Ayuttaha, situated roughly 80 kilometres north of Bangkok, replaced Sukothai as the capital of the Siamese kingdom in the 12th century and is the site of some spectacular historical ruins. Over the centuries, the city grew and prospered, earning the nickname ‘Venice of the East' before it fell to the Burmese in 1767. The Ayutthaya Historical Park encompasses the ancient remains of ornate monasteries and religious towers that defined the city in its heyday. This archaeological site is the city’s most striking attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but for those who choose to linger a while, the more modern section of town also has its own charms – including opulent Buddhist temples, quaint old colonial settlements, and several markets serving excellent local cuisine.