Ayutthaya

Before Bangkok, two once great cities also served as Thailand’s capital and are now UNESCO listed. Easiest to visit is Ayutthaya, about an hour from Bangkok. Arrive by road or river and explore by foot or bicycle. Ayutthaya was a functioning city between the 13th and 18th centuries. It was ransacked by Burmese soldiers, which left interesting sights, like the head struck from a Buddha statue that has become enmeshed in tree roots.

Many stone Buddhas are draped with saffron robes or patched with gold leaf by devotees. Larger, more remote Sukhothai was the first capital of what was then called Siam. Pedal around the many palaces and temples and you’ll fit in a lot more. Don’t miss Wat Si Chum with its 15 metre high seated Buddha.