Ruins of Siam's great royal capital
For four centuries Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam and one of the largest cities in the world, until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. What remains is an island of brick prangs, headless Buddhas and temple foundations, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wat Mahathat, with its Buddha head wrapped in tree roots, is the famous image, while Wat Phra Si Sanphet's three chedis and the riverside Wat Chaiwatthanaram are just as striking. Cycling between the ruins is the best way to see them.