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Ancient Siam (formerly known as Ancient City) (Thai: Muang Boran) is a park constructed under the patronage of Lek Viriyaphant in the shape of Thailand.

Ancient Siam is dubbed as the world's largest outdoor museum.

If you want to take your car in then it will cost you 300 baht. If you don't have your own car, you can rent bicycles for free, golf carts for 200-500 baht or join a tram tour for free. Some people walk around the park but it is really too big and too hot to go on foot.

The Ancient City is the door opening to the heritage of Thai wisdom. With a wide range of architectural symbols combined with fine arts and craftsmanship, structural layout and natural environment that integrate harmoniously, The Ancient City creates kind of atmosphere that induces visitors to perceive and appreciate the continuity of history, cultures, religions, arts and customs of Thai people from dawn until now.

Victoria amazonica is a species of flowering plant, the largest of the Nymphaeaceae family of water lilies.

Thai junk

Thai junk

In the old days, Thai junks like this used to be moored along the banks of the Chao Phraya River from the estuary in Samut Prakan Province all the way up to Bangkok

They gradually disappeared some 50 years ago

Thai junk

Thai junk

FishTrap

In Thai mythology, Garuda is known as the king of birds. With characteristics very much like and eagle, Garuda in the act of tearing Naga in two, symbolizes the Thai monarchy. It is an ancient and enduring symbol. Besides serving as the royal insignia, the Garuda is also the official seal of the civil government. This mythic eagle and symbol of sovereignty was inspired by Hindu mythology. Hinduism portrays Garuda as a powerful deity in the lower domains of heaven, who sometimes comes among human beings. In the story of Kaki, Garuda came down from his celestial residence to gamble with the king in a dice game. In this well-known story, Garuda saw the beautiful Kaki and stole her away.  

A huge Garuda, also called snake-killer (On Thai: Krut), rises majestically from a house up in the air.

There are authentic markets including a floating market. You will need to get lunch since the park is so big and there are a number restaurants throughout the park including some on the floating market. Ancient City is a result of the inspiration of Khun Lek Viriyaphant a Thai eccentric millionaire and patron of culture whose initial idea was to build a miniature golf course with miniature representations of sites of national importance to Thailand. As time went on Khun Lek realized the potential to build much more than a minor tourist attraction. He created a cultural center and a repository of Thai cultural history. It is a working, hands on museum that speaks to your mind and body. It allows you to feel all of Thai culture and appreciate it in way that is not normally possibly. Khun Lek passed away on November 17, 2000 but his legacy lives on through his extraordinary creation. Even though Khun Lek has passed away the park is continually expanding and new structures are being added on a regular basis.

The Old Market Town

The Old Market Town

The Old Market Town

The floating market

A floating market is a market where goods are sold from boats. Originating in times and places where water transport played an important role in daily life, most floating markets operating today mainly serve as tourist attractions

The wihan at Wat Phrao

The wihan at Wat Phrao is located within the community of the floating market. It was formerly located in Tak Province, being one of the oldest monasteries in the province. The grand throne hall of the wihan is a local architectural style of Tak dating back to the Ayutthaya period. The wihan had been dismantled and laid on the ground while a new brick wihan was being constructed.Muang Boran brought the hall and reconstructed it in the floating market community. This purpose is to preserve the original local art and architecture for the future generations.

A wooden carving on the outside wall of a historic Thai house. The text in Thai script rites about Thai life and worldly wisdom.

Ceiling with reflections Chinese Pavilion, Floating Market

Chinese Pavilion, Floating Market

Thai people love to stay in front of their houses on a balcony and above the water pool. The problem are the many mosquitos but the house built on piles in a water pool is protected against ants and other insects.

Lek Viriyaphant (1914 - 2000, sometimes referred to as Khun Lek) was an eccentric Thai millionaire and patron of culture responsible for the construction of Ancient City, Erawan Museum and Sanctuary of Truth.

Longboat

Sound: Rock Sa Deo - Look Sao Mae Nee

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Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda