Not to be missed when in Bangkok:  A river cruise to Ayuthaya, Thailand, historic ruins of the ancient capitol of Thailand and site of an historic battle.  First, see the movie The Legend of Suriyothai: Set in 16th-century Thailand, The Legend of Suriyothai is about the Kingdom of Ayothaya and the story of Queen Phra Suriyothai who rode into battle against the Burmese invasion. Buddha statues were beheaded en masse at that battle.  The above head remnant of a statue, not entangled in Banyan roots is shown above.  More: BuddhaArt.com.