Thung Tuk Ancient Port Site
Explore the remnants of a 1st-century CE ancient port city, a vital hub on ancient trade routes connecting East and West.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and bugs
Thung Tuk Ancient Port Site
Best Time
Beat the heat and bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remnants of a 1st-century CE ancient port city, a vital hub on ancient trade routes connecting East and West.
"Worth a quick look for history buffs, but manage expectations for visible ruins."
Manage Expectations
It's mostly foundations; appreciate the history, not grand ruins. :thinking_face:
Visit the Museum (if open)
Check for artifacts, but it's often unattended and run-down. :old_key:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.5 · 43 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Foundations
Main excavation area
See the remnants of ancient structures, including brick foundations, hinting at a once-thriving port city.
Archaeological Museum (if open)
Near the entrance
Discover artifacts like earthenware, beads, and glassware from ancient trade routes.
Scattered Pottery Shards
Around the site
Look for broken earthenware pieces, tangible links to the Tang Dynasty and ancient trade.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Ruins
Best Time to Explore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Manage Expectations
It's mostly foundations; appreciate the history, not grand ruins. :thinking_face:
Visit the Museum (if open)
Check for artifacts, but it's often unattended and run-down. :old_key:
Scooter Recommended
Easy to access by rental scooter when exploring the island. 🛵
Look for Shards
Tang Dynasty pottery shards are scattered around the site. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
Tips
from all over the internet
Manage Expectations
It's mostly foundations; appreciate the history, not grand ruins. :thinking_face:
Visit the Museum (if open)
Check for artifacts, but it's often unattended and run-down. :old_key:
Scooter Recommended
Easy to access by rental scooter when exploring the island. 🛵
Look for Shards
Tang Dynasty pottery shards are scattered around the site. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
Bug Spray is Key
The area can be buggy, especially during warmer, humid times. :bug:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors acknowledge Thung Tuk Ancient Port Site's historical significance as a former trade hub, but note that the visible ruins are minimal, consisting mainly of foundations and scattered bricks. The on-site museum, while potentially informative, is often found run-down and unattended. It's considered a quick stop for those interested in archaeology, best explored with a scooter.
"The Ban Thung Teuk site is an ancient village dating back to the first century CE . The site itself is basically not much to see as much of what was there ...is no longer there other than a foundation with some ancient bricks in the ground where you can see that at one time a structure was here...but that's about it.
The village apparently was once called "Tagola" and was on a major trade route in the early days of the silk trade mostly between kingdoms in India, China, Arabia and Malay. The ancient city is referred in more modern times as "Thunk Teuk" . In around 1935 the area was excavated where they uncovered earthenware from the Tang Dynasty period as well as beads, Persian Glassware and other archaeological finds.
There is a small museum / info center at the site however I have never seen anyone there working it and the buildings as of the last time I was there were run down and seemingly abandoned.
If you walk through the info center you can glean some interesting facts from the numerous bill-board style displays they have set up."
JP Canada
"Ruins found in the area of 4km2. The Fine Arts Department believes that the site was a temple complex since Srivijaya period (7th-14th century). They found sculptures of Hindu gods believed brought here by Indian merchants. As part of ancient trade route, they also found amulets of Chinese goddess of mercy and numerous broken earthenware from Tang Dynasty. Those broken pieces of potteries can still be found around the area until today."
Karnjana Karnjanatawe
"Once upon a time it was a tamil village during the chola kingdom in thailand. Tamil is the 1st and very oldest language in the world."
Jeyaratnam suthagaran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Thung Tuk Ancient Port Site is best reached by rental scooter, which is a common way to explore the island. It's located inland and accessible via local roads. Taxis or songthaews can also be hired, but may be more expensive.
While not as prominently signposted as major tourist spots, it's generally findable with a GPS or map. Ask locals for directions if needed; they are usually helpful.
The site itself is small enough to explore on foot. However, getting to the site and exploring other nearby attractions is best done with a scooter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on entrance fees is scarce, and many visitors report that the site is freely accessible. The museum, if open, may have a small fee or donation box.
There are no official opening hours posted for the outdoor ruins. The small museum on-site often has unpredictable hours and is frequently found closed or unattended.
Advance booking is not necessary or possible, as there are no formal ticketing procedures for the ancient port site itself.
Unfortunately, the museum at Thung Tuk Ancient Port Site is often closed or unattended. Visitors report it being run-down and not consistently staffed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find archaeological foundations, scattered ancient bricks, and potentially broken earthenware shards. The site represents a former trade hub, with remnants of structures and artifacts found from various dynasties. +1
If it's open, the museum offers insights into the site's history with displays about artifacts found, such as earthenware, beads, and glassware. However, it's often in disrepair and unattended.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour here, depending on their interest in archaeology and if the museum is accessible. It's a quick stop rather than a full-day attraction.
This site is not a major tourist hotspot, so you'll likely find it quiet with few other visitors, especially if you go during off-peak hours.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the ground can be uneven. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Bring insect repellent. :athletic_shoe:
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the textures of the ancient bricks and foundations. The scattered pottery shards can also make for interesting close-up shots. The overall atmosphere is one of historical quietude. :camerawithflash:
While drone photography might offer a unique perspective of the site's layout, be mindful of local regulations and respect the historical nature of the location.
If the museum is open and you are able to view the artifacts, photography is generally permitted, but it's always best to check for any posted signs or ask if staff are present. :iphone:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit