CULTURE Bangkok, Thailand

Two Ancient Capitals

Ayutthaya's fallen temples, then Lopburi's ruins — occupied by hundreds of macaques and the ghost of a king who hosted Louis XIV.

4.9·TAT Certified·23 Booked

Duration~11h

Private TourJust Your Group

TransportIncluded

Hotel Pickup7–8 AM

About this tour

Lopburi was ancient before Ayutthaya was even founded. This tour visits both — the fallen temples and broken chedis of Ayutthaya in the morning, then the older ruins of Lopburi in the afternoon, where King Narai built a European-style palace in the 1660s and received diplomatic missions from the court of Louis XIV. The macaques who have occupied the ruins for centuries are an unavoidable part of the Lopburi visit. Monika makes sure you understand both the history and the monkeys.

Two Ancient Capitals — Bangkok private tour

Two Ancient Capitals — experience with guide

Two Ancient Capitals highlights at Bangkok

Tour Highlights

Ayutthaya's key temple ruins — the UNESCO-listed ancient capital destroyed by the Burmese in 1767
Lopburi's Phra Prang Sam Yot — three Khmer-era spires that predate Ayutthaya, now thoroughly occupied by hundreds of macaque monkeys
The palace of King Narai — the Thai king who received French diplomats in the 1660s, built a European-style residence with French architects, and appointed a Greek adventurer as his prime minister
The story connecting both cities — how Lopburi and Ayutthaya functioned as Thailand's dual capitals under one of the most fascinating kings in Thai history

Itinerary

Tour runs approx. 11h

Hotel Pickup

An early start — your guide meets you in the lobby at 8 AM. The drive north passes the central plains that once connected these two ancient capitals.

Ayutthaya Temple Sites

Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet — a focused visit covering the founding, the golden age and the 1767 destruction. Enough to understand the full weight of what Ayutthaya was before the Burmese came.

Drive to Lopburi

Continue north. Monika explains the relationship between the two cities and frames King Narai's reign before you arrive.

Phra Prang Sam Yot — The Monkey Ruins

Three Khmer-era spires, built centuries before Ayutthaya's founding, now occupied at every level by Lopburi's famous macaques. Monika explains the Hindu origins of the shrine and the long relationship between the monkeys and the city. Follow your guide's instructions — the macaques are fast and opportunistic.

Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace

King Narai's palace — built with French architects in the 1660s, now a museum. Monika tells the story of the French diplomatic missions, the extraordinary Greek adventurer Constantine Phaulkon who became the king's prime minister, and why this chapter of Thai history reads like a novel.

Hotel Drop-off

The drive back to Bangkok.

Included in Your Tour

Hotel Pickup

Complimentary Hotel Pickup

Any hotel in Bangkok, Thailand

Instructions: We will pick you up directly from your hotel lobby. Your private guide and driver will arrive in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Please be ready in your lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time (7–8 AM).

Included

Private hotel pickup and drop-off (Bangkok)
Expert local English-speaking guide
All private transport including drives between cities
Entrance fees to all listed sites
Bottled water and cold towels

Excluded

Gratuities (optional)
Alcoholic beverages
Personal purchases

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes — ruins involve uneven stone ground
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat — both cities are open and exposed
Light, breathable clothing (shoulders and knees covered — required at all sites)
Camera or smartphone
Secure bag — macaques in Lopburi will investigate loose items

Hi, I'm Monika!

TAT Certified Guide · Thai Native & Food Lover

“Born in Chiang Mai and based in Bangkok, I started 'Hi Monika' to show travellers the authentic side of my country — the places my friends and family actually hang out. I love sharing our food, our culture, and the hidden stories of our neighbourhoods.”

Guest Reviews

4.9

“Monika was incredible! We saw parts of Bangkok we never would have found on our own. The street food was amazing and we felt completely safe the entire time.”

Sarah L.October 2024

“Perfectly organised and so much more personal than a group tour. Monika knew exactly when to go to each spot to avoid the crowds.”

James & EmmaSeptember 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Will we have the tour to ourselves?

Yes — this is strictly a private tour for you and your loved ones only. No other guests, no shared buses, no waiting around for people you have never met. The guide, the vehicle and the entire day are exclusively yours.

Can I change the date after booking?

Yes — contact us via WhatsApp or email at least 12 hours before the tour start time and we will reschedule your tour once at no extra cost, subject to availability. Subsequent reschedules are subject to a THB 1,500 fee.

What happens if it rains?

Bangkok weather is unpredictable. Tours operate rain or shine — we provide umbrellas if needed and adapt the itinerary where possible. If severe weather makes the tour unsafe, you'll receive a full reschedule or refund.

Do I need to pay anything on the day?

No. The price covers everything: entrance fees, all transport, bottled water and lunch. Just bring spending money for any personal shopping or optional extras.

Note: many local vendors and restaurants do not accept credit cards — cash is always the safest option.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes. The pace and itinerary are adapted to your group. Let us know the ages of your children when booking so we can plan accordingly.

Know before you go

The monkeys are wild animals: Lopburi's macaques are bold, fast and will take food, sunglasses, hats and loose bags if given the opportunity. Keep belongings secured, do not offer food, and follow your guide's instructions throughout the Lopburi portion.

A very full day: This tour covers two cities with significant driving between them. Plan for approximately 11 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Sun exposure: Both Ayutthaya and Lopburi involve extended time outdoors in open ruins. A hat and strong sun protection are important for the full day.

Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered at all temple and palace sites.

Dietary Needs: We can accommodate vegetarian diets — please let us know when booking.