Cité historique d'Ayutthaya

Historic City of Ayutthaya: Essential Ruins and Landmarks

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya served as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom for over four centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a concentrated collection of massive prangs and Buddhist monasteries. The architectural style blends Khmer influences with early Sukhothai designs, visible in the ruins of the royal palace and central temples. Key landmarks include the iconic Buddha head entwined in banyan tree roots and massive reclining Buddha images that survived the city's destruction in 1767.