Introduction

Ban Ku Bua is an old town in Thailand's Ratchaburi province. The site is archaeologically and historically significant, exhibiting the region's rich cultural legacy and history. Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town is an important archaeological site that provides a glimpse into Thailand's early past, demonstrating the convergence of numerous cultural and religious influences that created the region's legacy. 

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About the Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

Ban Khu Bua Ancient Town is located in Tambon Khu Bua. Its Ancient Monument No. 18 archaeologically indicates that Ratchaburi was once a flourishing city during the Dvaravati era. The city plan is a rounded rectangle positioned along the north-south axis, with a width of 800m and a length of 2km.

The settlement was established on a coastal terrace that was one to two meters higher than its surroundings and five meters above sea level. There were two streams that ran through the city: Huai Khu Bua and Huai Chinnasi.  

History of Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand, is a significant archaeological site from the Dvaravati period (6th - 11th century CE). Founded by the Mon people and influenced by Indian culture, the town was strategically located along the Mae Klong River. 

History of Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

History of Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

It was a well-planned urban settlement with distinct residential, religious, and administrative areas, surrounded by a moat and wall. The town was a major center for Buddhist practice, evidenced by numerous stupas and temples, and also featured Hindu artifacts, indicating a syncretic religious environment. 

History of Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

History of Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

Excavations have revealed pottery, beads, tools, and religious iconography that help reconstruct its history. Although the town declined around the 11th century, likely due to shifts in trade routes or political changes, it remains crucial for understanding early Thai history. Preservation efforts and ongoing research ensure that Ban Ku Bua continues to enrich knowledge of Thailand's cultural heritage.

Architecture of Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand, showcases architecture influenced by Gupta arts from India. Evidence of Buddhism flourishing in Thailand for over a thousand years is found in the well-preserved Buddha image heads at the Ratchaburi National Museum and Wat Khlong Suwannakhiri. 

Architecture of Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

Architecture of Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

The town features a fifty-meter-wide moat with earthen dykes and numerous religious sites, including over 60 Buddhist monuments from both Theravada and Mahayana schools. These sites are primarily constructed with bricks mixed with rice husks, and only a few used laterite. Artifacts include plaster sculptures, baked clay decorations, and various everyday items, indicating the town's prominence from the 11th to 16th Buddhist century. Traveling cost in Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

Best time to visit Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

The ideal time to explore Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand, is during the cold and dry season, which runs from November to February. During these months, temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C and humidity is lower, making it easier to explore outdoor locations. This time period avoids the intense heat of the summer months (March to May) and the heavy rains of the monsoon season (June to October), resulting in a more pleasant and pleasurable vacation.

How to get to Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town

To get to Ban Ku Bua Ancient Town in Ratchaburi Province from Bangkok

  • One can drive southwest along Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) for about 100 kilometers, which takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. 
  • Buses leave from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) and take around 2-3 hours to reach Ratchaburi where local taxis or songthaews can be taken to the ancient town. 
  • Trains also run from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok to Ratchaburi with a journey time of about 2-2.5 hours followed by local transport to Ban Ku Bua. 
  • Taxis, songthaews and rental cars are available in Ratchaburi for easy local travel. 

Read more: Thailand Tours 15 days