Overview
Founded in the fourteenth century on an island between three rivers, Ayutthaya grew into one of the largest and richest cities in the world before a Burmese army razed it. What remains — brick temple towers, rows of headless Buddhas and the famous stone Buddha head wrapped in tree roots — is now a World Heritage archaeological park, spread across the modern town. It is an easy day trip or overnight from Bangkok, best explored early by bicycle before the heat.
Highlights
Wat Mahathat holds the celebrated Buddha head cradled in the roots of a fig tree, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet keeps three restored royal chedis in a row. Wat Chaiwatthanaram rises in Khmer-style prangs beside the river, at its best at sunset. Bicycles and boats link the ruins, and a river cruise returns to Bangkok past temples and villages.