Well, as I mentioned in the previous post, I’m heading north to Thailand, following the train route. Today I decided to make a stop in a small town called Lopburi. This small city, like all the cities in Thailand, has stunning temples to visit, but on this occasion, the motive of my visit was to see the monkey population, which seems to have been taken over one of them: Phra Prang Sam Yod, an 800 years old building.

I took the train from Ayutthaya, for which I paid 15 baht, pretty good price for a one-hour trip in third class. (Lunch at Ayutthaya station restaurant cost me 270 baht though!)

My idea was to just stop an hour or two to make this visit and then continue north to the city of Phitsanulok. I was crossing my fingers because I was not sure whether Lopburi station had luggage storage service, and I had no intention of dragging around my bag around those mischievous monkeys.

To my relief, as soon as I arrived I found a small office offering luggage storage service, they charged me 15 baht per piece, and so I left joyously in the search of the monkeys.

After eight minutes’ walk and there I was, Phra Prang Sam Yod temple, with its massive population of monkeys. They were everywhere, I paid the entrance fee of 50 baht and I went straight to observe them and “play” with them.

It did not take long for several of these little ones to get up in my bag, my head, pulling my hair and trying to munch on my shoulders. It was hilarious. Local people, as well as tourists, feed them corn, vegetables, drinks and all sorts of snack during the day, so they are quite spoiled and constantly on the lookout for food.

One of them tried to steal my hat!

There is even an especial festival for the monkeys, in November each year, since they are now considered a symbol of the area and of good luck.

Phra Prang Sam Yod temple consist of three holy prangs, decorated various mythological creatures, the central prang is the tallest. Well, the monkeys are literally all over the surroundings of these building, ground, walls, roof, stairs, all the shops nearby…… you name it, except the inside of the temple.

I noticed some tourists entering the temple so I followed them to suit. This is, however, something I do not recommend anyone to do, there is nothing to see apart from dark rooms and smelly walls, I was also “lucky” to have seen a huge rat! so I ran out at once. So, stay outside with the monkeys, trust me.

I spent approximately one hour and a half with the cheerful primates and observing the lovely building. I then had a stroll around the rest of the town and then return to the station.

Next stop would be Phitsanulok,

Happy thoughts and happy travels everyone!

😊

Jenny