Muang Boran or Ancient City, the world’s largest outdoor museum

Experience Thailand’s History at Ancient City

Muangboran, also known as Ancient City and Ancient Siam, is a massive tourist park and museum covering two hundred acres. Moreover, it’s located about an hour from central Bangkok near the Bangpu Recreation Centre on Bangkok Bay’s shores. The park is uniquely shaped just like Thailand itself.

This incredible destination recreates ancient life and times from Thailand’s past. Furthermore, the park offers a complete journey through Thai history in one convenient location. Therefore, visitors can experience centuries of cultural development without traveling across the entire country.

Because the park is huge, you have several transportation options. For example, you can walk around the grounds, ride a bike, or hire a golf cart for easier movement. Additionally, these different options allow visitors of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the experience comfortably.

Architectural Wonders and Historical Buildings

The park features 116 examples of famous buildings, monuments, and other excellent examples of Thai architecture from around the country. Some buildings are life-size replicas of existing or former sites, while others are scaled down for practical reasons. Moreover, magnificent fountains, golden stupas, and grand pavilions sit among forested surroundings.

These impressive structures are surrounded by faithful reproductions of villages from throughout Thai history. Additionally, ponds, lakes, and canals create a peaceful atmosphere that enhances the historical experience. Therefore, visitors feel transported back in time while exploring different areas.

Many kingdoms have risen and fallen in the land now called Thailand. Consequently, each historical period is accurately represented at Ancient Siam. The timeline spans from prehistoric times through each wave of Thai development, right up to the Rattanakosin period.

For instance, you’ll find excellent replicas of long-lost temples and monuments. These include Khao Phra Viharn, Phnom Rung from the Khmer era, and Wat Mahathat from the Sukhotai period. Furthermore, visitors can see what the Grand Palace of Ayutthaya looked like before its destruction in 1767.

Five Regional Areas in One Location

It’s impossible to see all regions in Thailand during a single trip. However, Muang Boran solves this problem perfectly. The park contains five areas that replicate Thailand’s five regions: East, South, Central, North, and Northeast.

In each regional section, you’ll find replicas of famous palaces, buildings, and monuments specific to that area. Moreover, impressive gardens complete with statues and waterfalls depict various periods in Thai history. Therefore, visitors can compare different regional styles and historical developments side by side.

You can walk around the old market town area to see traditional shops and furniture. Additionally, the floating market offers glimpses of Siam’s commercial past. Furthermore, faithful recreations of Thai villages show everything involved in daily village life.

These village recreations include working demonstrations and authentic details. Consequently, visitors understand how people lived, worked, and celebrated throughout Thai history. Moreover, you can walk into temple recreations complete with shining decorations, statues, and artifacts.

Peaceful Atmosphere and Practical Information

Ancient Siam offers a wide and open park where you can wander freely. Unlike other tourist attractions in Thailand, you won’t face the usual crowds here. Moreover, there are very rarely any queues, making Muangboran a nice break from central Bangkok’s hustle and bustle.

Information about everything is easily available through excellent signage throughout the park. However, having your own guide makes the visit easier and more entertaining. Therefore, guides can offer much more detail about everything you see while answering specific questions.

Food and drink are available throughout the park. Additionally, vendors are centered around the floating market where you’ll find market sellers offering fruit and vegetables from their little boats. Furthermore, this setup recreates authentic market experiences from Thailand’s past.

Historical Accuracy and Expert Involvement

Experts from the National Museum helped with constructing the replicas to ensure historical accuracy. Therefore, visitors can trust that what they’re seeing represents authentic Thai architecture and culture. Moreover, this expert involvement makes Ancient Siam an educational experience as well as entertaining.

Special exhibits deserve particular attention during your visit. For example, look for the reproduction of the Phimai Sanctuary in Nakhon Ratchasima. Additionally, the replica of Wat Khao Phra Viharn on the Cambodian border showcases impressive Khmer architecture.

However, the park’s crowning achievement is the beautifully striking Sanphet Prasat Palace reproduction. This recreation of the Grand Palace of Ayutthaya features sweeping architecture that demonstrates the former capital’s magnificent glory.

The Vision Behind Ancient City

Ancient Siam was created by Lek Viriyaphant, a Thai businessman with remarkable vision. Thankfully, he decided not to build a golf course on this valuable land. Instead, he chose to build a glorious and peaceful tribute to Thailand’s rich history.

Furthermore, his commitment to preserving Thai culture extended beyond this project. He also founded the excellent Erawan Museum nearby, showing his dedication to cultural preservation. Therefore, visitors can combine both attractions for a complete cultural experience.

Because of Viriyaphant’s vision, future generations can experience Thailand’s architectural and cultural heritage in one accessible location. Moreover, his project ensures that lost buildings and forgotten traditions remain alive for educational purposes.

Ancient Siam is open daily from 9am – 7pm. The admission fees vary depending on the time of day you want to visit. Late afternoons are cheaper.

From 9am – 4pm adults are 700 baht each and kids are 350 baht each. Car or van entry is 400 baht.

From 4pm – 7pm entry is just 350 baht for adults and 175 for children. Vehicle entry is 200 baht.

You can rent a four-seat golf cart for 350 baht (first hour) and 200 baht each hour after that. To rent one, you will need to be over 18 and present your driver’s license.

Things to remember about your visit to Ancient Siam:

Ancient Siam is located on Sukhumvit Rd, Bang Pu Mai, Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan, Chang Wat Samut Prakan.

There’s plenty to see and do all around Bangkok. For a similar taste of Thai history, try visiting the National Museum of Bangkok.