🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Ancient City (Muang Boran) is a large open-air museum on Sukhumvit Road in the Bang Pu Mai area of Samut Prakan. It is laid out in the shape of Thailand's map, gathering important landmarks from every region into one place you can explore on foot, by bike or by tram. Families like bringing kids here because the grounds are wide and green: children can cycle, run around and get a new scene every few minutes, rolling from a temple to a floating market, from a village to an open field, all without a screen in sight.
Highlights for kids
Because the site is so large, cycling is the main event and usually the part kids love most. Along the way there are plenty of spots to stop, play and learn. These are the ones children tend to remember.
- Cycling the shaded lanes — bicycles are included with your entry ticket, with kids' sizes and rear child seats, so you can loop the grounds all day at the family's own pace.
- Boat ride at the floating market — glide along the recreated canals, watch riverside life and stop for Thai sweets and snacks on the floating stalls; kids love that they get on a real boat.
- Guided tram ride — trams run on set rounds, handy for toddlers or for when little legs tire from pedalling, so you can sit back and take in the scenery.
- Walking among the replica temples and palaces — such as the Wat Phra Kaew replica and Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, a chance for kids to see Thai architecture from many regions without travelling far.
- Dressing up in Thai costume for photos — traditional outfits are available to rent at the ticket counter to wear through the miniature city (renting before early afternoon is easier).
- Shows and cultural activities — on some days there are traditional dance performances or craft demonstrations on a schedule; check the timings on site or on the venue's page before you go.
Tips for a fun day with kids
This is an open-air park and midday sun is strong, so come in the morning (it opens at 9:00) or late afternoon when it is cooler. Bring hats, sunscreen and water, and wear shoes you can cycle in comfortably. If you have very young children, plan to alternate cycling with the tram so neither the kids nor the grown-ups wear out.
Before you go
- Opening hours — open daily roughly 9:00–19:00 (ticket sales close around 18:00). Arrive early, because the grounds are huge; a relaxed visit takes 3–4 hours or more.
- Approximate entry fee — Thai adults about ฿400 and children (6–14) about ฿200; foreign visitors pay more, and children under 6 enter free. The ticket already includes bicycle use, the tram and the boat ride (prices can change, so check the Muang Boran Museum page before you go).
- Getting there — it sits on Sukhumvit Road in the Bang Pu Mai area, about 1 hour from central Bangkok by car. By public transport, take the BTS to Kheha station, then a songthaew or taxi on to Ancient City.
- Which ages it suits — good for all ages; primary-school kids and up enjoy cycling on their own, while toddlers and little ones are better on the tram or a golf cart (golf carts cost extra). Strollers are fine, but the grounds are large, so pace yourself.
Safety and value
Keep kids cycling within an adult's sight, since bicycles, trams and golf carts share the paths; remind them to slow down at bends and bridges. On value, one ticket covers the bicycle, the tram and the boat ride, you can stay all day, and young children enter free, which makes it a good-value outdoor day out for a family.
Plan a full family day in Samut Prakan
See the Samut Prakan travel guide →