HALF-DAY : Muang Boran - The Ancient City + Erawan Museum
08:00 hrs
Depart from Bangkok to Samut Prakarn Province. [1 hrs. drive]
Visit :
09:00 hrs Erawan Museum
Inside the huge three-headed elephant and its round base is a museum, Erawan Museum. The three storeys inside the elephant contain antiquities and priceless collection of ancient religious objects of Kun Lek Viriyapant who is the museum owner. He is also the owner of the Ancient City and The Sanctuary of truth. It started from his friend's idea of apple-shaped construction, symbol of western religion, inspired him to build this building in the form of Erawan elephant, symbol of eastern religion.
Its body made from bronze with pink pedestal rounded base decorated with millions of little tiles. The body is about 29 meters height. The whole height is about 44 meters. The design of all three floors represents three worlds. The lower floor is the underwater world. The upper floor is the earth, Kao Prasumain. The top is the second heaven. Each floor illustrates different kind of objects as follow:
Lower one demonstrates various antiques and exhibits the aim of the construction and Kun Lek and Kun Pakpein Viriyapant’s biography.
Upper floor illustrates many elaborate antique arts and objects. This floor’s design was mixed divisibly between western and eastern art’s style. The ceiling was decorated by stained glass by German artist.
The top one is the body of elephant placed the Buddha’s relics and Buddha images. The wall was ornamented with the exquisite painting of cosmos. Kun Lek Viriyapant wishes this museum which keeps various priceless ancient objects became worth cultural heritage.
10:30 hrs Ancient City
It is a centre of replicas of important historical sites in the country. Here you car appreciate the splendours of Thailand in the past. The replicas of major historical structures, which exist or used to exist in the kingdom, have been constructed in both smaller and actual sizes. All structures are categorised according to Thailand's northern, southern, northeastern and central regions. Visitors can either stroll or drive around the extensive area.
Major historical sites in the Ancient City are Khao Phra Wihan (Preah Vihear), Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, Wat Mahathat Sukhothai, Phra Phutthabat Saraburi, Phrathat Mueang Nakhon, Prathat Chaiya, etc. The replicas were elaborately constructed in both smaller-scaled sizes, while some are in the actual size. Besides, it is a source of local Thai arts and culture which is disappearing from modern society. Those who wish to conduct research on the history of Thailand can study this at the Ancient City.
13:00 hrs
Depart Ancient City to Bangkok.