Lopburi: Monkey See Monkey Do

Lopburi is a small town a few hours north of Bangkok that has become famous for its resident monkeys.

Lopburi Sign, Thailand

Within a few hours of arriving at our hostel we witnessed a cheeky monkey leap down from the rooftop and grab a bunch of bananas that a couple had bought and left on the floor. It crept up quietly, then as fast as lightening, snatched the bananas and leapt back to the rooftop where it proceeded to eat the bananas one by one, smiling back down at the couple from whom it had stolen the bananas.  I’m sure it thought Christmas had come early.

Monkey Joyriding - Lopburi, Thailand

The next day we visited the Phra Prang Sam Yot, or the ‘Monkey Temple’. As we got closer the number of monkeys crossing road, hanging off power cables and terrorising local fruit sellers grew more. Stood at the entrance to the monkey temple I exclaimed:

“I have never seen so many monkeys in my life”

Monkey Temple - Lopburi, Thailand

We walked round the temple, taking photos with our mouths open, in awe at the sheer number of monkeys that have made this small temple their home. As we walked round the temple, two coach loads of tourists arrived and we watched as the young monkeys jumped all over the tourists and generally terrorised those who showed any fear.

Jen @ Monkey Temple - Lopburi, Thailand

Monkey @ Monkey Temple - Lopburi, Thailand

Just as the large groups of tourists left, two monks entered the temple and we watched in amazement as a monk calmly crouched down and stroked a monkey without getting bitten. I thought to myself, if I tried that, I’d surely end up leaving Lopburi with rabies.

Monk @ Monkey Temple - Lopburi, Thailand

Just as we were about to leave the temple, a gang of monkeys came running into the temple with red juice drinks. We watched as a couple stopped to drink them, just like humans would.

Monkeys enjoying juice - Lopburi, Thailand

Monkeys enjoying juice - Lopburi, Thailand

Monkeys enjoying juice - Lopburi, Thailand

As I left the monkey temple I told Ben

“That is the most amazing thing I’ve seen in my life.”

Maybe I exaggerate a little, they are only monkeys after all, but you catch my drift.

Quick Reference Guide to Lopburi:

Transport: Catch a train or bus north from Bangkok

Accommodation: Noom Guesthouse

Eating: Take your pick from the many street stalls throughout Lopburi