Best Things To Do In Lop Buri, Thailand: A Wonder Of Ruins

1. Get lost in Phra Narai Ratchaniwet

Also known as the King’s Palace, this beautiful palace complex houses the home of King Narai the Great. It is a ruin that is known as the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and has a unique mix of Khmer and French influences, making this one of the best sites in Lop Buri for history fans. It’s also easy to find; it’s located in the position of respect, the town centre. The ruins aren’t the only thing to see though; the complex also houses the King Narai National Museum, which hosts personal belongings of past monarchs as well as well-kept grounds, that show how life was like back in the 17th-century.

Phra Narai Ratchaniwet

Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District, Lopburi 15000, Thailand

Price: 4.35 USD

Opening Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday 8.30am - 4pm

Duration: around 2 hours required

Contact: +66 36411458

Website: Phra Narai Ratchaniwet

2. Take time to yourself at Phra Prang Sam Yot

Phra Prang Sam Yot is Lop Buri’s oldest and most well-known landmark. Translated from Thai, the name means “three holy prangs” and is a temple with a set of towers located in the middle of the town. It was built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII and is a historical ruin that absolutely must not be missed if you are in Lop Buri. This 12th-century temple is currently home to thousands of macaque monkeys, so be careful when visiting this site. The monkeys can be aggressive when trying to snatch personal belongings! Keep your items close to you and the town asks that you not feed the monkeys yourself — they have designated officers who do that at certain times of the day.

Phra Prang Sam Yot

Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District, Lopburi 15000, Thailand

Price: 0.87 USD

Opening Hours: Open Wednesday - Sunday, 6am - 6pm

Duration: around 2 hours required

Contact: +66 966570279

3. Take part in the Lop Buri Heritage Walk

If you’re short on time and want to see as much of the ruins in Lop Buri as possible, try the Lop Buri Heritage Walk. Starting at Phra Narai Rachaniwet in the town centre, make your way through half a dozen sites, most of which are on this list. The whole trip can be done in one day and also features stops for snacks and meals. If you do decide to embark on this walk, remember to bring a hat, your camera, and your wits! Monkeys roam free in Lop Buri and are known for being mischievous, so make sure to keep your belongings close to you. Also, since this is a walking tour, watch out for traffic along the roads!

Lop Buri Heritage Walk

Address: Lop Buri, Thailand

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day

Duration: 1 day required

4. Take part in King Narai Fair

King Narai Fair is held annually in February at the Phra Narai Rachaniwet and is held in honor of the 17th-century monarch, King Narai the Great. It is a festival that is filled with music, period-accurate ceremonies, a market, and an after-dark sound-and-light show. If you’re in Lop Buri during the festival, make sure to drop by and see this Thai event in person!

King Narai Fair

Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District, Lopburi 15000, Thailand

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 9 days, held in mid-February (dates subject to change)

Duration: around 2 hours required

5. Pay your respects at Ban Wichayen

Ban Wichayen, also known as Wichayen House, served King Narai the Great as housing for envoys and ambassadors in the 17th-century. It gets its name from the Greek official that served the Thai government as a royal minister, who was named Chaophraya Wichayen and given a house on the same estate. These ruins have several buildings, including a two story brick building, a narrow one story building, and a Christian church with both Eastern and Western styles. Come early for a leisurely walk around the site and to capture the best photos of the church and grounds.

Ban Wichayen

Address: Thanon Wichayen, Tambon Tha Hin, Amphoe Mueang Lop Buri, Chang Wat Lopburi 15000, Thailand

Price: 1.45 USD

Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 7am - 5pm

Duration: around 2 hours required

Contact: +66 036411458

Website: Ban Wichayen

6. Play with monkeys at the Monkey Festival

The Monkey Buffet Festival, held annually in Lop Buri, is one of the city’s most famous events. It is a four-day event in which the city’s 3,000 monkeys are given a bouquet in front of the Phra Prang Sam Yod and San Phra Kan temples four times a day, filled with fruits, vegetables, candies, and cakes. Aside from this customary offering to the monkeys, the festival also offers live music and dancing, as well as vendors that are great for souvenirs. You might want to plan for at least an afternoon here, because this is an annual festival you won’t want to miss if you’re in Lop Buri.

The Monkey Buffet Festival

Address: San Phra Kan and Phra Prang Sam Yod|Phra Prang Sam Yod Lopburi, Thailand

Price: Free

Opening Hours: annually in November; length can vary

Duration: around 3 hours required

Access: right near the Lop Buri railway station

7. Be in awe at Wat Nakhon Kosa

Deeper into history is where you will find Wat Nakhon Kosa, a large ruin that is thought to be the base of a 12th-century chedi that was built in the Dvaravati period. These ruins show trace amounts of buildings built during the Khmer and Ayuthaya eras and even has a collection of Buddha images. Come early for spectacular views and a quiet tour around the site.

Wat Nakhon Kosa

Address: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District, Lopburi 15000, Thailand

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm daily

Duration: around 2 hours required

Access: just north of Lop Buri railway station

Contact: +66 036412510

Website: Wat Nakhon Kosa

8. Learn about history at Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That

For a slice of religious history, be sure to take the time to visit Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That. This temple, known colloquially as Wat Yai, is over 650 years old and holds the second-most famous Buddha in all of Thailand, the Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue; it is also considered the most beautiful statue in the country. There is a lot to see here, with the temple, the ruins, and vendors all over the place, so if you want a calm trip, visit this site before 9 am and make sure to be dressed appropriately. You’ll have fantastic pictures and a head full of wonder after visiting this temple, so make sure it’s on your bucket list!

Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That

Address: Phitsanulok, Lopburi, Thailand

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 6.30am - 6.30pm daily, closed on public holidays

Duration: around 2 hours required

Website: Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That

9. Look at Thai architecture at Kraison Siharat Hall

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re interested in traditional Thai architecture from the 17th-century, then a trip to Kraison Siharat Hall is necessary. This was once one of King Narai the Great’s residences and is located on an island that used to be surrounded by a large reservoir. The hall is also important to astronomers; the king utilized the hall and its facilities to observe both a lunar and solar eclipse while in the company of Jesuit priests and French diplomats. The ruins are a little outside of town, meaning that it’s not always packed with tourists, so do yourself a favor and get there early so you have plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.

Kraison Siharat Hall

Address: Amphoe Mueang, Lopburi

Price: from 1.45 USD

Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 9am - 4pm. Closed on public holidays

Duration: around 2 hours required

Access: located on an island; ferry is needed

Website: Kraison Siharat Hall

10. Watch the East meets the West at Wat San Paolo

Another 17th-century ruin that can be found in Lop Buri is Wat San Paolo, a Jesuit church that was founded by the Portuguese. The ruins include the remains of one brick wall, a tower, and an octagonal, three story observatory. For those who are interested in the trail of foreigners within Thailand, it is a great stop that is a little outside of town, ensuring that this is an attraction that few people visit, making for a calm afternoon in the shade of history.

Wat San Paolo

Address: Amphoe Mueang, Lopburi, Thailand

Price: Free

Opening Hours: daily from 8am - 5pm

Duration: around 2 hours required

Access: approximately 3 km (1.8 mi) east of Lopburi, off of Ramdaecho Road

Website: Wat San Paolo

History is waiting for you at Lop Buri

Regardless of what century or time period you’re interested in — whether it’s Ayutthaya, Khmer, or European — Lop Buri has something of interest for you. If you’re spending time in Bangkok, take a few days to travel to this city and surround yourself in true Thai culture. After all, why else would you go to Thailand if not to immerse yourself in its long trail of history?