Thailand Chronicles: The Ancient City

For our first day at Bangkok , we decided to take the 

Ancient City Tour. 

It entails a half day guided tour of the world's largest living outdoor museum, where Thailand's past is re-created in its full splendor.

So even if we have just arrived at Bangkok at three in the morning, lacking sleep and only a late breakfast to fill our bellies, Mr. OSG, me and two of our friends were swished away to a 45 minute coach ride from The Montien Hotel (were we stayed) to the Ancient City.

Our tour guide, Chatchai Jitima, whom we fondly call "Chat" for the engrossing chit-chats he always engages us in. We were so entertained with his witty remarks and informative trivia about Thailand. I am also happy to note that despite his age, he was so full of energy in showing us around the 200-acre park. The Ancient city reminded me of a a more majestic Nayong-Pilipino park back home. 

The Ancient City, as we were told by Chat is maintained by a very rich Thai gentleman. Through his love for his country, decided to recreate outstanding replicas of Thai architecture, its history and way of life. So basically, this park is like seeing the whole of Thailand in one gigantic area. 

The temples featured here were imitations of the real thing down to the minute details like this 3D wood carving you will also see in the actual temple. It is stressed by Chat to be hand carved.

and this hand painted mural on the wall of the Grand Palace replica, which I must say is painstakingly done and an original piece even if our guide tells us everything is just a replica of the real thing. 

And the mother of pearl detailing in this royal daybed which can also be seen in the Grand Palace.

It was a good decision for us to visit the Ancient City first thing since our arrival in this exciting city. It was a rare treat for tourists like us to be able to take pictures inside the replica temples... 

...and the Grand Palace or the Dusit Maha Prasat Palace, the only remaining example of a traditional Thai palace left in Thailand...

...which we never could do in real temples and palaces scattered all throughout Bangkok. Since the Buddhist monks wouldn't allow us to violate their most sacred places of worship by taking photos.

This is another temple inside the Ancient City which as I recall  Chat saying is not in existence anymore in the city. 

The Ancient City Tour is a half day tour which you can book daily either in the morning or afternoon. It is being offered by the World Travel Service Ltd. for a fee of Baht 1,770 per person. Fees includes one hour travel by air conditioned couch to and from hotel pick up points to the Ancient City along with entrance fees and an English speaking guide. 


For inquiries, you can get in touch with the tour operator at tel (662) 2335900-9 or email them at: kusa@mozart.inet.co.th or visit their website here.