Lopburi Monkey Festival
Celebrating the World's Cheekiest Primates
Lopburi Monkey Festival 2025: Complete Travel Guide & Dates
Every year, on the last Sunday of November, the historic city of Lopburi in central Thailand turns into a stage for one of the most unusual and fun cultural events in the world, the Lopburi Monkey Festival. In 2025, the festival falls on 30 November, bringing thousands of curious visitors and hundreds of long-tailed macaques together at the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple and the nearby San Phra Kan shrine. What makes this Thai festival truly special is its purpose: the local community hosts an extravagant buffet of fruits, vegetables, and sweets to honour the monkeys, who are considered symbols of good luck and prosperity. With colourful food displays, dance performances, and playful primates stealing the spotlight, the Lopburi Monkey Festival has become a must-see cultural experience for anyone visiting Thailand in November.
Lopburi Monkey Festival Details
Festival Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Phra Prang Sam Yot temple complex, Lopburi
Distance from Bangkok: 150 km (2-hour train ride)
History & Cultural Significance of Thailand's Monkey Festival
Origins of the Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival
This monkey buffet festival originated in 1989 as a result of the local people giving back to the crab-eating macaques that live in the ancient Khmer ruins. It is a festival that is in honour of these primates, who are deemed to be sacred avatars of Hanuman in Hindu mythology.
Festival Growth & Tourism Impact
What originally started as a local event draws in excess of 10,000 tourists each year where 2-4 tonnes of fresh fruit are served to an estimated 3,000 local macaques. The festival has turned out to be one of the most photographed cultural festivals in Thailand.
What to Expect at Lopburi Monkey Festival
Morning Ceremonies & Traditional Performances
9:00-10:30 AM: Opening ceremonies with traditional Thai performances
10:30 AM-2:00 PM: Multiple monkey feeding sessions throughout the day
2:00-4:00 PM: Cultural performances and local markets
The Famous Monkey Buffet Experience
There is a mountain of fruit-bearing, such as watermelons, bananas, and local delicacies. Tourists are allowed to witness (but not take part in) the feeding show, but to always remain safe around the smart yet aggressive monkeys.
Local Markets & Souvenirs
The festival marketplaces are the stock stores of traditional Thai snacks, the souvenirs that are related to monkeys, and the local handicrafts that are within walking distance of the festival centre.
Travel Planning: How to Get to Lopburi Monkey Festival
Transportation Options from Bangkok
| Transport Method | Duration | Cost Range | Best For |
| Express Train | 2-2.5 hours | 50-200 THB | Budget travelers |
| Bus/Minivan | 4-5 hours | 100-150 THB | Groups |
| Private Car | 2-3 hours | 1,500-2,500 THB | Comfort/flexibility |
Accommodation Near Lopburi Monkey Festival
| Budget Level | Price Range | Recommended Areas |
| Budget | $13-20 USD | Old town guesthouses |
| Mid-range | $25-40 USD | City center hotels |
| Boutique | $50+ USD | Historic district |
Booking Tip: Reserve accommodations by October as the festival weekend fills quickly.
Safety Guidelines for Lopburi Monkey Festival
Secure belongings: Use zippered cross-body bags only
No jewellery: Macaques grab shiny objects
Camera safety: Always use wrist straps
Maintain distance: Never attempt to feed or touch monkeys
Avoid trees: Monkeys may drop objects from above
Photography Guide: Capturing Lopburi's Monkeys
Best Photography Times
Early morning (9:00-10:00 AM) offers optimal lighting and smaller crowds. Use telephoto lenses (70-200mm) to maintain safe distances while capturing detailed monkey behavior.
Recommended Photo Locations
Temple ruins with fruit arrangements
Traditional ceremony staging areas
Market scenes with local vendors
Budget Breakdown for Lopburi Monkey Festival Trip
| Budget Level | Price Range | Recommended Areas |
| Budget | $13-20 USD | Old town guesthouses |
| Mid-range | $25-40 USD | City center hotels |
| Boutique | $50+ USD | Historic district |
Booking Tip: Reserve accommodations by October as the festival weekend fills quickly.
Conclusion: Experience Thailand's Unique Monkey Festival
The Lopburi Monkey festival is a rare cultural experience that incorporates ancient history, wildlife experience, and Thai hospitality. The festival is unique in its kind and offers invaluable experiences besides benefiting local residents and wildlife conservation.
Early booking is recommended. Coming prepared and being respectful to the cultural values and the intelligent macaques that make this Thai festival very special.
FAQ’s
1. When is the best time to arrive at the Lopburi Monkey Festival?
A- Be at the opening ceremonies at about 9:00 AM, before the crowds arrive and have the best photo opportunities. Primarily, the monkey feeding starts at approximately 10:30 AM.
2. How do I get from Bangkok to Lopburi for the monkey festival?
A- Use an express train in Bangkok Hua Lamphong (2 hours and 50-200 THB) or a bus in Mo Chit Terminal (4-5 hours and 100-150 THB). Trains are more convenient and safe.
3. Is the Lopburi Monkey Festival safe for children and families?
A- Yes, with due care. Make sure that children are in proximity, ensure that all items are locked away and that things and monkeys are on the other side. The festival offers specific viewing spots to families
4. What should I do if a monkey takes my belongings at the festival?
A- Does not pursue or seek to retrieve things. Report to festival staff. The majority of the items lost are recovered. Travel insurance should be considered
5. Can I feed the monkeys during the Lopburi Monkey Festival?
A- No, the authorised festival staff only carry out the official feeding ceremonies. Supply of unauthorised food is forbidden due to safety and animal welfare concerns.
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