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Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital and one
of the country’s leading tourist attractions. Easily
accessible from Thailand’s current capital (just 86
kilometers north of Bangkok) and rich in historical
significance, the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Many
travellers take the day tour from Bangkok, which allows
about 3 hours at the sites, but for folks with an
interest in archaeological ruins, Ayutthaya justifies an
overnight or more.
 Ayutthaya has been on UNESCO’s world heritage list
since 1991 and is full of important reminders of the
area’s former glory. With three rivers and a large canal
encircling Ayutthaya, boats (particularly long tail
boats) represent an ideal way to access the city’s
various historical sites.
The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of
Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai
style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs,
denote Khmer influence and look something like the
famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are
ascribed to the Sukhothai influence.
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