Celestial Dragon Village in Suphanburi
Lovers of ancient civilizations would usually have China on their travel bucket lists. After all, nothing beats admiring traditional architecture up close with our own eyes.
Due to the current travel restrictions, a trip to China may not be on the cards just yet.
Closer to home in Thailand, we can head over to the Celestial Dragon Village in Suphanburi to admire several Chinese vintage architecture in a mini ‘Lijiang’.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store in this quaint little town.
More places to check out in Thailand:
- Chill Out: Farm & Cafe has a mini zoo where you can ride ponies
- Wat Rong Suea Ten in Chiang Rai is a gorgeous all-blue temple
- Proud Phu Fah in Chiang Mai is a jungle resort with hot tubs
Celestial Dragon Village resembles Lijiang’s ancient town
Located within Dragon Descendants Museum in Suphanburi is Muban Mungkorn Sawan – translated as the Celestial Dragon Village.
Image credit: Care_petalz32
Upon arriving, visitors will be introduced to a traditional Chinese entrance with three ancient roofs on top.
Image credit: @Titnet2520
By just crossing the bridge, visitors will feel as though they were stepping into an old Chinese town from 800 years ago.
Image credit: Natpat.g
The attraction’s vintage structures found along the way bear a striking resemblance to Lijiang, the world’s heritage city in China.
Image credit: Thailandbesttourservice
Each building reflects the architectural design of ancient Chinese houses whose distinctive features are wooden glass doors and windows, ceilings adorned with iconic Chinese lanterns, and traditional upturned roofs.
Image credit: Welovesuphan
It’s easy to see how these elements can easily steal the hearts of many tourists, especially those who love admiring historical architecture.
Image credit: Thaweechot Tatiyapermpoon
In addition, there are also a variety of souvenir shops to taken home tokens of your trip to Thailand’s very own ‘Lijiang’.
Image credit: Welovesuphan
If you’re planning a day trip, head over to Rong Tiaum for authentic Chinese cuisine, or indulge in a relaxing massage to stretch out the kinks in your muscles after walking around the village.
Image credit: Titnet2520
As for IG-spots for that oh-so-important social media receipt, we’d recommend the iconic turbine with steam emitting from the water in a pond that looks identical to its original counterpart in Lijiang.
Image credit: Care_petalz32
Standing right next to the turbine is an observation tower where tourists can go ascend to feast their eyes on a panoramic view of the gigantic dragon statue.
Image credit: T.tang_panthong
Do note that the observation tower is open daily from 8AM-4PM.
Image credit: @Noo.da.391
Situated near the Celestial Dragon Village, Dragon Descendants Museum is another interesting spot for taking photos.
Image credit: @Chotika_fern
Here you can have a nice shot with a giant statue of celestial dragon as a backdrop.
Come all dolled up in your cheongsam, if you’d like, to level up your IG post and convince your friends you’ve really gone on a trip in China.
Image credit: พิพิธภัณฑ์ลูกหลานพันธุ์มังกร สุพรรณบุรี
Over at the Dragon Descendants Museum, look out for exhibitions showcasing Chinese diaspora and China history.
The admission fee costs ฿299 (~USD8.90) per each, ฿149 (~USD4.43) for kids, ฿499 (~USD14.86) for adult tourists, and ฿299 (~USD8.90) for children.
Image credit: พิพิธภัณฑ์ลูกหลานพันธุ์มังกร สุพรรณบุรี
Just a minute’s walk from the museum, you can also pay a visit at City Pillar Shrine of Suphan Buri to make merit and pray for your fam’s wealth and well-being.
Celestial Dragon Village is a 2-hour drive from Bangkok
Just a 2-hour drive from Bangkok, you will find yourself living in a small city in China where aesthetic antique Chinese-esque buildings are inescapable.
If you’re not sure where to drop by during your holiday trip in Suphanburi, Celestial Dragon Village will bring you to Thailand’s mini-Lijiang without having to flash your passports and book your flight tickets.
Heavenly Dragon Village
Opening Hours: 10AM – 4PM, Monday-Friday (Closed on Tuesday), 9AM – 5PM, Saturday-Sunday
Address: F4H6+75P, Tambon Rua Yai, Amphoe Mueang Suphanburi, Suphanburi 72000
Telephone: +66 3 552 6211
Google Maps
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): Trueid.net, Bloggang, Sanook, @Titnet2520
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