Discover Lopburi: 10 Wonderful Things to See and Do

10 Best Things to Do in Lopburi

1. Explore the Ruins of Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat of Lopburi ❤️ Must Visit

One of the first things you will see when you get off the train at Lopburi train station is the magnificent beauty of Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat, an ancient Khmer city located right at the center of Lopburi's old city area.

Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat of Lopburi was built in a Bayon architectural style, which is quite common in this region during the 12th century, when the Khmer Empire still had its grip on this part of the world.

The temple has since seen several restorations and expansions throughout its 800 years of existence, and you will find several complexes built in an architectural style reflecting the period it was built in, inside the 8-acre area of the temple.

Fun fact, when I was exploring the ruin, a local guy, who was showing his friend around his beloved hometown, told me that this is the only place where I will find a pear-shaped Khmer-style prang in the world, as he pointed up to a pear-shaped sculpture that adorned the top of one of the many prangs in the area.

Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat complex is actually bigger inside than it looks from the outside. You can spend around 30 minutes to an hour just strolling around these beautiful ruins and pinpointing all the details and patterns of these Khmer architectures. Be sure to keep an eye out for the pear-shaped prangs!

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat opens from 7 AM to 5 PM, and the entrance fee is 50 THB for foreigners (10 THB for Thais). However, if you are planning to visit other ancient sites in Lopburi, I recommend getting the combo ticket, which will give you access to this temple as well as Wichayen House, Prang Sam Yot, and Kraison Siharat Palace for 150 THB.

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2. Take Photos with the Monkeys of Lopburi at Prang Sam Yod Khmer Ruin

One of the most popular tourist attractions (for some) is the monkeys of Lopburi. As I prefaced previously, the one area that the monkeys have made their home is at Prang Sam Yod, and you will notice it immediately the moment you walk near that intersection.

Prang Sam Yod itself is one of the oldest landmarks in Lopburi and, perhaps, one of the most well-known as well for its monkey craze. The ruin is still pretty much intact and shows just how similar the architecture around here is compared to the ones at Angkor Wat.

Looking for a travel guide to the Angkor Wat>3 Days Itinerary For Siem Reap

A lot of tourists like to come here to get photos of themselves with the monkeys. The monkeys are always on the lookout for food here, so if you want to take a photo with them, you will have to lure them out with food and prepare to get harassed by them for the photo.

Personally, I have been around monkeys like these since I was young, so it never crossed my mind to get a selfie with them. I had no food with me, and the monkeys did not bother me at all as I walked around the ruin.

I ended up observing them with my telephoto lens instead, and they were quite fascinating to watch. As long as you do not have anything that looks like food on you, you can be around them all you like, and they will not lay a finger on you.

The entrance fee for Prang Sam Yod is 50 THB for foreigners and 10 THB for Thais, and you can access the temple for free if you bought the 150 THB combo ticket. The ruin is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM every day.

3. Stroll around Ban Chao Wichayen

Another old ruin you should visit in Lopburi city is Ban Chao Wichayen, an old residence of the French envoy built in the 17th century right by King Narai's Palace to receive the ambassador of King Louis XIV of France in 1685.

Ban Chao Wichayen consists of several old colonial-style buildings with the facades, doors, and windows of the main building still intact. You will also find the European-style structure of a Roman Catholic Church still intact, which is quite rare to find in this region.

History has it that the first French envoy who visited Siam was accompanied by Constantine Phaulkon, a famous Greek merchant turned counselor, who came to Siam in 1695 aboard one of England's East India Company ships.

Phaulkon worked his way up from being a merchant to becoming one of the most influential foreign figures in the political landscape of Siam at the time. He ended up becoming a counselor to King Narai. He was so integrated into Siam that he was given the name Chao Phraya Wichayen.

The building was given to Phaulkon to care for when the ambassador left, and the locals mistakenly think that Phaulkon owned the place, hence the name Ban Chao Wichayen.

Unfortunately, he ended up paying the ultimate price for being too close to the king. When King Narai died, Phaulkon was subsequently executed by the next king due to his deep connection within the palace and the rumors that he wanted to become the king himself.

Ban Chao Wichayen opens from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and the entrance fee is 50 THB for foreigners and 10 THB for Thais. If you bought the 150 THB combo ticket, you will get free access to this ruin.

4. Visit King Narai's Palace

Right next to Ban Chao Wichayen, you will find one of the grandest architectures of all, the King Narai's Palace, where one of the most famous kings of the Ayutthaya Kingdom resided for most of his reign.

The King Narai's Palace is divided into two areas: the old ruins area located outside the Palace's wall and the inside of the palace, which has been turned into a museum.

We will be visiting the museum next, but first, we should spend some time walking around the outer palace courtyard and exploring all the old palace ruins in the area.

Within the outer courtyard, you will find yourself in a royal garden surrounded by small canals and fountains. Not too far from the garden, you will find an old structure with a Buddha image inside, where King Narai used to worship.

You will also be able to see the Banquet Hall, where foreign visitors resided, and a bunch of warehouses to store all the gifts and tribute from Siam's neighbors and the European powers wishing to court favor with the kingdom.

The outer courtyard opens every day from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and the entrance is free. The museum, on the other hand, has its own schedule and entrance fee, and that is where we will be heading next.

5. Learn the History of Lopburi at Somdet Phra Narai National Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

Located within the giant walls of King Narai's palace's outer courtyard is Somdet Phra Narai National Museum, where you will be able to learn about the history of Lopburi from historic times all the way to King Narai's reign and how the city played a role in Thai history overall.

Somdet Phra Narai National Museum is divided into different floors, with each floor dedicated to a specific period of Lopburi's history. These periods range from its founding years in the 5th Century, before it was even known as Lavo.

You will find plenty of ancient artifacts inside, as well as an explanation for each item: where it was found and what its function is, in both Thai and English. If you are interested in learning a bit more about Lopburi and how it rivals the Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Kingdoms, this is the best place to do so.

The museum section of King Narai's Palace has a different opening time, from 9 AM to 4 PM. The museum is only opened from Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday, while the outer courtyard remains open during this time.

The entrance fee for Somdet Phra Narai National Museum is 150 THB for foreigners and 30 THB for Thais. Keep in mind that this place is not included in the combo ticket, so you will have to pay the entrance fee separately.

6. Check Out the Bon Mueang Vintage Market

By this time, it should be midday. If you are looking for a lunch spot, you can drop by Tui Noodle Restaurant, located inside Bon Mueang Vintage Market.

Once you are done with lunch, you can spend some time walking around Bon Mueang Vintage Market, which is a traditional Thai-style market where locals gather to buy and sell all kinds of goods, from fresh food to cheap clothes.

The market is most active on a Sunday morning, so if you want to see what local life is actually like in Lopburi, Bon Mueang Vintage Market is a great place to observe and take some photos.

7. Get Off the Beaten Path at Kraison Siharat Palace

A little further away from the rest of the ruins, Kraison Siharat Palace is an old palace built in the 17th century as a place for King Narai to relax after going on a wild elephant hunt.

Kraison Siharat Palace is a one-story building with 4 front porches built in a style similar to that of King Narai's Palace in the city. According to French written records, Kraison Siharat Palace was used by the king for astronomical observation, making it the first place where modern study of astronomy took place in the history of Thailand.

Due to its remote location, you will likely not see many tourists here, and you will have the whole place to yourself. It can be easily reached if you rent a car (which you will need for the rest of the itinerary) or via a motorcycle taxi.

The palace opens from 8 AM to 4 PM, and the entrance fee is 50 THB for foreigners and 10 THB for Thais. You will get access to this temple for free if you hold the 150 THB combo ticket. If you bought the combo ticket, make sure that you visit all of them on the same day.

8. Walk around the Sunflower Field Garden

After spending a day exploring the old city area of Lopburi, it is time to spread our wings and explore what Lopburi has to offer outside the city. The first stop is the Khao Chin Lae Sunflower Field, located 15km east of Lopburi city. From this attraction on, you will need a car, so be sure to rent one the day before.

If you are visiting Lopburi from mid-November to January, you are in luck because you will get to see a field as far as the eyes can see, filled with sunflowers against the backdrop of Khao Chin Lae Mountain.

I wouldn't recommend visiting Khao Chin Lae off-season as you won't see anything except the Khao Chin Lae Mountain. The mountain isn't worth driving to on its own, but if you do visit between November and January, be sure to drop by here.

You can drive here and park by the side of the road and take some photos of the field. You can enter the field for free, but be sure to avoid destroying the field in the process, as these are local people's crops.

9. Enjoy a Panoramic View of Lopburi at Khao Phraya Doenthong Viewpoint ☀️ Great Day Trip

One of the best viewpoints in all of Lopburi is from the Khao Phraya Doenthong Viewpoint, which is located 50 km away from Lopburi city.

Khao Phraya Doenthong Viewpoint will take you to the top of Khao Phraya Doenthong mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Pasak Dam, its floating railroads, and the landscape of Lopburi.

To get there, you can follow the directions from Google Maps, and it will take you along a paved road up to the top of the mountain. You do not have to hike to get here.

The road condition is 90% all-paved and is in great condition , except the last part leading up to the viewpoint where the paved road stops and you will have to drive on a gravel road throughout the entire journey from Lopburi City to the viewpoint.

There is one spot along this unpaved road that gets pretty tricky to traverse. The ground at this one spot is so uneven that it could scratch your car's undercarriage if it's too low. This is no longer relevant as of 2021 as they have paved this portion of the road.

That said, the unpaved part is only a 10-minute drive, and I was able to drive through it in my rented Mazda 2 car slowly without any problems. Just make sure to go very slow when you approach the viewpoint.

I visited the viewpoint again in 2021, and guess what? They paved the last portion of the road to Khao Phraya Doenthong Viewpoint. So now, you should have no trouble traveling up there with any type of car.

Trust me, the view up here is definitely worth the one-hour drive. This is one of my favorite places in Lopburi, and if you have the time, I highly recommend driving up here and spending an hour or two just relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

10. Hike the Pilgrimage Trail at Wat Khao Wong Phrachan

This might seem like a bit of a detour, but I guarantee you it is well worth the trip. Wat Khao Wong Phrachan is a temple located an hour away from Khao Phraya Doenthong Viewpoint.

Wat Khao Wong Phrachan is home to a popular pilgrimage trail where Buddhist pilgrims often climb its 3790 steps to the top of a mountain and pay respect at the Chinese sanctuary at the summit.

If you want to hike the pilgrimage trail, I would recommend that you come in the morning when the weather is still bearable and start the hike as early as you can. The trail is 1.7 km long, and it should take you about 1.5 hours to hike up and an hour to come down.

There are refreshments being sold at one of the several shops along the trail. However, when I was there in the afternoon, the shops were all closed and no one was attempting the hike. So, it's better to prepare your own water if you plan to hike the trail.

There are also other things to do if you do not plan to hike, such as visiting the big Buddha image located on top of a hill near the trail. This gigantic golden Buddha can be reached via the stairs at the entrance of the temple.

The Buddha image is incredible and the view it offers made it all worthwhile to climb the many flights of stairs. Just be mindful of the sun as there is no shade along the stairs up so be sure you wear your sunscreen before the climb.

If you are there in the afternoon as I did, you can go up to the Buddha image instead of hiking the trail, and you will have the whole place to yourself, especially if you visit the temple on a weekday. The admission fee to the temple is free, and the temple opens from 7 AM to 4 PM.

Where To Eat And Drink In Lopburi?

Have Dinner at Baan Sahai Cafe

One of the restaurants I often frequented when I was in Lopburi is Baan Sahai Cafe, where you can try several traditional Thai foods for as low as 40 THB per dish. They also serve Thai-style finger food as well as desserts that are not as easy to find in Bangkok as they used to be.

One of my favorite dishes is the dory fish in tamarind sauce with a fried egg, a sweet, tasty mix of pieces of fried dory fish with a layer of the tamarind aroma sweet sauce that is to die for, and of course, you can't eat a Thai rice dish without a fried egg.

For an appetizer, I recommend a dish of crispy pork crackling that comes with the staple Thai sauce that will add taste to anything you eat, the Jaew sauce.

The Jaew sauce from Baan Sahai Cafe is a different take on the traditional recipe, with a creamier and thicker sauce and a rich taste to match. With just a little dip of this sauce, you are guaranteed to experience explosive flavors of spice in your mouth. It's truly amazing!

Last but not least, for dessert, I recommend you get the Thai traditional coconut milk ice cream with Thai toppings, such as sticky rice, pieces of bread, and corn.

All of these dishes combined for only 4 USD! I can eat here all day, seriously. Baan Sahai Cafe opens from 10 AM to 10 PM every day, so be sure to check them out while you are in Lopburi.

Have Meatball Noodles at Tui Noodle Restaurant

For a quick lunch while you are exploring the old city area, I recommend Tui Noodle Restaurant, an old restaurant in Lopburi that has kept the locals fed for decades.

The restaurant is located near Bon Muang Market, and it is known for its beef noodles and meatballs, so be sure to try that out when you are exploring Bon Muang Market. The restaurant is open from 7:30 AM to 4 PM every day.

Enjoy Meat Noodles at Luan Noodle Shop

Another popular meat noodle/Thai-style steak place is Luan Noodle Shop, located right by the Srisuriyothai Circle (Sakaew Roundabout). They serve delicious meat noodles with tasty soup, as well as Thai-style steak dishes and small appetizers like french fries and nuggets.

Luan Noodle Shop opens from 8:30 AM to 9 PM every day, and it often gets packed in the evening. If you want to escape the old town area and explore the city-side of Lopburi, be sure to drop by here for lunch or dinner.

Enjoy a Nice Coffee and Breakfast at About Coffee Garden

If you are looking for a quiet, cozy cafe to sit for a while under the shade of trees, About Coffee Garden is an excellent place to visit. They serve both western coffee and Thai-style coffee, as well as delicious breakfast and Thai dishes for around 40 - 60 THB, which is very cheap.

The café also has a garden area where you can sit under the shade and enjoy their coffee and food. If you are looking for a quiet café away from the main area, this is a great place to be.

Enjoy Sweet Dessert at Nom-Cup-D Cafe

Last but not least, if you are looking for a cafe for refreshments and a sugar rush in between your exploration of the Old City area, I recommend you drop by Nom-Cup-D cafe for a dish of Ice Cream brownies and waffles.

Nom-Cup-D cafe is a little pricier than the other places, with a coffee costing around 50 THB and the ice cream waffle costing around 100 THB, but you really do get what you paid for here.

It is also well-located right by King Narai's Palace, so if you are looking for a place to take a break in between your exploration, this is the place to be.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

When to Visit Lopburi, Thailand?

The best time to visit Lopburi is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's climate, making it much more enjoyable to ride a scooter or walk around.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March - April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time, though it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season during which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than in the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain that might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out:The Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Lopburi, Thailand?

Lopburi is located 138 km north of Bangkok, and in order to get from abroad to Lopburi, you will first have to get yourself to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Thankfully, Bangkok is a major hub in Southeast Asia, so there are several ways you can get to the city from where you live, as follows:

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. You can also choose to go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering various routes from many hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Bangkok. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so that you can compare and pick the best one.

Looking for a travel guide to Bangkok?16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Lopburi By Van

There are two ways you can get from Bangkok to Lopburi and vice versa: the fast way by bus/van or the slower but more scenic way by train.

To get from Bangkok to Lopburi by van, you will have to take a minivan from the Mini-Bus stand across the road from the Morchit Bus Terminal.

You can reach Morchit Terminal from almost anywhere in Bangkok via either MRT station Kamphaeng Phet or BTS Morchit station, and from there, you can take a taxi to Morchit Bus Terminal. The taxi should cost no more than 50 THB.

Once you arrive at the Morchit bus terminal, cross the road to the mini-bus stand with the footbridge and go to Building B to buy your ticket at one of the kiosks inside. Once you arrive at Building B, the people and the kiosks will direct you to the right one. Just tell them that you want to go to Lopburi, and you should be on your way.

The mini-bus and vans from Bangkok to Lopburi leave every hour from 5 AM to 8 PM every day. The journey will take around 2 hours, and the ticket will cost about 120 THB. When you buy your ticket, they will ask you where you want to be dropped off.

You do not have to reserve your ticket beforehand, as Lopburi doesn't get as many tourists as other places, except during the Monkey Feeding Festival. So, it might be worthwhile to book one if you decide to travel during that time.

Book a Minivan from Bangkok to Lopburi

Getting from Bangkok to Lopburi By Train

To get from Bangkok to Lopburi by train, you can catch the train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Central Train Station. You can get from anywhere in Bangkok to Hua Lamphong Train Station via the MRT underground train, where you can get off at Bang Sue MRT Station and walk up the stairs. From there, you should be within walking distance to Hua Lamphong Central Train Station.

For the train schedule, there are 15 trains per day that leave from Bangkok and pass through Lopburi every hour, starting at 4:20 AM and continuing until 10 PM. Since there are many trains connecting the two cities each day, you do not need to book a ticket for the trip.

A train journey from Bangkok to Lopburi and vice versa will take about 2.5 hours, and it will cost you around 28 THB per person for a third-class seat. Once you arrive in Lopburi, get off at Lopburi Train Station, and you should be right in the old city center.

You can also do what I did and mix both modes of transportation by taking the van to Lopburi and taking the train back to Bangkok. That way, you will get the best of both worlds.

How to Get Around Lopburi Province?

There are 2 zones in Lopburi that you can explore: the old city zone, where the majority of the old Khmer ruins and the monkeys are clustered, and the outer rim zone, where all the scenic viewpoints and temples are located. Both zones require 2 different modes of transportation.

Getting Around Lopburi On Foot

Within the old city zone of Lopburi, you can easily cover most of the tourist attractions, including the ancient ruins and the area where all the monkeys are, on foot. Everything is clustered in one area near the train station, so you should have no trouble walking around.

Renting a Car in Lopburi

For the tourist attractions in the outer rim zone of Lopburi, such as Wat Khao Wong Prachan and Khao Phraya Doenthong Viewpoint, you will need to rent a car to get there. Fortunately, car rental in Lopburi is pretty cheap at around 800 THB per day.

If you want to rent a car in Lopburi, I highly recommend Lopburi Car Rental. You can contact him via Facebook Messenger, and he will deliver the car to your hotel in Lopburi. I rented a Mazda 2 with him for 800 THB per day, and the car was in tip-top shape.

Unfortunately, he doesn't have a lot of options. So, if you are interested in renting a larger car, I would recommend that you check out all the car rental places available with the link below:

Rent a Car in Lopburi

To rent a car, you will need a valid driving license (an international driving license is fine), a 3,000 THB deposit (you will get it back when you return the car), and all you have to do is fill in the form, set up a pick-up/drop-off time and place, and you are on your way.

How Many Days Do I Need For Lopburi?

Since Lopburi is near Bangkok, if you are short on time, you can do a one-day trip from Bangkok to Lopburi by leaving early, visiting all the Khmer ruins in the old city zone, and then taking the evening train back.

If you want to explore Lopburi city as well as the lesser-visited but more rewarding places in the outer rim zone of Lopburi, I would recommend that you spend at least 2 days (3 nights) here.

Here is a breakdown of the 2-day Lopburi itinerary.

Day 1: Spend your first day exploring all the Khmer ruins in the old city center. In the evening, contact your car rental place and prepare a drop-off location for the early morning of the next day.

Day 2: Take the car for a spin in the morning and visit Kraison Siharat Palace on your way out of the city. If you are there during the right season, visit Khao Chin Lae Sunflower Field. Continue east and drive up Khao Phraya Doenthong Viewpoint for a grand view of Lopburi before ending your day at Wat Khao Wong Prachan.

How Much Money Do I Need For Lopburi?

With a 2-day Lopburi itinerary above, we can roughly calculate how much you will be spending on this trip as follows:

Accommodation: For 3 nights of accommodation in Lopburi, you can expect to pay around 54 USD for accommodation.

Food: Food in Lopburi should cost around 40-60 THB per meal, and with the free breakfast at your hotel, you can expect to pay around 200 THB for 2 days in Lopburi province.

Transportation: Including the train from Bangkok to Lopburi (56 THB) and a one-day car rental (800 THB) plus gas (400 THB), you can expect to pay around 1,256 THB for transportation.

Activities: The entrance fee for historical places is 50 THB for each foreigner (10 THB for Thais), but you can get the all-in-one ticket for 150 THB instead (30 THB for Thais) to access all the temples. For the museum, you will have to pay 150 THB per ticket (30 THB for Thais). So, in total, you will pay 300 THB for activities for the entire itinerary.

Total Budget for 2 days in Lopburi province: 3,442 THB (110 USD)

Is it Safe in Lopburi, Thailand?

The only safety concern in Lopburi is all the monkeys running wild in the city, but thankfully, they are all located in a few specific places. The place you will encounter monkeys the most is at Prang Sam Yod ruin as that is their home.

You might get overwhelmed when you first see the monkeys at Prang Sam Yod, but I can assure you that they will not bother you as long as you follow this one golden rule: do not be in between it and what it wants to eat, i.e., food.

Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure that you do not have anything colorful hanging out loosely from your backpack when you walk around Prang Sam Yod, or the monkeys will try to steal them.

Once you are sure that you do not look like you have food with you, you will find that the presence of monkeys is actually adding to the unique charm of Lopburi. I mean, where else can you find humans living with wild monkeys like in Lopburi?

Other than the monkeys, there is nothing to worry about in Lopburi. Outside of the Prang Sam Yod area, you are unlikely to encounter any more monkeys in Lopburi, so ease up and just enjoy the beauty of Lopburi.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Lopburi, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Lopburi, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS, as I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand, and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fits your itinerary the most.

With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need more data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Lopburi, Thailand?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Lopburi, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Lopburi, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Central Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Central Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Central Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
• Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
• Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
• Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
• Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
• Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• Escape the bustling city of Bangkok and cycle around Bang Krachao, the green lung of Bangkok, with this travel guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Bang Krachao.
• Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend that you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• Looking to escape Bangkok for a little while? How about exploring the ancient city of Ayutthaya? Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Ayutthaya for Backpackers.
• Looking for a unique place to visit that is not too far from Bangkok? How about Ratchaburi and its stunning mountains? Here are the 13 Best Things to Do in Ratchaburi.
• Looking for a place to visit for a short beach vacation near Bangkok? One of the best places to visit is Phetchaburi, and here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Phetchaburi.
• For the very best beaches near Bangkok, I highly recommend you visit Hua Hin, a small seaside city full of stunning mountains and secluded beaches waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Hua Hin.
• Kanchanaburi is a great place to visit for a quick trip from Bangkok. Here are 17 Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
• Here is how to visit Erawan Falls, the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand. A Complete Hiking Guide to Erawan Falls, Kanchanaburi.
• Let’s get off the beaten path and visit Sangkhlaburi, a small Mon village by the border between Thailand and Myanmar. Here are the Top 10 Things to Do in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand.
• Pilok is probably a travel destination in Thailand that you have never heard of, and here is why you should visit it. Here's The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Pilok Village.
• Have an entire week to spare and would like to go beyond the surface in Kanchanaburi and explore the less traveled route of the province? This travel guide is for you: One Week Itinerary for Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
• Nakhon Pathom offers a great day trip for those who are looking to visit some places off the tourist beaten path in Thailand. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Pathom.
• Due to its proximity, Samut Prakan is also a great place to visit as a day trip from Bangkok. It has quite an impressive list of things to do that will keep you occupied for a day. Here are the 7 Best Things to Do in Samut Prakan.
• Want to escape Bangkok and be with nature for a few days? How about a 2-day trip to Saraburi? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Saraburi, Thailand.
• Looking to do some hiking near Bangkok? Here’s a One-Day Hiking Guide to Krok E-Dok Waterfall.
• Home to one of the largest Buddha images in the country, Ang Thong is worth a visit if you are interested in seeing the best of the best temples in Thailand. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Ang Thong, Thailand.
• What do you know about the brave warriors of Bang Rachan of Singburi? Well, find out for yourself with the ultimate travel guide and 8 Best Things to Do in Singburi, Thailand.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, please visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.