There are countless activities you can choose from when you visit Thailand, but chances are your flight arrives into BKK Airport, which means you’ll have a day in Bangkok to explore. When you do, visiting the Ancient City, otherwise known as Muang Boran, should be on your list. An hour from Bangkok by car, it’s easy to find, can be wrapped up in a few hours, and is the only place to experience Thai culture and history on this level in all of Thailand. 

One moment you’re stepping into a bejeweled and glittering building covered from top to bottom in mirrors and gold, and the next you’re walking through a thicket into a 15th century hut. Even though most are replicas of real places (both existing and extinguished), no detail was spared in this immersive, outdoor, HUGE museum. The wood looks as if it could still be from the original period, the glistening jewels shine so brightly they could be real, and gorgeous gardens with real koi fish wrap the grounds.

It’s obvious to anyone who visits that deep thought, love, and pride went into The Ancient Cities beautiful and cultural landscape. The park itself is shaped like Thailand and it transports each visitor back in time. Too many historical monuments and artifacts would have been lost to time without their exposure here. 

Each of the 100 stops in this vast space is unique and beautiful, but my favorite temples were built on stilts over water. In Ancient Times, this was to protect precious scrolls and texts from bugs, theft, or other creatures. The underlying water provided a refreshing, air conditioning concept for the monks that would have lived there: Thai heat can be brutal without proper ventilation. I loved them simply because they felt like floating, beautiful, magic homes.

Upon arrival, the cost of entry is around $20 USD for adults and $12 USD for children or you can buy them in advance for a pretty good discount here. Remember to dress modestly as well, even though these are replicas, they are still used as a sacred space for the Thai people who practice Buddhism. Shoulder covers and longer skirts or wraps are recommended. Oh, and you will be invited and encouraged to explore inside each temple, so don’t forget to remove your shoes and avoid stepping on the doorframe threshold; it’s considered “bad luck” in Thai culture. 

I opted to ride the free tram around the grounds, which stops for 20 minutes-5 times around the park, but you can also rent a bike or golf cart as well. Don’t forget to bring a passport or photo ID if you prefer that method. Or if you’re up to exploring the 200 acres by foot, you are welcome to walk. There will be plenty of areas to rest along the way, including bathrooms, restaurants, and benches. If I had been alone, walking would have been my preferred method as the tram only scratched the surface of what was available to explore. Each temple or place it passed whisked away behind me as I craned my neck to catch a fast glimpse. 

Most travelers seek real, authentic experiences, and although I can’t suggest where to find a time machine, I can suggest checking this place out as the most authentic way to peek into Thailands rich history because unless you move there, it would be impossible to see all the real ones on one trip. However, of the 100 exhibits, perhaps you’ll find the one you need to explore more and can plan your next trip around it. 

One of the best parts was how open the space was. With the vastness of the space, it didn’t feel crowded as so many other tourist locations do. If you want to experience it as well, download the Bolt app and hire a car, taxi or even motorbike. Though fair warning, your face will tingle after such a long motorbike ride. Once there, take your time. Plan to spend an afternoon, or all day, and arrive when it opens at 9am to avoid the heat.

Teams of people work the grounds at all times, and signs linger outside each temple or location so you can learn along the way. This was truly a memorable experience and one I highly suggest, even if you are only in Bangkok for a day. Check out a a couple video clips of the type of buildings you’ll see, here.

If you are staying for more than a day, I recommend checking out my article on the top 10 things you MUST do in Bangkok!! Or to see quick glimpses of each, check out my instagram video here. 

Lastly, have an amazing trip!