Mallika R.E 124 is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entirety of Kanchanaburi, and with good reason. When you visit the  Mallika village, you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled back to the past because it reflects the life of the Siamese during the old days. It is a real, ancient city that has been revived and restored in order to give everyone a look-see of what life in Thailand was back then, and to give both tourists and locals a chance to get in touch with Thailand’s ancient roots.

Mallika Kanchanaburi is best explored when it is bright and sunny so that you and your friends and family will be able to explore around without much hassle, so the months between November and April are a wonderful choice. May to October, the Thai rainy season, might not be the best time to plan a visit, however.

Without a doubt, the village is a great, historic location with something for everyone. If you’re wondering if Mallika Village is a good spot for you, here’s something to convince yourself:

1. Perfect for Dates.

Wouldn’t it be great to get to know the person you’re interested in all while learning history and trying delicious ancient food? You can do plenty of romantic things in the living museum, such as:

a.) Enter into Mallika Village via King Rama V’s favourite bridge –

Aka the Not only can you see the sights and nature of the small village, but you can also buy different goods such as imported dried fruit to snack on as you walk around.

b.) Have a walking date

Once you exchange your Thai baht for satang, the currency during the old times, you can walk around and purchase street food, and eat as you explore the wonders of the ancient city.

2. Perfect for friends just like us, who love traveling –

   You don’t have to be with a date in order to enjoy the sights and sounds of Mallika. It’s also a great destination for friends and large groups, filled with lots of locations perfect for:

a.) Group Photos – The small village is very picturesque and offers lots of locations wherein you and your friends can snap photos. Some examples are the:

– Narit Courtyard: After crossing the Makhawan Rangsan Bridge, you will find your way over to the  Narit Courtyard where you can see the old houses of the commoners back in the Siam days. You can also have a look see at what the higher class, wealthier people lives in at Reuan Khada Bodi located in the Mali Courtyard.

b.) Rest and Eating at the Floating Market – Eating is fun but eating while surrounded by friends is even better. While you’re in the Reuan Khaha Bodi area, you can go and visit the Floating market where you will be able to find lots of delicious Siam goods.

3. Perfect for people who would love to dress up

Mallika Village is also the perfect place to go for individuals who love to dress up, particularly in cultural clothing.

Before you walk throughout the village you have the option to buy and wear traditional Siam clothing which will make you look and feel like a local having travelled back in time. Everybody else in the village will be donning the traditional wear so you’ll really feel as if you’ve gone into a different dimension.

4. Perfect for those who want to play prince and princesses for a day

If there’s any place to look and feel like a royal, Mallika Village is it. In the evening, you will be treated like royalty at the Reuan Hmoo wherein the “locals” are to perform traditional Thai dances in your honour all while you enjoy a delicious dinner meal filled to the brim with all sorts of delicious Thai goods and food fit for a King (or Queen!).

6. Perfect for those who enjoy cultural experiences

One of the best and most sought after aspect of the village is the cultural wonder that it provides. It shows visitors the deep cultural roots of Thailand and a glimpse as to where the entire country sprouted out from. Some great activities that’ll show you the Siam culture are:

• Making rice at the Cooking Kitchen and Rice Production House: Like the name says, here you will be able to watch and participate in the different stages of the process, such as rice milling, processing, and packaging.

• Learn Ancient Siam Skills: There’s a spot in the village called the Ancient Market Zone where you don’t just shop—you learn to make the products that you purchase as well. You can try your hand at all sorts of skills, such as making Thai snacks and meals, pottery, and so much more. Because of how interactive the Ancient Market Zone is, we would actually think of it as a place to go back to.

7. Perfect for Families

Last but definitely not the least, the Mallika Village is a perfect place to visit for families because there’s something for everyone. The children can enjoy playing dress up and feel as if they’re living in a fantasy world once they exchange their Thai baht for ancient currency, and the adults are free to roam and shop around for souvenirs and everyday items. One of the things that make Mallika Village such an amazing place is its versatility.

Overall, Mallika is a definite must see while in Kanchanaburi for its enlightening history about Thailand, the chance to feel as if you’ve travelled back in time, as well as the overall enjoyability of the activities in the location.

Of all the different things to do in the village, we particularly enjoyed playing dress up and taking a look around at the different artsy shops.

Photos Edited by  Tess Rivera

Taken by Karla Ramos, Timmy Tolentino, Audrey Trinidad and Tess Rivera