This photo was taken during a tour of the countryside surrounding Ayutthaya. Using a bike is an excellent way to explore Thailand off the beaten track as it allows easy access to the area’s local communities. It’s also a great way to relax and make a few new friends.

Located 85 kilometres north of Bangkok is Ayutthaya, the World Heritage Site and ancient capital (for 417 years and more than 30 kings) of Thailand. Just a 1.5-hour train ride from Bangkok, this relaxing city seems modern enough, but retains its mysterious shroud of age-old royal history.