Ancient City

The area spreads over 800 Rai on the old Sukhumvit road in Samut Prakan province. Ancient City has been regarded as one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Visitors can see many significant places in Thailand, for example, castles, palaces, temples, and sculptures. Some are models, but some are the originals that were taken from certain places. The exhibitions in the Ancient City are divided according to regions for visitors to enjoy and appreciate the core of the multi-faceted culture. The experience gives the impression of traveling the whole country within a day. The park was constructed under the patronage of Lek Viriyaphant, the owner of Viriya Insurance, in 1963. It is opened to public since February 11, 1972. Now, it has been turned into one of the must visit tourist spots in Thailand. Visitors can have an awesome experience with Talad Bok, where there are examples of typical Thai houses in the past and a simple floating market. They can also buy food and souvenirs here. The most important place in the Ancient City is the ‘Rangsan Zone’. It is where the most significant and famous places have been put together. Visitors can explore the park by bicycle or tram. At present, they can also ride a boat for a tour of the park. By visiting the Ancient City, one can have a tour of the whole country in a day. The Ancient City is located at Moo 7 296/1 Tambon Bangpoomai, Amphur Muang, Samutprakarn. It can be reached at 02-3234099. It is on old Sukhumvit road at KM 33, 8 kilometres away from the province. It opens daily from 8:00-15:00. Admission fees are varies. It is 350 baht for Thai citizen and 175 baht for children, while it is 500 baht for foreigners and 250 baht for children (fees for bicycle, tram and boat are already included). For further information, please call 02-7091644-8. If one wishes to go to the Ancient City by car, please take the expressway and get off at Samrong-Samutprakarn, turn left at Samutprakarn junction onto Sukhumvit road (heading toward Bangpu). At the KM33, Ancient City can be found on the left. It is recommended for the visitors to go there by bus no. 511 “Saitai Mai-Pak Nam”, get off at the last bus stop. Then, get on a mini bus no. 36, which has a stop at the front gate of the Ancient City.