Where You Can Get up Close and Personal with Monkey

The laid-back city of Lopburi is known across the world for being full of ancient temple ruins, one of the oldest cities in Thailand and of course for being overrun by mischievous crab-eating monkeys.

Whilst many will come for the history and the ruins it is quite obvious that the main draw for tourists to the city is that of those pesky monkeys that will quite happily steal a sandwich, ice cream or soft drink from your hands. Although the monkeys are obviously a little bit mischievous, there is never any need to be afraid of them as they are usually just only some food.

Take a look at two places in Lopburi where you can get right up close and personal with the monkeys that make this city so popular with tourists.

Phra Prang Sam Yot

Phra Prang Sam Yot is just 200 meters away from the railway station in Lopburi and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and most well known landmarks. The former Hindu shrine was built way back in the

Whilst beautiful, interesting and full of history, the shrine is probably not the main reason that tourists go to Phra Prang Sam Yot. The real reason would be to see the many cute yet mischievous monkeys that have claimed the temple as their own home.

These monkeys can be a little on the naughty side, so it is best to always be on your wits. They like to steal food and anything such as bags that may have food inside.

Phra Kan Shrine

The San Phra Kan shrine is one of the more modern temples in Lopburi having been built back in 1951 but the shrine itself inside the temple is certainly a lot older than that and is actually from the 6th century. It is located close to the railway line and is another popular tourist destination in Lopburi for both the history and the culture that it exudes but also because of the many monkeys that can be seen in the area.

Again, there are more than 300 monkeys that can be found around the surrounding areas of the temple that are more than happy to be photographed by any tourists.

If you are coming to Thailand and would love to learn about the history and culture of the city whilst being amazed by some of the country’s most famous animals, then there is certainly no better city than that of lopburi.