Though Thai civilization dates back to 3600 BC, Thailand only announced its independence around 1238 when the Great King Intaradit founded the Sukhothai Empire and the rule of the Khmers came to an end. Since then the Lanna Kingdom was founded at Chiang Mai and from around 1280, ancient Thailand under the rule of King Ramkamhaeng, a descendant of King Intaradit, enjoyed great prosperity during the so called golden age. Today HM King Bhumibol Rama IX is the reigning monarch since 1946, the 9th King in the Chakri dynasty. It makes him the longest reigning monarch of the modern world and much loved and revered by Thais.
Here we have compiled a list of ancient places to see in Thailand you absolutely have to visit, including temples, historic cities and Wat's (temple compounds). Especially in Chiang Mai which is the historic capital of Thailand, places like Kanchanaburi which include the infamous WWII death railway and hell-fire pass, Ayudhaya which was the capital if Siam located approximately 3 hours from Bangkok and Sukhothai, also a former city kingdom will resonate well with visitors who enjoy history.
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