“Witness the remnants of a rectangular city plan with curved corners, featuring large moats characteristic of the Dvaravati period, while relaxing in an arboretum filled with diverse species of towering trees.”
Ban Khu Mueang Ancient City is one of the most important archaeological and historical sites in Sing Buri Province. Scholars believe that it was an ancient settlement from the Dvaravati period, flourishing between the 6th and 11th centuries (11th–16th Buddhist centuries). The site reflects early human settlement in the upper Chao Phraya River basin, an area known for its fertile land and suitability for agriculture and trade.
The city layout is rectangular with rounded corners, measuring approximately 650 meters wide and 750 meters long. It is surrounded by an ancient moat and earthen embankments, which served both defensive purposes and water management. These structures remain clearly visible today, demonstrating the advanced engineering and urban planning skills of the ancient community.
Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered numerous valuable artifacts, including pottery, colored stone beads, and silver coins inscribed with the phrase “Sri Dvaravati Isvara Punya,” meaning “the meritorious deeds of the King of Sri Dvaravati.” Stone Buddha images and other antiquities have also been found, reflecting religious devotion, trade activity, and connections with other ancient regions. Most of these artifacts are now preserved and exhibited at the In Buri National Museum for research and conservation.
Today, Ban Khu Mueang Ancient City covers an area of approximately 500 rai and has been developed into Khu Mueang Arboretum, which also serves as Sing Buri Province’s plant conservation center. The atmosphere is shady, peaceful, and cool under the canopy of large trees, making it an ideal place for relaxation and outdoor learning.
For nature lovers and history enthusiasts, this site offers a unique experience that harmoniously blends ancient civilization with the natural environment. Visitors can walk along the ancient moat, sense the spiritual atmosphere of a once-thriving community from over a thousand years ago, and capture beautiful images of sunlight filtering through the trees onto the old earthen walls.
Ban Khu Mueang Ancient City is therefore a living learning site, where visitors can enjoy tranquility while exploring the remnants of a glorious past in the upper Chao Phraya River basin—all within a single destination.
How to Get There
Private Car:
- From Sing Buri city center, take Highway 311 (the old Sing Buri-In Buri road) to KM 17 or approximately 7 km from In Buri district. Then turn left onto Highway 3285 (In Buri-Nong Sum). Signs will guide you to the ancient city.
Public Transport:
- Take a bus passing through In Buri and use a local taxi or motorcycle taxi to reach the Khu Mueang Arboretum.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit:
- Accessible all year round. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for enjoying the cool breeze and lush greenery.
Recommended Activity:
- After visiting the moats, head to the In Buri National Museum nearby to see the actual artifacts excavated from this site for a complete historical perspective.
Preparation:
- As the area is an arboretum and open woodland, bring insect repellent and wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to hike along the ancient ramparts.
Etiquette:
- Help maintain the site's cleanliness, do not litter, and refrain from defacing the environment or historical structures.
Admission Fee
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Local Visitors: Adult Free, Child Free
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Foreign Visitors: Adult Free, Child Free
Opening Hours
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Open daily from 08:30 – 16:30.