Bangkok to Lopburi: Train, Van and Monkey Temple Tips

By NaJade · DJ in Bangkok · Published November 9, 2026

The easiest way from Bangkok to Lopburi is by train: about 2 to 3 hours and from around 28 baht in third class. Choose an ordinary or commuter train, because since December 2025 the faster long-distance trains stop at the new Lopburi 2 station, about 12 km south of the old town. Minivans from Mo Chit take around 3 hours.

Lopburi is about 130 km north of Bangkok and makes a great day trip: Khmer-era temple ruins, a 17th-century royal palace and, famously, monkeys. The trip is simple, but one recent change catches people out — the station your train stops at. Here is how to do it.

Take an ordinary or commuter train to the old Lopburi station, which is in the town centre and a short walk from Phra Prang Sam Yot. Tickets start around 28 baht and the ride takes 2–3 hours. Faster trains now use Lopburi 2, 12 km away. Keep bags zipped and food hidden around the monkeys.

Your Options at a Glance

Option	Cost	Time	Arrives at
Ordinary / commuter train	From about 28 baht (3rd class)	2.5–3 hours	Old Lopburi station, in town
Rapid / special express train	About 50–375 baht by class	1.5–2.5 hours	Lopburi 2, about 12 km south
Minivan	Roughly 150–200 baht	About 3 hours with traffic	Lopburi town
Private taxi	Around 1,800 baht one way	2–2.5 hours	Door to door

Fares and timetables change, so check the State Railway of Thailand at railway.co.th or a booking site before you travel. Minivan fares are approximate.

The Station Change You Need to Know

On 5 December 2025 a new elevated station, Lopburi 2, opened in Tha Wung district, around 12 km south of the old town. Long-distance services — special express, express and rapid trains — now stop there instead of the historic station, as reported by Thai Train Guide. Local, commuter and ordinary trains still use the original Lopburi station, which sits right in the old town.

For a day trip, take an ordinary or commuter train. You step off within walking distance of the main sights.
If you take a fast train, budget for a taxi or songthaew from Lopburi 2 into town.
Third-class tickets on ordinary trains are usually sold on the day at the station, not in advance.

Long-distance trains leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal; many slower trains still use Hua Lamphong. Most northbound trains also stop at Don Mueang, handy if you are near the airport. You can reach both Bangkok stations on the MRT.

What to See in Lopburi

Sight	Approx. entry	Notes
Phra Prang Sam Yot	About 50 baht	Three-spired Khmer temple; the famous monkey spot
San Phra Kan	Free to look around	Shrine opposite the prangs, home to many monkeys
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat	About 50 baht	Large ruins right by the station
Phra Narai Ratchaniwet	About 150 baht	King Narai’s palace and National Museum; Wed–Sun

Everything above is within walking distance of the old station. If you only have one day and want more ruins, Ayutthaya is on the same line, and the two are often combined on tours.

The Monkeys: What to Expect

Lopburi’s long-tailed macaques are its most famous residents, but things have changed. From March 2024 the national parks department and the municipality began a sterilisation and relocation programme, and well over a thousand monkeys were moved to holding facilities. You will still see monkeys around the old town and the temples, just fewer than in older videos.

Hide food and drinks. Plastic bags are an invitation.
Secure sunglasses, hats and phones. Monkeys grab loose items.
Don’t feed, touch or stare. Direct eye contact can be seen as a threat.
Stay calm if one climbs on you. Stand still and let it jump off.
See a doctor if you are bitten or scratched. Rabies is a risk in Thailand.

The town’s Monkey Buffet Festival is held each year on the last Sunday of November, when locals lay out a feast of fruit at Phra Prang Sam Yot.

When to Go

November to February is the most comfortable time, with cooler mornings — see the Bangkok cool season guide. March to May is very hot, so start early and carry water. More ideas in our day trips from Bangkok guide.

A Note From NaJade

I took the slow train to Lopburi on a day off, mostly because I wanted three hours of looking out of a window with headphones on. Third class, fans spinning, vendors walking through with sticky rice — it is one of my favourite cheap pleasures in Thailand. The temples are worth it on their own, and yes, a monkey did try to take my water bottle. If you go, take the ordinary train so you arrive in the old town, keep your bag zipped, and don’t rush. Lopburi is a town that rewards slowing down.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Bangkok to Lopburi?

The easiest way is by train, which takes about 2 to 3 hours. Ordinary and commuter trains stop at the old Lopburi station in the town centre, close to the main sights. You can also take a minivan from Mo Chit, which takes around 3 hours, or hire a private taxi for roughly 1,800 baht.

How much is the train from Bangkok to Lopburi?

Third class on ordinary and commuter trains starts at around 28 baht. Rapid trains cost roughly 50 to 150 baht depending on class, and special express trains with air-conditioned seats cost a few hundred baht. Prices can change, so check the State Railway of Thailand or a booking site before travelling.

Which Lopburi station should I go to?

For sightseeing, use the old Lopburi station, which is in the historic centre within walking distance of Phra Prang Sam Yot. Since December 2025, long-distance express and rapid trains stop at Lopburi 2, about 12 km south of town, so you would need a taxi from there.

Are there still monkeys in Lopburi?

Yes, though fewer than before. Since March 2024, a sterilisation and relocation programme has moved well over a thousand monkeys to holding facilities. You will still see monkeys around Phra Prang Sam Yot, San Phra Kan and parts of the old town, so keep food hidden and belongings secured.

Is Lopburi worth a day trip from Bangkok?

Yes, if you enjoy history and a slower pace. Lopburi has Khmer-era ruins, King Narai’s palace and museum, and a relaxed old town. It is cheap to reach by train and easy to explore on foot. Combine it with Ayutthaya if you want to see more temples in one long day.

When is the Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival?

The Monkey Buffet Festival is held every year on the last Sunday of November at Phra Prang Sam Yot. Locals set out large displays of fruit and vegetables for the monkeys, usually starting in the morning. It is free to watch, though visiting the temple ruins has a small entry fee.

About the Author

NaJade is a Bangkok-based DJ playing progressive house, melodic EDM, pop, and Thai music across clubs, rooftops, and weddings in Thailand — and has lived in the city long enough to have made every one of these mistakes at least once. Find him on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

🎧 Listen to his latest set · 💌 Book him for your venue or event