Lopburi Monkey Temple & Ayutthaya Tour from Bangkok — Full Guide (2026)
The Lopburi monkey temple and Ayutthaya tour is the most ambitious day trip on this site — two ancient cities in roughly ten hours. You explore the UNESCO temple ruins of Ayutthaya, then continue north to Lopburi for its Khmer monuments and the famous Prang Sam Yot, overrun by hundreds of cheeky macaques. Here's everything to know before you book this Ayutthaya day trip.
About This Activity
Cancel up to 24h before for a full refund
Lock in your date with no upfront payment
A full, ambitious day from central Bangkok
History of both the Ayutthaya and Khmer eras
The macaque-covered Prang Sam Yot
Ayutthaya ruins plus Lopburi's Khmer monuments
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and pricing for the Ayutthaya and Lopburi day trip — free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Why Combine Ayutthaya with Lopburi's Monkey Temple
Maximum History — and a Few Hundred Monkeys
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam; Lopburi is older still, a city the Khmer Empire shaped centuries before Ayutthaya rose, and one the Ayutthaya kings later used as a second capital. Touring them together tells a much bigger story of central Thailand than either city alone, with a guide to connect the dots between the Khmer and Siamese eras.
And then there are the monkeys. Lopburi's Prang Sam Yot — a striking three-towered Khmer temple — has been colonised by hundreds of crab-eating macaques that scamper over the ruins, pose for photos and, occasionally, swipe a stray water bottle. It's chaotic, hilarious and unforgettable. This is a long day, but for history lovers (and monkey fans) it packs in more than any other tour here.
- Two ancient cities — Ayutthaya and Lopburi — in one day
- Khmer monuments alongside Siamese temple ruins
- The famous Prang Sam Yot monkey temple
- An English-speaking guide linking both historical eras
- Round-trip transport from central Bangkok
What You'll See in Both Cities
From Ayutthaya's Ruins to Lopburi's Macaques
In Ayutthaya you'll take in the headline temple ruins — the brick prang and chedi of the historical park, and very likely the Buddha head at Wat Mahathat. Your guide sets out how the city grew into one of Asia's great capitals and how it fell in 1767.
In Lopburi the mood shifts. Prang Sam Yot, the 'three-towered shrine', is the star, alive with macaques, while nearby Khmer-era monuments and the old palace grounds show the city's deep history. Your guide will brief you on monkey etiquette — keep bags closed, don't tease them, and watch your sunglasses.
- Ayutthaya's temple ruins and the Buddha head at Wat Mahathat
- Prang Sam Yot — Lopburi's Khmer 'monkey temple'
- Hundreds of crab-eating macaques among the ruins
- Khmer monuments and historic palace grounds in Lopburi
- Context on the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the Khmer Empire
What's Included — and What to Budget Extra
This two-city day trip covers transport and guiding for a long day from Bangkok.
- ✓ Round-trip transport from central Bangkok
- ✓ English-speaking guide for both cities
- ✓ Visits to Ayutthaya and Lopburi highlights
- ✓ Bottled water
Budget a little extra for:
- ✗ Lunch and drinks during the day
- ✗ Any entrance fees not specified at booking
- ✗ Souvenirs
- ✗ Optional tips for your guide and driver
Full-Day Itinerary — Ayutthaya & Lopburi Day Trip
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07:00
Pickup from central Bangkok
Early start for the longer two-city itinerary; air-conditioned transfer north.
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08:45
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Explore the temple ruins with your guide, including Wat Mahathat.
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11:00
Continue to Lopburi
Drive further north as the guide introduces Lopburi's Khmer history.
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12:30
Lunch break
Time for lunch en route or in Lopburi (own expense).
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13:30
Prang Sam Yot monkey temple
Meet the macaques at Lopburi's famous Khmer monkey temple and nearby monuments.
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15:00
Return to Bangkok
Comfortable transfer back to the city, arriving in the evening.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
Monkey Etiquette, What to Wear and What to Bring
The monkeys at Prang Sam Yot are wild and bold. Keep a firm hold on bags, phones and sunglasses, don't carry visible food or plastic bags, and avoid teasing or feeding them. Bring hand sanitizer, and if a monkey grabs something, let it go rather than tugging back.
It's a long, hot day, so wear light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes and sun protection, and dress modestly for the temples. Carry small baht notes for lunch and drinks.
- What to bring: hand sanitizer, hat, sunscreen, water and small baht notes
- Keep bags closed and sunglasses secured around the monkeys
- Don't feed or tease the macaques; let go if one grabs an item
- Not suitable for very young children or anyone uneasy around monkeys
- Not allowed: provoking the monkeys or climbing on the ruins
Where You're Going — Prang Sam Yot, Lopburi
Who This Tour Is For
Best For
This tour suits energetic travelers who want maximum history in a single day and don't mind a long itinerary — plus anyone who loves the idea of the Lopburi monkeys.
- History lovers wanting two ancient cities in one day
- Travelers keen to see the famous Lopburi macaques
- Visitors comfortable with an early start and a long day
- Repeat visitors who've already done a standard Ayutthaya tour
Not Suitable For
- Very young children or anyone nervous around wild monkeys
- Travelers who prefer a short, relaxed half-day
- Those with mobility limitations (a lot of walking and a long drive)
Lopburi Monkey Temple & Ayutthaya Tour — FAQs
Are the Lopburi monkeys safe to be around?
They're wild and bold but generally fine if you follow your guide's advice — keep bags closed, don't carry visible food, and don't tease them. Bring hand sanitizer. If you'd rather skip the monkeys, compare the temple-focused Ayutthaya day trips on the homepage.
How long is this tour?
About ten hours — the longest option here, because it covers two cities. Pickup is early (around 7:00 AM) and you return to Bangkok in the evening.
Do I still see the main Ayutthaya temples?
Yes — you tour Ayutthaya's headline ruins, including Wat Mahathat, before continuing to Lopburi. If you only want Ayutthaya, the guided temples tour with lunch is a shorter alternative.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is at your own expense, with a break en route or in Lopburi. Bring small baht notes for food and drinks during the day.
Is it suitable for kids?
It's a long day and the monkeys can be intimidating for very young children. Older kids who are comfortable around animals usually love it — but keep a close eye on belongings.
What Travelers Say
A huge day but completely worth it. Ayutthaya's ruins in the morning, then the Lopburi monkeys in the afternoon — the macaques climbing all over the Khmer temple were hilarious. Our guide knew the history of both cities brilliantly.
We came for the monkeys and stayed for the history. The guide explained how Lopburi and Ayutthaya connect, which made it so much more than a photo stop. Bring hand sanitizer — the monkeys are everywhere!
Long day, early start, but unforgettable. Two ancient cities, great guide, and the Prang Sam Yot monkeys were the highlight of our Thailand trip. Just watch your sunglasses!