The Ancient City of Muang Boran
Historical Theme Park of Muang Boran
The Ancient City of Muang Boran has got to be one of the most extraordinary if not spellbinding historical theme parks in Thailand. It's located on the outskirts of Bangkok at 296/1 Mu 7 Sukhumvit Road, in Bang Phu Mai, Samutphrakarn 10280, a sub district of Samut Prakan Province, only a stones throw away from the city. Believed to be the largest privately owned open-air museum in the whole world, this immensely spacious park covers some 320 acres of land and features 109 replicas of Thailand's most important monuments and architectural wonders. This fascinating theme park not only displays a vast a number of reproductions of some of Thailand's most famous structures at one third their original size but also many historically restored buildings and sculptures. All were carefully selected and constructed under the supervision of the very best art historians in Thailand. Although this particular park is not frequented by hoards of tourists, it may be of great interest to you should you want to learn a little more about Thai culture and Thai architecture. For these reasons, it could very well be worth a visit. The park could be described as a mini compact version of Thailand. I believe it was created by a local Mercedes Benz car dealer who was in awe of the arts and culture of the country. So much so that even the enormous piece of land on which the replicas stand, resembles an exact blueprint of the map of Thailand.
Reconstructed Ruins of Dvaravati Wihan
Ancient City of Muang BoranThe entrance to the park is situated at the southern end of the map so to speak and the fee is just 150 baht for adults and 75 baht for children. From there as you stroll around, you will come across a number of scaled down versions of some of Thailand's most historical architectural master-pieces, each one set in the very regions on which the originals stand.Many of the replicas are perfect and precise reconstructions of originals, others seem to take on a rather artificial and overstated version of the genuine article while some appear to be fabricated versions with some reference to Thai history, customs, culture and beliefs. Surat Thani, the Manohra Garden, Dvaravati Wihan, the Stupas of Phra Borom That and Phra Borom That Chaiya are such examples. The reconstructed ruins of Dvaravati Wihan is a representation of the Dvaravati Kingdom, whose influence was at the center of Hinayana Buddhism. These ruins flourished in the northeastern region of Thailand for more than a thousand years.
Sumeru Mountain Temple
Ancient City of Muang BoranSumeru MountainSet amongst the numerous architectural wonders on the grounds of the park is a replica of Sumeru Mountain, a temple believed to be where various spirits ranging from deities in heaven to devils in hell are said to reside. According to an ancient belief, Sumeru Mountain is the name of the central world-mountain in Buddhist cosmology. It is regarded as the pillar of the world and centre of the universe.Beside the mountain, there are a number of mystical beings such as the strange serpent like creatures called nagas.
Nagas
are protective guardians against evil spirits. Garudas, ogres and some other bizarre and bewildering creatures can also be seen with each individually distinguished by their own morality and wisdom.
Fantasy Bridge and Pavilion
Ancient City of Muang BoranThe ancient city has a fabulous little market place located along a narrow walking street with loads of shops and stalls on ether side selling various handicrafts and souvenirs. Some of the stuff here is not seen anywhere else in Thailand so you might want to stop and do some shopping. It's also a great place to relax awhile.As you wander through the park you will notice that there is little left out in terms of the many ancient structures from around Thailand. It pretty much caters for all the historical sites including those of the Ayutthaya and Sukhothai period. There are even some reconstructive history dating back the Khmer period such as that of Prasart Hin Pranomrung, Prasat Hin Pimai and Prasat Pra Vihan. There are many distinct variations of architectural master-pieces and sculptures here created specially in one confined area ranging from present day temples to old worldly stupas. Many of the traditional structural styles seen here are not only from different periods in Thai history, but there is also a strong Chinese influence here too. Places of interest include the Pavilion of the Enlightened, the Stupa of Prasat Phra Wiharn and the Stupa of Cham Thewi, Lamphun
Two-Wheeled Electric Segways
Ancient City of Muang BoranTwo-Wheeled Electric SegwaysWhile you are here, you can hire a futuristic two-wheeled, self-balancing electric Segway to tour the grounds. It's a heck of a lot better than trying to walk the whole distance around the park. It's also a fun way to travel especially when it gets rather hot during the day. The photo above is an example of how they look.It matters not whether you are young or older, segways are extremely easy to operate even if you have never tried one before. Lean forward to move forward, lean back to stop or reverse. To turn left, push handle bars left and to turn right, push handle bars right. It's really that easy so go on and give it your best shot. A full day Segway Tour of the park will cost you 4,500 baht including lunch and cold drinks. You could rent a bicycle for the day at just 50 baht excluding lunch.
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