A trip on January 15, 2024 ...
Ayutthaya is a must-visit day trip out of Bangkok. Founded in the 14th century and becoming the royal Thai capital, a million people lived along the city's canals by the late 17th century as trade prospered.
All that came to an end when the Burmese invaded in 1767, laying the city in ruins and abandoned as the capital moved south to Bangkok.
While it is possible to take the train from Bangkok on the cheap, the train station is not near the historic sights and the various attractions are quite spread out. Wary of negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers for a day hire or not being able to find a Grab amidst the dry season heat, I opted to join an English small group day tour that picked me up from the hotel.
Despite being ravaged by the Burmese, the ruins are still impressive and there are many of these scattered around the city.