Ayutthaya Temple & Lopburi Monkey Temple Tour: Full Review (2026)
The Ayutthaya Temple & Lopburi Monkey Temple Tour combines Ayutthaya Historical Park — one of Southeast Asia’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites — with a visit to Lopburi’s Phra Prang Sam Yot, the ancient Khmer temple where wild macaque monkeys roam freely. It is a genuinely unique two-city combination with strong visual contrast: ancient stone ruins in one city, chaotic monkey-filled streets in the other. Important note for 2026: the Lopburi monkey population has been significantly reduced following a government relocation programme — monkey sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
Combining Ayutthaya and Lopburi in a single day from Bangkok is ambitious — both cities are north of Bangkok and cover very different terrain. Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 400 years of royal history. Lopburi is one of Thailand’s oldest cities, best known internationally for the wild macaque monkeys that have colonised its ancient Khmer temple ruins. Together they make for an unusual, varied, and memorable day — but one that requires managing expectations, particularly regarding the monkey situation.
This review covers both destinations, what the tour actually delivers, the honest reality of Lopburi’s monkeys in 2026, and who this tour suits.
Tour Overview
The Ayutthaya Temple & Lopburi Monkey Temple Tour is a full-day tour from Bangkok visiting Ayutthaya Historical Park temples — including Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet — and Lopburi’s Phra Prang Sam Yot, the Khmer temple where wild macaques have historically roamed freely. Hotel pickup from Khao San Road and Siam Square areas is included, along with return transport and a guide. Group size is capped at 10 participants. As of 2026, the Lopburi monkey population is significantly smaller than in previous years following a government relocation programme — monkeys are still present but sightings are fewer than before.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day |
| Departure | Bangkok (hotel pickup from Khao San and Siam Square areas) |
| Group type | Small group (max 10 participants) |
| Key sites | Ayutthaya Historical Park temples, Phra Prang Sam Yot (Lopburi) |
| Entrance fees | Confirm at booking |
| Transport | Air-conditioned vehicle, return |
| Monkey sightings | Possible but not guaranteed (see below) |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours in advance |
What’s Included
- Air-conditioned return transport from Bangkok
- Hotel pickup from Khao San Road and Siam Square areas
- English-speaking guide
- Visit to Ayutthaya Historical Park temples
- Visit to Phra Prang Sam Yot in Lopburi
What You’ll See: Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Historical Park temples
The Ayutthaya portion of the tour covers the major temples of the Historical Park — typically including Wat Mahathat (home to the iconic Buddha head in tree roots) and Wat Phra Si Sanphet (the former royal temple with three iconic chedis). The guide provides historical context at each site.
For a full breakdown of Ayutthaya’s temples, see our individual guides:
The time available at Ayutthaya is somewhat compressed compared to a dedicated temple-only tour, because the day must also accommodate the drive to and from Lopburi. Travellers whose primary interest is Ayutthaya’s temples should consider a dedicated Ayutthaya tour for more time on the ground. See the Best Ayutthaya Temple Day Tours from Bangkok guide for alternatives.
What You’ll See: Lopburi
Phra Prang Sam Yot — the Monkey Temple
Lopburi is located approximately 150 kilometres north of Bangkok and about 70 kilometres north of Ayutthaya. The journey between the two cities adds significant drive time to the day — Lopburi is not a short detour.
Phra Prang Sam Yot is a 13th-century Khmer-style temple comprising three connected prangs (towers), originally built as a Hindu shrine and later converted to Buddhist use. The temple’s architectural quality is significant in its own right — its three towers and ornate carvings make it one of central Thailand’s finest examples of Khmer religious architecture.
The temple became internationally famous for the hundreds of long-tailed macaques that colonised it over decades, freely climbing the ruins and interacting with visitors. Lopburi’s “Monkey Banquet Festival” — an annual event in which locals lay out a feast of fruit for the monkeys — became a viral tourist attraction.
Important update for 2026: Thai authorities launched a significant monkey relocation programme in recent years to address overpopulation and public safety concerns. As of 2026, the monkey population at Phra Prang Sam Yot is considerably smaller than in previous years. Monkeys are still present in and around the temple, but the dense crowds of macaques that characterised earlier visits are no longer the norm. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, and visitors expecting the classic “hundreds of monkeys everywhere” experience should set their expectations accordingly.
Verified reviews from 2026 reflect this directly: one reviewer notes that “unfortunately there are no longer any monkeys at the monkey temple” while another reviewer saw some monkeys and enjoyed the experience. The operator’s own listing acknowledges that “there are still monkeys around Phra Prang Sam Yot in Lopburi, but fewer than in the past” and that sightings cannot be guaranteed.
What Travellers Say
Transport quality and hotel pickup receive consistent praise — the van is described as comfortable and the pickup logistics as “flawless.” The Ayutthaya temple portion is rated positively, with guides providing good historical context.
The Lopburi component generates the most variable feedback. Travellers who saw monkeys and engaged with the chaotic, unpredictable atmosphere of a wild-monkey temple describe it as a memorable experience. Travellers who arrived to find few or no monkeys were understandably disappointed, particularly given the significant drive time involved.
The honest consensus in 2026 reviews: book this tour for the combination of two historically significant ancient cities, not primarily for monkey sightings. If guaranteed monkey encounters are what you’re after, this tour cannot deliver that assurance.
Honest Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique two-city combination covering two UNESCO-significant sites in one day
- Phra Prang Sam Yot is architecturally impressive regardless of monkey presence
- Convenient hotel pickup from central Bangkok areas
- Small group (max 10) for a more personal experience
- Ayutthaya Historical Park temples covered with an expert guide
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead
Cons:
- Monkey sightings at Lopburi are no longer guaranteed following the relocation programme — a significant change from the tour’s original appeal
- Lopburi is a long drive from Bangkok (approximately 150 km), adding considerable transit time to the day
- Less time at Ayutthaya’s temples compared to a dedicated Ayutthaya-only tour
- Some reviews note the day is physically tiring due to the combined distances involved
Who Is This Tour For?
This tour works best for:
- Travellers interested in both ancient cities — Lopburi is a historically significant destination in its own right, independent of its monkeys, and combining it with Ayutthaya makes for a rich two-city day
- Anyone specifically interested in Khmer architecture — Phra Prang Sam Yot is one of central Thailand’s finest Khmer-period structures
- Visitors who’ve already covered Ayutthaya’s temples and want to experience a different destination alongside a return visit
- Travellers comfortable with unpredictability — the monkey presence adds an element of the unexpected that suits adventurous, spontaneous travellers
It is less suitable for:
- Visitors whose primary purpose is guaranteed monkey encounters — the current population reduction makes this unreliable
- Travellers who want maximum time at Ayutthaya Historical Park — a dedicated temple tour gives considerably more ground time
Practical Notes Before You Book
Read the operator’s monkey disclaimer. The tour listing explicitly states that monkey sightings cannot be guaranteed and that the population has been significantly reduced. This is an honest acknowledgement — read it before booking.
Keep belongings secure at Lopburi. Wild macaques are opportunistic and will grab food, sunglasses, jewellery, or unsecured bags. Keep everything zipped and close to your body. Do not bring food.
Dress code for Ayutthaya temples. Covered shoulders and knees are required at all Ayutthaya Historical Park temples. See Ayutthaya Temple Dress Code.
Pickup zone. Hotel pickup is offered from Khao San Road and Siam Square areas only. Hotels outside this zone should make their way to the meeting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there still monkeys at Lopburi in 2026?
Yes, but significantly fewer than in previous years. Thai authorities relocated large numbers of macaques due to overpopulation and public safety concerns. Monkeys are still present around Phra Prang Sam Yot but sightings cannot be guaranteed, and the large monkey crowds of earlier years are no longer the norm.
How much time is spent at each city?
Approximate time at each location varies by traffic and itinerary, but the combination of two cities plus transit typically limits each stop to 1.5–2 hours. A dedicated Ayutthaya tour gives around twice the temple time.
Is it safe to be near the monkeys at Lopburi?
Wild macaques can be unpredictable. Keep all food out of sight, secure your belongings, and maintain a respectful distance. Do not attempt to feed or approach the monkeys. The operator’s guidance notes that monkeys are wild animals, not pets.
What Ayutthaya temples are included?
The tour covers the major temples of Ayutthaya Historical Park, typically including Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Confirm the specific itinerary with the operator at booking.
Is entrance to Phra Prang Sam Yot included?
Confirm entrance fee inclusions with the operator at booking. Some tour options include fees; others may require cash payment on the day.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, with appropriate supervision — particularly at Lopburi where wild monkeys are present. Children should be briefed not to approach or attempt to feed the monkeys.
How long is the drive to Lopburi from Bangkok?
Approximately 2.5–3 hours each way depending on traffic. Lopburi is significantly further from Bangkok than Ayutthaya, which is why the combined day is long and transit-heavy.
