Ayutthaya is a small city 90 minutes north of Bangkok. The central part of the city is actually an island surrounded by two rivers and a canal. It is far enough from Bangkok not to be a suburb, but close enough for escapism. The city used to be the capital hundreds of years ago so it’s rife with ruins and historical sights. It is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

” It’s full Thai name is Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (Sacred City of Ayodhya)”

“… is located at the confluence of three rivers … A wide canal joins them and makes a complete circle around the town”

“Served as the Siamese royal capital from 1350 to 1767″

“By the end of the 17th century Ayutthaya’s population had reached one million – virtually all foreign visitors claimed it to be the most illustrious city they had ever seen.”

“Nowadays Ayuthaya makes a pleasant and convenient escape from Bangkok”

If you’re entertained by wandering around ruined temples, you’ll find a different temple for every day of the year to keep you enthralled.

As well as more than 300 temples, there’s a handful of small museums showing ancient artefacts. There are some elephant-based attractions and early in the morning and just before dusk you can see the elephants walking along the streets going home.

Plenty of Internet cafes with decent speeds. The best shopping is at a large shopping mall, Ayutthaya Park, including a giant Tesco-Lotus and a Robinsons’.

More corporeal needs are met by loads of bars and basic restaurants. There’s some good dining, including floating restaurants serving Thai food, and an Italian restaurant in the up-market Krungsi River hotel. There are also several boat-restaurants which offer evening cruises popular with locals and tourists alike. Then there are The Pizza Company, KFC and MacDonald’s outlets for those tiring of phat ga phao.