The Monkey Buffet Festival is held each year in Lopburi, Thailand. The slightly odd event began in 1989 when a local businessman and hotelier wanted to increase tourism to the area, as most travelers would bypass Lopburi to go to Bangkok instead. He came up with the idea and, with some help from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, launched his inaugural festival. It turned out to be a huge success as thousands of travelers come from around the world to see the spectacle.
The buffet is held at an overgrown 10th-century temple ruin associated with the Khmer dynasty, which holds some architectural similarities with Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia. Before the feast begins, each monkey receives an invitation attached to a cashew nut. Chefs spend hours preparing the feast for more than 3,000 monkeys, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, vegetarian dishes, white rice and candy. It also includes one delicacy often reserved for honored and revered (human) guests — a traditional dessert called thong yod, made from egg yolk and difficult to make due to its teardrop shape. Some of the fruit is frozen into blocks of ice to make the smorgasbord last a little longer, but this usually only results in frustrating more than just a few primates.
The festival isn’t only about the actual monkey buffet. There are lots of monkey-themed celebrations and it’s not uncommon to see monkey statues set up throughout the area with many locals, especially children, dressed as monkeys as well. The monkeys in the town are accustomed to humans and will show no reservations when it comes to climbing on or over anyone to get what they want (whether it’s yours or not).
When it’s not festival season, these monkeys live side-by-side with humans in the downtown areas of the city. The locals think of taking care of the monkeys year-round as a sort of religious good deed.
Read This Next
Best Cities to Visit in Thailand
Tips / Destination
Mar 17, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Dec 12, 2024Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel Opens
Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is now open in Springdale, Utah, following a full property renovation and rebrand joining Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations / Europe
Dec 12, 2024Skip the Crowds: Visit Santorini During Shoulder Season
With more and more travelers venturing to the bucket-list destination of Santorini, finding the right time of year to enjoy its sites and attractions and avoid the flocks of tourists becomes a bit tricky. Famous for its sunset views and white-and-blue buildings, Santorini becomes especially crowded in summer.
Destinations / North America
Dec 11, 2024Why You Should Spend This Christmas in San Antonio, Texas
While it’s up for debate whether everything truly is bigger in Texas, one thing’s for sure: Christmas celebrations in San Antonio are big, bold and bright this year. While the annual holiday river parade along the city’s iconic river walk has already kicked off the festive season, you can still find plenty of fun here through the New Year.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Trends
Dec 11, 2024Harbour Village Beach Club Appeals to 2025 Solo Female Travelers
According to a recent American Express survey, 69 percent of travelers plan to embark on solo travel next year. With that being said, Harbour Village Beach Club, on Bonaire, is ready to welcome female solo travelers for an adventure of a lifetime. Need some convincing? Here are 10 reasons why you should take the trip.
ShareThis