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A guide to everything you need to know about Ancient City Bangkok

Visit the world's first outdoor museum, where you'll see scaled down, yet stunning renditions of iconic Southeast Asian architecture and culture, all thanks to Lek Viriyaphan, the Thai billionaire who built Ancient Siam. See what you're missing ou...

Also Known As

Muang Boran Bangkok

Quick Information

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Did you know?

Ancient Siam is the world's largest outdoor museum, covering 320 hectares in area!

Lek Viriyaphant, the mastermind behind the Ancient City, initially wanted to build a golf-course shaped like Thailand, but changed his mind to this outdoor museum concept after he found the need to educate people on Thailand's history.

The entire area of the park is shaped to resemble Thailand, as seen on a map. Most of the structures are also placed quite close to their actual geographical location!




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What is Ancient Siam Bangkok?

Ancient Siam, also known as Mueang Boran, is a remarkable open-air museum located in Samut Prakan, just outside of Bangkok. Spanning over 200 acres, it showcases replicas of Thailand’s most iconic historical sites, arranged to mimic the shape of the country itself. Founded by Lek Viriyaphant in 1972, the park serves as a tribute to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, featuring structures from different periods, including the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin eras. 

You can explore detailed replicas of temples, palaces, and ancient ruins, such as the Grand Palace of Ayutthaya and the Phimai Sanctuary as well as new creative designs. The park also offers interactive experiences like cycling or riding golf carts, which make it a family-friendly destination. In addition to the architectural wonders, Ancient Siam provides a quiet escape with its luxuriant surroundings, making it a unique and educational journey through Thailand’s history.

Ancient Siam Bangkok History: Why was it built?

Lek Viriyaphant, a businessman and millionaire with a deep passion for art, founded Ancient Siam in 1972. Initially, he envisioned a Thailand-shaped golf course featuring miniatures of historic sites for tourists. However, during his research, Lek discovered many ancient sites were deteriorating. This led him to shift the focus toward education. 

Ancient Siam now showcases significant architectural styles chronologically, spanning Thailand's diverse eras—from prehistoric times to the Ancient Khmer and Dvaravati periods. You can explore replicas of iconic landmarks, offering a deeper understanding of Thailand’s rich cultural and architectural heritage in a thoughtfully designed, immersive setting.

Plan your visit to Ancient Siam Bangkok

Timings
Location
Facilities
Rules
Dining
Stay options
Visitor tips
  • Ancient Siam Bangkok is open from 9am to 7pm daily.
  • Best time to visit: Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
  • Winter (November to February) is the best time to visit.

Located on the outskirts of Bangkok in Samut Prakan, Ancient Siam is about 40 km from the city center.

  • By BTS: Take the BTS to Kheha Station, then a taxi (7 minutes) to Ancient Siam.
  • Free Shuttle: Departs daily at 11 AM from BTS Bearing Station and stops directly at the museum.
  • By Bus: Take Orange bus 511 to Paknam, then transfer to minivan 36, which passes the Ancient Siam entrance.
  • By Car: Drive to the location and use the paid parking facilities available on-site.
  • Tram rides
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Golf carts
  • Boat rides
  • Parking
  • Audio guides
  • Shuttle service
  • Rest areas
  • If you are taking the complimentary bicycle rental and an audio guide, you must provide a valid ID, such as a passport, as a deposit until these are returned. 
  • Keep your tickets with you at all times, as they may be required at various locations.
  • Foreign tourists must carry their passport along with their driving license if planning to rent a golf cart.
  • Aerial drone photography is forbidden.

Several food options are available inside Ancient Siam including a restaurant and many kiosks. Small shops near key attractions offer drinks like tea, coffee, snacks, and ice cream.

Pavilion One: This canal-side restaurant serves traditional Thai meals, including Pad Thai, Tom Yum, coconut soup, fresh curries, and mango sticky rice, with a buffet option for lunch and dinner.

  • Rimkhobfa Urban Resort: It is a family-friendly hotel offering rooms with air conditioning, a minibar, refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi. Guests benefit from a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and room service. An on-site restaurant adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice for visitors to Samut Prakan.
  • Baan Paknam: This is a no-frills budget hotel which offers free wi-fi, parking, air-conditioned rooms and an on-site restaurant. It is located around 8 km from Ancient Siam.
  • Zaza Hotel Bang Pu: This hotel offers simple rooms with Wi-Fi (fee) and flat-screen TVs. Amenities include a casual restaurant, karaoke lounge, and a spa with traditional Thai massages. The hotel is located 2 km from Wat Tamru, a Buddhist temple, and 8 km from Ancient Siam.
  • Carry water or buy a bottle, as refilling stations are unavailable. 
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen for a more pleasant experience as days can be hot even in winter.
  • You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to explore and enjoy the park fully, so plan accordingly.
  • Visit in the late afternoon and stay through the evening hours to enjoy a traditional Thai dance.
  • Make sure you have a cashless payment system to pay for your purchases like credit cards or scanning QR codes.

FAQs: Ancient Siam Bangkok

What is Ancient Siam Bangkok?

Ancient Siam, also known as Mueang Boran, is an open-air museum park in Samut Prakan, Thailand. It features over 100 replicas of Thailand's historical monuments and architectural landmarks, arranged to mirror the country's shape. Spanning over 200 acres, it offers visitors a comprehensive journey through Thailand's rich cultural heritage.

Where is Ancient Siam Bangkok?

Ancient Siam is located in Samut Prakan Province, approximately 40 kilometers south of central Bangkok. The park is situated near the Crocodile Farm in Samut Prakan, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the area.

What is Ancient Siam Bangkok famous for?

Ancient Siam is renowned for its extensive collection of life-sized replicas of Thailand's historical sites. The park showcases architectural marvels from various periods, including the Grand Palace of Ayutthaya, Phimai Sanctuary, and Wat Khao Phra Viharn. Its unique design, resembling the shape of Thailand, offers an immersive experience into the nation's cultural and architectural history.

How do I book tickets to Ancient Siam Bangkok?

Tickets to Ancient Siam can be purchased online. Buying your tickets in advance can get you discounts and other offers.

How much does it cost to visit Ancient Siam Bangkok?

The entrance fee for foreign visitors is 700 Thai Baht. Thai citizens and children may have discounted rates. Booking your tickets online may also get you great deals. Additional costs may apply for services such as golf cart rides or guided tours. It's recommended to verify the current pricing before planning your visit.

Does Ancient Siam Bangkok have child-friendly rides?

Yes, Ancient Siam offers child-friendly activities and rides. The park provides bicycles and golf carts for rent, which are suitable for families with children. Interactive exhibits and educational activities are also available, making it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Who founded Ancient Siam Bangkok?

Ancient Siam was founded by Lek Viriyaphant, a Thai businessman and art enthusiast. His vision was to create a space that preserved and showcased Thailand's cultural heritage through replicas of historical sites. His dedication to art and history led to the establishment of this unique open-air museum.

Who designed Ancient Siam Bangkok?

The design of Ancient Siam was overseen by Lek Viriyaphant, who collaborated with experts and craftsmen to ensure historical accuracy in the replicas. The park's layout, mirroring the shape of Thailand, was meticulously planned to represent the country's geographical and cultural landscape.

How big is Ancient Siam Bangkok?

Ancient Siam spans over 200 acres, making it one of the largest outdoor museums in the world. The expansive area allows for the display of numerous replicas and provides ample space for visitors to explore and engage with the exhibits.

When was Ancient Siam Bangkok opened?

Ancient Siam was established in 1972. Since its opening, it has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing Thailand's cultural and architectural heritage through its extensive collection of replicas.

What are the opening hours of Ancient Siam Bangkok?

Ancient Siam is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.