Central Thailand
Living in Lopburi
The monkey city with Khmer ruins
Population~55,000 (city), ~750,000 (province)
Monthly Cost$300 - $500
Internet Speed100 Mbps
Safety Rating
Expat Score
About Lopburi
Lopburi is a central Thai city of 55,000 people, 150 km north of Bangkok, famous for hundreds of crab-eating macaques roaming freely through the old town around Phra Prang Sam Yot, a stunning three-pronged Khmer-era temple. The city hosts an annual Monkey Buffet Festival each November with elaborate fruit spreads for the primates. Beyond the monkeys, King Narai's Palace is a well-preserved 17th-century complex that served as the Siamese king's second capital and hosted European ambassadors. From November through January, vast sunflower fields bloom in brilliant yellow around the city. Monthly costs of $300-500 make Lopburi one of Thailand's most affordable cities, with trains to Bangkok in 2.5 hours for 30-100 THB.
Best For
History buffsBudget seekersPhotography loversQuiet small-town life
Highlights
Phra Prang Sam Yot (monkey temple)
King Narai's Palace
Sunflower fields (Nov-Jan)
Monkey Buffet Festival
Getting Around Lopburi
Lopburi is 150km north of Bangkok on the main northern rail line. Trains depart Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station every hour (2.5-3 hours, 30-100 THB). Buses run to Bangkok (2-3 hours) and Ayutthaya (1 hour). Motorbike rental (2,000-2,500 THB/month) is useful for reaching Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace and surrounding areas. The city is compact and walkable, especially the Old Town area. No airport -- the nearest is Bangkok's Don Mueang (DMK), 2 hours away.
City of Monkeys and Khmer Ruins
Lopburi is one of Thailand's most unusual cities, famous for its macaque monkey population that roams freely through the Old Town. The monkeys are fed and revered, with an annual Monkey Buffet Festival in November where elaborate fruit spreads are laid out for them. Beyond the monkeys, Lopburi has impressive Khmer-era and Ayutthaya-period ruins, including Phra Prang Sam Yot (a three-pronged Khmer temple now occupied by monkeys) and the grand Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace built by King Narai in the 17th century. The city was once a second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Practical Living in Songkhla
Songkhla offers one of the best quality-of-life-to-cost ratios in Thailand, combining a beautiful coastal setting with a rich cultural heritage and very low living expenses. Internet access is solid through AIS and True fiber networks at 100 Mbps and above, available throughout the city for reliable home broadband at reasonable monthly rates. Healthcare is well-served by Songkhla Hospital, a large regional facility, and the proximity to Hat Yai means additional excellent medical facilities are just 30 minutes away, including Hat Yai Hospital and several private clinics. Shopping ranges from the atmospheric Walking Street market held on weekends to fresh daily markets and the massive Kim Yong Market in nearby Hat Yai, which is renowned throughout southern Thailand for its wholesale prices on everything from dried seafood to textiles and electronics. The cost of living is very low, making Songkhla one of the cheapest beach cities in Thailand, with comfortable apartments from 3,000-5,000 THB per month and meals from 30-50 THB at local restaurants. The main limitation is the relative scarcity of international food options compared to Hat Yai, though the Old Town cafe scene is rapidly improving in this regard. The city's large university population brings youthful energy and a surprising range of cultural activities.
Pros and Cons of Living in Lopburi
Advantages
- Rich historical heritage
Khmer temples, King Narai's Palace, and ancient ruins provide constant historical stimulation.
- Unique character
No other Thai city has free-roaming monkeys among ancient ruins — it is genuinely one of a kind.
- Quick train access to Bangkok
Regular trains reach Hua Lamphong in 2.5 hours for as little as 30 THB.
Considerations
- The monkeys can be a nuisance
Property damage, stolen food, and occasional aggression make parts of the old town challenging for residents.
- Very limited expat community
Almost no foreign residents, with minimal English-language services or international dining options.
- Small city with limited amenities
No major shopping mall, limited healthcare options, and few entertainment venues beyond local markets.
Neighborhoods
Popular areas to live in Lopburi
Old Town (near Phra Prang Sam Yot)
The historic heart where monkeys roam freely, with ancient ruins, street food, and the most character — but keep windows closed
From $80-200/moTrain Station area
Practical residential area near the main station with markets, shops, and easy access to Bangkok-bound trains
From $70-150/moNew Town (east of railway)
Modern commercial area with chain stores, hospitals, and newer housing developments away from the monkey zones
From $80-180/moLocal Living Tips
- 1Keep all windows and doors secured — monkeys are expert at entering buildings looking for food
- 2Do not carry plastic bags openly in the old town — the monkeys associate them with food
- 3Visit King Narai's Palace in the late afternoon for the best light on the French-inspired architecture
- 4Take the train to Bangkok rather than driving — it is cheap, reliable, and drops you right at Hua Lamphong
- 5The sunflower fields along Highway 21 are spectacular in December — rent a motorbike for the day
- 6Street food near the train station offers meals for 30-40 THB — try the khao mok gai (Thai biryani)
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