The Wine Ayutthaya (42/1 Moo 4, Ban Roon Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya, 081-942-1666. Open daily 11am-10pm, www.fb.com/grandchaophraya) is the perfect excuse to head back to Ayutthaya. 

This extension to the Grand Chaophraya Ayutthaya restaurant, famous for its river prawns and river views, comes from Boonserm Premthada of Bangkok Project Studio, who takes inspiration from Thailand's wooden houses to create a stunning design that blends with the surrounding greenery. 

Behind the plywood and PVC exterior is a space divided into four zones and five spiral staircases connecting to the upper floor. The wine bar is on the ground floor, which offers plenty of river views to go with the wine. 

While Ayutthaya has long been known as a World Heritage site offering plenty of historical grounds and temple ruins, the province has seen a spate of new and interesting cafes, bars and restaurants pop up in recent years.