On the south side of Bangkok there is a complex containing buildings from all over Thailand. Some are actual buildings that have been moved to the site, some are copies ( life size or sometimes smaller) of famous Thai structures, and some are just representation of themes. It’s called the Ancient City and I visited it with a female companion whose name I forget, many years ago. I know this because I still have a photo of myself, taken by the forgotten female, sat in front of a building, looking rather bored. And indeed that is my memory of the place, although it may have been down to the company rather than the location; because we went again last week and it was quite delightful.
They must have built many more exhibits since I last visited. One in particular stood out, quite literally. You can see it in the background here:
It’s a representation of the controversial Preah Vihear temple in Cambodia (or Thailand; or both). The original temple sits on a hill. The Ancient City is inconveniently located on flat ground; so they manufactured the hill and stuck the temple on the top of it. Respect.
The site is very large and you can spend many hours wandering around. It’s well maintained, exhibits are being repaired and upgraded and there is no tacky crap to spoil the views. A very reasonable 200 baht for Thais and farangs with Thai driving licences. The rest of you will be stung for 400 baht; but I reckon it’s good value even at that price. You can rent bikes and buggies, or take your own car for an extra 300 baht (worth it if it is bloody hot and you need the occasional blast of aircon to survive).
A few snaps taken during our visit:
* All photos: Fuji X100*
Comments 🔗
2011-06-06| Ray saysVery nice.
Prices seem to have escalated somewhat!
2011-06-06| Wentworth saysThey filmed the temple scenes from the Hangover part 2 there so the story goes. What is the red flag flying over the Preah Vihear likeness?
2011-06-06| Spike saysIt features an elephant. The same flag can be seen flying in other locations around the site.
2011-06-06| Billy the Brush saysIf a chap held a gun to my head and told me it was death or religion …. I guess I would go for this one …
2011-06-06| Wally saysThe immediate past Thai National flag was a white Elephant on a red background (1855 - 1916) There were quite a few different designs prior to the above. Stories tell of the King, during the above period, travelling up the Chao Phraya river and seeing a flag being flown upside down, so he changed it to the current ’tricolour’ flag. Here endeth your history lesson for today. (info thanks to Google)
2011-06-06| Spike saysPersonally, I would choose cake.
2011-06-06| Spike saysThank you Wally!
2011-06-06| Pete saysIt must have been a while since you last visited. The hill with the Preah Vihear copy (Phra Viharn for the Thais) was there when I first went in the late 1980’s.
2011-06-07| Spike saysAbout twelve years ago; I guess I wasn’t paying attention. Wish I could remember who she was.
2011-06-07| biggrtiggr saysI fell in love with my wife at that place……….. think it was from following her arse around on a bike.
2011-06-10| Spike saysYou incurable romantic.