Phra Prang Sam Yot is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Lopburi Province and has long been regarded as an important symbol of the city. It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire around the 18th Buddhist century, serving as a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary. The site reflects the height_ of Khmer influence that once spread across the Chao Phraya River basin in ancient times.

The most distinctive feature of Phra Prang Sam Yot is its structure consisting of three connected prangs built on a single base. The towers are constructed from laterite and decorated with stucco, traces of which can still be seen today despite the passage of centuries. The architectural style clearly represents the Bayon style of Khmer art, evident in the arched doorways, window designs, and symmetrical layout that emphasizes sacredness and balance.

Each of the three prangs holds symbolic religious meaning. The central prang represents the Buddha, the southern prang symbolizes Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, and the northern prang represents Prajnaparamita, the embodiment of supreme wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. Later, during the reign of King Narai the Great, the monument was restored and a vihara was added adjacent to the original structure to house a sandstone Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture, illustrating the historical layering from the Khmer period to the Ayutthaya era.

Another remarkable feature that has made Phra Prang Sam Yot famous worldwide is the large population of Lopburi monkeys, numbering in the hundreds and thousands, that inhabit the surrounding area and the monument itself. These monkeys have become an inseparable part of the site and the local way of life. Visitors can witness monkeys climbing, playing, and living freely among thousand-year-old ruins, creating a unique and unforgettable image of Lopburi.

The atmosphere around Phra Prang Sam Yot conveys a sense of historical solemnity, combined with liveliness brought by the playful behavior of the monkeys. As a result, the site is not merely a silent ruin, but a living historical monument that tells stories of religion, art, culture, and the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature across more than a thousand years of history.

Private Car:

• Located by the railway in Lopburi’s old town, near Phra Kan Shrine. Street parking is available around the site.

Train:

• The most convenient way, as Lopburi Railway Station is only 300-400 meters away—a short walk from the platform.

Public Transport:

• All local songthaews passing through the Lopburi market will drop you off near the site.

Recommended Time:

• Morning (08:00 - 10:00 AM) or Late Afternoon (04:00 - 05:00 PM) for the best lighting on the laterite and more pleasant temperatures.

Monkey Caution:

• Do not carry plastic bags, water bottles, or food in your hands, as monkeys will snatch them. Keep valuables, glasses, and hats in a zipped bag.

Photography:

• The best shot is a wide-angle view from the front lawn to capture all three prangs in one frame, often with monkeys posing in the foreground.

Internal Access:

• Visitors can walk inside the towers to admire the massive laterite structure and traditional stone baluster windows.

Planning:

• You can purchase a joint ticket that includes entry to Baan Wichayen and King Narai's Palace for a better value.

Admission Fee

• Thai Nationals: 10 THB

• Foreigners: 50 THB

Opening Hours

• Open Daily: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM