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Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, the second capital of Siam, represents a golden period in Thailands history; one of opulence, one of stability and one of expansion. It also represents the emergence in Thailand of a flourishing culture, one that was nurtured by the people and enhanced by the increasing presence of foreign traders from Europe, India and the Far East.

Founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1351, Ayutthaya quickly absorbed the faded capital of Sukhothai 640km to the north and grew to roughly equal the boundaries of Thailand today. The city of Ayutthaya was richly constructed on a network of canals on a four kilometre-wide island at the confluence of the Lopburi, Pasak and Chao Phraya rivers. In its heyday the citys many gilt decorated temples - perhaps 400 - shimmered so much in the sun that their dazzling gleam could be seen as many as five kilometres away. It was equally richly populated; at its height in 1685 one million people were living largely in houseboats on Ayutthayas extensive network of waterways.

In 1767, little more than 400 years after its inception, Ayutthaya was captured by the Burmese. Taking thousands of prisoners captive, they desecrated the city and left it to the ruthless abandon of the jungle.

Today the extensive Ayutthaya Historical Park is a truly fascinating place to visit. Grand red-brick ruins of formerly opulent temples, palaces and monasteries rise above the bright green parkland and form a jaded picture of how the city would once have looked. The western half of the island is home to the most magnificent of Ayutthayas ruins; admire the beautiful bronze Buddhas, gaze at the distinctive Khmer-esque prangs (or reliquary towers) and look out for a photographic stone Buddha head that has become firmly enveloped in a bodhi trees ancient roots. The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum contains many of the glorious moveable remnants of Ayutthayas former glory.

Ayutthaya was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 13th December 1991 and in commemoration the city comes alive every year with a week-long festival held in mid-December. Its a great time to visit; step back in time and lose yourself in the fabulous nightly son-et-lumiere show that features vivid cultural displays, fantastic fireworks and enthralling reconstructions of regal elephant back duels.