Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Lopburi Monkey Buffet: Thailand’s Wildest All-You-Can-Eat Food Fight Once a year in the ancient town of Lopburi, central Thailand, hundreds of monkeys gather for a buffet so chaotic it makes human brunch look like a silent retreat. It’s called the Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival, and it’s part religious offering, part tourist spectacle, and part full-blown monkey circus of destruction. Lopburi is home to thousands of long-tailed macaques, especially around the Khmer-style Phra Prang Sam Yod temple, which they have pretty much claimed as their own monkey kingdom. In response, the locals have wisely decided, “If you can’t beat them, feed them.” So every year sometime in November (check your calendar), residents put on a feast for the furry freeloaders. We’re talking heaps of bananas, pineapples, sticky rice, corn, watermelon, and Coca-Cola, all laid out on banquet tables like some surreal royal reception where the guests arrive swinging from lamp posts and pooping on the appetizers. ...

A funny guide to Lopburi, Thailand, home of monkeys, ruins, and questionable life choices involving both. Lopburi: Thailand’s Monkey Kingdom (Yes, That’s a Warning) If you’ve ever thought, “Hey, I’d love to visit ancient ruins while being harassed by furry anarchists,” then Lopburi is your place. Located just a couple hours north of Bangkok, it’s a historic city filled with Khmer temples, royal palaces, and one of the most aggressively confident monkey populations on Earth. How to Get There By Train Trains from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue stations cost 50–150 THB, depending on whether you want A/C or prefer the "authentic" open-window, sweat-based experience. The ride takes about 2.5–4 hours, which is just enough time to question your life decisions. By Minivan From Bangkok's Mo Chit terminal, you can catch a minivan for around 150-220 THB. Slightly faster, slightly more chaotic, infinitely more dangerous and likely involves being yelled at in Thai at least o...