Ancient City Museum

The basics

A visit to Bangkok’s Ancient City Museum gives a great overview of Thailand’s history, architectural styles, and culture. Most buildings here are replicas of the original buildings scaled down to one-third of the original size. Others are the original buildings that were dismantled at their points of origin and rebuilt here. Others still are replicas of buildings that no longer exist, thus providing an important record. There are even floating villages that visitors can paddle around on boats. Travelers who don’t have time to tour the whole country will especially enjoy this attraction, as it represents buildings from all over, and is even divided according to the regions of Thailand.

Most travelers visit the Ancient City Museum independently. Entrance ticket and hotel transfer combination packages are also available.

Things to know before you go

• Tickets are cheaper in the late afternoon.
• The price of admission includes an audio guide and bicycle rental.
• The Ancient City Museum is too large to explore comfortably on foot. A tram runs on a set route throughout the site. Alternatively, golf carts can be rented. A driver’s license recognized in Thailand is required to rent one.
• Plan on spending a few hours here, as the area is large.

How to get there

The Ancient City Museum is about an hour’s drive south of Bangkok. To minimize the risk of getting stuck in Bangkok’s heavy traffic, first take a BTS Skytrain to Kheha Station, and then get a taxi the rest of the way. A free shuttle service runs between Kheha and the museum on Saturdays and Sundays.

When to get there

The Ancient City Museum is open from from morning until evening every day. Tickets are cheaper later in the afternoon, and visiting at this time means avoiding the heat of the day.

Day trip to Ayutthaya

If the replicas leave you curious about the originals, take a day trip to Ayutthaya to check out some of the most important temples and ruins in Thailand. The small town was once the capital of Thailand, and contains evidence of this important past. Ayutthaya is a popular day-trip destination from Bangkok.

What can I expect to see at the Ancient City Museum in Bangkok?

You can expect to see all sorts of replica structures at the Ancient City Museum in Bangkok, most of which are reproductions of well-known structures scaled down to about a third of the original size. There are also original buildings that have been moved from elsewhere in the country.

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Yes, there is an entrance fee for the Ancient City Museum, which includes an audio guide and bicycle rental. Tickets are cheaper in the late afternoon, making a late-day visit a good value for travelers on a budget. Some tours may include admission along with transportation from Bangkok hotels.

Can I take photographs at the Ancient City Museum?

Yes, you can take photographs at the Ancient City Museum. There’s a lot to see, from replica buildings to recreated floating villages, making it a great spot for photography. You may wish to bring a battery pack with you to keep your phone or camera battery charged.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to the Ancient City Museum?

The Ancient City Museum is huge, so you should allocate at least two or three hours to visit the attraction, though many people give themselves closer to four or five hours. It’s pretty spread out, so plan to rely on your bike rental or the on-site tram to get around.

How do I get to the Ancient City Museum using public transportation?

While the easiest way to get to the Ancient City Museum is by taxi or tour, you also can take the BTS Skytrain to Kheha Station and then take a taxi to the attraction. During weekend days, you can take a free shuttle from Kheha to the museum.

What is the best time of day to visit the Ancient City Museum?

The best time of day to visit the Ancient City Museum is first thing in the morning, when the temperatures are more pleasant and crowds may be lighter. However, admission fees go down in the afternoon, so you may find this better value during a cooler time of the year.