Monkey Buffet in Lopburi: 2 tons of fruit for macaques

One of the most unusual festivals in all of Southeast Asia. Every year on the last Sunday of November, residents of the small city of Lopburi, about 150 km north of Bangkok, set a lavish table for 3,000 macaques. 2 tons of fruit, vegetables and sweets are laid out right in front of a 13th-century Khmer temple, and the monkeys feast in front of thousands of tourists.

The festival will take place once again on November 29, 2026. If you are thinking about going, here is everything you need to know: history, program, how to get there and how to protect your phone from the nimble macaques. 🇹🇭

What is this festival?

The tradition dates back to 1989. A local businessman, Yongyuth Kitwatananusorn, came up with the festival as a gesture of gratitude to the monkeys, which he believed brought luck and drew tourists to the province. The idea caught on, and since then the Monkey Buffet in Lopburi has become an annual event that draws press attention from around the world.

The idea is simple: the macaques live side by side with townspeople, taking over rooftops, power lines and even shops. They are full-fledged “residents” of the central neighborhoods. About 3,000 long-tailed macaques roam freely through the streets of Lopburi, and residents treat them with respect. The monkeys are considered guardians of the ancient Phra Prang Sam Yot temple, and the festival is a way to thank them for making the town recognizable.

By the way, Lopburi is often called the “city of monkeys,” and that is no exaggeration. Here the macaques are not a zoo-style exotic sight but an everyday reality that locals have long grown used to.

When and where it is held

The festival is held on the last Sunday of November every year. In 2026 it falls on November 29. The event lasts one day.

The main venue is the area in front of the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple, a 13th-century Khmer shrine right in the center of old Lopburi. The temple is easy to spot: 3 distinctive Khmer towers rise above the street, and macaques constantly perch on their stones.

Additional tables for the monkeys are usually also set up at the nearby San Phra Kan temple. Both sites are within walking distance of each other in the city’s historic center. The exact schedule and program may be confirmed closer to the date, so we recommend following announcements from Tourism Authority of Thailand. ☀️

Traditions and how it is celebrated

The main spectacle is the buffet itself. Organizers lay out huge pyramids of fruit, vegetables, sweets and even soft drinks in front of the temple. The total weight of the food is about 2 tons. The tables are decorated festively with tablecloths and flower garlands, as for a real holiday dinner.

At the signal, the monkeys pounce on the food. The spectacle is both funny and chaotic: the macaques grab watermelons, bananas and corn, fight over tasty morsels and pose for photographers. All of this takes place against the backdrop of ancient Khmer towers, a striking contrast.

Besides the buffet itself, there is usually a cultural program: dancers in traditional costumes, music, and market stalls selling food and souvenirs. Local residents dress up in monkey costumes, and the costume parade also draws tourists.

But there is an important caveat: the macaques are wild animals and can behave unpredictably. During the buffet they are more excited than usual, so keep your distance and do not try to take food as a keepsake. 🎉

Practical tips for tourists

Getting there. Trains from Bangkok to Lopburi depart from Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue stations, and the trip takes about 2–3 hours. You can also take a bus from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit). The distance is about 150 km; by car it takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Safety comes first. Lopburi’s macaques are used to people, but they are nimble little thieves:

• Hide your phone, sunglasses and water bottles, because the monkeys grab anything shiny or bright
• Do not look the macaques directly in the eyes — they take it as aggression
• Do not show food or tease the animals
• Keep bags zipped and pockets empty
• If a macaque takes something, do not try to snatch it back by force, because it may bite

What to wear. Wear clothing without dangling parts (scarves, chains, hoop earrings: all of these attract monkeys). Comfortable flat shoes. A sun hat — secure it firmly. 📋

If you plan to visit temples, follow the standard Thai dress code: covered shoulders and knees. For more on rules of conduct in Thailand, see the guide “Safety in Thailand».

If you are planning a trip from abroad, it is useful to look into visa questions first: “Visa-free entry to Thailand · RU“. To stay connected on the road, see “Mobile service and internet in Thailand».