Ayuthaya

A prosperous political and trade capital of Siam and Southeast Asia between the 14th and 18th centuries, Ayutthaya harbours a wealth of history through its fascinating temple ruins and palaces – many believed to have been gilded with gold. At the height of prosperity, Ayutthaya maintained warm diplomatic ties with the French court as well as Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Persians and East Asian countries; their influences are reflected in the architectural styles at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace as well as temples located inside the city moat. 

Today, despite their ruined state, Ayutthaya temples maintain a revered feel. Strolling the grounds of these ruins is a humbling experience, particularly as you try to imagine what the original sights might have been before the Burmese ransacked and burned the city to the ground.