As a languages/history student I was eager to dive into Thailand's rich history, so I made my way to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Walking among the ruins of temples and palaces, it was as if I had stepped back in time.

The Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its towering prang (temple spires) and the massive stone Buddha heads are a testament to the grandeur of the past. It was easy to get lost in the story of this once-thriving kingdom and to feel the weight of history surrounding me. A boat tour around the island gave me an even deeper appreciation of the ancient city as I witnessed its ruins from a unique angle.