Ayutthaya in Central Thailand

This central Thailand province is home to 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 (or, more formerly, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and remained the country’s capital until 1767. During this period 33 kings from a variety of dynasties ruled Thailand from Ayutthaya until it was invaded by the Burmese in 1767. Today’s 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. They are also by far the best way to appreciate the province’s 2,556 square kilometers of landscapes and views. Being so close to the capital, Ayutthaya can be approached as a day out or an extended visit. Numerous tours are available to the area, most originating in Bangkok.