Visiting Ayutthaya

The former capital of Ayutthaya was raised by the Burmese in the 18th century but is still home to some interesting ruins of temples and palaces. The city is just 50 miles outside of Bangkok but feels worlds away, and it's a great place to spend a day or even a weekend.

There are dozens of tour companies offering day trips to Ayutthaya, but if you're planning a trip there, consider doing it on your own. Whether you go by bus, car or train, the trip there is very straightforward, and once you arrive it isn't challenging to navigate the national historic park.