“Old City”, Thailand history.

Ecrit parVenturelli Erick

"Ancient City, the story of Thailand."

"Ancient City near Bangkok: a journey through history.

On this beautiful day in April, and especially at 40°C in the shade, I decide to take the “sky train” from Bangkok to go to Muang Boran, located about 30 kilometers from Bangkok. Muang Boran is also known as the “Ancient City” and is a fascinating place where history, culture and Thai architecture meet. This park, which is one of the largest open-air museums in the world, offers a journey through centuries of history and allows visitors to discover replicas on the scale of Thailand’s most iconic monuments. As soon as I arrived, I was fascinated by the beauty of the site, not knowing whether I had to deal with replicas or real monuments so the constructions are made in the finest details. Later, I will discover that the park is composed of both real displaced monuments but also exact replicas.

The vision of its creator.

Ancient City was born from the ambitious vision of Lek Viriyaphant, a Thai businessman and philanthropist. In the 1960s, he conceived this titanic project with the aim of preserving Thailand’s cultural and historical heritage at a time when many historic sites were at risk of disappearing due to rapid urbanization and lack of conservation. His vision was not limited to the construction of a simple park: he wanted to offer visitors a real immersion in the history of his country. The idea of creating an open-air museum with replicas of temples, palaces and other historical monuments came from his love for Thai culture and his desire to share it with the world.
Lek Viriyaphant has drawn inspiration from the country’s rich cultural heritage to recreate historic sites with remarkable precision. It was not just replicas, but a meticulous effort to convey the soul of each structure. For example, the replica of Wat Phra Kaew, the famous temple of the Emerald Buddha, is a breathtaking reproduction that instantly transports visitors into the sacred history of Thailand.

The fascinating history of the Ancient City.

The park officially opened in 1972. Since then, it has become a must-see attraction for history and culture lovers. The 320-hectare map-shaped land of Thailand is home to more than 120 replicas of historic monuments and architectural structures from all over the country. Each monument tells a unique story, whether it is an ancient Buddhist temple, a royal palace or a military fortress.
However, it would be wrong to think that the Ancient City is a mere collection of buildings. It is a living museum where every corner has a part of the Thai culture. The park is structured to reflect the different eras of the country’s history, offering visitors a rare opportunity to travel through time. You can explore the ancient civilizations of northern Thailand, discover the architecture of the kingdoms of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, or admire the Khmer influences that have marked some regions.
At first, I was a little confused by the grandeur of the visual and cultural spectacle, by the difficulty in building a photo report of this immense cultural space and after a well-deserved stop for a iced Thai tea, I went back to discover the secrets of Thailand. It should be noted that the Ancient City is not limited to monuments. The park also hosts cultural events, traditional performances and religious ceremonies, enhancing authenticity and cultural immersion. You can see elephants, Thai dances and eat typical dishes less spicy than for the natives for the delight of taste.
After two days of visiting, I still do not feel that I have finished my work because the variety of subjects is so great. As the world continues to change at a rapid pace, the Ancient City remains a precious witness of the past. The park has evolved by integrating modern technologies, such as interactive guided tours and digital exhibits, to attract a new generation of visitors. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, the Ancient City remains a living sanctuary for Thai heritage.

Lek Viriyaphant’s project continues today thanks to his family, who are responsible for the conservation and expansion of this cultural treasure. Expansion projects are underway, with new sections dedicated to lesser-known aspects of Thai culture and history. As a photographer, it is a real pleasure to immortalize these moments of transformation, to witness the constant evolution of this place while remaining faithful to its original spirit.
During these two days, I had the chance to capture the beauty and essence of each monument, playing with the natural light that bathes the park. Each photo tells a story: that of a people, a culture and a rich and varied heritage. My goal was to capture the majesty of the place through my photos, and to convey to the public the same admiration I felt while walking through this extraordinary place.

Throughout the tour, you can feel the passion of the teams working to preserve Thai history that is reflected in every detail of the park, and I am impressed and honored to have helped highlight this cultural gem. The story allowed me to capture precious moments that will remain engraved in time, as does the Ancient City itself, which continues to preserve and inspire future generations.

Bangkok (Thaïland) – May 2024

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