Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 until 1767. The old city’s ruins are now known as the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site home to temples, palaces, and much more.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a fascinating look into Thailand’s history. 

It’s one of the best day trips from Bangkok, at just over an hour’s drive from the city. Either hire a driver or join a group tour, and you can even rent bicycles to make it easier to explore the site fully in one day.