Ayutthaya Thailand
The city of Ayutthaya is a fascinating place to visit, full of the history and culture of ancient Thailand. Giant ruins speckle the city, seamlessly interwoven with the newer buildings built around them. This area is a wonderful place to take photos and explore and should not be missed.

Accommodation is reasonable here, and is located in many places throughout the city. Many of the guesthouses here rent bicycles as well, which are a great way to see the city. The ruins can also be explored by foot, tuk tuk, motorcycle or even elephant! Maps can be purchased in the city that detail all of the sights and their locations, and guided tours can be taken for a great price, by drivers who can show you the best ruins.

Ayutthaya used to be the capital of Siam, but was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The capital was then moved, leaving the once royal city crumbling. Modern buildings were built in later years, but the ruins of the former impressive and royal buildings still stand. These ruins span over dozens of kilometers, and can take days to explore.

The Ancient Palace is the most popular and impressive ruin of the city. It was home to the royals until a monastery was built in its place. Wat Ratchaburana was built in 1424, and has amazing mural paintings in its crypt. The brick and mortar Buddha of Wat Phananchoeng was created in 1324, and it is said that tears fell from its eyes when the city was overtaken by the Burmese in 1767.

The Historical Study Center is a great place to gain background knowledge of the city as its former, ancient self, and the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum has some exquisite jewelry on display.

The nightlife in Ayutthaya is fairly laid back, although there are a few good clubs to visit. There are some exceptional restaurants in the city, and it can be fun to spend a few hours in one, sampling various Thai dishes and local specialties. Thai Massages are also a popular activity, and tend to be extremely reasonable, not to mention relaxing after a long day of exploring.