In Samut Prakan, just over 30 km south of Bangkok, lies the Ancient City – or Muang Boran in Thai (literally "Old City"). This sprawling open-air park reconstructs Thailand's most famous monuments, temples, and palaces, with a particular focus on temples, but also including some structures from neighboring countries. There are also several unique creations and a replica of an ancient floating market. Muang Boran was conceived by Lek Viriyaphant, a Thai patron of the arts and culture who also founded the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya. His aim was to preserve and make accessible Thailand's heritage in one place, while maintaining traditional building techniques. In a sense, Muang Boran brings together some of Thailand's most beautiful monuments in one location. The work is truly remarkable, especially the life-size reconstructions. In good weather, the park – which you can explore by bicycle (which I recommend), tram (about a 1.5-hour ride), or golf cart (for a fee) – is very photogenic. While it may seem somewhat artificial and, of course, can't replace visiting the original monuments, cycling through the park is very pleasant. In my opinion, it's a good introduction to what you'll see at the beginning of a trip to Thailand. Plan at least half a day to visit the old city, as there is so much to discover. What you can see in Muang Boran: Replicas of historical monuments: the Grand Palace of Ayutthaya, the Phimai Temple, the Pavilion of King Rama IX, and the ruins of Sukhothai. Canals, gardens, and lakes: They evoke Thailand's natural landscape. Traditional houses: stilt houses, floating markets, and mythological sculptures. Spectacular photo opportunities: the Gates of Heaven, the Elephant Pavilion, and the replica of the Preah Vihear Temple. Royal barges. There are elephants there, but although elephant rides are no longer offered, that's certainly not the reason I recommend a visit. Muang Boran is open until after dark, but only a few monuments are illuminated. So, if you're hoping for beautiful night photos, as I was on my second visit, you might be a little disappointed – even though the few illuminated monuments are impressive. The tram ride is a good introduction to Muang Boran, but with only four 20-minute stops during a 1.5-hour tour, it's quite limited. It would be a shame to rely solely on this mode of sightseeing, as it feels rushed and you don't see everything. However, the tram ride can be quite useful for getting an overview before renting a bicycle to explore the site at a more leisurely pace. A visit to the old city is often combined with a visit to the Erawan Museum, located a few kilometers away.

Admission: 800 THB per adult and 400 THB per child. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Bicycles are available for visitors directly in front of the entrance. There are four daily tram rides at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. Bicycle use and the tram ride are free (however, please indicate that you wish to take the tram ride when purchasing your ticket). Golf carts, which you can use to get around the 80-hectare park, cost 350 THB for the first hour (2- or 4-seater), then 100 THB per additional hour (2-seater) or 200 THB per additional hour (4-seater). For 6-seater golf carts, the price is 500 THB for the first hour, then 300 THB for each additional hour. Audio guides are available free of charge, but only in English (not in French). You must leave your passport or ID card as a deposit – a practice I don't recommend (as explained in this article about scooter rentals in Thailand) and therefore don't endorse here. There are restaurants on site, either in the park or in the parking lot. Tel.: 02 323 4094. Official website: www.ancientcity.com.

There are several ways to get from Bangkok's city center to the Old City using public transport: Take the Bangkok Skytrain to Kheha station (4 km from the entrance) and transfer to songthaew number 36. You'll find it right at the bottom of the stairs leading to the subway exit. The journey takes less than 15 minutes and costs 20 THB (I only paid 10 THB for the return trip). Alternatively, you can take the BTS (Bangkok Skytrain) to Kheha station (4 km from the entrance) and transfer to songthaew number 36 (a small van with benches in the back). You'll find it right at the bottom of the stairs leading to the subway exit. This journey also takes less than 15 minutes and costs 20 THB (I only paid 10 THB for the return trip). Take the air-conditioned bus 511 (Pinklao-Paknam) to the last stop and transfer there to the same songthaew (route 36). Alternatively, you can take a taxi or order one via Grab. Even after closing at 7:00 PM, the return trip is easy; many songthaews on route 36 are still running. Simply cross the street via the pedestrian bridge, which is 50 meters to the left of the Old City exit, and travel in the opposite direction.

How to get there

How do I get to Muang Boran (Old City)? There are several ways to get to the Old City from Bangkok using public transport: Take the Bangkok Skytrain to Kheha Station (4 km from the entrance) and transfer to songthaew No. 36. You'll find it right at the bottom of the stairs leading to the subway exit. The journey takes less than 15 minutes and costs 20 THB (I only paid 10 THB for the return trip). Alternatively, you can take the BTS (Bangkok Skytrain) to Kheha Station (4 km from the entrance) and board songthaew No. 36 (a small van with benches in the back). You'll find it right at the bottom of the stairs leading to the subway exit. The journey also takes less than 15 minutes and costs 20 THB (I only paid 10 THB for the return trip). Take the air-conditioned bus 511 (Pinklao-Paknam) to the last stop and transfer there to the same songthaew (route 36). Alternatively, you can take a taxi or order one via Grab. Even after closing at 7:00 PM, the return trip is easy; many songthaews on route 36 are still running. Simply cross the street via the pedestrian bridge, which is 50 meters to the left of the Old City exit, and travel in the opposite direction.