Ancient marvels lie just an hour away from Bangkok
The Ancient City and Erawan Museum, located in Samutprakan, Thailand, approximately an hour from Bangkok, offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore 4,000 years of Thai history and culture.
These museums, the brainchild of Lek Viriyaphant, a Chinese visionary, are a testament to his commitment to preserving art and culture for future generations. The Ancient City, an open-air museum, spans 200 acres and comprises 116 monuments, each representing different regions of Thailand.
The museum's layout is based on the map of Thailand, with four sections for the four regions: northern, southern, northeastern, and central Thailand. Here, you can find life-size replicas of structures from the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the main chedi in Sukhothai, temples in Ayutthaya, and the Borobudur temple of Indonesia.
The Erawan Museum, located approximately 15 minutes from the Ancient City by taxi and accessible via the sky train at Chang Erawan stop, is a unique museum featuring a gigantic, three-headed elephant, considered the largest in the world. This symbol of strength, wisdom, and prosperity is positioned standing on a globe and protecting the world below, making the museum a sacred shrine.
Visitors can explore the Ancient City on foot, by electric bicycles, golf buggies, or a hop-on-hop-off tram service. Buses are also available every hour from the Kheha stop. The museum's exterior features lush gardens with images of giant elephants and a Trimurthi shrine.
The museum's interior contains various antiques and artifacts, including ceramic vases from the Ming and Qing dynasties, paintings of Indian King Asoka, and statues of Guanyin and various religious figures. The museum's top floor represents the Travatimsa Heaven with images of Buddha from different eras.
The Ancient City was first opened to Queen Elizabeth in 1973 and is now managed by Viriyaphant's family. For information on timings and entry fees, visit the websites www.muangboranmuseum.com for the Ancient City and www.erawanmuseum.com for the Erawan Museum.
Lek Viriyaphant's legacy extends beyond these two museums. He also built the Sanctuary of Truth, a large wooden castle, near the popular beach-town of Pattaya, featuring large and exquisite statues of Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and picturesque experience, a visit to the Ancient City and Erawan Museum is a must. With its lush gardens, fountains, and foliage, the museums provide numerous photo opportunities, making it a memorable experience for all.
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