The old Thai capital of Ayutthaya, today one of the most impressive ruined cities in Asia, stands on the wide and fertile plain of the Chao Phraya River at a point where the river forms a natural loop. Indeed the city is completely encircled by rivers, the Chao Phya River to the south and west, the Lopburi to the north and the Pasak to the east. A canal also links the Lopburi and the Chao Phya River, then formed a most favorably situated island.

Ayutthaya today is a vast collection of temple and palace remains which initially excited little interest from archaeologists. Since 1956 however, the foundations of several temples have been excavated to give an idea of their original size, and there has also been some reconstruction. So far about a hundred buildings and ruins have been designated national monuments by the Department of Fine Arts, more being added to the list as further reconstruction and restoration work proceeds with the help of UNESCO.

Other genuine buildings have been transported to recreate traditional scenes of Thai life, such as The market of Yesteryear, the Floating Market and the Northern Thai Hamlet. Another facet of Ancient City is the beautiful gardens, some of them portraying Thai legends with bronze horses flying over waterfalls and suchlike.