Ready for a real-life Jungle Book experience? We've got just the thing for you. Head to Lopburi, Thailand's monkey kingdom for a day you'll never forget!
There are a lot of places in the world that you can go to see monkeys and a lot more places you can go to see ruins. As a volunteer in Thailand with International Language Programs, you'll have plenty of weekends and vacation days to see places like Ayutthaya! But a monkey kingdom in ruins? Bet you thought that was only in the Jungle Book. If you're like us, you'll probably be singing "Oobee do, I wanna be like you" the whole time you're there.
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Planning vacations, even just weekend trips can be kind of tricky sometimes, especially if you're new to the country. Lopburi is becoming a popular destination for tourists, so here is a list of our tips for visiting this place you'll never forget!
What You Need To Know About Visiting Lopburi:
Where It Is?Lopburi is about a 2 1/2 hour drive north of Bangkok, close to some of the cities in the north. It's between Bangkok and Phitsanulok if you're familiar with a couple of those pictures. From either spot, it's an easy day trip especially if you're heading from the north down to Bangkok.
Since the 6th century, this place has been the home of many kings and princes (remember how the US didn't even become its own country until about 250 years ago?). Hence, the incredible ruins! Marco Polo, the famous explorer who went to China, even wrote about this city!
About the Monkeys
The long-tailed macaques are a huge part of the culture in Lopburi. In fact, a monkey festival is held every year in November (usually the last Sunday).
There is live music, dancing, and even a big feast, all for the monkeys! It's said the monkeys bring luck to the city, which is why they're treated with so much respect. But, this festival is not for the weak of heart. Monkeys may look cute, but they are wild animals and can be a bit aggressive! They fight a lot with each other, and won't hesitate to steal your stuff or attack anyone who gets in their way. If you have food in your bag and leave it unattended, they will definitely go for it! Don't wear earrings, hold onto your sunglasses, and make sure all of your bags are zipped shut. Oh, and they pull hair. Get tons of pictures (duh) but keep a tight hold on your phone!
You'll even see signs in the city that say: To prevent monkeys attacking people, the officer will feed monkeys in 3 designated areas outside San Phrakan twice a day, at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Those who want to feed monkeys other than these times, please contact the officer or caretaker.
Just make sure you're keeping an eye on your possessions.
What To Bring
Have we talked enough about the monkey thieves? Just make sure you watch your stuff closely since there are some things we do recommend bringing.
- Sunscreen
- Water
Snacks (keep these hidden from the monkeys) - Camera + Phone
Baht (around 100 for Lopburi, and money for your train back).
How To Get There
For ILP volunteers, you'll probably be in Bangkok a few times for weekends and vacations — some volunteers get help hiring out a van (talk to your Local Coordinator) and can make side trip to Lopburi.
You can also arrive by train. This is such a cheap option, with a range of what you want to pay for (comfy seats? air conditioning? a bed?)! The trains leave frequently, and take different amounts of time to get there depending on how many stops they have. Here is where to find info about ticketing. You may still need to get help from your Local Coordinator, because even translated, the website is mostly in Thai.
What To Do There
Once you get to Lopburi, it's so small that you can actually just see everything on foot! The main hangout spot for monkeys is Phra Prang Sam Yod which costs about 50 baht (less than $2) to enter. If you're dying to feed the monkeys (good luck!) you should be able to find vendors here who will sell you food for the monkeys.
Other places you can't miss are Wat Sao Thong Thong (used to be a catholic church, but was changed to a Buddhist temple), Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat (it has a cool central tower), King Narai's Lopburi Palace, and Phra Khan Shine (an old Buddhist chapel). This website even has a recommended walking route that won't take you longer than a few hours. Chances are you'll see monkeys all around the city, because they basically run it.
Want to talk to someone who's been?
Teaching the cutest kids in the world, while getting to spend your weekends and vacations doing stuff like this will make your semester in Thailand the best you've ever had! Click below to talk to one of our reps:
