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To understand the Monkey Buffet Festival, you must first understand the relationship between Lopburi and its monkeys — a relationship that stretches back at least 2,000 years, rooted in one of the great epics of Hindu and Thai mythology.
The Legend of Hanuman and Lopburi:
In the Ramayana — the ancient Indian epic that profoundly shaped Thai culture and mythology — the demon king Ravana kidnaps Sita, wife of the divine prince Rama. It is the great monkey deity Lord Hanuman, commander of an army of monkeys, who helps Rama rescue her. In the Thai version of the story, the Ramakien, Rama helps build the city of Lopburi — then known as Lavapura — with the assistance of Hanuman's army. The thousands of macaques that have lived around the city's ancient temples ever since are said to be the descendants of that divine simian army.
This is why the people of Lopburi do not simply tolerate their monkeys — they revere them. The monkeys are considered sacred descendants of a god, and feeding them is an act of respect and religious remembrance.
How the Modern Festival Was Born:
The Monkey Buffet Festival as we know it today was created in 1989 by a local hotel owner named Yongyuth Kitwattananusont. His idea was pragmatic as much as it was poetic: formalise the community's gratitude to the monkeys by throwing them an annual feast, while simultaneously drawing tourists to the province and boosting the local economy.
The gamble paid off spectacularly. What began as a small local event has grown into an internationally recognised festival that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. By 2024, Lopburi's resident monkey population had grown to over 3,000 crab-eating macaques — a testament to the deep human-monkey coexistence the festival celebrates.
The festival sits at the intersection of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Thai folklore — a living demonstration of how ancient mythology shapes everyday life in modern Thailand.
The Monkey Buffet Festival is unlike any other event on earth. Here is what actually happens on the day:
The Opening Ceremony:
The day begins with an opening ceremony hosted by Yongyuth Kitwattananusont, the festival's founder, and local officials. Performers dressed in elaborate monkey costumes dance to traditional Thai music, drumming, and gongs. The spectacle draws the monkeys gradually from the temple rooftops and surrounding trees.
The Buffet Unveiling:
Long banquet tables are laid out around the temple ruins, piled high with food that local chefs have spent an entire week preparing. Sculptures of fruits and vegetables — elaborate enough to rival a five-star hotel's display — are covered with sheets. At the signal, the sheets are whipped away simultaneously, and the monkeys descend.
The scene that follows is organised chaos: macaques tumbling across tables, fighting over watermelons, sitting in fruit salads, and stealing things from tourists. Over 4,000 kilograms of food — fruits, vegetables, sticky rice, Thong Yod (a traditional Thai egg-yolk dessert), and even monkey-shaped ice sculptures — is consumed in waves throughout the day.
The Market & Human Food:
Running alongside the monkey feast is a lively market of food stalls serving traditional Thai dishes, grilled skewers, fresh coconut, and festival snacks. There are also vendors selling monkey-themed souvenirs, Lopburi crafts, and local produce. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the market between buffet rounds.
The festival is safe and family-friendly, but the monkeys are wild animals. Taking sensible precautions will make the difference between a great day and a stressful one.
01. Tie your hair back tightly. Macaques are curious about hair and will pull at loose ponytails. Secure hair in a tight bun or under a hat.
02. Use zippered cross-body bags only. Monkeys are expert opportunist thieves. Do not carry open tote bags or bags that hang loosely from one shoulder.
03. Remove all jewellery before you arrive. Shiny objects attract monkeys. Leave rings, necklaces, and bracelets at the hotel.
04. Use a camera wrist strap — always. Cameras and phones are frequently snatched. A wrist strap is non-negotiable.
05. Never attempt to feed or touch the monkeys directly. They are not domesticated. Offering food from your hand risks bites and scratches.
06. Watch above you near trees. Monkeys drop fruit, food wrappers, and occasionally other objects from above. Stay alert under tree canopies.
07. Bring your own first-aid supplies. While monkey bites are rare, having antiseptic wipes and bandages is wise. The nearest hospital is in Lopburi city centre.
08. Arrive early, leave before 5 PM. Arriving at 9 AM means better photos, smaller crowds, and a relaxed start. Leaving by 5 PM ensures you catch a comfortable return train.
Yes — with supervision. Children love the festival but should be kept close and not allowed to approach or feed the monkeys independently. Young children should be held or in a carrier in crowded areas near the buffet tables.
Lopburi is one of Thailand's most historically significant cities. If you're staying overnight, or arriving the day before, these attractions are well worth your time.
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Yes — attending as a spectator is completely free. There is no entrance fee for the festival grounds. Budget for food at the market stalls, transport, and any souvenirs you wish to buy.
The Monkey Buffet Festival takes place annually on the last Sunday of November. In 2026, that date falls on Sunday, 29 November 2026.
Sunday, 29 November 2026 — Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple, Lopburi. Free entry. Plan to arrive by 9:00 AM for the best experience.
| Time | Event | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 AM | Gates Open / Early Arrival | Best time for photography — small crowds, soft morning light |
| 09:30 AM | Opening Ceremony | Dancers in monkey costumes, traditional Thai music, speeches by local officials |
| 10:00 AM | 🐒 First Buffet Round | Sheets lifted — macaques swarm the tables. Most dramatic moment of the day |
| 12:00 PM | 🐒 Second Buffet Round | Fresh food laid out; crowds peak around this time |
| 12:00–14:00 | Market & Food Stalls | Browse local vendors selling Thai food, monkey souvenirs, handicrafts |
| 14:00 PM | 🐒 Third Buffet Round | Crowds begin to thin — good for photos without jostling |
| 16:00 PM | 🐒 Fourth & Final Buffet Round | Monkeys are calmer and more approachable by late afternoon |
| 17:00 PM | Festival Closes | Begin journey back to Bangkok (last direct trains around 6–7 PM) |
The 10:00 AM first buffet is the most dramatic — monkeys are hungry and energetic. The 4:00 PM round is quieter and better for close-up photos. Arrive at 9:00 AM to get both.
The easiest route is by train from Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue Grand Station. The journey takes approximately 2–2.5 hours and there are five or more daily services. Buses from Mo Chit 2 terminal take around 3 hours. Book train tickets well in advance for the festival weekend — they sell out fast.
Yes, the festival is safe if you follow basic precautions: secure your bags, tie back your hair, remove jewellery, and do not attempt to feed or touch the monkeys directly. Monkey bites, while rare, can happen when food is involved. See our safety tips section above for the full list.
Arrive by 9:00 AM. This gives you time to get a good spot for the opening ceremony, and you will witness the dramatic first buffet reveal at 10 AM with smaller crowds and better light for photography.
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Check out the best places & events in the city. Each one is worth of visiting. Experience which you never forget.
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