🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The Ancient City (Muang Boran) sits on Sukhumvit Road in the Bang Pu Mai area of Samut Prakan, about 30 km from central Bangkok. It's an open-air museum that shrinks the map of Thailand into a single site, laid out by real geography — the north is in the north, the south is in the south. You'll find buildings that copy originals still standing, ones that have since been lost, and a few rebuilt from historical records. It's an easy place to wander for a whole day without getting bored.
What sets the Ancient City apart from a normal museum is the sheer size. The grounds are so vast that walking alone won't cut it, so visitors need to decide upfront how they'll get around — biking, the tram, or renting a golf cart. Each option feels quite different.
Tickets and opening hours
The Ancient City is open daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm, with the ticket counter closing around 6:00pm. So if you want a full day to explore, aim to arrive in the morning or before noon. Prices clearly differ between Thais and foreigners (foreigners holding a Thai work permit or driving licence can pay the Thai rate).
- Thai nationals — adults 400 THB · children (6–14 yrs) 200 THB
- Foreigners — adults 800 THB · children (6–14 yrs) 400 THB
- Bringing your own car in — 400 THB per vehicle (you can drive around inside the grounds)
Ticket prices can change
The prices above reflect the latest information we could find. Before you go, it's worth checking the official site muangboranmuseum.com again, since promotions and rates can shift over time. Some tickets already include the tram, bikes and a boat ride.
Want more out of Samut Prakan? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
How to explore — bike, tram or golf cart
This is something worth deciding before you even walk in, because it affects both your budget and how much fun you have. The grounds really are huge — go on foot alone and you won't see half of it.
Biking
The most popular choice by far. The paths inside are flat and easy to ride, you can stop for photos wherever you like, and you get a bit of exercise in. It's great if you're up for it and the weather isn't too hot. Both regular and electric bikes are available.
Guided tram
Good if you'd rather not bike or walk much. The tram runs on a schedule, stopping at the main sights so you can get off and look around while you listen to the commentary. It's easy on the legs, though less flexible since you're tied to the schedule.
Golf cart rental
Drive yourself at your own pace — good for families or groups of friends who want to stick together. It keeps you out of the sun, but the rental costs noticeably more than a bike, and the longer you stay the more it adds up.
Driving your own car in
Pay 400 THB per vehicle and drive around inside the grounds. Handy if you're coming as a family with small kids or older relatives — park and hop out at whatever catches your eye. You just miss the biking and walking feel of the other options.
Avoid the midday sun
The Ancient City is all outdoors and the afternoon sun gets intense. If you plan to bike or walk, go in the morning and bring a hat, water and sunscreen. During the hottest part of the afternoon, take a break to eat somewhere shaded, or switch over to the tram for a while.
Highlights not to miss
There are over a hundred structures inside, spread across the regional layout, and seeing every single one in a day is nearly impossible. So it helps to pick the spots you really want to see first. Here are the ones people tend to stop at.
Sanphet Prasat Palace
A replica of a lost royal hall from the Ayutthaya era — stately and a photo spot many people come looking for.
Khao Phra Wihan replica
A copy of the hilltop stone temple, with steps you can climb for the view and an old Khmer atmosphere.
Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall
A finely detailed piece of Thai architecture and one of the best spots for photos in the whole park.
Old floating market
An old waterside market vibe, with food and souvenir stalls — a good place to stop for lunch.
Getting to the Ancient City
The Ancient City is on Sukhumvit Road in the Bang Pu Mai area. There are several ways to get there — pick one depending on whether you have your own transport.
- BTS + songthaew (cheapest) — take the BTS Sukhumvit Line to the end at Kheha station, then catch the No. 36 (red) songthaew that stops in front of the station. The fare is around 10 THB and it's about 2.5 km to the Ancient City — just tell the driver you're getting off there.
- Taxi/private car — about 45–60 minutes from central Bangkok depending on traffic. Most convenient if you're coming as a group or with kids and older relatives, and you can park inside the grounds.
- City bus — route 511 (Pinklao–Paknam) to the end, then transfer to the No. 36 songthaew that passes the entrance.
Leave extra time for the trip back
The No. 36 songthaew can take longer to come in the evening than during the day. If you're worried about missing it, leave the Ancient City before dark, or grab a taxi/ride-hailing app from the entrance back to BTS Kheha — that works fine too.
Making the most of one day at the Ancient City
An easygoing day at the Ancient City
Want to make the most of your Samut Prakan trip?
See the Samut Prakan travel guide →