Ayutthaya, Venice of the East, 2004, 160 p., nbr. ill., br. -

For over four hundred years between 1350 and 1767 Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam, renowned throughout the world for its wealth and beautiful temples covered in 24-carat gold. Positioned on the confluence of three rivers, most notably the Chao Phraya, it was one of the wealthiest trading cities in the region and became a magnet for travellers, missionaries and adventurers.