Ayutthaya is the ruins of ancient Siam's capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site an hour from Bangkok. Once the world's largest city, destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, today it impresses with the scale of its temples and the atmosphere of a bygone era.

History

Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and served as capital for four centuries. At its peak, a million people lived here. In 1767, the Burmese burned the city and beheaded Buddha statues.

Main Temples

Wat Mahathat features the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots. Wat Phra Si Sanphet has three stupas. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is photogenic on the riverbank.

How to Get There

From Bangkok - train (1.5 hours) or minivan (1 hour). Day tours often combine with Bang Pa-In palace. Sukhothai is older but Ayutthaya is more accessible.