It was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam until the late 18th century.
The location was strategically chosen on an island surrounded by three rivers at the head of the Gulf of Siam. It was equidistant between India and China, making it ideal for trade.
Ayutthaya flourished for more than 400 years and at its height may have supported hundreds of thousands of residents.
Once an important center of global diplomacy and commerce, Ayutthaya is now an archaeological ruin.
Ayutthaya was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1991.
