Ayutthaya was, until its sacking by the Burmese in 1767, the capital of Thailand and in its heyday was one of the most prosperous cities in the whole of Asia. The ruins of this former capital lie some 50 miles north of Bangkok and are spread out over the historical park that houses them and which joined UNESCO's list of world heritage sites on 13 December 1991. It is possible to reach the site by car, alternatively you can take a more leisurely mode of transport and cruise up stream from Bangkok, enjoying views of life on the riverbanks as you go.