Thailand Monkey Buffet (Photo Essay)

Phra Prang Sam Yod Temple, Lopburi, Thailand

Posted on July 9, 2017

Once a year, on the last Sunday of November, it’s time for the Monkey Buffet in Lopburi, Thailand. Located about 150 km north of the national capital, Bangkok, the history of Lopburi dates back almost 1,000 years.

While under control of the Khmer Empire from Angkor (Cambodia), around the 13th century, many temples were constructed here, many of which are still standing today. One of them, built as a Hindu shrine, is Phra Prang Sam Yot. Over the years, hundreds of crab-eating macaques moved in, hence the temple is commonly known as the “Monkey Temple”. These monkeys are cared for by the local people all-year round. However, the annual Monkey Buffet is a special day for the monkeys, locals, and the many visitors from around the country and from abroad.

THE PREPARATION