What do they all have in common? They all display local buildings, some rescued from destruction, others reconstructed from original materials. In all they display the importance of architecture in a rural location.......
'Muang Boran' is located near to the town of Samut Prakan, 40 km south of Bangkok, close to the estuary of the Chao Chraya River. To get there, I took
Bus number 25 directly from downtown Bangkok to the entrance.
Taking the shape of Thailand, the museum covers 96 hectares (240 acres) and is considered the largest open air museum in the world with over 120 exhibits.
The inspiration for this 'wonder' was Lek Viriyaphant (1914-2000), also known as Khun Lek, an eccentric Thai millionaire, ( making his fortune as a Mercedes Benz dealer in Thailand) and patron of the arts. Having been interested in art since childhood, Lek Viriyaphant was inspired to establish the Ancient City. Initially, he intended to build a Thai-map shaped golf course where miniatures of important national ancient sites were placed on certain spots within the area. He, then found that many ancient sites in Thailand had been left to decay. Thus, he changed the concept of the Ancient City from being a place of relaxation to an open-air museum. My first visit here was in 1990 and I hardly recognised the place with all the new additions, all set within beautiful landscape gardens......
On displays are scale models, life sized replicas and one-third scale examples of ancient ruins, monuments and buildings, all providing an insight into the ethnic and cultural heritage of Thailand. In the main I have photographed those structures that have escaped destruction, have been restored having been found in a ruinous state in their original location or because I just like them......
The Stupa of Phra Maha That
This is a recreation of the great Stupa at Nakhon Si Thammarat,
one of the most ancient cities of Thailand, situated in the south of the country.
The original Stupa, containing the Buddha relic was built during
the reign of King Si Thammasokarat in 555AD.
This re-creation is one-third smaller than the original.
The Scripture Repository
This restored repository was brought from Wat Yai, Bang Khonthi in Samut Songkhram Province. The original building, standing in a pond at Wat Yai, was much dilapidated. In the past, the scripture repository was normally raised on piles over a pond to protect the palm leaf manuscripts from ants and termites.
This restored repository was brought from Wat Yai, Bang Khonthi in Samut Songkhram Province. The original building, standing in a pond at Wat Yai, was much dilapidated. In the past, the scripture repository was normally raised on piles over a pond to protect the palm leaf manuscripts from ants and termites.
Roof detail of the Repository
Probably dating to Ayutthaya times, the exterior of the building would have been originally covered with murals depicting the life of The Buddha.
These have long faded.
The Bell Tower
Located close to the Repository,
the Bell Tower came from the same Wat
The City Pillar
A Lak Mueng or City Pillar is found in most cities of Thailand.
A Lak Mueng or City Pillar is found in most cities of Thailand.
Built to house the city spirit diety, who is much revered by the citizens of the town.....
Village homes from the Central Plains
Here a group of traditional Thai houses made of panelled teak, have been re-erected.
Here a group of traditional Thai houses made of panelled teak, have been re-erected.
Originally they would have housed the local farmers
who live in the central plain area of Thailand.
These old wooden shrines or spirit houses are a symbol of the belief the Thais have for the supernatural. These 'houses' are a way of paying respect to these forces. The belief is that these shrines are home to the spirits who protect their homes and community from any harm.
The Floating Market
A traditional Thai floating market had been removed
from the original site and rebuilt here....
including a number of 'traders'
selling products from their boat.....
quaint village homes.....
and an artist's studio.
A traditional Thai fishing net
The Dvaravati Wihan
The Dvaravati 'Kingdom' existed between the 6th to 11th centuries AD, encompassing most of what is now present say Thailand. Centred around Nakhon Pathon, the Dvaravati was heavily influenced by Indian culture and played an important part in introducing Buddhism to the area.
The reconstructed Dvaravati wihan here, represents the
influence the 'kingdom' had on Thai history.
The Dvaravati 'Kingdom' existed between the 6th to 11th centuries AD, encompassing most of what is now present say Thailand. Centred around Nakhon Pathon, the Dvaravati was heavily influenced by Indian culture and played an important part in introducing Buddhism to the area.
The reconstructed Dvaravati wihan here, represents the
influence the 'kingdom' had on Thai history.
This "onion-domed' bridge leads to an island garden
with an array of wonderful coloured orchids
and this one has a juvenile 'Praying Mantis' on one of the petals
The Dvaravati House
This re-constructed traditional Thai house was built by a wealthy 'noble' family and is referred to as being the 'Dvaravati House' as the gables are similar to that of the 'Dvaravati Palace' in the Province of Kalasin in north-east Thailand.
The house is made up of a group of eight separate house/room units, all facing onto an open-air veranda. Each house had a particular purpose: a chapel, bedrooms, a day room and a bird-room.
This re-constructed traditional Thai house was built by a wealthy 'noble' family and is referred to as being the 'Dvaravati House' as the gables are similar to that of the 'Dvaravati Palace' in the Province of Kalasin in north-east Thailand.
The house is made up of a group of eight separate house/room units, all facing onto an open-air veranda. Each house had a particular purpose: a chapel, bedrooms, a day room and a bird-room.
Interior views -
The Dusit Maha Prasat Palace
This is a re-creation of the Dusit Maha Prasat Palace forming part of the grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Built in 1806 during the reign of King Rama I, as Audience Hall, renovations carried out during the reign of King Rama III completely changed the original design. The Palace here in Muang Boran was built according to a number of original architectural drawings and old photographs.
Seen across the lake, the Palace is an inspiring sight and a fitting end to an interesting museum........
This is a re-creation of the Dusit Maha Prasat Palace forming part of the grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Built in 1806 during the reign of King Rama I, as Audience Hall, renovations carried out during the reign of King Rama III completely changed the original design. The Palace here in Muang Boran was built according to a number of original architectural drawings and old photographs.
Seen across the lake, the Palace is an inspiring sight and a fitting end to an interesting museum........
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