THAILAND // Alas, despite it having been the capital of Siam between 1350 and 1767, the ruins of Ayuthaya are unfairly considered but a poor relation to other Southeast Asian historic sites, such as Angkor. Ayuthaya can't compete on size or scale with its Cambodian counterpart, but it still offers a tantalising glimpse into glories past. The core of the ancient city is on Ayuthaya's river island, where more than a dozen partially restored ruins can be found, along with several working temples. At its zenith, 400 sparkling temples stood here, before the city was devastated by an invading Burmese army. There's also much pleasure to be had in cycling past minor ruins in the green expanse of Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park in the southwest of the island.