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. During this period it became one of the most important trading cities in the region and a magnet for travellers, missionaries and adventurers. Crucial to its success was its location on the Chao Phraya river, which since time immemorial has irrigated the fertile Thai heartland, and been a vital strategic and communications link, as important to the Thais as the Nile is to the Egyptians.

    In Ayutthaya - Venice of the East, Derick Garnier traces the interlinked histories of Ayutthaya and the Cho Phraya with a text which is scholarly and entertaining. In over 15 years of research, Derick Garnier has became an expert in this field and has amassed a wealth of fascinating material and anecdotes.

Chapter 1 The Rise of Ayutthaya
Chapter 2 The River Road to Ayutthaya
Chapter 3 The City of Ayutthaya
Chapter 4 Ayutthaya - an over-mighty power
Chapter 5 The Portuguese and Spanish in Ayutthaya
Chapter 6 The Dutch in Ayutthaya
Chapter 7 The British in Ayutthaya
Chapter 8 The French in Ayutthaya
Chapter 9 The Fall of Ayutthaya
- Family Tree of the Kings of Ayutthaya
- Map of Ayutthaya
- List of Sources