Sitting on a massive footprint of 200 acres, Muangboran Ancient City is dubbed the world’s largest private outdoor museum. Serving educational and tourism purposes to maintain important Thai ancient sites that have been left in decay, this massive attraction complex emerged as the proud artwork collection of Lek Viriyaphant with the support of the National Museum’s experts.
The whole complex is split into four sections: North, Northeast, Central, and South, showcasing 116 famous structures in the country. Many of those are life-sized and scaled-down replicas of the real landmarks while some others are creative designs.
In this article, I’ll be showing you the best way to explore Muangboran Ancient City including insightful travel tips, getting around, and my favorite attractions inside the park.
Getting To Muangboran Ancient City
From the city center of Bangkok, hail the BTS Sukhumvit line to Kheha Station (Exit 3) and take a taxi directly to Muangboran Ancient City in less than ten minutes. A free shuttle between Kheha Station and the Ancient City is available on Saturday and Sunday.
Other than taxis, you can also hail a songthaew #36 to the museum within ten minutes. Make sure to opt for ones with passengers as they only depart when full. The fare is roughly THB 10 in cash.
The drop-off point is close to the ticket counter. You can easily get there on foot but make sure you have carry-on water, sunscreen, water, and a hat ready to avoid the scorching heat.
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Muangboran Ancient City Ticket
The tickets are THB 700 for adults and THB 350 for children from 6 to 14. Visitors with a private car are subject to pay an additional THB 400 per car, which includes a parking fee.
I highly recommend you purchase an online ticket to benefit from a steep discount. Plus, they offer a wide range of various packages including a visit to the Erawan Museum, lunch/dinner, and private pick-up at your hotel. All tickets include guided tram tours and an audio guide which is activated by QR code scanning.
Depending on which package you choose, the entrance ticket may include a rental bicycle and golf cart to get around once you’ve entered or not.
You’ll receive a free map handed by the English-speaking staff once you check in. They’ll clearly explain different attractions and areas so you can begin to explore with ease, plus some dining spots on the site to recharge.
Getting Around Siam Ancient City
By Bicycle
The rental fee is THB 150 per day with your passports required. Electric bicycles are THB 250 for the first three hours and an additional THB 100 is applied for every extra hour.
By Golf Cart
The fare for a golf cart starts at THB 350 an hour and you can choose from a two-seater, four-seater, and six-seater. A passport is required. This is the best option if you’re tagging your family along or wanna be shielded from the scorching sun.
The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a driver. That means you’ve gotta handle the ride on your own. There is a consent form with your signature required, which indicates responsibility for accidents.
By Guided Tram
The tram tour lasts 90 minutes, with four trams available a day.
Timetable:
- 10 AM – 12:00 PM
- 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
- 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM
- 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM.
The only setback is the limited guided options available for tram passengers.
10 Best Monuments To Visit At Muangboran Ancient City
This is the visitor’s map that showcases all routes and attractions amongst different areas at Muangboran Ancient City. The orange section at the southern side covers free attractions situated right behind the entrance gate.
Walk further in and you should be in the ticket-required area (blue-colored), starting with attractions #15, 16, 17, and 18. The two sections are split by a ticket control station.
Read on to explore some of my favorite things to see and do at Muangboran.
The Stupa of Phra Maha That | 7
Marked #7 on the map, the white stupa stands tall as a testament to Southern Thai architects’ artistry. This replica showcases the real stupa that was erected in 555 A.D. during King Si Thammasakarat’s reign.
Sanphet Prasat Palace ｜27
Sanphet Prasat is one of the most significant palaces erected at the early age of the Ayutthaya era, showcasing a typical design of an Ayutthaya school. Here you can take a closer look at the basement sweep, tapering pillars, elaborate ornaments, and overlapping roof slopes.
Dusit Maha Prasat Palace｜23
Dusit Maha Prasat is located in the first section of the ticket-required area. It was built in 1806 A.D. by King Rama I, standing tall with mind-blowing roofs.
Phra Kaew Pavilion | 30
Further in, you’ll find the Phra Kaew Pavilion captivating with a sharp octagonally-shaped. The building once acted as a tribute center to the King of Ayutthaya.
Prang Sam Yod｜35
Located in Lop Buri, Prang Sam Yod is translated into the Three-Spired Sanctuary, combining quintessential Khmer touches on traditional Thai art, which was a heavy influence in the 13th century A.D.
Floating Market｜45
Thailand’s floating markets are one of the top-visited places across the country. Right here, a replica shows up, hooking you in with a rural backdrop to central Thai life.
Chiang Mai Seven-Spired Pagoda｜57
Brought to you from the Wat Photaram Mahawihan in Chiang Mai, north of Thailand, the Seven-Spired Pagoda highlights a cave-like hall with a keystone arch, housing a seated Buddha.
Thai Sail Ship｜113
This traditional ancient mercantile ship style pays tribute to the thriving trading era that once conquered the major riverside in Bangkok and Ayutthaya.
Sala of Ramayana｜107
The Sala of Ramayana is tucked far back near the end of the complex, representing a typical community center for Buddhist ceremonies and social activities.
The Royal Water Course Procession | 104
This floating attraction honors Ayutthaya’s prosperity and dignity in its final ages, costumed in royal barges that were adapted from warships.
Pavilion of the Enlightened｜110
The majestic pavilion is nestled in the west corner of the park, introducing Mahayana Buddhism architectural design and history through the story of 500 enlightened monks. Each story emphasizes that individuals of different backgrounds and values can attain Nirvana.
Conclusion: Is Muangboran The Ancient City Worth Visiting?
100% yes! It’s not only a scenic open-air museum where you can explore most of the Thai wonders within one place but it’s also very affordable to visit. Each site is well-maintained with a handy, well-marked map to help you navigate with ease.
You may need at least four hours here and most of the ground stays exposed to the sun so make sure to come early to make the most of your trip!
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