Karung Ancient City, also known as “Khu Mueang Karung,” is one of the most significant ancient settlement sites in Uthai Thani Province. The city features a large oval-shaped circular layout with a diameter of approximately 800 meters, reflecting a well-planned urban design in ancient times. Scholars believe that this area was inhabited as early as the Dvaravati period. Today, the site is maintained as state property and has been developed into a public park, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the historical remains preserved within the area.

One of the most remarkable features of the Karung Ancient City is its well-preserved system of moats and earthen embankments. The surrounding moat measures about 20 meters in width_, while the embankment reaches up to 6 meters wide, clearly demonstrating ancient knowledge of water management and city defense. At present, the moat retains water throughout the year and has been dredged and landscaped to enhance its appearance. The site is frequently visited by historians and researchers due to important archaeological evidence discovered here, including stone bells, Buddha images in various postures, and fragments of ancient pottery, all of which provide insights into the cultural and daily life of past communities.

Approximately three kilometers south of the ancient city lies the remains of a large brick-built stupa with a base width_ of about 7 meters. This structure serves as strong evidence of the long-standing religious prosperity of the area in ancient times. In addition, near the entrance to the ancient city stands the shrine of Chao Mae Karung, located along the highway. This shrine is deeply respected by local residents and travelers alike, and many visitors stop to pay their respects and seek blessings for good fortune before exploring the site.

The overall atmosphere surrounding the Karung Ancient City is shaded, simple, and tranquil, making it an ideal destination for those interested in historical and cultural tourism who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. The scenic view of the ancient moat encircling the city, set against a clear blue sky and large trees, creates a charming landscape that attracts history-focused photographers and those fascinated by the mystical aura of ancient monuments, offering them a chance to immerse themselves in the legacy of a once-flourishing civilization.

The Karung Ancient City invites visitors to journey back through history and experience a sense of faith and heritage passed down through centuries, revealing the grandeur of Thailand’s ancestors, gracefully etched into the land itself.

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How to Get There

By Private Car:

• From Uthai Thani city, take Highway 333 (Nong Chang–Ban Rai route). Drive past the Khao Taphab junction toward Ban Karung. The ancient city is located on a curve on the left side, marked by the prominent Chao Mae Karung Shrine by the roadside.

By Public Transport:

• Take a van from Bangkok (Southern Bus Terminal) on the Bangkok–Ban Rai route. Get off at Ban Karung Market, which is located about 10 kilometers before reaching the center of Ban Rai.

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Travel Tips

Best Season:

• Can be visited year-round, but November to January offers the most pleasant weather for walking along the moats and outdoor photography.

Equipment:

• Bring a hat, umbrella, and sunglasses as the area is quite open. Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the earthen mounds surrounding the site.

Photography:

• The "golden hour" between 16:00 and 17:30 is the best time for photography, as the warm sunlight reflects beautifully off the moats and the shrine.

Local Culture:

• It is recommended to stop and pay respects at the Chao Mae Karung Shrine. Afterward, visit the nearby Ban Rai area to shop for famous local hand-woven textiles as souvenirs.

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Admission Fee

• Thai Citizens: Free

• Foreign Visitors: Free

Opening Hours

• Open daily, 24 hours Recommended visiting hours are 06:00 – 18:00 for better visibility and safety.

• The Chao Mae Karung Shrine is open for worship during daylight hours.