by forngolf

Explore 9 Historic Ancient Cities in Thailand where Stories Told

Ancient Cities or Historical Parks in Thailand are not only popular tourist destinations that attract visitors from either local tourists or foreigners, but also provide educational sites for people to learn about Thai history, ancient Thailand’s art, architecture, and culture. In the past, Thailand has been categorized into various eras. Individual eras have left marks of civilization and cultural heritage for people to remember the heroic stories and various aspects of life from the past that should not be forgotten. This article will provide some of the fascinating stories of ancient cities in Thailand that you should visit to acquire an unforgettable experience.

1. Sukhothai Historical Park

The Sukhothai Historical Park is the location of the royal palace, religious sites, and ancient monuments. It is surrounded by rectangular-shaped city walls, moats, and city gates. Outside the city walls, there are 70 significant ancient sites, and inside, there are 26 more, including important temples and the remains of the royal palace. Some remarkable sites are Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Traphang Ngoen, Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sri Chum, Wat Saphan Hin, Prasat Phra Ruan, and various large ancient Buddha statues. It allows tourists to study and admire the beauty of the past. Additionally, travelers can explore the fascinating history and culture of ancient Thailand by visiting various key attractions within the site such as:

Wat Mahathat: The largest and most significant temple in the park, located in the center of the park surrounded by Cetiyas, temples, and Mandapas.
Landscape and Cycling: The park’s vast landscape offers beautiful landscape and is a great place for cycling and walks.

Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai, Thailand
Location: Sukhothai Historical Park
Open: Every day 6.30 AM- 7.30 PM
Admission: Thais 20 Baht / Foreigners 100 Baht

2. Si Satchanalai Historical Park

The Si Satchanalai Historical Park is one of Thailand’s ancient cities of the Sukhothai period that has been well-preserved and developed by the Department of Fine Arts. It was also announced as a cultural heritage site and registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage just like some other ancient cities in Thailand. This historical park contains a total of 215 archaeological sites and artifacts, with 204 of them already observed and discovered. Some of the main attractions include:

Wat Chang Lom: This temple is characterized by its large chedi (stupa) surrounded by 39 elephant statues, giving it the name “Chang Lom”.
Wat Nang Phaya: The highlight of this temple is the well-preserved stucco relief of a beautiful woman (Nang Phaya) on a pediment and surrounded by the stunning Ordination hall, temples, and Cetiya.

Address: Si Satchanalai, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai, Thailand
Location: Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Open: Every day 8.00 AM- 5.00 PM
Admission: Thais 10 Baht / Foreigners 30 Baht

3. Ayutthaya Historical Park

King U Thong established The Kingdom of Ayutthaya and this ancient city of Thailand became a central point for trade and cultural exchange during its existence. The city reached its peak during the 16th century, with an impressive cultural and architectural legacy. At present, the park has become a famous place for visitors and historians to visit and study about its history and agriculture. The park showcases the remains of palaces, temples, monasteries, and other significant structures that beautify the capital. Site attractions of Ayutthaya Historical Park such as:

Wat Mahathat: Wat Mahathat has a remarkable feature, which is a Buddha’s head embedded in the roots of a tree for over a century. The Buddha’s head is made of sandstone, and only the head part remains but the rest of the statue’s body is missing.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet: This temple was the most important royal temple, featuring three impressive stupas that once placed the ashes of Ayutthaya kings.

Address: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Location: Ayutthaya Historical Park
Open: Every day 8.00 AM- 6.00 PM
Admission: Thais 10 Baht / Foreigners 50 Baht

4. Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park

Kamphaeng Phet was founded in the 14th century as a strategic outpost and played a crucial role in protecting the northern frontier of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Within the historical park, there is a small museum that displays artifacts discovered by archaeologists. The museum provides visitors with valuable insights into the history and culture of the region. Thus, the park contains landmarks as follows:

Wat Phra Kaew: In the center of the temple, there is a large round-shaped pagoda as the main focus, with a square base surrounded by pillared arches. There are standing lions at the corners of the base.
Wat Phra That: This temple is known for its unique, bell-shaped chedi (stupa) and stunning architectural features. It’s an excellent spot for photography and to admire the craftsmanship of ancient Thailand’s artisans.

Address: Nong Pling, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand
Location: Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
Open: Every day 6.00 AM- 6.00 PM
Admission: Thais 10 Baht / Foreigners 30 Baht

5. Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park

Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park is located in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. It is an ancient city near Bangkok with a significant historical and cultural site that dates back to the Dvaravati period, which was between the 6th and 11th centuries. The park is the only remaining ancient city in Kanchanaburi province, dating back over 800 years to the present time.

The main highlight of the park is the ancient Khmer temple known as Prasat Muang Sing. This well-preserved sandstone structure dates back to the 13th century and features intricate carvings and architectural details. The temple offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the River Kwai.

There is a small museum on-site that provides historical context and information about the ancient Khmer civilization and the significance of Prasat Muang Sing. It’s a great place to learn more about the site before exploring the actual ruins.

Address: Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Location: Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park
Open: Every day 8.00 AM- 4.30 PM
Admission: 20 Baht

6. Phanom Rung Historical Park

Phanom Rung Historical Park is an ancient Khmer temple complex located in northeastern Thailand, specifically in the Buriram Province. It is one of the most significant and well-preserved Khmer ruins in the country, dating back to the 10th to 13th centuries.

Places to go at The Phanom Rung Historical Park such as:

Phanom Rung Temple: It stands as the park’s main highlight and a must-visit site. This remarkable sandstone and laterite structure graces the peak of a dormant volcano, offering incredible panoramic views of the nearby countryside. Built on multiple platforms, the temple’s architectural Khmer style design.
Naga Bridge: This bridge is lined by beautifully crafted stone Nagas on both sides. The Naga is a significant symbol in Hindu and Buddhist mythology and is often associated with water and protection.

Address: Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram, Thailand
Location: Phanom Rung Historical Park
Open: every day 7.00 AM- 6.00 PM
Admission: Thais 20 Baht / Foreigners 100 Baht / Cars 50 Baht

7. Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park

The Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park is located on a hilltop in Phetchaburi, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. This park is a well-liked attraction for tourists and showcases the wealth of history and architectural heritage found in ancient cities of Thailand. The site was once the location of a royal summer palace during the reign of King Rama IV (King Mongkut). The king commissioned the construction of the palace complex in 1860 as a retreat from the hot weather of Bangkok and to enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

On the top of the hill, visitors will find a variety of structures, including royal residences, palaces, temples, and numerous other buildings. Most of them showcase a combination of Neoclassical and Chinese architectural styles. In the middle of the hilltop stands the Phra That Chom Phet, while on the east side, you will find the Wat Mahasamanaram. Inside the temple’s four walls, there are hand-painted frescoes by the renowned Thai artist, Krua In-Khong.

Address: Khlong Kra Saeng, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76000
Location: Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park
Open: every day 8.30 AM- 4.00 PM
Admission: Thais 60 Baht / Foreigners 190 Baht

8. Sri Thep Historical Park

Sri Thep Historical Park is considered one of Thailand’s significant cultural heritage sites. It is an area that reveals important evidence of human settlements since prehistoric times. It also reflects the establishment of Thailand’s ancient civilizations, including Dvaravati and Khmer cultures, dating back around 800 years.

Today, The Sri Thep Ancient City comprises exhibition buildings showcasing archaeological artifacts and historical displays. There are exhibitions related to history and antiquities. You can also find bookstores and souvenir shops. The archaeological excavation building displays human and elephant skeletal remains obtained from excavations in 1988. Two sibling statues are situated on a large pedestal adorned with Singhalese-style features.

Address: Si Thep District, Phetchabun, Thailand
Location: Sri Thep Historical Park
Open: Every Day 8.30 AM- 6.30 PM
Admission: Thais 20 Baht / Foreigners 100 Baht

9. Phimai Historical Park

Phimai Historical Park covers an area of approximately 102 acres and is well-preserved, offering visitors a view into the grandeur of the Khmer civilization. The site is surrounded by a charming town with traditional Thai architecture, making it a picturesque destination to explore.

Phimai Historical Park has highlight spots as follow:

Prasat Hin Phimai: This is the main temple within the historical park and is the most well-preserved structure. It is an excellent example of classical Khmer architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings and detailed lintels.
Naga Bridge: Just outside the main entrance of the temple, you’ll find a stone bridge adorned with serpent-like Naga sculptures, a common sight in Khmer architecture.
Prasat Hin Phimai Museum: This museum provides detailed information about the history and significance of the Phimai complex. It contains various artifacts and displays that give visitors a better understanding of the site’s cultural and historical context.

Address: Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Location: Phimai Historical Park
Open: every day 7.00 AM- 6.00 PM
Admission: Adults 20 Baht / Children, students, and elders for free

Sum up

Visiting the ancient cities in Thailand allows you to get close to nature and the beauty of architecture and arts. Moreover, learning Thai history through them gives you a sense of connection while exploring these ancient cities, as if you have traveled back to the time when these cities still exist. If you have the opportunity to visit ancient cities in Nakhon Ratchasima, you can stay at Charnvee Resort. Here offers you a variety of accommodations at different price ranges for you to choose from. Thus, the resort has luxurious decorations surrounded by the freshness of nature. You can get a relaxing vacation experience here.