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The
Ancient City, like a door opened to the cultural in heritage of Siam.
The visitors are able to see the continuity of the history, arts,
cultures, religious, thoughts as well as the believes of Thai talents.
It shall reflect to Thai fundamentals and the varieties of the
cultures on Thai territories.
The historical of Siam will visually be revived at
The Ancient City. All the visitors
can see and sense by themselves.
Objective
Ancient cities, ruins or architecture are historic and constitute the
splendors of the past. The past is the time, gone by, and its period
represents a definite portion of time fixed by events occurring in
nature or man-made in history, which follow one after another. The
difference is that one precedes the other in the manner of the sun and
the moon, which take turns to give brightness to provide days, months
and years. All phenomena have no point of beginning that can be
clearly seen. There is a rotation-each following the other in regular
order in a cycle. The effect to-day follows the cause of yesterday.
The change of tomorrow is what happens to-day.

Therefore, man must know the events of the past. If we have no
knowledge of the past, it is somewhat like a vessel without a compass
and a rudder on the high sea. What will happen to that vessel is a
matter of grave concern.
Moreover, great harm is derived from ignorance, but more harm still is
caused by not knowing truly and yet pretending to know. The result is
sure to be ruinous. In ancient as well as in present times, the
successes and failures in innumerable cases result from such cause.
True knowledge in art requires the time to study pass and encounter
many difficulties in bringing the unknown to light.
Nowadays everything seems to become narrower and narrower. A tiny
thing ,which occurs in one small corner of the world, may be able to
stir all over the globe. Thus I am perturbed by the anxiety that the
changing of the modern society, due to pressure of material things
coupled with the present East and West cultures facing each other in a
violent manner, might become still more serious. All the intellectuals
or pundits should take special notice. Even those who hold their own
bibles as their refuge for centuries have to leave their beliefs and
turn to consider matters which they think antagonistic.

Strongly
believe that the morality of the world population is deteriorating.
And at the same time I cannot deny the advancement of science that is
so valuable to mankind, incomparable in any era. We Asians, believe
that the scientific approach can bring knowledge to human beings. But
it cannot elevate the spirit of man. It has only paved the way for
materialists in their search for worldly happiness.
Everything
has to depend on the suitable position, right nucleus and right time.
The suitable position means the position that is rightly appropriate.
The nucleus means growth under limitation. The right time means the
needed environment at the time. If heaven needs something to remain,
it will not develop beyond the limitation of growth. This is the state
of balance according to the law of nature.
Suitability and beauty have no boundary in age. This can be proven by
the existence of art, paintings and architecture that were beautifully
created by man as lasting treasures and have been handed down to us by
our ancestors. Every piece of art is priceless. Some have become world
treasures and adored by art lovers. They seem to have no nationality,
no religion, no limit in time. Only art has bestowed the refreshing
spirit on human beings up to the present day. Therefore, we should
give more serious thought and interest to art.
It
is not only Art that has been given to us by our forbears. One must
mention Culture here also. Both are linked as a national heritage.
Some have been left without care, or in other words to be carved for
by nature, and worse still destroyed by the hand of man. Though
culture has been regarded as old fashioned, yet it is still suitable
for human society.
Under the circumstances, I would like to draw the attention of the
world population to come to witness our art, customs and culture. I am
certain that in one day or another they will benefit the noble spirit
and will be a good reminder to those who are drawn to materialism.
Thus the "Muang Boran" has been created. This may remedy the existing
moral deterioration of human society. But whether or not this great
problem can be solved and can achieve its aim, and who will solve it,
my answer is that it will not be an individual but everybody together.
It is not a matter of time from morn till night. It is to be months,
years and even centuries. There is an old saying that "To build a
hill, a lump of earth has its own value".
This
can be compared with a traveller. Each step contributes and has its
own value. To complete the building of one hill, it has to depend on
the first lump of earth. To reach the end of the journey, it has to
depend on first step. If my own motto is not consonant with those who
uphold that the present society is right and should advance its course
further, I am compelled to implore them to do justice to what justice
is. Seek goodness from the thing that we hate ; seek badness from the
one you love, in order that these can be in evidence to help judging
the Thai art, customs and culture of old ; and whether they are as
valuable as I judge them to be.
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The Ancient City, Muang Boran, is an excellent reflection of
Thailand's multi-faceted ancient culture presented in an authentic and
visually exciting setting.

Through symbolic architectural styles and fine arts, its various
structures and natural surroundings are harmoniously unified, allowing
visitors to witness the continuous flow of Thailand's history,
culture, religion and art, as well as past and present customs and
traditions of its people. It is a place where Thais can perceive and
recognize their roots and heritage, and overseas visitors can gain an
insight into the Thai ways of life.
The Ancient City, Muang Boran, is like an open book of history and an
open door to the real Thailand. Here you will find numerous
reproductions of palace halls, temples, stupas, stone sanctuaries and
traditional houses. You can also visit several reconstructed
historical buildings, authenticated communities with their inhabitants
doing their daily chores and sample villages from all regions of the
country.
What's more, these awe inspiring historical and cultural symbols have
been further enhanced by their surroundings, specially created and
subtly merged, to reflect a social and cultural atmosphere of the
past. New creations such as the Sumeru Mountains, the statue of the
Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin and the Garden of the Gods and have also
been incorporated to convey the cultural and religious beliefs of
people in these ancient communities.
Certainly, the one thing you must not miss is a visit to the Ancient
City, Muang Boran. It will offer you in a nutshell most of what
Thailand is all about past, present and future. You may consider a
walk to explore all historical buildings, museums, monuments and the
new creations full of amazing artistic details and of great beauty.
Or, if you wish, you may join an organized tour. Even with a modern
comfortable vehicle, it will take you hours to do justice to every one
of the some 109 spots of interest.

Located within a 30-minute drive from Bangkok on the old Sukhumvit
Road, in the Province of Samui Prakan, the Ancient City, Muang Boran,
encompasses over 320 acres of land, with varied landscape comparable
in shape and form to the whole country of Thailand.
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Start from the Bangkok
[ By Car or Taxi ]
Take the Express Way as far as the Samroang-Samut Prakan Exit. Turn to
the Samut Prakan Intersection. Turn left along the old Sukhumvit Road
(towards Bangpoo) until you get to km. 33. The Ancient City is on the
left.
[ By Bus ]
Take air-conditioned bus No.11 (Pinklao-Paknam) to the end of the
line. From here, take the No.36 mini-bus. It passes the entrance to
the Ancient City.
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Open everyday from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. |
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Provided by
Tourism Authority of Thailand
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