Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's travel highlights. Many travelers take the day tour from Bangkok, which allows about 3 hours at the sites (the majority of these lie inside the Historical Park), but for folks with an interest in archaeological ruins, Ayutthaya justifies an overnight or more.

The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of styles. Tall, ornate spires called prangs point to ancient Khmer (Cambodian) influence (best seen in Bangkok at Wat Arun). These bear a resemblance to the architecture of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai style.