When you hear the name ”Monkey Festival”, you’re probably thinking this must be one of the world’s strangest festivals. Indeed, it is. And with monkeys being one of the most fascinating creatures worldwide, often mirroring human social behaviours, who wouldn’t want to visit the only festival dedicated to monkeys in the world? The Lopburi Monkey Festival is one of the largest and most peculiar festivals in Thailand. The exotic festival is usually held in November or early December each year in the town of Lopburi. Wonderfully, travellers can take a two hour flight from Singapore, followed by a quick drive, to reach the festival.
This unique festival began as a way to honour around 3,000 monkeys – which are believed to bring good luck – and to promote tourism in the region. Interestingly, the festival was concepted in 1989 by a local businessman hoping to boost tourism before quickly becoming one of the most unmissable events in Thailand.
The Monkey Buffet Festival features a grand colourful buffet laid out for the monkeys, as well as cultural performances, exotic parades, live music, people in monkey costumes, activities like a Monkey Idol Contest, and more excitement adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Here’s what happens at the monkey festival in Thailand:
Monkey Festival, Thailand
Monkeys and humans live side by side in the city of Lopburi in Thailand. Therefore, Lopburi’s annual Monkey Banquet celebrates the local macaque monkey population. This year’s festival date is on Sunday, November 24, 2024. The ancient town is located just 150km north of Bangkok.
The bizarre event has attracted visitors from around the world to witness the monkey mayhem. The event usually begins with an opening ceremony featuring Thai dancers in monkey costumes and masks, cultural displays, and traditional Thai music. The key attraction is a huge, luxurious monkey buffet of fruits, vegetables, and other treats – arranged in a visually-appealing way such as colourful fruit pyramids and decorative stands. Four banquets are held throughout the day for the monkeys from 10am to 4pm.
Meanwhile, attendees can wander street vendors selling delicious food and souvenirs or get involved in activities like monkey-themed dances or see monkeys showcase their talents in a Monkey Idol Contest. Certainly, this carnival-like experience offers a blend of culture, Thai traditions, and wildlife encounters.
According to Legend, the sacred monkeys are believed to be descendants of the Monkey King from the Indian Ramayana, known as Hanuman, and in Thai Ramakien. Mainly, they live around around the ancient Khmer Temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot and the shrine of Sarn Phra Karn. Although, they are seen throughout the town.
However, please be aware of safety tips because recent reports suggest that Thai authorities are set to ”jail” all the monkeys due to attacks on tourists in recent years. Overall, the monkeys are usually friendly but can become aggressive around food, so authorities advise to never carry loose items or a camera without a strap and then monkeys can’t snatch them.
How do I get to Lopburi from Singapore?
The Monkey Festival in Thailand is just a two hours and 20 minutes flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Don Mueang Airport. From there, you’ll drive two hours directly to the town of Lopburi. Otherwise, travellers can fly to Bangkok in just two hours and opt to take either the train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Lopburi in just one hour and 50 minutes, or else the bus from Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal in just two hours and 30 minutes.
Definitely, the Monkey Buffet Festival is one of the most unique experiences in Asia. Plus, it’s an excellent day trip from Bangkok if you’re on holidays in Thailand during the month of November.