Bangkok Grand Palace, found in the heart of the city, is a key tourist attraction and the major architectural symbol of the Thai Royal family. Whilst the royal family no longer reside here, the palace is used for ceremonial purposes and attracts over eight million visitors every year.
Thailand: Bangkok – Muang Boran the Ancient City
Muang Boran, translated "Ancient City", is a museum park in Thailand located in Samut Prakan, just outside of Bangkok. This is not an amusement park, but instead is a real-life open-air museum where the most famous monuments of the country are replicated.
When researching places to visit one place that caught my eye was the Ancient City (Muang Boran). It is located just outside Bangkok, and it looked easy to reach on the BTS, Skytrain, and by bus. So, we decided to go for it.
It took over an hour for us to reach our stop, at Kheha, which was hard to miss as it was the last stop on the line. We descended the steps and right next to us was a songthaew, number 36, which was exactly the one to take us to where we needed to be.
Now a bit of history about the Ancient City.
The park was the brainchild of Lek Viriyaphant who, in the early 1960s, had originally planned to construct a golf course featuring miniature replicas of ancient Thai buildings. The scheme changed the more Lek researched and saw the way that some of Thailand’s ancient historical buildings had been neglected. Instead of a golf course, he decided the park would be an educational area preserving Thai culture and historic building techniques. Today, dubbed as the world’s largest outdoor museum, Ancient Siam is home to a dedicated team of local artisans who work alongside experts from the National Museum of Thailand to help preserve Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Ancient Siam is dubbed as the world’s largest outdoor museum. Close to the Crocodile Farm in Samut Prakan Province, the 320-hectare “city” features 116 structures of Thailand’s famous monuments and architectural attractions. The grounds of Ancient Siam correspond roughly to the shape of the kingdom, with the monuments lying at their correct places geographically. Some of the buildings are life-size replicas of existing or former sites, while others are scaled down. Still others are “creative designs,” and not replicas of any historical structure.
The park covers a very large area, but luckily there were a few options for getting around. You could walk it, but it is very large and in Thailand, it can get very hot and sticky. It is also possible to drive around, either in your car or bus or rent one of their golf carts. There are also e-bikes which can be rented. The option we took was to borrow, for free, one of their bicycles. These were not great bikes; cruiser bikes were hard to steer with defective brakes and no gears. Luckily, there were no big hills to navigate!
The first part of the park represents the south of Thailand, which is long and thin, before reaching what is effectively the Bangkok area. Here there were several large temples and other structures. It was very beautiful, with lakes, waterways, and little bridges to navigate. Unfortunately, we arrived at the same time as the tour buses, so the area was inundated with annoying groups of people taking endless selfies and pictures to post on Instagram. Anyway, it was still lovely to walk around.
We climbed back on our bicycles and headed to a more distant part of the park. It was now getting close to lunchtime so the tour buses had all gone to the restaurants, so once more peace reigned and we could cycle around in peace.
Some of the structures in the park represented the ruins of the first great capitals in Thailand; Ayutthaya and Sukhothai but buildings were showing their age, with flaking paint and disrepair. The park is around 60 years old, so it is a nightmare to manage the upkeep. Some of the areas were closed such as the floating village and others were being actively worked on. So, hopefully, the Ancient City will be around for some time.
We took about 2-hours to cycle our way around, with plenty of stops to rest and take photographs. I am glad we made the effort to come out this way.
Planning your visit the Ancient City
The Best Way to get to the Ancient City
Ancient City is actually in Samut Prakan, a province south of Bangkok, but it’s close enough that you can take the BTS Sukhumvit line to Kheha station. From here take songthaew, number 36 or catch a taxi.
It takes about 45 minutes from central Bangkok to Kheha Station.
| Website | www.muangboranmuseum.com |
| Telephone | +66 2-026-8800-9 |
| Hours | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Admission | ● Adults 700 baht per person ● Children (6-14 years) 350 baht per person |
| Address | 296/1 Moo 7 Sukhumvit Road, Bang Pu Mai Subdistrict Mueang Samut Prakan District Samut Prakan Province |
Ancient City is actually shaped like Thailand and is divided into Thailand’s 4 regions: north, northeast, central and south. The map lists 121 landmarks, using different colors to differentiate between the landmarks’ 3 categories: those that were brought from somewhere else and reconstructed, those that were duplicated/created based on historical evidence and those that were designed by the owner.
How to get around
- Bicycle (what I recommend)
- Tram with tour guide; tours are 2 hours
- Golf cart: a 4-seater is 350 baht for the first hour and 200 baht for each additional hour; a 6-seater is 500 baht for the first hour and 300 baht for each additional hour (this is incredibly expensive, especially on top of the ticket price)
- Personal car: 400 baht
Getting around Bangkok
Skytrain
The Skytrain is an elevated train that is also known as BTS.
The system consists of 62 stations along three lines with a combined route length of 70.05 kilometres (43.53 mi). The BTS Sukhumvit Line runs northwards and south-eastwards, terminating at Khu Khot and Kheha respectively. The BTS Silom Line which serves Silom and Sathon Roads, the central business district of Bangkok, terminates at National Stadium and Bang Wa. The Gold Line people mover runs from Krung Thon Buri to Klong San and serves Iconsiam.
Metro
Bangkok’s metro system (MRT) is also good for travelling between the Sukhumvit or Silom districts to reach Hualamphong Train Station. Ticket costs on the Metro are inexpensive.
The popular Chatuchak Weekend Market is located at Mo Chit station on the Sukhumvit BTS line and Chatuchak Park on the MRT line.
Boats
Bangkok is split in two by the Chao Phraya River, and the west bank (formerly Thonburi) is still home to a pretty extensive canal system. One of the best ways (although not necessarily the quickest) to visit sights along the river bank, like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho Temple, is by boat. The main pier (Tha Sathon, or Central Pier) connects with the Saphan Taksin BTS station.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) departs every 10 – 20 minutes between 6 am and 7 pm. The tourist boat (blue flag) runs from Central Pier to Phra Athit/Banglamphu Pier (number 13 on our map). It departs every 30 minutes from 9:30 am to 5 pm and stops at 8 main piers on the route.
To cross the river, countless ferries run every few minutes all day and into the night.
Taxis
Travelling around Bangkok by taxi is surprisingly cheap – sometimes even more so than the Skytrain – plus, it’s comfortable and easy, and the drivers are usually really friendly.
Taxis have to use their meters – if a driver refuses to do so, find a different taxi!
Don’t expect your driver to speak English. An address written in Thai is a good bet to ensure you’ll get to the right place! You can also try using Google Translate on your Smartphone.
Grab
This ride-hailing app is a great way to get around Bangkok. Journeys are reserved via a mobile application, and the journey has a fixed fare meaning that you’ll avoid arguments and haggling with taxi drivers. The application allows payment by card, or you can pay the driver in cash.
Tuk-tuks
Those iconic motorized rickshaws are used by locals and tourists alike for short journeys that aren’t worth the taxi fare. Tourists, however, are usually overcharged for these noisy and polluted trips! Always try and haggle the price and agree on a price before setting off. Super cheap tuk-tuks are usually too good to be true and will take you to gem shops and massage parlours in the hope of some commission.
The best time to visit Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand, lies within the ‘Aw’ Köppen climate zone, demarcating the predominance of tropical wet and dry conditions or more commonly known as ‘Savanna’. The geographical positioning of Bangkok within the lower central part of the country, close to the Gulf of Thailand, contributes to its distinctive tropical climate.
A consistent pattern can be discerned in the city’s climate throughout the year, with average monthly temperatures remaining relatively warm, ranging from a lowest average of 31.7°C to the maximum of 35.4°C. The relative humidity hovers between 66% and 79%, reflecting the tropical nature of the city’s climate. Rainfall varies dramatically, with the months of January and December experiencing just 13.3 and 6mm of rainfall respectively, compared to the deluge of 334mm in September. As far as sunshine is concerned, the city basks in between 5.2 to 9 hours of sunlight per day; this is complemented by daylight hours that range from 11.3 hours to 12.9 hours annually.
Remarkable patterns in Bangkok’s weather include the marked decrease in rainfall towards the tail end of the year and the relatively steady temperature throughout. This pattern of a pronounced dry season, coupled with uniform temperatures and fluctuating humidity levels, offers a distinctive characteristic of Bangkok’s tropical savanna climate.
The best time to visit Bangkok
Visiting Bangkok from November to February could be an enjoyable experience as these months witness relatively lower temperature ranges, from 31.7°C to 34.4°C and least rainfall, from 6mm to 50mm on average. With up to 8.5 hours of sunshine daily and a modest UV index of 9 to 10, these months provide an ideal opportunity for visitors to explore the city’s bustling streets and numerous attractions without the discomfort of extreme weather conditions.
The worst time to visit Bangkok
Planning a visit between May and October may prove to be challenging due to the substantial increase in rainfall, with September witnessing the highest rainfall of 334mm on average. June to September also have the highest relative humidity of 79%, potentially leading to discomfort due to the muggy climate. Temperatures from May to October do not provide much respite either, with the mercury hovering between 32.8°C and 35.4°C.
Other places to visit while in Bangkok
1. CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET
The Chatuchak Weekend Market, on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, is the largest market in Thailand. Also known as JJ Market, it has more than 15,000 stalls and 11,505 vendors, divided into 27 sections.
2. JIM THOMPSON HOUSE
American Jim Thompson was an officer at the OSS, stationed in Thailand during World War II. After the conflict ended, he stayed in the country to work on a new business plan. In 1947, he sent bolts of vibrant, hand-woven Thai silks to fashion heavyweights in New York City.
3. CALYPSO CABARET
Thailand is infamous for its beautiful kathoey, or ladyboys. The term is used to refer to a transgender woman or a man who likes to dress up as a woman. If you are into drag shows and want to support the local kathoey community, then you must go to Calypso Cabaret.
4. BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM
The National Museum, located on the opposite side of Sanam Luang to The Grand Palace, was established in 1887 by King Rama V. The foundation collection was previously stored at The grand palace. The original building was formerly the palace of a vice-ruler.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Siam Square
Siam Square is a shopping mecca, full of luxury shopping centres and bargain department stores, designer labels, and trendy fashion boutiques. The small sois of Siam Square are alive with record stores, bookstores, cafes, and bars. Siam Square has the best shopping in Bangkok and is full of amenities, like cinemas, massage parlours, and salons. Siam Square is busy and safe at all hours.
Sukhumvit
If you want luxury hotels, top-notch restaurants, and lively nightlife, Sukhumvit is the place to go. This is where many ex-pats live and where tourists can find the top facilities in Bangkok. Many cosmopolitan clubs and restaurants line Sukhumvit while calm and atmospheric cafes are hidden in the sois leading off the main street. The Skytrain runs the length of Sukhumvit making it easy to explore. Also, Sukhumvit is famous for two red-light districts, Nana Plaza on Soi 4 and Soi Cowboy, just off Soi 23.
Khao San
Khao San Road is a 1 km stretch of shops, bars, restaurants, and street vendors and is home to the backpacker scene – though it is adding more mid-range hotels and boutiques every year. (Banglamphu is the name of the surrounding neighbourhood.) People either love it or hate it but it is well worth a visit. It’s centrally located and close to many of Bangkok’s top attractions (like the Grand Palace). If you’re arriving late at night and don’t have a hotel reservation it should be your top choice as the neighborhood stays up late and is easy to traverse on foot. The nearby sois (sidestreets) are offbeat arty areas that surprisingly retain a genuine Thai feel. The Skytrain and Metro don’t connect to the Khao San area, so you’ll be dependent on buses, taxis, and tuk tuks to get in and out of the area.
Bangkok Old Town
Bangkok Old Town (also Rattanakosin) is a historic area, bordered by the Chao Phraya and canals which served as moats for the old city. Bangkok’s most revered historical attractions are located in Rattanakosin. The area is home to a plethora of Buddhist temples, palaces, monuments, and museums. The Old City area is relatively small and ideal for walking to explore the area.
Silom
Silom is Bangkok’s Wall Street (through the day). After nightfall, the people and environment changes considerably. The skyline is lined with skyscrapers boasting the names of local and international financial institutions, law firms, and corporations. The small sois between Silom Road and Surawong Road become alive with people, street life, sidewalk stalls, and street food vendors. Tourists and locals come here to see the infamous Patpong red-light district.
Chinatown
Chinese merchants moved to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in the early 1780’s, making Chinatown the oldest neighborhood in Bangkok. The neighborhood was defined by trade then and still is today. These days, Chinatown isn’t set as a tourist attraction. It is a genuine Chinese neighbourhood where people work and live. The streets of Chinatown are vivid and hectic – packed full of people, market stalls, and a concentration of gold shops. The only drawback is there isn’t much nightlife or amenities aimed at the typical tourist.
Thonburi
Thonburi comprises the entire west bank of the Chao Phraya River – across the water from the city’s center. If you’re sensitive to breathing polluted air then staying in Thonburi can make a noticeable difference on allergies. On this side of the river there’s a slower, more relaxed Bangkok that gives visitors a glimpse into traditional Thai culture. Canals make their way through the relatively isolated neighborhoods. Vendors sell noodles from old Thai long tail boats and locals prefer to bicycle through the sois. The most popular tourist activity is to hire a long tail boat and explore the waterways and floating markets.
1. THE FIG LOBBY
The Fig Lobby is a bright and bold beacon to modern art lodged in an older traditional area of Bangkok. It is bright and ballsy and hard to miss with its bright colours and irregular patterns.
In the heart of Bangkok, The Fig Lobby is within a 5-minute drive of MedPark Hospital and Terminal 21 Shopping Mall. This 4-star hotel is 3.3 mi (5.3 km) from CentralWorld Shopping Complex and 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from MBK Center.
2. MID-RANGE – WHITE IVORY BED & BREAKFAST
We have stayed at this small hotel a couple of times when visiting Bangkok. It is a cosy, off-the-beaten-track boutique hotel with a friendly and helpful staff. The hotel is not in a touristy area and is surrounded by local shops and small businesses. If you are looking for a more authentic Bangkok experience this could be the place for you. There is a BTS station with a few minutes walk and many buses pass close by, so it doesn’t feel cut off at all.
The lobby area looks like a cafe, but I have never seen them serve any food or drink here. It is more of a hangout area for guests. Breakfasts are available at the sister hotel around the corner or you can walk to the main road where there are several ‘western’ style cafes to choose from.
3. BUDGET – NAPPARK HOSTEL AT KHAO SAN
This newly-opened hostel is perfectly located in the very centre of Bangkok. It is close to many tourist attractions, including the Grand Palace, Khao San Road, the Temple of Dawn, Wat Pho, and the famous nightlife and shopping of Bangkok. This hostel was specially designed for backpackers looking to experience a real Thai home styled with a colourful, friendly attitude, fun and sociable atmosphere.
More to Explore
