The Ancient Capital. Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for four centuries and, in its heyday, was said to be a busier and more beautiful city than either London or Paris. Sadly, the city was destroyed in a Burmese siege in 1767 and has lain in ruins ever since.

Today much of ancient Ayutthaya is preserved as a World Heritage Site and archaeological studies into this once fabled city continue.

The visitor to Ayutthaya should begin with the major sights - The Ancient Grand Palace (Phra Rachawang Boran), Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Mahathat, Phet Fortress (Bom Phet), and The Ayutthaya Historical Study Center, - for an insight into one of the great cities of the past.

One of the most popular ways to visit Ayutthaya and the nearby Bang Pa - In Summer Palace is by river cruise from Bangkok up the Chao Phraya River.