Ancient City Bangkok

Visiting a reconstruction of Thailand’s temples and houses on the outskirts of Bangkok might seem like a day at a cheesy amusement park without the rides. However, The Ancient City (Muang Boran) in Samut Prakan proves to be a delightful surprise and an enjoyable way to spend a morning or an afternoon. The Ancient City, also known as Ancient Siam, attracts a diverse crowd, including school kids, tourists, expats, and locals. Yet, it manages to maintain a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere, especially on weekdays.

Ancient City (Muang Boran Museum) Information

• Alternative names: Muangboran or Ancient Siam
• Open hours: 9.00 – 18.00
• Entrance fee (foreign nationals): Adult 700 Baht. Children (6-14 years) 350 Baht
• Address: 296, Sukhumvit Road, Bang Pu Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand
• BTS: Kheha
• Website: muangboranmuseum.com
• Tel: +66 2 026 8800

The attraction opened in 1972, which will immediately answer your question about just how ancient it is. It’s located near enough to Bangkok to make it an easy place to visit for a few hours, but it’s far enough away to be a temporary respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy capital. It’s a good idea to head here in the morning, just after rush hour, so that you can enjoy the sights before the hottest part of the day begins, but also so as not to get caught up in late afternoon traffic on the way back.

The vast site takes up more than 320 acres, and it’s unlikely that you will cover every inch. The best advice is to head off armed with the attractions map and just explore at leisure. For the energetic, there are plenty of bikes available for hire, but far more fun is to zip about with a golf buggy. You’ll notice immediately that the shape of the Ancient City closely resembles the shape of Thailand itself, and similarly, the attractions are located in roughly the same position they are in the country. Certainly a clever idea by the planners, it means you can easily establish whether you’re looking at a northern or southern-style dwelling for example.

It is a pleasant surprise that there is nothing tacky here; the reproductions are excellent with considerable input from National Museum experts in their construction, and it’s a great way for people who only have a short time in Thailand to view some of the attractions that they simply won’t have time to see, as well as some that no longer exist. At the last count, there were 116 monuments here, but with the promise of more to come. You will notice construction taking place in some areas of the park, but this isn’t something that will adversely affect your visit.

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While there is quite an impressive showing of Thailand’s royal history on display at the Ancient City, there are also several examples of different styles of Thai architecture from the past and distinct to different regions of the country. In some cases, whole teak houses have been acquired from upcountry locations and reassembled and, even more remarkably, some of the stone temples have also been relocated and preserved in this manner.

One of the park’s most notable monuments is the reconstruction of the former Royal Hall of Ayutthaya, the original of which was destroyed in 1767. There is a good range of Thai-style houses from years gone by, placed according to the different regions of the country. Not all of the monuments are reconstructions however; some are the genuine article. For example, there is a wooden temple in the northern area of the park which was bought from a hill village in northern Thailand.

In true Thai style, organize your day around a lunch stop. The Floating Market area has some good eateries overlooking the water, and this is the place to stop for a meal, although you will find plenty of smaller drink and snack stops as you explore. On a recent visit here, I encountered a large party of school children, so it might be a good idea to take an early or late lunch if the noise of 50 excited kids might be too much for you, not to mention the novelty of trying out their English language skills on a foreigner!

Fairly close to the entrance, you’ll find a model Thai village where you can buy a range of souvenirs of differing quality. You might find something of interest, but in reality, you’ll find much better souvenir shopping elsewhere in Bangkok.

You’ll often hear people saying things like “It’s not half as tacky as I expected,” but at the same time, some individuals genuinely get enthused about the place. As one British tourist put it, “This is a fantastic way to do some sightseeing without the kids getting bored.”

The Ancient City’s size makes it too big to attempt to walk around it in a day, which would soon become a tiring chore. The benefit of the size though is that even when it’s relatively busy, you will never really notice it. There are plenty of bicycles available for rent at the entrance, as well as a mini-tram service with Thai, English, Japanese, and Chinese-speaking guides available. However, to maximize your enjoyment, it’s recommended that you rent a golf buggy for a few hours.

How to Get to the Ancient City

There are several organized tours that include the Ancient City on their itinerary, but it is an easy enough place to visit independently, despite being outside of the city. A taxi from central Bangkok will take about an hour to get here, or you can take the BTS (sky train) to On Nut and then take a taxi from here.

The best way to get to the Ancient City – known as ‘Muang Boran‘ in Thai – is to take a private taxi trip, which will cost around 300 baht + 70 baht for the tolls.

Most taxi drivers will know Muang Boran (Ancient City), and there are usually a number of taxis in the car park to take you back to the city on your return journey. You can also negotiate with your taxi driver to wait for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Fly A Drone In Ancient City Bangkok?

No, flying drones is generally not allowed in Ancient City Bangkok. The museum has specific rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety and preservation of the exhibits. As drones can potentially disrupt the experience of other visitors and pose a risk to historical structures, the use of drones is prohibited within the museum premises.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Ancient City Bangkok?

The best time to visit Ancient City Bangkok is during the cooler and drier months, which generally span from November to February. During this period, the weather is more pleasant with lower temperatures and less rainfall. This makes it more comfortable to explore the outdoor museum and enjoy the exhibits.

However, it’s important to note that this period coincides with the peak tourist season, so the museum may be more crowded. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the weekdays and off-season. Also, check the weather forecast and plan your visit when there’s no rain on the horizon.

What Should I Carry to Ancient City Bangkok?

• Passport or driving license

It is advisable to carry a valid form of identification, such as a passport or driving license while visiting Ancient City Bangkok. This can be helpful for verification purposes, especially when purchasing tickets or participating in certain activities within the museum.

• Comfortable footwear

As Ancient City Bangkok is a vast outdoor museum with numerous walking paths. You will walk a lot!

• Sun protection

Thailand’s tropical climate can be quite hot and sunny, especially during the daytime. Don’t forget to carry and apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Additionally, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing can help shield you from the sun.

• Water and snacks

It’s important to stay hydrated. There are a few food and beverage spots within the museum, but having your own supplies can be convenient.

• Cash or card

While the museum may accept card payments for admission fees, it’s a good idea to carry some cash in case for souvenirs, food, or if the card payment terminal won’t work.

Final Words

Located just outside of Bangkok in Samut Prakan province, the Ancient City is a vast historical theme park that offers a perfect day getaway from the bustling city. Spanning around 320 acres, this outdoor museum boasts replicas of Thailand’s significant historic sites, earning it the title of ‘the world’s largest outdoor museum.’ For those who might not have had the opportunity to visit the authentic locations, The Ancient City provides an exceptional cultural introduction to the Kingdom.

The Ancient City features 109 replicas of famous monuments and architectural attractions in Thailand. The considerable expanse of the Ancient City, with ponds and roaming deer, is roughly shaped like Thailand, and its attractions are laid out according to their geographic location. It’s best explored on rented bikes, though there is an option for private tours. It’s worth noting the Ancient City’s proximity to the airport, making it ideal to kill a layover of several hours.