AYUTTHAYA 

Ayutthaya is the largest city of Ayutthaya Province where the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ayutthaya Historical Park gives an insight into the former glory of this former capital city of the ancient kingdom of Siam. Dating back to the 13th century, what’s left of this ancient city of Thailand, the Historical Park is a scattering of temples, ruins and canals which were once the major centre of trade trips for Europeans and Asians. Originally part of the Khmer empire before the Siamese pushed back and conquered the Khmer, establishing independence. Founded in 1350, it did not become a thriving city until 1378 while it remained the centre of cosmopolitan trade for the next 400 years until it was overthrown and destroyed by the Burmese. Known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or simply the Ayutthaya Historical Park, the area comprises four main temples along with the former Royal Palace and Wihan Phra Mongkol Bophit. Exploring the site is like stepping back in time into lost worlds and uncovering the fascinating history of what once was and the beginnings of the present Thai culture making for a tailor-made trip of a perfect holiday!