Mueang Boran is the largest open-air museum in the world. And it is only 1 hour south of Bangkok, in the province of Samut Prakan.
The ancient city, or also known as Ancient Siam or in Thai “Mueang Boran” features more than 120 replicas of historical monuments. They come from all eras of the history of Thailand and even of Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and China.
Are you retired in Thailand and looking for where to spend some time ? Or are you searching for something different from the beach and shopping centers? We strongly recommend you to spend at least one day in this wonderful park.
THE HISTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF SIAM IN 320 HECTARES
History lovers and photo enthusiasts will be delighted to visit this open air museum. Mueang Boran was built in 1972 by Lek Viriyaphant. Its 320 hectares are in the shape of a miniature Thailand, and the location of the monuments corresponds to their real geographical location.
The reenactments include the Bangkok Royal Palace, Wat Khao Phra Viharn temple on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet of Ayutthaya.
Some reconstructions represent monuments from ancient times. It is possible to visit the old Grand Palace of Ayutthaya, destroyed by the Burmese invasion in 1767, or the “Floating Market” in the center of Thailand, which represents traditional Thai life.
Straight out of myths, the mountain of Sumeru is the residence of spirits, considered as the center of the world in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. This monument is at the center of Mueang Boran, surrounded by a lake and a reproduction of a sea monster.
How to discover the park?
On foot, getting around can become a real hike. To make the most of the visit and see as many monuments as possible, you can rent bikes on site for free, or take a golf cart (300 THB for the 1st hour then 200 THB / hour).
HOW TO ACCESS THE ANCIENT CITY?
Mueang Boran is located in the coastal province of Samut Prakan, and is only a BTS ride away from Bangkok (Sky Train). The Sukhumvit Line, which serves downtown Bangkok, provides direct access to the museum. You can stop at the Kheha terminus, then take a taxi for 10 minutes.
The entry ticket for a day is THB 700 for adults and THB 350 for children. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday to Sunday.
In short, the ancient city of Samut Prakan is a must see for anyone wondering what to do in Thailand. Why not complement your next visit to Bangkok with a historic stroll and a breath of fresh air?
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