Location: Phra Prang Sam Yod Temple, Lopburi, Thailand
When: Last Sunday of November (Annually)
Category: The Primate Parties
Introduction: The Ultimate Dinner Party (No Humans Allowed)
Imagine planning the perfect dinner party. You’ve arranged long banquet tables draped in crisp white linens. You’ve spent days building elaborate towers of fresh fruit—watermelons carved into flowers, pineapples stacked like pyramids, durians arranged in patterns. You’ve decorated with colorful vegetables and traditional Thai desserts. Everything is perfect.
Then your guests arrive. They swing from the chandeliers. They climb across the tables. They grab food with both hands and stuff it into their mouths while screeching at each other. They absolutely destroy your beautiful arrangements—and you couldn’t be happier.
Welcome to the Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi, Thailand, where the guests of honor are thousands of long-tailed macaques, and the chaos is entirely the point .
Every year on the last Sunday of November, this ancient city 150 kilometers north of Bangkok transforms into what might be the world’s strangest restaurant. The venue? The grounds of Phra Prang Sam Yod, a 13th-century Khmer temple with towering prangs and weathered stone statues . The clientele? Approximately 2,000 to 4,000 crab-eating macaques who call Lopburi home . And the menu? Nearly two tons of fruits, vegetables, and sweets laid out in elaborate displays that would impress any human food critic .
It’s chaotic. It’s messy. It’s absolutely, gloriously absurd. And it’s one of the most photographed events on Earth.
The Scene: What Actually Happens
Setting the Stage
Picture a warm November morning in central Thailand. The ruins of Phra Prang Sam Yod—three tall Khmer towers connected by narrow passageways—rise against a brilliant blue sky. In the courtyard below, long white tables stretch in neat rows, covered with sheets like a wedding banquet awaiting guests .
On those tables, hidden beneath the covers, is a feast that would make any monkey weep with joy. Watermelons. Pineapples. Bananas. Grapes. Longans. Apples. Oranges. Corn. Lettuce. Cucumbers. Durian (the famously pungent “king of fruits”). Sticky rice. Cashews. Cookies. Fruit juice. Jellies. Traditional Thai desserts like thong yod (golden egg-yolk drops) .
The food isn’t just piled randomly—it’s arranged as art. Towers of fruit rise like colorful pagodas. Watermelons are carved into intricate flowers. Vegetables form geometric patterns. Some years, fruits and vegetables are even embedded in blocks of ice, creating frozen sculptures that the monkeys must work to access .
The Opening Ceremony
Before the monkeys are unleashed, humans have their moment. The festival kicks off with an opening ceremony featuring dancers in elaborate monkey costumes, performing choreographed routines that tell stories from Thai mythology . Dignitaries give speeches. Photographers jostle for position.
And all around, watching from the temple ruins, from tree branches, from rooftops and walls, sit the actual guests of honor. Hundreds of monkeys, waiting patiently. Or at least, as patiently as monkeys can wait.
The Moment of Release
Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for. At the signal—usually around 10 a.m.—the sheets are pulled away, revealing the feast in all its glory .
For a split second, nothing happens. The monkeys seem to pause, taking in the sight.
Then chaos erupts.
From every direction, monkeys descend. They leap from temple towers onto tables. They scramble across the ground in waves of brown fur and grasping hands. They climb over each other, over the food, over the tables, over anyone foolish enough to stand too close .
The next hour is pure, unadulterated primate pandemonium. Monkeys grab watermelons with both hands and run off to eat in peace. They stuff bananas into their mouths while reaching for pineapples. They climb the fruit towers, sending watermelons rolling across tables and grapes scattering like marbles. They squabble, screech, and occasionally chase each other through the crowd. Some sit quietly, methodically peeling oranges. Others dunk their entire heads into bowls of fruit juice. A few, inevitably, decide that tourist hair looks edible and reach for passing heads .
As one observer noted, “Their table manners might be shocking, but the Monkey Buffet Festival is proof that in Lopburi, it’s the monkeys who truly run the show” .
The Food: A Two-Ton Feast
The scale of the buffet is genuinely staggering. Estimates vary by year and source, but the festival typically uses:
The variation reflects both the monkey population and the festival’s budget. Regardless, we’re talking about thousands of kilograms of fresh produce, all donated or funded by local businesses and tourism organizations .
The Monkey Menu
What do monkeys like to eat? Based on years of festival observation:
- Watermelon – The hands-down favorite. Monkeys go absolutely berserk for watermelon, scooping out the red flesh with their hands and stuffing it into their mouths.
- Bananas – A classic for good reason. Easy to peel, easy to eat, universally beloved.
- Durian – The infamous “king of fruits” has a passionate following among macaques, despite (or perhaps because of) its overwhelming smell .
- Pineapple – More challenging to eat, but monkeys find a way.
- Grapes – Pop-able, portable, perfect for snatching and running.
- Corn on the cob – Entertaining to watch monkeys figure out.
- Thai desserts – Sweet treats like thong yod add variety to the fruit-heavy spread .
The Feeding Schedule
The 2024 festival introduced a new format with feeding sessions at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. . This staggered approach helps manage the crowd (both monkey and human) and ensures more monkeys get access to food throughout the day.
The Stars: Lopburi’s Long-Tailed Macaques
Who Are These Monkeys?
The festival’s guests of honor are long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), also known as crab-eating macaques . These medium-sized primates are common throughout Southeast Asia, but Lopburi’s population is special—they’ve lived alongside humans for centuries and have become utterly fearless.
Population: From Hundreds to Thousands
Lopburi’s monkey population has grown dramatically over the decades:
- 2007: Approximately 2,000 monkeys in the area
- 2023: Roughly 2,000 monkeys, with 600+ living permanently in the city center
- 2024: Estimates ranged from 3,000 to 4,000 before a sterilization campaign
The growth reflects both successful breeding and the abundance of food—much of it provided by tourists who feed the monkeys year-round .
Monkey Behavior: The Good, The Bad, The Hilarious
Lopburi’s monkeys are not shy. They’ve adapted completely to urban life and treat the city as their personal playground. Visitors should expect:
Typical monkey antics:
- Swinging from temple ruins and power lines
- Climbing onto cars and motorbikes
- Sitting on walls and railings, observing human activity
- Accepting (or snatching) food from anyone who offers it
More problematic behaviors:
- Ripping windshield wipers off cars (apparently fun to pull)
- Entering homes and shops in search of food
- Snatching bags, phones, and sunglasses from unsuspecting tourists
- Becoming aggressive when food is involved
- Getting “crazed” after consuming sugary sodas and processed snacks
The 2024 festival came after a significant sterilization campaign that captured 1,600 monkeys for neutering, aimed at reducing human-monkey conflict . For the first time, the festival was held at two venues—the Phra Prang Sam Yod courtyard and the Pho Kao Ton nursery, where some monkeys have been kept since July 2024 to prevent them from disrupting locals .
The History: From Private Gesture to Global Spectacle
Ancient Roots: Hanuman and the Ramakien
The festival’s deeper meaning stretches back thousands of years. In the Hindu epic Ramayana (known in Thailand as the Ramakien), the monkey god Hanuman leads an army of monkeys to rescue the princess Sita from the demon king Ravana . For his loyalty and bravery, Hanuman became a revered figure—and his monkey followers became symbols of good luck and prosperity .
Lopburi’s monkeys are traditionally viewed as descendants of Hanuman’s army or as followers of the deity . This belief explains why residents tolerate (and even celebrate) animals that might elsewhere be treated as pests. One legend holds that a Thai king once built the city with Hanuman’s help, cementing the connection between Lopburi and its primate residents .
Modern Origins: 1989
While the cultural connection is ancient, the festival itself is surprisingly modern. It was started in 1989 by a local businessman named Yongyuth Kitwatanusont, who wanted to thank the monkeys for their role in attracting tourists to Lopburi .
What began as a small private gesture grew over decades into an internationally recognized event. By 2021, the festival had reached its 33rd iteration . London’s Guardian newspaper has described it as one of the world’s strangest festivals, alongside Spain’s baby-jumping festival .
The festival’s growth mirrors Lopburi’s transformation into a tourism destination. As one source noted, the monkeys “are the main source of tourist attraction in this city” . The festival thanks them for that service—in the most delicious way possible.
The Visitors: Humans at the Monkey Buffet
Who Comes?
The festival draws a diverse crowd:
- International tourists who’ve seen photos online and added it to their bucket lists
- Thai families enjoying a uniquely local experience
- Photographers seeking the perfect shot
- Videographers capturing footage for social media
- Journalists documenting one of the world’s strangest events
The Human Experience
What’s it like to attend? Prepare for sensory overload.
The sights: Bright fruit pyramids against ancient stone. Brown fur everywhere—on tables, on statues, in trees. Monkeys of all sizes, from tiny infants clinging to mothers to large males asserting dominance. Tourists with cameras held high, trying to capture it all while keeping their equipment out of grabbing range.
The sounds: Constant monkey chatter—screeches, calls, and the occasional squabble. Camera shutters clicking. Tourists laughing and shrieking when monkeys get too close. The thump of falling fruit.
The smells: Ripe fruit in the tropical heat. Monkey musk. The distinctive odor of durian wafting through the crowd.
The sensations: Warm tropical air. The occasional brush of fur as a monkey passes close. The weight of a camera growing heavy after hours of shooting. Adrenaline when a monkey looks your way.
The Monkey-Human Interaction
Festival organizers take safety seriously. Medical staff and ambulances are stationed nearby each year . Minor bites and scratches have been reported over the decades, but no serious injuries have been documented during the event’s history .
The monkeys, for their part, are usually too focused on food to cause real trouble. They’ll climb over tables, push past humans, and occasionally grab for something interesting—but serious aggression is rare during the festival itself. The abundance of food seems to put everyone in a good mood.
Photography Tips
If you attend, come prepared:
- Bring a zoom lens – You’ll want to capture close-ups without getting too close
- Protect your gear – Monkeys grab shiny objects; keep cameras secured
- Shoot wide – The scene’s chaos is part of the story
- Look for moments – Monkeys interacting, babies with mothers, dramatic fruit thefts
- Be patient – The best shots come when you wait for the action to come to you
Why This Festival Goes Viral
The Monkey Buffet Festival possesses an irresistible combination of elements that make it perfect for social media and international attention:
1. Monkeys Eating Giant Buffets 🍉
Let’s be honest: monkeys are already popular online. Monkeys doing something unexpected—like dining at an elaborate banquet—is pure gold. The cognitive dissonance of seeing wild animals treated to a formal feast creates immediate engagement.
2. Chaos and Funny Behavior
Monkeys are naturally entertaining, and the buffet amplifies every instinct. Watching them squabble over watermelons, stuff their cheeks with bananas, and climb fruit pyramids taps into something universally amusing. As one news outlet put it, “Their table manners might be shocking” —and that’s exactly why people love watching.
3. Highly Photogenic Event
The visual elements are extraordinary:
- Ancient temple ruins provide a stunning backdrop
- Colorful fruit arrangements create eye-catching compositions
- Monkeys in motion add dynamism to every frame
- Golden hour lighting in late November enhances everything
- The chaos ensures no two photos look the same
4. The “Would You Believe This?” Factor
When people first hear about the Monkey Buffet Festival, their reaction is usually disbelief. “They do WHAT in Thailand?” That surprise drives sharing—people send links to friends with messages like “You won’t believe this exists.”
5. Cute Animal Content
The internet runs on cute animals, and baby monkeys are among the cutest creatures on Earth. Photos of infant macaques clinging to mothers while surrounded by fruit generate automatic engagement.
6. Cultural Authenticity
Unlike purely manufactured tourist attractions, the Monkey Buffet Festival has genuine cultural roots. The connection to Hanuman and Thai Buddhism gives the event depth—it’s not just spectacle, it’s tradition . That authenticity resonates with audiences tired of inauthentic experiences.
The Challenges: When Monkeys and Humans Collide
The Dark Side of Coexistence
For all its charm, Lopburi’s monkey situation has a complicated side. By 2024, the monkey population had grown to an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 animals . That many primates in a small city create inevitable conflicts:
- Property damage – Monkeys rip windshield wipers off cars, enter homes, and destroy gardens
- Food theft – They snatch bags, steal drinks, and grab food from unsuspecting pedestrians
- Aggression – When food is involved, monkeys can become pushy or even violent
- Health concerns – Close contact between monkeys and humans carries disease transmission risks
The Government Response
In 2024, Thai authorities launched a significant intervention. Within five months, 1,600 monkeys were rounded up and sterilized to control population growth . The captured monkeys were kept at the Pho Kao Ton nursery, which became a second venue for that year’s festival .
Finding Balance
The challenge for Lopburi is finding balance: how to maintain the monkey population that makes the city unique while preventing the problems that come with too many animals. The sterilization campaign represents one approach, but the debate continues.
Festival organizers also work to promote responsible feeding. While feeding monkeys is believed to bring good luck, officials urge visitors to offer fruits and vegetables rather than processed snacks high in salt, fat, and sugar . Soda and candy can make monkeys hyperactive and aggressive—not ideal for anyone.
Practical Information for Visitors
When to Go
The festival takes place on the last Sunday of November each year . Plan to arrive in Lopburi the day before and be at the temple early on Sunday morning to secure a good viewing spot.
Getting There
Lopburi is located approximately 150 kilometers north of Bangkok .
By train: Regular trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station. The journey takes 2-3 hours. Lopburi’s train station is within walking distance of the main temple area.
By bus: Buses leave from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The trip takes approximately 2.5 hours.
By car: Drive via Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road). The journey takes about 2 hours from central Bangkok.
Where to Stay
Lopburi offers a range of accommodation:
- Hotels near the train station
- Guesthouses in the old town
- Resorts on the outskirts
Book well in advance—the festival draws significant crowds.
What to Bring
- Camera with zoom lens (essential)
- Hat and sunscreen – November is warm
- Water – Stay hydrated
- Secure bag – Preferably one monkeys can’t easily open
- Patience – Crowds and chaos are guaranteed
- Respect – Remember this is a cultural event, not just a spectacle
What NOT to Bring
- Shiny objects – Monkeys love grabbing jewelry, phones, and sunglasses
- Open food – It will be stolen
- Aggressive attitude – The monkeys were here first
Safety Tips
- Keep a respectful distance from monkeys
- Don’t make direct eye contact (monkeys may see it as a threat)
- Don’t try to touch or grab monkeys—especially mothers with infants
- Secure all belongings
- Follow organizers’ instructions
- If bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately
The Deeper Meaning: What the Monkey Buffet Teaches Us
Beyond the viral videos and funny photos, the Monkey Buffet Festival offers something more profound: a glimpse into a different way of relating to animals.
In much of the world, wildlife is something to be managed, controlled, or kept at a distance. We build fences, create protected areas, and separate human spaces from animal spaces. When animals venture into our territory, we call it “encroachment.”
But Lopburi has chosen a different path. Here, monkeys aren’t visitors—they’re co-residents. They’ve lived among humans for centuries, and instead of pushing them out, the city has built its identity around them. The festival doesn’t just tolerate the monkeys; it celebrates them, thanks them, throws them a party .
This doesn’t mean the relationship is perfect. The sterilization campaign and population control efforts show that coexistence requires constant adjustment. But the underlying philosophy—that animals have a place in human communities, that they deserve gratitude and respect—offers a counterpoint to more exclusionary approaches.
As one observer noted, “It is good to be a monkey in Lopburi” . For one day each year, that’s undeniably true.
Conclusion: The Party You Won’t Want to Miss
The Monkey Buffet Festival defies easy description. It’s a religious celebration and a tourism promotion. It’s a chaotic free-for-all and a carefully managed event. It’s ancient tradition and modern spectacle. It’s absolutely ridiculous and deeply meaningful, often in the same moment.
For visitors lucky enough to witness it, the festival offers something rare: an experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Watching thousands of monkeys feast among ancient temple ruins, seeing tourists laugh and photographers scramble, smelling ripe fruit in the tropical air—it’s a sensory overload that stays with you forever.
And when you share those photos with friends back home, watch their faces. They’ll laugh. They’ll shake their heads in disbelief. They’ll ask, “That’s real? That actually happens?”
Yes. It happens every year, on the last Sunday of November, in a small Thai city where monkeys have always been part of the family.
So mark your calendar. Book your ticket. Pack your camera and your sense of adventure. The monkeys are waiting, and they’re hungry.
Quick Facts Summary
This article is part of aaibi.com‘s series on the world’s strangest animal festivals. Read the complete collection: “25 Strangest Animal Festivals on Earth That Feel Completely Unreal.”
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