Khok Maiden Ancient City

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Open All Day

 

Khok Mai Den Ancient City is located in Tha Nam Oi Subdistrict, Phayuha Khiri District, Nakhon Sawan Province. It is an important archaeological site that reflects the development of early settlements in the Chao Phraya River basin, particularly during the Dvaravati period and continuing into the Sukhothai era. The site is ideal for travelers who are interested in history, archaeology, and the early foundations of Thai civilization.

 

In simple terms, Khok Mai Den is an ancient city characterized by earthen embankments or mound-like walls that surround the settlement. These structures indicate that the area once had an organized urban layout, including residential zones, defensive systems, and resource management. The remains clearly demonstrate that this part of Nakhon Sawan was once a structured and developed community in the past.

 

Archaeological evidence shows that the city was established during the Dvaravati period, between the 6th and 11th centuries CE (Buddhist centuries 11–16), and continued to be used during the Sukhothai period. The upper part of the city has an oval shape resembling a conch shell, measuring approximately 250 meters in length and 600 meters in width. This design reflects thoughtful urban planning adapted to both geography and defensive needs.

 

The structure of the earthen walls and city layout is comparable to other important ancient cities such as Nakhon Pathom, Muang Sema in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Muang Phaya Rae in Chonburi. These similarities suggest that Khok Mai Den was part of a wider Dvaravati cultural network that once flourished across central Thailand.

 

One of the most significant discoveries at the site is a sculpture of the mythical elephant known as “Chatthant,” which is over 1,000 years old. This artifact was excavated by the Fine Arts Department and provides insight into the beliefs, artistic expression, and cultural sophistication of the people who lived in this ancient city.

 

The name “Khok Mai Den” originates from a type of plant that once grew in the area, reflecting the natural environment of the past. Local people also referred to the site as “Muang Bon” or “Upper City,” distinguishing it from lower settlements nearby. This naming tradition provides additional clues about how the landscape was understood and organized in earlier times.

 

Today, the site still preserves visible traces of earthen walls and mounds. Although it has not been developed into a large commercial tourist attraction, it holds strong educational and historical value. Visitors can walk around the area, observe the terrain, and imagine the structure of the ancient city that once existed here.

 

The surrounding atmosphere is quiet and natural, making it suitable for slow-paced exploration or educational visits. It is especially appealing to those interested in the Dvaravati and Sukhothai periods, as well as early urban development in Thailand.

 

Getting There Visitors can travel from Nakhon Sawan city to Phayuha Khiri District and continue to Tha Nam Oi Subdistrict. The journey takes approximately 30–40 minutes by car. It is recommended to use GPS navigation and plan a trip that includes nearby attractions along the Chao Phraya River.

 

 

A: It is located in Tha Nam Oi Subdistrict, Phayuha Khiri District, Nakhon Sawan Province.

 

A: It dates back to the Dvaravati period and continued into the Sukhothai era.

 

A: The oval-shaped earthen city walls and ancient settlement remains.

 

A: A sculpture of the mythical elephant Chatthant, over 1,000 years old.

 

A: It is ideal for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and cultural travelers.