Though the area now known as Thailand has been inhabited for thousands of years, the history of a unified Siam (which became Thailand in 1932) is usually dated from the 13th century when Sukhothai became its first capital.

Ayutthaya succeeded Sukhothai as the capital in the 15th century, and was eventually overrun by the Burmese in the 18th century. King Taksin took back control of the country in the late 18th century before the Chakri dynasty was established and the capital moved to Bangkok. This dynasty continues to the present with King Rama X currently on the throne.

Sukhothai and Ayutthaya are must-sees for history buffs as both have well preserved, ancient temples, while Lopburi offers a glimpse of Khmer ruins. The best preserved Khmer ruins in the country, though, are to be found in the northeast, at Phimai and Phanom Rung.

In the west of the country, beyond Kanchanaburi, the Death Railway is a sad reminder of the period of Japanese occupation during World War II, but makes for a fun ride through the jungle.