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Ancient Siam (formerly known as Ancient City)(Thai: Mueang Boran) is a park constructed under the patronage of Lek Viriyaphant in the shape of Thailand.

Ancient Siam is dubbed as the world's largest outdoor museum.

The Ancient City is the door opening to the heritage of Thai wisdom. With a wide range of architectural symbols combined with fine arts and craftsmanship, structural layout and natural environment that integrate harmoniously, The Ancient City creates kind of atmosphere that induces visitors to perceive and appreciate the continuity of history, cultures, religions, arts and customs of Thai people from dawn until now.

The Old Fort and Wall at Chachoengsao

The fort and the old wall in Chachoengsao Province were built for defense Bangkok on the eastern seaboard. In the past, they helped prevent the main military threat from invaders who came from the east. In 1834 A.D., King Rama III had Krom Luang Rakronaret, the chief of building construction, construct the fort and the old Fort and wall. The fortification was 300 meters wide and 500 meters long.

The Old Fort and Wall at Chachoengsao

In 1848, when Ung-Yi (A group of Chinese rebels that sold drugs and traded illegally during the Third reign) raised a rebellion, they killed the governor of Chachoengsao, Phraya Wiset-rue-chai, and took the fort in order to set up their military headquarters there.The Ung-Yi rebels were finally subdued by a Thai military force led by Chao Phraya Phra Klang (Somdet Chao Phraya Barom Maha Prayunrawong) under royal command. About 3,000 Chinese Ung-Yi were killed in the battle.

Frangipani (plumeria)

Ancient Theatrical Pavilion

The grandeur of the Ayutthaya court was reflected in the royal garden which was enlivened by the scenery and landscape of waterfalls, fountains and miniature rock formations.

Ancient Theatrical Pavilion

During either auspicious or enjoyment times, there were royal command performances of music and plays in this setting, which later gave birth to the famous genre of court drama, Lakhon Nai.

Various Jataka tales, folk tales and a number of foreign classics were adapted for plays at court such as the Ramayana, Sankha-Silpchai, I-Nao and Manohra. The plays at court continued to be seen in the Rattanakosin period.

The grand pavilion in Muang Boran was specially designed and built for court performances, evidence of which may be seen in numerous ancient murals.

Ancient Theatrical Pavilion and garden

Chedi Chet Yod (The Seven-Spired Pagoda), Chiang Mai

As history relates, the monument was initially built in the time of King Tilokarat, the King of Lanna (1442-1487 A.D.). He sent an official, Muen Dam Phra Khot (Dam) to copy the stupa at Bodhi Gaya in India, in 1455 A.D.

The aesthetic significance can be seen from the stucco motifs of figures of celestial beings on the base walls, and of ornaments decorated on the door frames. They are truly cultural heritages of ancient Lanna that still exist today.

Chedi Chet Yod (The Seven-Spired Pagoda), Chiang Mai

Chedi of Cham Thewi Lamphun

The Chedi of Cham Thewi at Wat Ku Kud was constructed in the Hariphunchai period.

The chedi is a square tower of which 5 storeys. Similarly, the chedi is formed like a stepped pyramid. Each storey, therere 3 niches on each of the 4 faces of the tower, so therere 12 Buddha images in each storey and 60 images in all. The statues are Dvaravati and U-Thong arts and date back to the 9th and 10th century A.D. On top of the fifth storey is a naturalistic stucco lotus petal border.

Chedi of Cham Thewi LamphunAccording to the chronicle, a hermit erected a small city named Hariphunchai and invited Phra Nang Cham Thewi, a princess of King of Lavo (Lop Buri), to rule Hariphunchai. Phra Nang Cham Thewi came to this city at 679 A.D., and reigned for 54 years.

The Wihan at Wat Phumin, Nan Based on historical evidence, the temple was constructed by Chetabut Phrom Min, a ruler of Nan, in 1776. The wihan has a unique floor plan. Being cruciform like most prasat, the wihan stands on a raised terrace that is reached by staircases on each of its four axis. They lead up to four doors. Only the north-south axis has two long undulating nagas flanking the approaches along the axis.

The Wihan at Wat Phumin, Nan Inside, in the center of the floor are 4 large gilded Buddha images seated on a raised platform. They sit back to back with their right hands pointing to the ground calling the Earth to witness the victory over Mara, or the Conquering of Mara posture. Above the heads of the four Buddha images is a stucco formed like lotus petals, each of which touches the ceiling of the wihan.

The Wihan at Wat Phumin, Nan

Muang Boran reconstructed the monastery by making the original wihan smaller by two-thirds

The Wihan at Wat Phumin, Nan

On discovering the elegance of the building, the government during World War II had the picture of the structure printed on a one-baht banknote which was in circulation for some time.

Sala of 80 Yogi

If you are feeling fit, you can even try out some of the 80 or so yoga positions that are on display.

Sala of 80 Yogi

Sala of 80 Yogi

Wat Chong Kham, Lampang

Wat Chong Kham displayed at Muang Boran is a Shan temple complex modeled after the Pagan architecture which is rarely seen today. Consequently, the original building that once stood in Ngao in Lampang Province has been acquired from the monastery. The restoration of the structure has been painstaking in order to preserve every single detail of the building and present the most original form of the structure.

The building, made of teak wood, combines wihan, sala and monks living quarters in one building. The excellent work of northern craftsmanship can be seen from the equal emphasis to the split-level roofs and the rhythmic spacing of carved decorations. Beauty is to be found everywhere.

Wat Chong Kham, Lampang – a traditional teak built dwelling and ceremonial centre for monks

Wat Chong Kham, Lampang

Cassia fistula, known as the golden shower tree and other names, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to southern Asia. It is the national tree of Thailand, and its flower is Thailand's national flower.

The Gateway of Wat Pho Prathap Chang, Phichit

an example of art and architecture of the late Ayutthaya period.

Garden of Pha Daeng – Nang AiNang Ai, the most beautiful girl in Khomkham City, had secret trysts with Pha Daeng, the ruler of Phaphong. Her beauty, unparalleled and celebrated, was eventually discovered by the son of the Naga king. The Naga prince, transformed himself into a very handsome gentleman and tried to charm her, but did not succeed in winning her heart.

Garden of Pha Daeng – Nang AiFinally, he attempted to trick her by disguising himself into a white squirrel in order to get close to her and kidnap her from Pha Daeng. But, when Pha Daeng and Nang Ai saw the squirrel, they ordered a hunter to trap it. The prince, in the guise of the squirrel, is killed by the hunter. The meat of the animal is fed to the people in the town. Strangely, the meat of the squirrel kept increasing even though much of it had already been cut off to feed both the people in the city and neighboring towns.

Garden of Pha Daeng – Nang AiThereafter, a huge rainstorm struck the town suddenly. Considering that it was not a common natural occurrence, Pha Daeng tried to escape quickly on horse with Nang Ai, but in vain. Nang Ai fell from the horse and was drawn into the river. The city became a vast pool. The spirit of the dead squirrel turned into the king of Naga, taking Nang Ai into his underwater kingdom. It was said that those who had not eaten the meat were saved from the tragic event. Muang Boran constructed a group of statues based on the legend of Pha Daeng and Nang Ai. This monument will surely further the imagination of those viewers who were once stirred by the local tale of the Northeast, Pha Daeng and Nang Ai.

Pride of Barbados

Garden of Sacred Stupa

The Garden of Sacred Stupa at Muang Boran is formed by a large group of stupa in various architectural styles, built in different periods from the past to present.The unique characteristics of the stupa displayed here are worth studying and showing the differences and similarities of each style of stupa

Phra That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom

Has been highly revered as a sacred monument for both the Thai and Laotian people for centuries. The Urangkha That (the chest bone relics) of the Lord Buddha is believed to be housed in

Ku Khu Maha That The stone sanctuary, dated back to the 13th century A.D., shows the influence of the Khmer architectural style. The Stupa of Phra Boromathat

Phra That Ya Khu, Kalasin is an unique octagonal chedi in Thailand

The Fruit-Shaped Tower (Prang Mafueang), Chai Nat

This prang has a tower shaped like a carambola, a fruit know in Thai as mafueang, was popular during the pre-Ayutthaya periods, namely U-Thong Art and Ayothaya Art. The structure, about 12 meters wide and 20 meters tall, was made of brick without bonded plaster. It is recognised as the late U-Thong architectural style which is dated around the 13th century A.D.

Averrhoa carambola Fruit

Sarasvati (or Surasawadi) is the fair-skinned consort of Brahma. She is considered to be the goddess of learning and the arts. In her hands she carries a lotus bud, a drinking vessel, a book and the vina (harp), a stringed musical instrument of Indian classical music.

Rahu is known as the Nara Graha (Thai: Nophakhro) and features extensively in Indian astrology. In one form, Rahu is half-human half-ogre who swallows the sun and the moon. The incidents are believed to cause the solar and lunar eclipse respectively. In another form, Rahu is half-human half-snake. He was split in two by Narayanas chakra, or flying discus, during the churning of the ocean ceremony.The Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods

Shiva (or Phra Isvara) was the King of all gods having power over both deities and evil. He is the god of destruction. His closed third eye on his forehead, if opened, will burn everything before his eyes. Shiva is seated on his bull, Nandi. The Goddess, Uma, sits before him.

The Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow is a symbol of fertility, happiness, and natural beauty of the country

pavilion of the rainbow bridge

Statue of the Buddha meditating under the protection of Naga

Sound: Ruk fan poh - Satien Tummue

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Presentation: Sanda Foi oreanuşwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda