Panorama taken late in the afternoon showing the rice fields and countryside around Ayutthaya in Thailand. Most tourists visiting the area sadly progress beyond the old town but the countryside has much to offer. This picture was taken on the way back from Wat Phu Khao Thong, whose the chedi can just be seen in the distance.

Rice Fields near Ayutthaya - Ayutthaya visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Rice Fields near Ayutthaya' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Central Thailand.

Ayutthaya was the capital city of Thialand before the Thais were forced to move their capital to Bangkok following the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in the 18th century. Today the Old City contains the ruins of countless wats, temples, chedis and prangs that once dominated the hub of Siam. It is very popular with tourists, who come here on day-trips from Bangkok in great numbers to explore the ruins, drawn by the UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Few visitors actually explore beyond the tourist attractions in Ayutthaya, but the town is set among peaceful rice paddies and agricultural land at the junction of Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak rivers. There are a number of temples and wats, like Wat Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount), in the surrounding countryside where the Monument of King Naresuan commemorates the greatest ruler of Siam.

Road: Wat Phu Khao Thong is about 2km northwest of Ayutthaya, off the 310 road.