Planning a day at the Ancient City to soak in the Thai culture amidst replica temples?
Figuring out the best way to reach there? This article’s got your back.
I’ve laid out the options, from hopping on the BTS Skytrain, grabbing a taxi or bus, to cruising in your own car.
Let’s jump right in and discover the best routes to get you there.
Where to find the Ancient City
You’ll find the Ancient City in Samut Prakan district, to the southeast of Bangkok, around 1 hour from Asoke by train and taxi.
This prominent tourist activity boasts good transport accessibility, with several travel options by both road and rail.
How can I reach the Ancient City?
The Ancient City can be easily accessed via the BTS Skytrain on the Sukhumvit line exiting at Kheha station, then taking a 10-minute taxi ride to the venue. Alternatively, you have other choices like taking a taxi, bus or using your own car.
The most convenient way to get there is by train, but If you’re feeling adventurous and seeking a budget-friendly option, the bus route (No. 511) will take you within a 10-minute distance from the venue, followed by a short taxi ride.
Let’s delve into each option to help you decide based on your travel preferences.
BTS Skytrain
To reach the Ancient City by train, you can take the Sukhumvit green line to BTS Kheha. After exiting through exit labeled 3, take a 10-minute taxi ride to reach the venue.
To buy BTS Skytrain tickets, there are a couple of options. You can purchase them at BTS stations from automated machines or ticket counters, or you can opt for the Rabbit Card, loading it with credit to bypass ticket queues.
You can buy Rabbit Cards at BTS stations, or tourists can arrange for pre-purchase, collecting them upon your arrival at Bangkok Airport.
The price for a single-way ticket from Asoke to BTS Kheha is 45-50 THB. Plan your route on the BTS router planner.
Kheha is the last station on the green line, so everyone must disembark there.
Upon arrival at the station, you’ll spot taxis and shared pick-up trucks (known locally as “songthaew”) waiting by the exits to pick up passengers. Specifically, keep an eye out for the songthaew marked 36, which will transport you to the Ancient City.
Both choices generally take around 8-10 minutes, with the duration varying based on traffic conditions.
Insider tip:
If you opt for a taxi, remember to ensure the taxi driver has the meter is activated to avoid any potential overcharging.
Taxis, Grab, and Bolt
Taking a taxi is one of the most convenient options for a more private journey to the Ancient City, but it’s a bit more expensive.
You have a couple of choices: either flag down a taxi from the roadside or use ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt.
When you’re getting a public taxi to go to the Ancient City, make sure to tell the driver where you want to go clearly.
Sometimes, the driver might not know exactly where the Ancient City is, so have a map ready, like Google Maps, to show the driver.
Alternatively, if you opt for the convenience of ride-hailing apps, you can effortlessly input “Ancient City” as your drop-off point.
Insider tip:
It’s important to know that Bangkok often has heavy traffic, so to avoid getting stuck, plan your trip for non-peak hours.
Bus
If you’re up for an adventurous and budget-friendly approach to getting to the Ancient City, consider the bus.
It’s important to note that while you might save money, this option could take longer and require a bit more planning.
If you’re staying centrally in Bangkok, I recommend considering the BTS Skytrain as a convenient alternative.
For those interested in the bus adventure, here’s the route to consider:
Catch the air-conditioned bus No. 511 (Pinklao-Paknam) from central Bangkok and ride it until the very last stop.
Upon reaching the final station, you must switch to a pick-up truck marked with the number 36 or choose a taxi to cover the remaining distance to the Ancient City (approximately 10 minutes).
Insider tip:
Just like other land-based travel choices in Bangkok, buses can be affected by the city’s well-known traffic jams. To avoid this, avoid peak hours and plan your journey accordingly.
Personal vehicle
If you do have your vehicle, the journey to the Ancient City is fairly straightforward. Simply enter in a navigation app like Google Maps or utilize your GPS to Ancient City following the signs to Samut Prakan, then turning left into Thetsaban Bang Pu 63.
Again because of potential traffic within Bangkok, try to avoid peak hours, or you’ll increase your travel time.
When you arrive at the Ancient City, you’ll find a dedicated parking lot where you can leave your car while exploring the venue.
How to travel inside the Ancient city?
The Ancient City spans a vast area (1,280,000 square meters), making walking quite tiring. Thankfully, there are alternative ways to explore, such as a tram, bicycle, or golf buggies.
Scheduled shared trams are available on-site, providing a convenient way to explore the venue with another group of visitors.
For the active type, consider renting a bicycle – costing 150 THB for a standard bike and 250 THB for an e-bike.
Cycling through the Ancient City lets you explore at your own pace and connect more intimately with your surroundings.
Alternatively, consider renting a golf buggy for a comfortable and private experience. This option add a bit of luxury to your exploration, making it easy to move between attractions while staying shaded from the sun. Renting a golf buggy is priced at 350 THB per hour for a 4-seater and 500 THB for a 6-seater.
Best time to visit Ancient City
Picking the right time to visit the Ancient City can ensure your trip to the attraction is enjoyable.
Given the outdoor setting, remember that afternoons can get hot in Bangkok. For a more enjoyable visit, aim for mornings or late afternoons.
It’s also a good idea to avoid the busiest days, such as weekends or public holidays, when there are more visitors to the venue.
Recommended visiting times: Mornings or late afternoons, weekdays
How to get tickets for Ancient City
The venue provides various ways to get your tickets. If you like spontaneity, buy tickets on arrival.
However, pre-booking has benefits like securing a spot and avoiding cash on-site.
For this, use Klook. It’s reliable for reserving tickets. I’ve used Klook for travel activities in Asia and can vouch for its authenticity.
Map and Contact Info
Address: 296/1 Moo7 Sukhumvit Road, Bangpoomai, Amphoe Samut Prakan, Samut Prakan Province 10280
Number: +66 2026 88009
Website: https://www.muangboranmuseum.com/en/
Opening hours: 9.00 am – 6.00 pm