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Ayutthaya

Visitors to Thailand will quickly discover that every wat, palace and artistic wonder is steeped in history. The long, rich history of Thailand plays an important part in its culture and society, and the inquisitive visitor will find many opportunities to learn more about Thailand's fascinating past.

Nowhere is history more present --or more breathtaking-- than in lost city of Ayutthaya, a must-visit site for any traveller. Culture lovers will find a wealth of historical and artistic splendor; adventurers will relish the different opportunities to camp, bike and boat throughout the park. Any visitor cannot fail to be awed by the silent majesty of the site, which encompasses the vast ruins of what once was Southeast Asia's greatest city.

For four hundred years, the splendid palaces, temples and waterways of Ayutthaya earned it the title of "The Pearl of the East," akin to Venice in the West for grandeur and power. At the time, it was one of the largest cities in the world. Lying 50 miles south of Bangkok on the "River of the Kings," it was the political and economic center of Thailand from 1350 to 1767, when it fell victim to the Kingdom of Siam's long-standing conflict with Burma. Over the course of a single week, Burmese forces put the entire city to the fire and sword. Visitors to the ruins, which remained untouched for almost two centuries, will witness a palpable sense of tragedy and stillness that still hangs over the lost city.

Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya has seen massive numbers of visitors and has benefited from restoration efforts in recent years. Today, visitors to the park can see both fire-charred towers and gleaming restored temples, beheaded Buddha statues and ones plastered in gold leaf and silk. Volunteer efforts are slowly reclaiming the city from the jungle, but the miles upon miles of red-brick ruins remain the site's most arresting feature.

Visitors can tour Ayutthaya from the comfort of a guided, air-conditioned bus, but do-it-yourselfers can get by with a map and a bicycle or car. An unforgettably luxurious option is offered by the world-class Manohra Song, a vessel fit for a king that offers two-day overnight trips from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and back. Many other aquatic options are available, from passenger vessels to guided kayak tours.

Whether travellers choose to see Ayutthaya solo or with a group, their visit will be rewarded with a sense of majesty and history unparalleled by any other site in Thailand. Most travellers make it a day trip from Bangkok, but the site, like the ruins of ancient Pompeii, is vast enough to occupy a week of exploration and discovery. Visits are best planned for November through February, when the weather is dry and comparatively cooler, as there is very little shade and few amenities within the park.