Heaven Pavilion, Muang Boran
The Sumeru Mountain feature represents the centre of the Universe according to Thai cosmology, with the heavenly kingdom (represented by an exquisite temple pavilion) crowning the 'mountain' which is supported by the giant Ananda fish, keeping it above the waters of the Cosmic Ocean.
Muang Boran, also known as 'Ancient Siam' is reputed to be the World's largest open-air museum and is located some distance to the south-east of Bangkok in Samut Prakan province.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Siam
The museum park contains stunningly accurate replicas (some slightly scaled down, some full-size) of major examples of Thailand's architectural heritage, and is thus an ideal way to immerse oneself in Thai culture and study the country's unique architectural splendours (from various sites all over Thailand), all gathered conveniently within one vast park, arranged in the shape of the shape of the country.
The temples, palaces, monumental stupas and more are all beautifully reproduced in the authentic materials, and in a few cases are reconstructions of either lost or damaged originals. We could vouch for the accuracy and attention to detail of a few specific structures, having visited them on our previous (and much longer) visit to Thailand in 2010.
With the site being so vast, it is recommended to either hire a bicycle or a golf buggy for the duration of your visit (we opted for the latter!).
Heaven Pavilion, Muang Boran
The Sumeru Mountain feature represents the centre of the Universe according to Thai cosmology, with the heavenly kingdom (represented by an exquisite temple pavilion) crowning the 'mountain' which is supported by the giant Ananda fish, keeping it above the waters of the Cosmic Ocean.
Muang Boran, also known as 'Ancient Siam' is reputed to be the World's largest open-air museum and is located some distance to the south-east of Bangkok in Samut Prakan province.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Siam
The museum park contains stunningly accurate replicas (some slightly scaled down, some full-size) of major examples of Thailand's architectural heritage, and is thus an ideal way to immerse oneself in Thai culture and study the country's unique architectural splendours (from various sites all over Thailand), all gathered conveniently within one vast park, arranged in the shape of the shape of the country.
The temples, palaces, monumental stupas and more are all beautifully reproduced in the authentic materials, and in a few cases are reconstructions of either lost or damaged originals. We could vouch for the accuracy and attention to detail of a few specific structures, having visited them on our previous (and much longer) visit to Thailand in 2010.
With the site being so vast, it is recommended to either hire a bicycle or a golf buggy for the duration of your visit (we opted for the latter!).