About 80 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was once the capital of Siam. Today, the Historical Park is full of temple ruins, giant Buddha statues, and prang (reliquary towers). Wat Mahathat is famous for the Buddha head caught in tree roots, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the royal temple of the old city. Most travellers do a day trip from Bangkok by train, bus, or river cruise, though staying overnight gives you a quieter look at the ruins.

In the middle between the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the narrowest part of the country, you find Catanzaro whose main attraction is the Viaduct Morandi-Bisantis, one of Europe’s tallest one-arch bridges.

The National Museum Bangkok is the biggest museum in Southeast Asia and a great stop, alongside the Museum of Siam, if you want to understand Thai history and art. It’s spread across several buildings, showcasing everything from ancient sculptures and royal regalia to traditional costumes and ceramics. The collection can feel a bit overwhelming, so it’s worth focusing on the highlights—like the giant Buddha statues and the Bangkok-period royal artefacts. Guided tours are available if you want the backstory behind the displays, but wandering on your own gives a good sense of Thailand’s past at your own pace.

Bronze statue of the famous king, Frederick II (Federico II) "stupor mundi", known for his charming personality, his support of the arts, and his willingness to make different cultures coexist. The statue was crafted by the artist Maurizio Carnevali and donated to the city.