Siam's golden capital, frozen in time
Ayutthaya was the magnificent capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years, its temples and palaces rivalling any city on Earth. Today a vast historical park of headless Buddhas, crumbling prangs, and moat-ringed islands makes it one of Southeast Asia's most atmospheric UNESCO sites — a perfect day trip from Bangkok by train.
Founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I, Ayutthaya grew into one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Asia, a hub of international trade visited by Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Dutch merchants. In 1767 Burmese forces sacked the city and melted down its gold Buddhas, scattering the Siamese court and leaving the ruins that remain today. The new capital moved to Bangkok, and Ayutthaya was preserved by neglect — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.