Ayuthaya

One of the great cities of the ancient world. Existing from 1351 to 1767 it was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the East during the 16th century. Compared in size and wealth to Paris. The kingdom extending through the rich agricultural flood plains of the Chao Praya River down through the peninsula of Malaysia.

In 1765 the rivaling Burmese invaded, 400,000 soldiers strong razing the city to the ground. Their rule lasted a mere months before they were forced to retreat, their own capital in Burma endangered by the Chinese. After that the capital of Siam, or Thailand was moved further south down the Chao Praya to what we know of today as Bangkok.

Today the ruins of the ancient city of Ayuthaya are a historical park and UNESCO world heritage park. This iconic image of a bodhi tree (the tree the Buddha gained enlightenment under) grown around the head of one of the many decapitated statues is one of the most recognizable images of Thailand, snapped by many visitors and tourists every day, including us.

Lina and I spent a hot afternoon wandering the ruins on a train layover in town onward to the north.