The ruin of Ayutthaya stand as a fascinating link with Thailand's past. In 1350 Ayutthaya became the capital of Siam and the city expanded into a great trading centre with entrepot trade between china and Erope. It prospered for four centuries until 1767 when the invading Burmese, after four years of fighting, completely destroyed the city,leaving only the ruins which can be seen today. The Burmese were finally expelled by tak Sin, who become King and Moved the capital down the river to Thonburi. Aside from the ruins, whose expanse gives an indication of the past grandrur of the city, Ayutthaya National Museum is of interest as it contains a vast collection of bronze Buddha statues between five and ten centurries old, as well as many other interesting artifacts equally old. You can visit Ayutthaya by the air3conditioned river launch "ORIENTAL QUEEN", making the jourmey one way by river, one way by bus, for a cost of 740 baht.