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Thailand has much to boast about when it comes to festivals, but few are as unique as the Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi. Every year, thousands of visitors come to this historical town to witness an entire day’s worth of festivities to celebrate the monkeys of Lopburi. Unlike traditional festivals held by cities celebrating parades, lanterns, or temple rituals, the focal point of the event is on the free-roaming, long-tailed macaques that scamper through the ancient ruins of Lopburi. For the adventure traveller looking for something incomprehensible, it is an exhilarating experience that offers visitors an experience of ancient architecture, community, and carefree behaviour displayed by thousands of monkeys.
Facts About Monkey Buffet Festival
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The Monkey Buffet Festival in Thailand, started in 1989 by businessman Yongyuth Kitwatananusont, draws tourists to Lopburi and celebrates the city’s long-tailed macaques. Inspired by the Ramakien epic, where monkey god Hanuman is revered, feeding the monkeys symbolises prosperity and honour. Each year, around two tons of fruits, vegetables, and desserts are artistically arranged for over 2,000 macaques around Lopburi’s temples. The festival features four buffet rounds throughout the day, offering visitors multiple chances to witness the lively spectacle.
Important Updates For 2025
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The Monkey Buffet Festival has evolved into an internationally recognised cultural event, vibrant and lively in 2025, with added safety measures. Lopburi authorities have managed the monkey population through sterilisation to reduce conflicts with residents. Feeding rules outside festival zones have tightened, ensuring safety for both monkeys and visitors. Organisers now provide secure viewing areas, allowing monkeys to avoid tourists. These improvements maintain the festival’s chaotic charm while offering a more organised, enjoyable, and family-friendly experience for all attendees.
Location
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
Lopburi, a provincial town in central Thailand known as the “Monkey City,” is the setting for the Monkey Buffet Festival. Lopburi is rich in history with Khmer-era temples, Ayutthaya-era palaces, and ancient shrines scattered around its old town. The festival itself is hosted at two important sites: Phra Prang Sam Yot, a 13th-century Khmer temple with three prangs (towers) rising above the temple; and San Phra Kan Shrine, across the railway tracks. Lopburi is home to large populations of monkeys all year, but during the festival, both sites become the backdrop for extravagant performances, breathtaking food exhibits, and thousands of jubilant macaques.
Dates And Timings 2025
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The Monkey Buffet Festival is typically observed on the last Sunday of November every year. In 2025, the festival will take place over the weekend of Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30. The major celebrations will be on Sunday, November 30, 2025. The hours are subject to variation from year to year, so here are the approximate key hours:
- 9:30 AM: Opening ceremony of the San Phra Kan Shrine with dancers in monkey costumes and traditional performances.
- 10:30 AM: First buffet period at the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple grounds.
- 12:00 PM: Second buffet round with additional fruit displays.
- 2:00 PM: Third buffet period featuring clever fruit ice displays to keep the monkeys cool.
- 4:00 PM: Last buffet period marking the last monkey buffet of the day.
What You Will See And Other Highlights
Photo: topten22photo / Shutterstock
The Monkey Buffet Festival is more than just a buffet; it is a full day of cultural experience with the monkeys that encompasses odd sights and experiences. Here are some highlights:
Fruit Towers And Feasts: The main attraction is the huge buffet for the monkeys. The monkey buffet is made up of over two tons of fruit, vegetables and sweets, and artfully arranged in large towers, pyramids, and ice sculptures. After the buffet is unveiled, the monkeys arrive on the scene and quickly cover the tables in a frenzy of energy, which can be both amazing and comical.
Cultural Performances: As part of the opening ceremonies, traditional Thai dancers perform in monkey costumes based on the Ramakien, which is Thailand’s version of the Ramayana. These performers connect the festival folklorically and culturally to the Hindu monkey god Hanuman, which is an important aspect of Thai culture.
Street Markets And Food: The temple grounds host various local vendors that sell anything from Thai street food and sweets to handmade souvenirs. The festival, besides being entertaining, provides opportunities to sample authentic local food.
Photographic Opportunities: Photographs of monkeys jumping around temple ruins, climbing these fruit towers, and stealing a tourist’s food draw photographers to Lopburi. The ancient Khmer architecture in a collage with mischievous macaques creates beautiful photos.
Other Attractions In Lopburi: Visit King Narai’s Palace, which is a complex from the 17th-century Ayutthaya period. See the sunflower fields that pop around Lopburi from November to January. Explore Lopburi Old Town, which displays a mixture of Khmer, Thai, and colonial buildings.
Best Places To Watch The Feast
Photo: Christian Rebernik (maniac7791) / Wikimedia Commons
The Monkey Buffet Festival is situated in and around the historic centre of Lopburi, primarily near Phra Prang Sam Yot and the San Phra Kan Shrine. The monkeys roam free, but there are designated zones where travellers can be safe to watch.
Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple Grounds: This is where the main stage and central buffet tables are located. The grounds normally have a raised platform near the front gate for any media and foreign tourists. It’s the best place to take pictures of the fruit towers.
San Phra Kan Shrine Plaza: Just a short walk to the site from the railway station, it has less traffic than Phra Prang Sam Yot. This site has some covered seating areas and temporary barriers installed to help families and older travellers not feel pressured by the crowds.
Designated Viewing Zones: Since 2022, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has set up fenced-off tourist areas at both temple sites. They are typically situated to the north of Phra Prang Sam Yot and beside the entrance steps at the San Phra Kan Shrine, allowing for clear, safe views of the sites while minimising monkey-human contact.
How To Reach Lopburi
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Lopburi is about 150 km from Bangkok and easily accessible by various transport options:
By Train: Regular trains from Hua Lamphong and Don Mueang Stations take 2.5–3 hours. Tickets cost THB 30–300 (₹70–700). Lopburi station is central with easy tuk-tuk access to festival sites.
By Bus/Minivan: Frequent departures from Mo Chit Terminal, 2–3 hours travel, costing THB 120–150 (₹280–350). Drop-off is at Lopburi central terminal with local transport available.
By Car/Taxi: A 2.5-hour drive via Highway 1. Parking near Old Town is limited, so arrive early for easier access.
Where To Stay
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Lopburi offers budget hostels, boutique hotels, and mid-range stays. For proximity to Phra Prang Sam Yot and festival sites, stay in Old Town with guesthouses like Noom Guesthouse and Nett Hotel (THB 500-800 / ₹1,200-1,900). Modern options include Lopburi Inn Resort in New Town, with pool and garden views (THB 1,200-1,800 / ₹2,800-4,200). Nearby village homestays provide local experiences (THB 600-1,000 / ₹1,400-2,400). About an hour away, Ayutthaya offers riverside boutique hotels (THB 1,500-2,500 / ₹3,500-5,800) for luxury stays.
Where To Eat
The festival offers abundant food stalls near San Phra Kan Shrine and Old Town, selling satay, pad thai, and grilled seafood for THB 50-100 (₹120-240). For sit-down meals, Lopburi Local Kitchen serves authentic Thai curries starting at THB 120 (₹280). Coffee & More offers Thai-fusion and Western dishes for THB 150-250 (₹350-600). For international flavours, Porridge Cafe has pizza and pasta priced at THB 200-300 (₹480-720). Don’t miss coconut ice cream and mango sticky rice from festival stalls, costing around THB 40-60 (₹95-140).
Tips For Travellers
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Plan, book early, carry cash, dress comfortably, respect local customs, stay hydrated, use reliable transport, and keep your belongings safe for a smooth festival experience.
- Get there early in the morning or at noon to encounter less foot traffic and more favourable photography conditions.
- Keep your things secure because monkeys are notorious for snatching bags, food, and small items.
- Wear light but modest clothing, and try not to wear dangling decorations that will attract monkeys.
- Bring enough cash in small bills; most street vendors and local transport do not accept cards.
The Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi is a vibrant cultural event celebrating the city’s famous macaques with colorful food displays and lively festivities. This unique festival showcases Thailand’s rich traditions and warm hospitality, attracting visitors worldwide. If you want to experience the Monkey Buffet Festival 2025, plan your trip early. Book with TripXL for an unforgettable adventure that brings you closer to Lopburi’s most famous and charming annual event.
Cover Photo: Karin Chantanaprayura / Pexels
