Ancient Siam (formerly known as Ancient City)(, Mueang Boran) is a park constructed under the patronage of
Lek Viriyaphant and spreading over in the shape of Thailand.
The founder's original idea was to create a golf course with miniatures of Thailand's historically significant structures spread around the course. During his research he found most structures being severely damaged over time and decided instead of creating new miniatures to save the original structures when possible or re-creating them full size or scaled down.
Ancient Siam is dubbed as the world's largest outdoor museum. Situated 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 each of 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.
Inside Ancient Siam
Mueang Boran is located on the old
Sukhumvit Highway, about 33 km east of central Bangkok
and is open everyday from 08.00am - 05.00pm (please confirm before traveling). The entrance fee for foreigner is THB 300 per person and for Thais it is THB 150 per person. To move around the park, golf cars or bicycles can be hired, and private vehicles are also allowed at a fee of THB 300 (as of June 2009).
Telephone: +66 (0) 2709 1644
Fax: +66 (0) 2323 9253