makes it ideal for pleasant strolls while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Visit the Kraison Siharat Palace

Address: 226/23-24 Narai Maharach Road, Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 87 929 6739

Admission Costs: 50 baht

For history and astronomy buffs, a visit to Kraison Siharat Palace is certainly the most interesting thing to do in Lopburi’s old town area. Aside from serving as one of King Narai’s residences, it’s also said to be where he conducted his studies of the lunar eclipse.

That makes it the first place in Thailand where the modern study of astronomy was ever recorded. However, the palace ruins consist mostly of torn-down walls, so there’s not much to see aside from the large banyan tree nearby.

That’s why Kraison Siharat Palace doesn’t attract as many tourists as the other more popular temple ruins. Instead, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a tranquil place to walk around and escape from the huge crowds.

Climb Wat Khao Wong Phrachan’s staircase with over 3,700 steps

Address: Huai Pong, Khok Samrong District

Operating Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 61 070 7161

Website: https://www.facebook.com/KhaowongPhrachan/

Admission Costs: Free

If you love challenges, climbing Wat Khao Wong Phrachan’s 3,790-step staircase is a must-try when visiting Lopburi. It’s a pilgrimage site, so expect to see locals and pilgrims hiking the temple to pay their respects at the summit.

At the top, you’ll find a giant golden Buddha image, a prayer hall, shrines, Buddha’s footprints, and numerous smaller Buddhist statues. Lord Buddha’s footprints are the temple’s most sacred relic, and most visitors take on the arduous climb just to see it.

Expect it to take between 2 and 3 hours to reach the top of the temple. We recommend bringing plenty of water bottles and taking as many rests as you need during your ascent.

Enjoy the awe-inspiring view atop Khao Phraya Doenthong Viewpoint

Address: จุดชมวิว เขาพระยาเดินธง Phatthana Nikhom, Phatthana Nikhom District

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Admission Costs: Free

This place is Lopburi’s most popular viewpoint. You must undergo a steep uphill hike to reach Khao Phraya Doenthong Viewpoint, but it’s definitely worth the trip once you reach its rocky summit.

Otherwise, you can go all the way to the top on your bike or car for an easier journey. The viewpoint provides an almost 360-degree panoramic mountain view of the province.

The viewpoint has a small temple with several Buddha images, a shop, and a few bathrooms. It’s also a popular campsite, so you can set up a tent here and enjoy the beautiful stars at night.

Stroll around the Khao Chin Lae Sunflower Field

Address: ทางหลวงหมายเลข 3017 Nikhom Sang Ton Eng, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Website: http://www.lopburi.org/sunflowerlopburi

Admission Costs: 20 baht

The anthophiles on our staff say this is the best place to observe vibrant sunflowers in Lopburi. The sunflowers in Khao Chin Lae only bloom from November to February, so be sure to visit it only during these months.

If you like looking at flowers or taking photos of nature, this place has you covered. Aside from that, this sunflower field is a popular spot for cycling and strolling.

There’s also an on-site cafe if your idea of watching sunflowers in Lopburi includes enjoying a cup of coffee.

Take a dip at Wang Kan Lueang Arboretum’s jungle cascade

Address: Tha Din Dam, Chai Badan District

Operating Hours: 

• 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Sunday – Friday)
• 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Saturday)

Contact Number: +66 92 909 1669

Admission Costs: Free

Though Wang Kan Lueang Arboretum is a botanical garden, it’s more popular for its beautiful jungle cascade. These small jungle waterfalls offer gentle streams and sizable swimming pools.

They’re even more stunning with the surrounding protected trees. That makes it the go-to spot for locals and tourists who enjoy picnicking, camping, and swimming.

There’s only a small shop that sells drinks, ice, and snacks, so be sure to pack food if your goal is to go on a day-long picnic.

Walk around San Phra Kan’s Brahman Shrine Complex

Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 5:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 3677 0096

Admission Costs: Free

San Phra Kan is an important shrine to the locals of Lopburi, so it’s definitely a place every tourist should visit. It’s a place of worship, so expect to see people praying, offering flowers, and lighting incense sticks at its principal Vishnu statue.

Monkeys also roam around this Khmer-style shrine complex, so you can interact with them if you like. Just keep your distance from the aggressive ones.

Buy a lucky charm at Wat Sao Thong Thong’s amulet shop

Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 3642 0535

Admission Costs: Free

Wat Sao Thong Thong is the quintessential Buddhist temple in Lopburi. That means it’s an active temple where people attend monk rituals and ceremonies.

However, what makes it worth visiting is its unique shop famous for its amulet. Locals go here to buy amulets for health and good fortune, which also make for excellent souvenir items.

Otherwise, you can simply stop by to admire its elegant temple architecture.

Admire the stunning scenery in Phu Sap Lek

Address: Kok Toom, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Costs: Free

Hiking to this viewpoint is also a must-do in Lopburi. It overlooks the beautiful Sub Lak reservoir, so it’s definitely worth the trip if you like looking at breathtaking scenery.

The hiking trail to this viewpoint is steep but not challenging, so it’s great even for beginners. It even has numerous trail marks so it’s hard to miss your way to the viewpoint’s summit.

At the top, you’ll find one of Lopburi’s most stunning lake and mountain views, especially during sunset. Just don’t forget to bring a flashlight on your way back from the summit after dark.

Shop your way through Bon Mueang Market

Address: 114 Sura Songkhram Road, Tha Hin

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Costs: Free

Bon Mueang Market is a walking street market, so there are a lot of shopping options from the local vendors. That’s why it’s perfect for shopping and foodie adventures.

Here, you’ll find stalls and shops selling street food, clothes, accessories, souvenirs, fresh produce, knick-knacks, and more. That means you’re covered for food and all your shopping needs.

Watch the colorful night lights at the Si Suriyothai Circle

Address: Narai Maharach Road, Thale Chup Son, Mueang Lop Buri District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Costs: Free

Si Suriyothai Circle is a park-esque roundabout in Lopburi adorned with lanterns and a central candle-like structure. It’s one of the most colorful sights in the city center at night, so it’s definitely worth checking out while you’re visiting.

It’s even more impressive when you visit it during special holidays like Loy Krathung or Christmas. During these times, you’ll see light shows, live performances, Thai boxing events, and plenty of food stalls.