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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. Situated close to the Crocodile Farm in Samut Prakan province, the 320-hectare city features 116 structures of Thailand's famous monuments and architectural attractions. The grounds of Ancient Siam correspond roughly to the shape of the Kingdom, with each of the monuments lying at their correct places geographically. Some of the buildings are life-size replicas of existing or former sites, while others are scaled down.The founder's original idea was to create a golf course with miniatures of Thailand's historically significant structures spread around the course. During his research he found most structures being severely damaged over time and decided instead of creating new miniatures to save the original structures when possible or re-creating them full size or scaled down.The replicas were constructed with the assistance of experts from the National Museum to ensure historical accuracy. Outstanding works include the former Grand Palace of Ayutthaya (destroyed in the Burmese invasion of 1767), Phimai Sanctuary in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Wat Khao Phra Viharn on the Cambodian border.

Meuang Boran is located on the old Sukhumvit Highway, about 33 km east of central Bangkok. Golf carts and bicycles can be hired for moving around the park, and private vehicles are also allowed at a fee.

The Reclining Buddha

The Reclining Buddha, or the Buddha image performing a 'dying' gesture, lies on his right hand with both eyes closed.

The Reclining BuddhaThe unique characteristics of the Buddha image were created based upon the 38 Maha Burut Laksana (38 ideal body parts of the Lord Buddha) which are described in detail in an ancient Thai scripture.

The Reclining Buddha

The Reclining Buddha

The Manohra Garden

Manohra is one of the main characters of Suthon Jataka - the story appears in a collection of stories called Panasa Jataka. The religious tale of Manohra became a popular local fiction in Southern Thailand.

This is a love story of Manohra, a young kinaree (a half-human half-avian mythical creature), and a young human prince named Phra Suthon. Kinaree was captured one day by a hunter, named Phran Boon, while she was swimming in a swamp in the forest. The hunter then brought her to the young prince. Later on, a court viceroy who wanted to take revenge on Phra Suthon had Manohra sacrificed while the prince was out for a war. The plan had not succeeded, however, and kinaree escaped. No sooner had Phra Suthon learned of the account on his return that he gave chase and brought her back to the palace. They lived a happy life ever after.

The Manohra GardenThe sculpted tableaux of Phra Suthon, Manohra, Phran Boon, and the kinaree, who are sisters of Manohra, have been established at where Phatthalung Province appears on Muang Borans city map. The sculpture draws its inspiration from the open-air displays of shamanistic dancing and seductive music called Nohra which is so popular in the province.

The Manohra Garden

The Prakaew Pavilon

The Prakaew Pavilon

The Prakaew Pavilon

The Prakaew Pavilon

The Prakaew Pavilon

The Prakaew Pavilon

The Prakaew Pavilon

The Prakaew Pavilon

The Prakaew Pavilon

Sala of Ramayana

It is considered a Thai tradition to build public places such as temples and Thai Sala (pavilion) in a community. Functioning as a public center, they are used in Buddhist merit - making ceremonies and other social activities. The structures, finely constructed, not only illustrate the well-to-do status of the community, but also show the generosity of the person who intends to build the places for public use.

Sala of Ramayana

Ramayana is very popular literature among Southeast Asian countries because it tells of the story that praises the supremacy of the king who, in everyday peoples view point, performs like the Hindu god. His greatest duty is to bring peace to his kingdom, like god bringing peace to the world community.The five grand open sala at Muang Boran were built in a pond used as either a public summer house or religious ceremonial center. Ramayana Pavilion (Sala of Ramayana) is named after the story of the murals painted inside the sala

Sala of Ramayana

The Pavilion of the Enlightened symbolizes the story of 500 monks from different cultural backgrounds who attained Nirvana.

The Pavilion of the Enlightened

The Pavilion of the Enlightened

The Pavilion of the Enlightened

The Pavilion of the Enlightened

Happy BuddhaPavilion of the Enlightened Ancient City

One of 500 in the Pavilion of the Enlightened

The Pavilion of the Enlightened

Sala of Ten Reincarnation

"The story of the ten reincarnations of the Buddha has been well-known among Thai people since the Ayutthaya period…The Sala of Ten Reincarnations at Muang Boran, located across a stream, is an example ancient Thai buildings of which the value lies not only within their aesthetic structure but also their function as a religious school for the community."

Sala of Ten Reincarnation

Sala of Ten Reincarnation

Churning the Ocean view from Phra Wihan Hill. In the center is the Octagonal Sala and on the right, in the lake, is the sculpture of The Churning of the Ocean

Based on Hindu mythology, once when deities became less powerful and were threatened by mightier ogres, they asked for help from Vishnu or Narai. The god recommended they hold a ceremony, known as "Churning the Ocean". It's a long story; that's the beginning.

The Octagonal Sala is a wooden gazebo represents another form of Thai architecture. The Sala may be used during certain Buddhist merit-making ceremonies such as the Songkran Festival, the tradition al Thai New Year, when monks would be invited to receive offerings here. During other times, the pavilion serves as a summer house.The Octagonal Sala at Muang Boran is located on the way to Prasat Phanom Rung. It stands in the middle of Phlanchai Lagoon, from which the traveller can enjoy a clear view of Khao Phra Wihan or Preah Vihear.

The Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is also honored as Kuan-Yin, the preserver of Buddhism. The diety conquers the malevolent forces that threaten humanity by performing a miracle which frightens away evil spirits."

Sound: Thai Traditional Music

Text & Pictures: InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda