How to Plan Your Muang Boran: Ancient City of Samut Prakan Tour from Bangkok (SHA Plus)

If you are a culture and history enthusiast looking for a unique experience, visiting the Muang Boran outdoor museum, otherwise known as Ancient City, should be added to your bucket list. This incredible park spans 240 acres and features scale models of some of Thailand’s most important historical monuments across different eras. It is located in Samut Prakan, south of Bangkok. Here’s a guide on how to plan your visit to this must-see attraction.

Step 1: Booking Your Tour

Your first step should be booking your tour. You can book your Muang Boran: Ancient City of Samut Prakan Tour from Bangkok (SHA Plus) through viator.com. This platform offers a safe and convenient booking experience with add-ons, such as instant confirmation, flexible cancellation policies, and a customer support team.

Step 2: Selecting Your Meeting Point

You can choose to head directly to your preferred meeting point, or you can request pickup at your hotel in Bangkok. The tour offers several meeting points across Bangkok, including:

• Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam
• Citrus Sukhumvit 22
• Grande Centre Point Terminal 21
• The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel

Step 3: Meeting Time

The tour operates daily, and the meeting time is at 11:30 AM. Therefore, you should plan your schedule accordingly to ensure you arrive on time.

Step 4: The Tour and What’s Included

The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who is knowledgeable about the history and culture of Thailand. You will board an air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable transportation to Muang Boran, where you will have access to the incredible outdoor park museum.

Your tour includes entry tickets to Muang Boran Ancient Thailand in Samut Prakan, which means you won’t need to worry about purchasing tickets yourself. Additionally, you will enjoy a gratuity-free tour, meaning that no tips are required.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Time at Muang Boran

Once you arrive at Muang Boran, you will have plenty of time to explore the park and see Thailand’s history come to life through the various scale models on display. Some of the significant attractions that you may visit include:

• Wat Mahathat Temple from Sukhothai era
• Khmer Temple from Nakhon Ratchasima Province’s Phimai District
• Ban Chiang Cultural Artifacts Village from Udon Thani Province which demonstrate the 4,000-year- old Bronze Age culture
• Prang at Phra Prang Sam Yod from Lopburi Province
• Grand Palace from traditional Bangkok era
• Bridge over the river Kwai constructed by Prisoners during World War II

Step 6: Returning to Bangkok

You will conclude your tour by returning to the meeting point. The tour ends back at the place where it started.

Step 7: Tips to Make Your Tour More Enjoyable

Here are some tips that can help you to have a pleasant tour experience:

• The park is extensive, so wear comfortable shoes and bring some sunscreen and water to enjoy your time at Muang Boran
• Do not forget to bring your camera with you to take amazing photographs.
• If you decide to purchase souvenirs, make sure to bargain if you’re not satisfied with the initial price.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a unique and educational experience on your trip to Thailand, you should add the Muang Boran: Ancient City of Samut Prakan Tour from Bangkok (SHA Plus) to your itinerary. The tour is well-organized, and you will return with unforgettable memories of the cultural and historical significance of Thailand. Book the tour here and enjoy your time at Muang Boran!

An Insider’s Guide to Samut Prakan: Beyond the Common Tourist Spots

Samut Prakan, a vibrant city located on the outskirts of Bangkok, offers visitors a unique array of cultural and historical experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Beyond the usual tourist destinations, we invite you to explore Samut Prakan’s hidden gems that only the locals know.

Local Attractions: Uncovering Hidden Gems

Instead of visiting the usual tourist attractions such as the Ancient City or Erawan Museum, explore the lesser-known attractions, like Wat Klang Worawihan, an ancient temple featuring beautiful murals and traditional Thai architecture. For nature lovers, a visit to Bang Pu Recreation Area should be on your itinerary. This coastal area features mangrove forests, a bird sanctuary, and a breathtaking sunset view that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

For those interested in learning about traditional Thai crafts, the Ancient Siam Folk Museum is a must-visit. The museum features exhibits showcasing Thai arts and crafts, including weaving, pottery, and traditional Thai music and dance.

Dining Spots: Experience Local Cuisines

Exploring a city’s food culture is a great way to understand its history and traditions. When in Samut Prakan, don’t miss out on the chance to taste some of the city’s signature dishes, such as grilled freshwater prawns, locally-grown durians, and refreshing coconut desserts. Local markets like Bang Phli Market offer a wonderful experience to try authentic Thai cuisine or to purchase locally produced snacks and ingredients. For something more upscale, the Rim Talay restaurant in the Suan Luang Rama IX Park offers exquisite seafood with a view of the Paknam Chao Phraya River.

Cultural Experiences: Discovering Samut Prakan’s Traditions

Samut Prakan has a rich cultural heritage that is still very much alive today through its festivals, art, music, and customs. Plan your visit around the Long Boat Racing Festival that takes place annually in October or November. Experience the thrill of watching long boats, adorned with colorful dragon figures, race through the Chao Phraya River. Be amazed by the intricate bamboo and paper lanterns that light up the sky during the Yi Peng Festival, celebrated annually in November.

Don’t miss the chance to learn about traditional Thai music and dance at the Pridi Banomyong Institute, where you can attend regular performances showcasing the diverse music and dances from different regions of Thailand.

Local History: Discovering Samut Prakan’s Fascinating Pasts

Samut Prakan has a rich history that dates back centuries and is filled with fascinating stories. Visit the Phra Samut Chedi Temple, an iconic landmark that has withstood everything, from wars to natural disasters. Learn about the city’s defensive infrastructure built in the 17th century at the Phra Chulachomklao Fort. Visit the Wat Asokaram, a temple established by a revered monk, famous for his teachings as well as his work in modernizing Thai Buddhism.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Experiencing the Unthinkable

For a truly unforgettable experience, visit the Crocodile Farm and Zoo, one of the world’s largest crocodile farms, where you can witness feeding and handling shows, and even take a photo with a fierce crocodile. Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to explore the Ban Khun Samut Chin community, a charming fishing village whose people have been living off the Chao Phraya River for centuries.

To delve into the unknown, visit the abandoned WWII Japanese Army Camp or venture into the Bang Krachao Green Lung, an artificial island known as Bangkok’s secret garden with bike paths, canals, and greenery that will leave you feeling one with nature.

No matter what your interests may be, Samut Prakan has something unique to offer. So go off the beaten path, embrace the local culture, and create some beautiful memories in this unforgettable city!