The Ayutthaya ruins and ancient city give an insight into the former glory of this former capital. Originally part of the Khmer empire before the Siamese pushed back and conquered the Khmer establishing independence. Founded in 1350, but it did not become a thriving city until 1378 while it remained the centre of cosmopolitan trade for the next 400 years until it was overthrown and destroyed by the Burmese. Known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or simply the Ayutthaya Historical Park, the area comprises four main temples along with the Royal Palace and Wihan Phra Mongkol Bophit.