The Burmese army sacked the former Siamese capital Ayutthaya in 1767, leaving the great city in ruins. Quite possibly Ayutthaya's most photographed site, this abandoned Buddha head strangled in tree roots sits inside the grounds of Wat Mahathat.
The Burmese army sacked the former Siamese capital Ayutthaya in 1767, leaving the great city in ruins. Quite possibly Ayutthaya's most photographed site, this abandoned Buddha head strangled in tree roots sits inside the grounds of Wat Mahathat.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
A UNESCO-listed site, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350. "It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which time it grew to be one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce," says UNESCO's listing.
A UNESCO-listed site, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350. "It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which time it grew to be one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce," says UNESCO's listing.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Among Ayutthaya's highlights is Wat Chaiwattanaram, a temple built during the later Ayutthaya period. It sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Among Ayutthaya's highlights is Wat Chaiwattanaram, a temple built during the later Ayutthaya period. It sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
This reclining Buddha, at Ayutthaya's Wat Lokayasutharam, is 42 meters in length from head to toe. It was restored in 1954.
This reclining Buddha, at Ayutthaya's Wat Lokayasutharam, is 42 meters in length from head to toe. It was restored in 1954.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
The haunting remains of Buddha statues -- many without heads or torsos -- lie throughout Ayutthaya's historical ruins, a constant reminder of the city's fall in 1767.
The haunting remains of Buddha statues -- many without heads or torsos -- lie throughout Ayutthaya's historical ruins, a constant reminder of the city's fall in 1767.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Wat Phra Ram was constructed on the cremation site of King Ramathibodi I, the first Ayutthayan monarch.
Wat Phra Ram was constructed on the cremation site of King Ramathibodi I, the first Ayutthayan monarch.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
A woman shows off a fish caught in a lake outside Wat Phra Ram.
A woman shows off a fish caught in a lake outside Wat Phra Ram.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Every morning, Buddhist monks head out into the streets of Ayutthaya to collect food offerings from devotees.
Every morning, Buddhist monks head out into the streets of Ayutthaya to collect food offerings from devotees.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
The total area of Ayutthaya considered World Heritage property is less than three square kilometers.
The total area of Ayutthaya considered World Heritage property is less than three square kilometers.
Pongpat Patumsuwon
Off the main Ayutthaya island on the south bank of the Chao Phraya, the beautiful St. Joseph's Church was built during the reign of King Narai in 1666 at the request of missionaries led by a French bishop. Destroyed during the Burmese invasion in 1767, it was restored in the mid-1800s.
Off the main Ayutthaya island on the south bank of the Chao Phraya, the beautiful St. Joseph's Church was built during the reign of King Narai in 1666 at the request of missionaries led by a French bishop. Destroyed during the Burmese invasion in 1767, it was restored in the mid-1800s.
Pongpat Patumsuwon
A short bike ride from the church sits Wat Putthaisawan. Built in 1353, it remains in use to this day.
A short bike ride from the church sits Wat Putthaisawan. Built in 1353, it remains in use to this day.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Ayutthaya's seen a number of cool new openings in the last couple of years. The most eye-catching of them all has to be The Wine Ayutthaya, an extension to the Grand Chao Phraya Restaurant designed by Bangkok Project Studio.
Ayutthaya's seen a number of cool new openings in the last couple of years. The most eye-catching of them all has to be The Wine Ayutthaya, an extension to the Grand Chao Phraya Restaurant designed by Bangkok Project Studio.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
The Wine Ayutthaya is made entirely from steel-reinforced plywood and wrapped in PVC sheets,
The Wine Ayutthaya is made entirely from steel-reinforced plywood and wrapped in PVC sheets,
Bangkok Project Studio
Colorful tuk tuks sit parked outside many of the area's popular ruins, waiting to shuttle tourists to their next stop.
Colorful tuk tuks sit parked outside many of the area's popular ruins, waiting to shuttle tourists to their next stop.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
One of the finer ways to travel to Ayutthaya, Anantara Dream is a renovated 100-year-old rice barge.
One of the finer ways to travel to Ayutthaya, Anantara Dream is a renovated 100-year-old rice barge.
Anantara
The Anantara Dream only has two bedrooms, making it perfect for families looking for a private tour of the area.
The Anantara Dream only has two bedrooms, making it perfect for families looking for a private tour of the area.
kiattipong panchee/ANANTARA
Ayutthaya's top boutique stay, Sala offers stunning views of the Wat Phutthaisawan temple across the river.
Ayutthaya's top boutique stay, Sala offers stunning views of the Wat Phutthaisawan temple across the river.
Sala
Sala's deluxe river view terrace.
Sala's deluxe river view terrace.
Wison Tungthhunya/Photograph by Wison Tungthunya
New Ayutthaya restaurant The Summer House is adding a modern splash to some old classics.<br />Popular dishes include the Summer Roll, a baked bun filled with river prawn and spicy mayo, cheese and lettuce.
New Ayutthaya restaurant The Summer House is adding a modern splash to some old classics.
Popular dishes include the Summer Roll, a baked bun filled with river prawn and spicy mayo, cheese and lettuce.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN