Ancient City @ Samut Prakan Province

11.10.2015 - 11.10.2015 27 °C

Ancient City was located in Samut Prakan province just outside of Bangkok metropolitan and this bizarre replicas park featuring the many important structures in the olden days of Siam (now Thailand) serving as vital information and knowledge to be preserved for many years to come. For Thai society, this ancient city park provide historical reflection of how Siam has been transformed into the Thailand of today allowing the young generation to understand the process of revolution of the old Siam into new Thailand was something that need hard work, tremendous effort and strong team work among its people. For tourists, ancient city may be yet another tour products when travelling to Thailand but beyond this, it also plays an important role in educating travellers on what has become of the contemporary yet maintaining some of its old and traditional charms in present Thailand, the revolution of Thai society has come a long way. Ancient City is a huge man-made historical park, so, expect at least a full day or several hours to maximise the tour within the large park. Entrance fee to the park costs THB700 for foreigner.

DSCN0150

The free bicycles area on the left just before the entrance to Ancient Siam City

DSCN0149

Many choice of bicycles to choose from

DSCN0151

The bicycle that I chose to tour Ancient Siam City

DSCN0153

The bike entrance signage to Ancient Siam Park

DSCN0154

The well paved road and lush trees and landscape at Ancient Siam

DSCN0164

DSCN0162

DSCN0172

DSCN0175

DSCN0171

DSCN0208

DSCN0207

DSCN0218

DSCN0217

DSCN0229

DSCN0228

DSCN0230

DSCN0231

DSCN0237

DSCN0240

DSCN0241

DSCN0236

DSCN0267

DSCN0268

DSCN0266

There are several mode of transportation options available in touring the ancient park. These include the free tram ride, free bicycle, golf buggy rental and private vehicles which the park administrator charges THB400 per vehicle for foreigners. Among all these options, cycling would be the best and most sensible of all. The problem with cycling is the hot and humid weather while for tram, you have to wait at selected stations for pick-up after each point of the drop-off. The park highlights substantial number of replicas of historical structures which still exists today in several provinces such as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Kanchanaburi, Nong Khai, Ayutthaya, old Bangkok of Rattanakosin, Saraburi, Petchaburi, Lampang, Buriram, Nakhon Phanom, Surin, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon to name a few. The Ancient City was the creation under the directions of the skilful and well-known Thai artwork architect, Khun Lek Virayahphant who was also the man who built the Sanctuary of Truth Temple in Pattaya, Chon Buri province. The small replica of this temple was also seen placed in a section of Ancient City.

DSCN0248

DSCN0247

DSCN0280

DSCN0283

DSCN0318

DSCN0319

DSCN0343

DSCN0345

DSCN0346

DSCN0332

DSCN0333

DSCN0335

DSCN0337

DSCN0351

DSCN0347

DSCN0215

DSCN0212

DSCN0350

DSCN0338

DSCN0336

There were several coffee, cold beverage and snack huts for visitors to stop by to rest and relax after an exhaustive bike tour of the ancient park as well as a floating market where visitors could enjoy Thai food such as pad thai and boat noodle and get some souvenirs. Just before the entrance to the main park was row of shops known as the Old Market where olden days candies and snacks as well as souvenirs were on sale. The park overall was not overly crowded due to its huge size and many parts of the park were quiet, with the pathways well maintained surrounded by lush trees and garden with lakes spread around the park. It was a very peaceful area and quaint. Touring the park gives a feel of being in the old century of Siam as if one was brought back to the ancient times living in a totally different world.

DSCN0235