The Ancient City in Bangkok is a cultural attraction which should be on the itinerary of every visitor to the Thai capital. The meticulously landscaped grounds with its lush gardens imitate the contours of Thailand, and contain replicas of the most important monuments and landmarks of the nation. Each of the 116 constructions is situated in its correct geographical location, so that the visitor will have an idea of the relative positions of the actual monuments.
Within the Ancient City you will find temples, stupas, palaces, pavilions, bell towers, halls, Buddha statues, shrines and floating markets. Many of the monuments have been scaled down in size, but otherwise are faithful reproductions of the originals. Many of these buildings are no longer in existence, whilst others are still extant.
The founder of the Ancient City was Lek Viriyaphant, who envisaged this marvellous concept as a means of purifying the moral character of future generations. Irrespective of whether or not he has succeeded in this undertaking, there is no doubt that the magnificent creation has certainly preserved Thailand’s cultural heritage for the generations to come.
The sheer number of temples and stupas represented at the site reflects the importance of Buddhism to most Thais and its strong foundations in the culture of the nation. The visitor will be able to observe the different stylistic appearances in the evolution of Buddhist architecture over the years.
Another interesting creation is the replica of an Ayutthaya period theatrical pavilion with its prominent carvings and gilded decorations. This splendid construction demonstrates the magnificent artistic achievements of the era, part of the nation’s historical heritage.
Not to be missed is the tranquil Garden of the Gods, with its handsome representation of the Hindu trinity; the deities Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. These magnificent sculptures are cast in bronze, presenting yet another reminder of the mastery of Thai sculptors and artisans.
With so much to see and admire, a visit to the Ancient City will never disappoint, presenting an overview of Thai culture in one location. If you are visiting the Thai capital and desire Bangkok serviced apartments an outstanding choice would be the Ascott Sathorn Bangkok. These fine serviced apartments Bangkok offers provide comfortable interiors and an array of stylish amenities.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+
