Visit all Thailand's famous destinations in one place, one hour from the heart of Bangkok
BIG WARNING: This place is HUGE!
Not far from the Erawan Museum and close to the crocodile farm in Samut Prakan Province, the 320-hectare "city" features 116 structures of Thailand's famous monuments and architectural attractions. Today we went out to re-visit one of the best days out after you have done the must see things in Bangkok.
Locally known as 'Muang Boran' or translated into English as "Ancient City" or another name of "Ancient Siam", is the world's largest museum of its kind. The grounds are shaped roughly to correspond to the Thailand shape on a map.
There are 116 monuments, many are life size and this place in the right conditions is a photographers dream as you can replicate photo’s of all the famous landmarks. Not all are life sized with many being scaled down but none in miniature form.
Mr. Lek Viriyapan, who was brought up in a Chinese wealthy family. He was sent to study in Shanghai, China. It was during this period that he get to travelled and become interested in arts and cultures. He accumulated professional knowledge and understanding of arts, religions, philosophies and cultures since an early period of his life. After coming back to Thailand, mr. Lek and his family travelled with scholars and advisors all around Thailand to collect data to build the Ancient City, for over 10 years they kept sketches, notes, and photographs of the sites to use as references for their works, allowing them to build the Ancient City methodically with real knowledge.
Mr.Lek also worked on the Sanctuary of truth in Pattaya as well as the Erawan museum. He passed away in 2000, still dedicated to his love of recreating art.
Below we try to give you the idea of big highlights inside the ancient city.
The Great Hall Vajradhamma
There is also a recently-built architecture called, "The Great Hall Vajradhamma", Buddhavas of the Substanceless Universe, which locates on the Free Zone. The building can be seen from faraway with its beautifully shining gold color. The principal architecture is the enshrinement to 28 Buddha statues in his previous incarnation along with 10 Buddha statues that were believed to be his future forms. There are also other architectures around the main building such as the pagodas for the 12 astrological signs, pagodas representing the birth year, and peaceful monuments.
A kilometer away from this point, on the extension of Ancient City, you can see a huge buddha statue work is undergoing. The scaffolding cannot hide its beauty.
Way of getting around Ancient Siam (Update 2022):
Purchase entrance ticket. You can grab a bike before entering the park. Make sure to choose the right one for you. Check the bike tires and adjust the seat level before you go. Road bike is also available at extra cost. Contact the bike counter for more details.
Free tram service is available at fixed schedule. As of November 2020, they offer free tram only on weekends, two rounds per day. You will get to stop at each big spot at limited time. If you prefer freedom to roam at your own pace, I do not recommend using tram.
Hire an EV golf cart. You need to show a driving license before renting them. This way is perfect for a small family of 4-5 people. Cost is 400 baht/ Golf Cart.
Drive your own car. There will be a cost of 400 baht for bringing your own car to drive around the ancient siam. This way is mostly favored by group tours and tour vans.
Ticket Price:
Adult 700 Baht
Child (6-14 years old) 350 Baht
Ticket price is much cheaper when you buy it beforehand with licensed tour agency like us.
How to get here (Update 2022):
Public transport: Take skytrain (Sukhumvit Line) to Kheha - terminal station. Take exit 3 and walk down the stairs. You will see mini bus (or baht bus) parking there. The bus fare is 11 baht and it drops you right in front of Ancient Siam. Or, take the skytrain to Kheha station and then a metered taxi to Ancient Siam. The distance is only 5 km. from the train station and should cost you around 60-80 Baht max. The skytrain costs about 60 baht.
Metered Taxi: From Siam Center (heart of BKK city) to Ancient Siam, approx cost is 400-600 including toll fees.
Operating Hours (Update 2022):
Everyday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There are drinks and food stalls inside the park sold at reasonable local price. You will find Padthai and Somtum at a price range of 50-100 Baht. Mainly Thai food and drinks are sold here.
