Lopburi was the first destination on my recent epic road trip through central Thailand. And although I was – as always – sad to be leaving Bangkok, I surprisingly felt a great sense of motivation as I sped north from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

This was partly because (and I'm trying not to give too much away in the introduction) I first went to where the action was taking place. Or rather, where nothing was happening – the sunflower field in Khao Chin Lae was surprisingly deserted, even for a Monday morning.

Aside from the specific sights in Lopburi (which I'll discuss in more detail shortly), a large part of what I love about this province is precisely the… unique feeling it evokes, even though it's only a day trip from the capital. Let me explain.

Getting to (and getting around in) Lopburi

Getting from Bangkok to Lopburi is relatively quick and easy, so many travelers use the area for day trips. There are basically two options: either by train from Bang Sue station (currently, some buses also run there from Hua Lamphong station) or by minivan from Mo Chit bus station. Depending on the departure time, the journey takes approximately 2–4 hours door-to-door.

The problem, however, is usually not getting to Lopburi, but getting around once you're there. If you only want to explore the city center (e.g., Phra Prang Sam Yot and the monkeys you might encounter there, as well as the night market), you'll probably manage just fine on foot. However, if you want to visit the sunflower fields or other sights outside the city, a rental car is recommended. I advise you to rent a vehicle and take out inexpensive travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen events along the way. Alternatively, you can also book a car with a driver directly through your hotel.

Things to do in Lopburi

See the monkeys – if you can find them.

Until a few years ago, you could step off a train or bus in Lopburi and encounter hundreds, if not thousands, of monkeys. However, in 2024, local authorities removed most of the monkeys, as they had become a nuisance. While you can still spot a dozen of the animals at the famous Phra Prang Sam Yot temple every evening just before sunset, you shouldn't expect them to be the main attraction of your trip anymore, as they might have been until recently.

Lunch with Texas-style BBQ

A completely unexpected highlight of my Lopburi trip came when I arrived in the town center (I had actually started my tour at the next attraction, which I'll tell you about in a moment) and went in search of a restaurant. To my surprise (and later delight), the guesthouse I stumbled upon (Noom) served Texas-style ribs. They were juicy and delicious, with a spicy, authentic sauce. And I say that as someone who was born in Houston!

Come in winter to see the sunflowers.

As mentioned earlier, my stay in Lopburi began at the sunflower field in Khao Chin Lae. It's located about 30 minutes east of the city and, while not the only place in the Lopburi area where you can admire sunflowers, it was my favorite based on both my research and my own exploration. Surprisingly, there were very few visitors, which was possibly due to the fact that it was a Monday.

Discover more attractions outside the city.

Many other attractions in Lopburi are located outside the city center, from the Pasak Jolasid Dam (where a local train is famous for "floating" over the flooded landscape) to Wat Khao Wong Prachan Buddha. A picture of it that I saw on social media finally convinced me that I absolutely had to go to Lopburi. Of course, you don't have to visit these places (or the others), but if you do, a car is very handy.

Stay to enjoy the night market.

Whether you're staying overnight in Lopburi or not (I'll get to that in more detail shortly), you should definitely stay until after dark. Not only to enjoy the sunset behind Phra Prang Sam Yot, but also to feast your way through the night market at the train station. This place is a feast for the eyes and the palate and a fantastic way to end your day, no matter what you've done there.

Should you stay overnight in Lopburi?

As I mentioned earlier, Lopburi is a popular destination for day trips, both for locals and foreign tourists. If you can leave early and return late, and only plan a few activities in Lopburi, an overnight stay there isn't strictly necessary. You can have a fun-filled day there and then spend the night in the capital.

Most hotels in Lopburi leave much to be desired, further weakening the arguments for staying overnight. On the other hand, an overnight stay here can be worthwhile if Lopburi is just one of many stops in Central Thailand, whether as part of a tour like mine or another travel plan. One or two nights here can also make your trip easier if you want to explore the area extensively but don't have a car or motorbike.

Other frequently asked questions about visiting Lopburi

Is Lopburi worth a visit?

Lopburi is definitely worth a visit if you have a plan for what you want to see. On the plus side, there are significantly fewer monkeys in the city center, which diminishes the appeal of a aimless day trip. However, if you're planning to travel by car and/or stay overnight, the attractions outside the city center make a trip there a more attractive option.

How long should one spend in Lopburi?

A day trip to Lopburi is certainly possible, especially if you set off early and either spend the whole day in the city center or organize your travel to specific sights in advance. On the other hand, I really enjoyed my overnight stay here, if only because it allowed me to explore much more than I otherwise would have been able to.

What is Lopburi known for?

Historically, Lopburi was known for its large monkey population in the city center, particularly around the Khmer-style Phra Prang Sam Yot temple. However, in recent years the monkey population has been reduced, and many tourists now flock here in December and January to admire the sunflowers of Kao Chin Lae.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for things to do in Lopburi or just need a little nudge to visit this underrated corner of Thailand, you've come to the right place. Lopburi is absolutely charming, whether you're taking a day trip (like most travelers) or staying overnight (ideally as part of a tour of Central Thailand). I enjoyed it even more, as I also visited Phetchabun, Ayutthaya, and Ang Thong in a single trip over the next few days. Need help planning your Central Thailand trip? Let me create a bespoke itinerary for you – I'll take care of everything.