Phra Prang Sam Yot

Introduction: Lopburi's Ancient Khmer Landmark

Situated in the heart of historic Lopburi city, approximately 150 kilometers north of Bangkok, Phra Prang Sam Yot (meaning "Three Holy Prangs") is one of Thailand's most iconic and well-preserved Khmer-style monuments. Built during the late 12th and early 13th centuries during the reign of King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire, this striking red-laterite and sandstone sanctuary stands as a testament to the ancient Bayon style of architecture.

Originally constructed as a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary—and later converted into a Hindu shrine and subsequently a Theravada Buddhist temple under King Narai the Great in the 17th century—Phra Prang Sam Yot is equally famous around the world for its hundreds of resident crab-eating macaque monkeys, making it the central stage for Lopburi's famous annual Monkey Buffet Festival.

Architecture, History, and the Famous Lopburi Monkeys

Phra Prang Sam Yot offers a captivating fusion of ancient Khmer engineering and vibrant local culture:

1. The Three Laterite Towers (Prangs)

The monument consists of three interconnected laterite prangs (towers) aligned north to south along an axis, joined together by a covered corridor (*antarala*). Built with laterite blocks and adorned with intricate stucco carvings depicting lotus petals, mythical guardians (*Dvarapalas*), and celestial nymphs (*Apsaras*), the central tower stands as the tallest tower representing sacred Mount Meru.

2. Religious Evolution & King Narai's Addition

Originally housing statues of the Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, and Prajnaparamita, the shrine evolved through Hindu Shivaite periods before King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya added a brick assembly hall (*Wihan*) to the eastern side in the 17th century, featuring a seated Ayutthaya-style Buddha image.

3. The City of Monkeys

Hundreds of macaques inhabit the grounds of Phra Prang Sam Yot and the neighboring San Phra Kan shrine. Protected by local traditions that view them as descendants of Hanuman's monkey army from the Ramakien (Ramayana), the monkeys roam freely across the ancient laterite stones, roofs, and nearby streets.

4. Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival

Held annually on the last Sunday of November, the Monkey Buffet Festival is a world-famous event where tons of fresh fruits, vegetables, cakes, and treats are laid out on elaborate tables around Phra Prang Sam Yot as a grand feast for the city's monkey population.

Key Highlights & Attraction Summary

• 13th-Century Bayon Khmer Architecture: Three classic laterite towers featuring detailed stucco carvings and stone doorways.
• Resident Macaque Population: Hundreds of habituated monkeys living directly among the ancient temple ruins.
• King Narai's Brick Wihan: 17th-century Ayutthaya-era assembly hall housing a historic Buddha statue.
• Monkey Buffet Festival Venue: The primary location for Thailand's famous annual November monkey feast.

How to Reach Phra Prang Sam Yot

Phra Prang Sam Yot is located in central Lopburi, highly accessible via Thailand's northern rail and highway networks.

By Train from Bangkok (Most Popular & Direct Route)

Regular commuter and express trains depart from Bangkok's **Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal** and **Don Mueang Station** directly to **Lopburi Railway Station** (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours, costing 30–100 THB). From Lopburi station, Phra Prang Sam Yot is located just 200 meters away—a 3-minute flat walk down the street.

By Minivan / Bus

Frequent air-conditioned minivans depart from Bangkok's **Mochit Bus Terminal** directly to Lopburi Bus Terminal (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours, costing 120–150 THB).

By Private Car / Taxi

Driving via Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) or Highway 32 takes about 2 hours from central Bangkok or 1 hour north from Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Best Time to Visit

Weather conditions, light for photography, and monkey activity vary across seasons.

Best Weather Season (November to February)

Brings dry, sunny skies, cooler breezes, and comfortable outdoor temperatures (22°C–31°C). Ideal for walking around the open-air laterite ruins.

Best Time of Day (Early Morning or Late Afternoon)

Visit between **08:00 AM and 10:30 AM** to explore before the heat of the day, or visit after **04:00 PM** to catch soft golden sunlight illuminating the laterite towers and view the monkeys as they settle for the evening.

Top Nearby Attractions

1. King Narai's Palace (Phra Narai Ratchaniwet) (500 meters away)

A grand 17th-century palace complex built by King Narai blending Thai and European architecture, now housing the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum.

2. San Phra Kan (100 meters away)

A nearby ancient Khmer shrine foundation topped with a modern spirit house, serving as another major gathering spot for Lopburi's monkey population.

3. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Lopburi (300 meters away)

A large, impressive ruined temple complex located directly opposite Lopburi Railway Station, featuring a magnificent central prang and quiet brick ruins.

Things to Do at Phra Prang Sam Yot

• Explore the Khmer Towers: Step inside the laterite corridors connecting the three ancient prangs to see original stone doorways.
• Photograph Ancient Stucco Carvings: Look for preserved Bayon-style relief carvings on the outer tower walls.
• Observe the Macaques: Watch monkeys interacting, playing, and climbing across the stone ruins from a safe distance.
• Attend the Monkey Buffet Festival: Plan a trip for the last Sunday in November to witness the giant fruit buffet celebration.

Local Food and Culinary Delights

Lopburi features vibrant night markets and traditional Central Thai culinary treats.

Must-Try Culinary Specialties

• Lopburi Coconut Jelly & Kai Khem (Salted Eggs): Lopburi is famous for its high-quality salted duck eggs and sweet coconut jellies.
• Central Thai Boat Noodles & Pad Thai: Served at local market stalls around Lopburi train station and Na Phra Lan Road.
• Lopburi Night Market Eats: Fresh mango sticky rice, grilled pork skewers (*Moo Ping*), and cold iced Thai milk tea.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Lopburi offers clean, affordable boutique hotels and guesthouses close to the historical sights.

Boutique & Budget Hotels ($20 – $60 USD / 700 – 2,200 THB per night)

• Lopburi Inn Hotel / Windsor Park Resort / The Mushroom Research Institute Homestay: Comfortable local hotels offering air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and convenient access to the train station and ancient town.

Budget Travel Guide for Phra Prang Sam Yot

• Admission Ticket Rates: Official entrance fee is **50 THB foreign adult** (free for Thai nationals).
• Train Travel Savings: The commuter train from Bangkok costs as little as **30–50 THB** ($1–$1.50 USD), making Lopburi an ultra-budget day trip.
• Walkable Town: All major historic sites (Phra Prang Sam Yot, San Phra Kan, King Narai Palace) are within a 5 to 10-minute walk from each other.

Sample 1-Day Itinerary

• 07:30 AM: Take the morning train from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat / Don Mueang) to Lopburi Station.
• 09:45 AM: Arrive at Lopburi Station; walk 200 meters directly to **Phra Prang Sam Yot**.
• 10:00 AM: Explore the three ancient laterite Khmer towers and photograph the architecture and resident monkeys.
• 11:30 AM: Walk across to **San Phra Kan** shrine to view the surrounding spirit house grounds.
• 12:30 PM: Enjoy a local lunch of boat noodles and iced Thai tea near the market.
• 02:00 PM: Explore **King Narai's Palace (Phra Narai Ratchaniwet)** and the National Museum.
• 04:30 PM: Visit **Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat** near the station before catching the evening train back to Bangkok or Ayutthaya.

Essential Safety & Visitor Guidelines for Monkeys

• Secure Loose Belongings: Macaques are fast and inquisitive—secure sunglasses, hats, jewelry, smartphones, cameras, and loose plastic bags inside zipped backpacks.
• Do Not Feed Uncontrolled Food: Avoid carrying open food bags or sugary drinks in your hands outside designated feeding areas, as monkeys may jump on shoulders to grab them.
• Avoid Direct Eye Contact or Teasing: Do not bared teeth, stare intensely, or try to pet adult macaques, which can be interpreted as aggression.
• Wooden Walking Sticks: Staff at Phra Prang Sam Yot can provide small wooden sticks to carry while walking around—simply tapping the ground acts as a harmless deterrent to keep monkeys at a polite distance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Phra Prang Sam Yot located?

Phra Prang Sam Yot is located in central Lopburi town, Lopburi Province, Central Thailand, about 150 km north of Bangkok and 200 meters from Lopburi Railway Station.

2. Why is Phra Prang Sam Yot famous?

It is famous for its 13th-century Khmer three-tower laterite architecture and its hundreds of resident macaque monkeys that inhabit the ancient stone ruins.

3. How do you get to Phra Prang Sam Yot from Bangkok?

Take a 2-hour train from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat / Don Mueang) directly to Lopburi Station, then walk 3 minutes down the street to the temple gates.

4. How much is the entrance fee for Phra Prang Sam Yot?

The admission fee is **50 THB for foreign adults**.

5. What is the Monkey Buffet Festival?

It is an annual event held on the last Sunday of November where tons of fruit, treats, and drinks are served on tables around Phra Prang Sam Yot to honor the city's monkeys.

6. Are the monkeys at Phra Prang Sam Yot safe?

They are generally accustomed to humans, but visitors must keep belongings zipped in bags, avoid carrying open food, and refrain from petting or teasing them.

7. Can you go inside the three towers?

Yes, visitors can walk through the covered laterite corridors connecting the three towers and view the interior brickwork.

8. Is a dress code enforced?

Basic respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended out of respect for the historic and religious nature of the site.

9. What local food is Lopburi famous for?

Lopburi is famous for salted duck eggs (*Kai Khem*), coconut jelly, and street food at the night market.

10. What is the best season to visit Lopburi?

The cool dry season from **November to February** offers comfortable weather and includes the Monkey Buffet Festival in late November.

Conclusion

Phra Prang Sam Yot stands as Lopburi's most captivating ancient treasure, where 13th-century Khmer laterite architecture, 17th-century Ayutthaya history, vibrant monkey folklore, and the world-famous Monkey Buffet Festival converge in Central Thailand. From exploring ancient stone corridors and photographing Bayon-style carvings to taking a 2-hour train from Bangkok and observing macaques against laterite towers, Phra Prang Sam Yot delivers an unmissable cultural journey. Plan your trip, hop on the train, and experience Phra Prang Sam Yot Lopburi!