Lop Buri Monkey Festival
November 2009.
The town of Lop Buri, 100 miles north of Bangkok, is plagued by long-tailed macaque monkeys. Normally regarded as something of a nuisance to the locals, particularly local market stall holders who often have to deal with having their wares stolen by the monkeys, they also know that it's the monkeys that bring tourists to the town.
Once a year, to show appreciation, they lay on stalls of food and drink, just for the monkeys, at one of the ruined temples they inhabit. By pure fluke, the day I chose to go was the very day of the festival.
The town of Lop Buri, 100 miles north of Bangkok, is plagued by long-tailed macaque monkeys. Normally regarded as something of a nuisance to the locals, particularly local market stall holders who often have to deal with having their wares stolen by the monkeys, they also know that it's the monkeys that bring tourists to the town.
Once a year, to show appreciation, they lay on stalls of food and drink, just for the monkeys, at one of the ruined temples they inhabit. By pure fluke, the day I chose to go was the very day of the festival.