Ayutthaya

72 Km North of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. A magnificent city with three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island threaded by canals, Ayutthaya was truly an impressive city that attracted both Europeans and Asians. It has seen thirty three kings of different dynasties and it reached its peak in the middle of the18th century. After a 15-month siege the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi.

Today, although there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived, the temple compounds are still awe-inspiring and a visit here is memorable for those drawn to the relics of history. The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style.

Notable among the sights is the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, that has been included in UNESCO list of World Heritage since December 1991.