Ayutthaya, Thailand, has two parts, the ancient city that is now in ruins, and the modern town of Ayutthaya which is a few miles away. When you make the day trip from Bangkok, make sure to see both the new and the old town. Ayutthaya is approximately 45 miles north of Bangkok. It is easily accessible by train, bus, minibus, and car. The journey should take between 1 and 2 ½ hours depending on which mode of transportation you choose. Because of the new toll way, travel by car and minibus may actually be your fastest option. The old city of Ayutthaya was built in approximately 1350AD. It served as the capital of Thailand until 1767 when it was sacked by the Burmese. It was never rebuilt. The new city of Ayutthaya has been erected some miles from the original site. The old town was made an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Today you can take guided or self-guided walking tours through the ruins of many palaces and temples. When in the new city of Ayutthaya, it is advised that you avail yourself on one of the many stands offering daily bicycle rentals. On a bicycle it is possible to see most of the major sites in Ayutthaya such as the temple Wat Phra Si Sanphet. The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum should also be on your route. You can view many Buddhist artifacts that have been removed from outdoor sites. On your bike you will also pass dozens of parks. Slightly farther out of town is the large Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Center.