The Ancient City (Muang Boran in Thai), dubbed as the world's largest outdoor museum, is located close to the Crocodile Farm in Bangpoo, Samut Prakan province, about 33 km southeast of central Bangkok. Ancient City spreads over 200 acres (0.81 km2) in the shape of Thailand. It was constructed in 1963 under the patronage of Lek Viriyaphant (1914 - 2000) , who was also responsible for the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya and the Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan. He had a passion on preserving the country’s cultural heritage, history and art.
The 320-hectare 'city' features 116 structures of Thailand's famous monuments and architectural attractions. The grounds of Ancient City 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. The replicas were constructed with the assistance of experts from the National Museum to ensure historical accuracy. Outstanding works include the former Grand Palace of Ayutthaya (destroyed in the Burmese invasion of 1767), Phimai Sanctuary in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Wat Khao Phra Viharn on the Cambodian border.
The Ancient City is like an open book of history and an open door to the real Thailand. Here you will find numerous reproductions of palace halls, temples, stupas, stone sanctuaries and traditional houses. You can also visit several reconstructed historical buildings, authenticated communities with their inhabitants doing their daily chores and sample villages from all regions of the country.
All participant has a free-day in the Ancient City after entrance. You could visit the spots you are interested. The following are some representative spots in it.
![](images/tour3.jpg) Floating market The cluster of buildings in this floating market was removed from the original site and rebuilt in Muang Boran. There are several restaurants here and it’s a pleasant place to stop for a meal, drinks and so on.
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| ![](images/tour6.jpg) Bodhisattva Avalokitesavara Avalokiteśvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. Bodhisattva Avalokitesavara (Kuan Yin) depicts the benevolent Goddess of Mercy performing a miracle to fend off evil forces. This is a good place for you in Ancient City once you feel hot. |
| ![](images/tour7.jpg) Pavilion of the Enlightened The Pavilion of the Enlightened symbolizes the story of 500 monks from different cultural backgrounds who attained Nirvana. It's a stunning structure. The pavilion stood 10 ft. (3 m) off the ground. A lavish golden dome covered the platform.
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