Lopburi Monkey Temple & Ayutthaya Old City Tour From Bangkok
Full-day guided visit to key temples in Ayutthaya followed by Lopburi’s Phra Prang Sam Yod (Monkey Temple). Licensed English-speaking guide, hotel pick up (selected areas), air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water included. Entrance fees, meals and personal expenses are not included.
In Collaboration with WanderSiam. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with WanderSiam, inspired by the tour Lopburi Monkey Temple & Ayutthaya Old City Tour From Bangkok. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visits to Ayutthaya’s main temples
- See the Buddha head in tree roots at Wat Mahathat
- Explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon’s large prang
- Visit Lopburi’s Phra Prang Sam Yod and observe macaques safely
- Small-group tour (max 10) with hotel pick up from select areas
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Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at our office in Chinatown (Chao Khamrop Road) or be collected from hotels in the Khao San / Siam Square pick-up area. Exact pickup time (between 07:30–08:00) will be confirmed the day before. The tour travels first to Ayutthaya to visit historic temples, then continues north to Lopburi for Phra Prang Sam Yod and a short walk around Lopburi old town before returning to Bangkok.
Wat Phra Mahathat (Ayutthaya) — visit
Visit Wat Phra Mahathat. One of the most photographed features is the head of a stone Buddha entwined in the roots of a tree. Entrance fee is not included and must be paid on-site in cash.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect uneven ground and temple ruins; wear stable, closed shoes and take steady, short walks between photo spots.
- Bring small change and local currency for the entrance fee — fees for some Ayutthaya temples are collected on-site and not included.
- There are shaded areas and benches near the main ruins; plan brief rest stops and use the guide to point out easiest routes.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon — visit
Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. The highlight is the large, imposing prang and the long reclining Buddha area. Note: entrance fee is not included and must be paid on-site in cash.
Tips from local experts:
- There are stairs and raised platforms; plan for slow, steady movement and use handrails where available.
- Entrance fee at this temple is paid in cash — keep small bills/coins handy to speed entry.
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is helpful as parts of the site are exposed with limited shade; rest on benches in shaded areas between sections.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet — visit
Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, noted for the three large stupas aligned down the centre of the site. Entrance fee is not included and must be paid on-site in cash.
Tips from local experts:
- The main site is mostly open-plan with few shaded areas; schedule a short rest and drink water before inspecting the central stupas.
- Paths are a mix of packed earth and stone — use comfortable footwear and walk slowly on uneven surfaces.
- Have local currency available for entry; keep belongings secure when pausing for photos.
Lunch break / short rest (self-arranged)
Short lunch and rest period in Ayutthaya town. Meal is excluded from the tour price — the guide will recommend nearby, senior-friendly restaurants with seating and easy access.
- Monday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Plan for a seated, shaded restaurant; tell your guide about any dietary restrictions so they can recommend suitable options.
- Carry local cash — many small eateries accept cash only; choose places with step-free access where possible.
- Allow time for a calm, seated meal and restroom break; avoid rushing to keep walking minimal between sites.
Travel to Lopburi
Transfer from Ayutthaya to Lopburi by air-conditioned vehicle. Travel time varies with traffic; schedule allows time to arrive mid-afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to sit, hydrate, and rest — vehicles are air-conditioned and seating is provided for comfort.
- Keep any medications or mobility aids in an easily reachable bag for the transfer.
- The guide will advise on restroom stops; request assistance if you need extra time exiting/boarding the vehicle.
Phra Prang Sam Yot (Lopburi) — visit (Monkey Temple)
Explore Phra Prang Sam Yot in Lopburi, known as the Monkey Temple where macaques roam the ruins. Entrance fee is not included and must be paid on-site in cash. Monkeys are wild animals — keep distance and store belongings securely.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep all food and loose items inside your bag and zipped — monkeys can quickly grab loose items from pockets or hands.
- Maintain distance from the macaques; avoid eye contact or sudden movements and do not attempt to touch them.
- Wear closed shoes and be cautious on uneven stone steps; benches and shaded walls are available for short rests.
Lopburi old town — short walk and orientation
Short guided walk around Lopburi old town to see Khmer-style ruins and local streets. This is an easy-paced walk designed for comfort and photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay close to the group and use the guide’s suggested route to avoid busy roads and steep sections.
- Carry water and use shaded seating when available—plan short walking intervals with rest in between.
- Keep personal items zipped and avoid dangling bags; monkeys are present in some central areas of Lopburi.
Return transfer to Bangkok
Return by air-conditioned vehicle to central Bangkok (drop-off in the Khao San / Siam Square pick-up area or return to our office in Chinatown depending on original arrangement).
Tips from local experts:
- Use the return transfer to rest; vehicles are air-conditioned and have comfortable seating for senior passengers.
- Collect any medications or personal items before boarding; notify the guide if you need assistance during the drive.
- Estimated arrival in Bangkok is early evening; the guide will confirm the exact drop-off point in advance.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Meal, Transfer, Neighborhood |
Lopburi Monkey Temple & Ayutthaya Old City Tour from Bangkok
Why this experience
You want to understand Thailand's history without spending days reading books—seeing it at Prang Sam Yot temple (the monkey temple) and Ayutthaya's ancient ruins does the work for you. This day trip takes you an hour north from Bangkok to Lopburi, where thousands of monkeys inhabit a 13th-century temple complex, climbing, playing, and posing for photos in the crevices of crumbling stone. The monkeys are bold and playful; your guide shows you how to keep distance while capturing the chaos. Then you move to Ayutthaya, Thailand's former capital, where you walk through the ruins of Wat Mahathat (famous for the tree growing through a Buddha head) and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a sprawling temple complex where every angle is a photo. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and lunch sits somewhere between both sites. You're not reading history; you're standing in it, feeling the scale of a city that stood for 400 years. Best in the cool season when morning light is golden and the day stays dry and manageable.
Before you go
- Best time: November to February (cool mornings, golden light, dry conditions). May–September brings intense heat, humidity, and occasional rain that makes temple-walking exhausting.
- Budget: Transportation, guide, lunch, and temple entry are typically included. Budget for snacks, water, tips, and extra donations at temples.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate walking on flat and uneven terrain. Climbing temple stairs is optional. Expect 5–7 hours of guided touring.
- What to bring: Sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes (temples have uneven stone), light scarf or shawl for temple entry (shoulders and knees covered), water bottle, cash for tips and temple donations, camera.
- Getting there: Hotel pickup from Bangkok is typically included. Confirm pickup time and location the day before. The round trip is 5–6 hours driving.
- Accessibility: Temple ruins have stairs and uneven terrain. Wheelchair access is limited. Discuss mobility needs with your operator beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be safe around the monkeys? Yes. Monkeys are used to tourists and your guide manages interaction. Don't feed them (they'll bite), don't make direct eye contact (it seems aggressive to them), and keep bags zipped. Respect their space and they'll ignore you or pose for photos.
Why are the monkeys at the temple? Prang Sam Yot has housed monkeys for centuries. The site provides food and shelter; locals and visitors feed them (though it's discouraged). They're part of the temple's identity.
How much walking is involved? Expect 2–3 hours of walking (mixed with sitting, temple time, and driving). Terrain is mostly flat with some uneven stones and optional stairs. Not strenuous; good for any fitness level.
What's included in the tour? Your guide, hotel transportation, lunch, temple entry fees, and guided walking tours of both sites. Drinks and snacks beyond lunch are usually extra.
Can I do this as a couple or family? Absolutely. The tour works for history buffs, photographers (monkeys and ruins are incredible), couples, and families with children old enough to walk and appreciate history (typically 6+).
Complete your trip in Bangkok
After exploring Ayutthaya's ancient past, return to Bangkok's present: cruise through hidden neighborhoods on the Must-Try: Hidden Bangkok Bike and Food Tour, or taste street food under neon lights on the Bangkok Food Tour By Night. Browse all Bangkok itineraries at TheNextGuide.
