Ayutthaya Historical Park, just north of Bangkok, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The former capital, founded in 1351 was the seat of power until sacked by the Burmese in 1767. At its height it thrived on commerce, with traders from Portugal and the Netherlands allocated cantonments there. The town sits within a meander of the Chao Phraya river. You can watch the busy river traffic even now, with huge barges being towed down to the coast. Look out for sunsets at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and for the Buddha head captured by banyan tree roots at Wat Mahathat. Another photogenic wat, well worth a visit, is .Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, south-east of the loop.

A great way to tour the temples is to hire either a bicycle, or a boat (with boatman) and follow the loop of the meander which encircles Ayutthaya.