Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for 417 years before the Burmese burned it in 1767, and the UNESCO World Heritage ruins tell that story in crumbling brick and headless Buddhas. Wat Mahathat's iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots is Thailand's most photographed ruin. Wat Chaiwatthanaram's Khmer-style towers catch gorgeous light at sunset, and Wat Ratchaburana's crypt still has original murals. Renting a bicycle is the best way to cover the historical park's spread-out temples.

Beyond the ruins, Ayutthaya is an island city — rivers and canals wrap around the old town, and boat tours offer a different perspective. The surrounding area has Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a fairy-tale mix of Thai, Chinese, and Gothic architecture set in manicured gardens. The Ayutthaya Floating Market is touristy but fun, and the evening boat-noodle restaurants along the river are atmospheric. The city's roti sai mai (cotton-candy filled roti) is famous across Thailand, sold from roadside carts near the ruins. Day trips from Bangkok are easy (90 minutes by train or van), but an overnight stay lets you catch the ruins illuminated after dark.