Just 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok, Thailand rests the old capital city, Ayutthaya nestled on a river isle.From 1350 to 1767 (417 years), Ayutthaya was once a thriving international commercial center welcoming foreign traders from China, Vietnam, India, Japan, Persia and Europe and was comparable to the size and wealth of Paris. In 1767, the trade city was destroyed by Burmese invaders. And in 1768, Bangkok became the new capital of Thailand.Today, the ruins of Ayutthaya reside in the northwest corner of the isle. The ancient city is one of Thailand’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site with its many temples, Buddha figures and chedis. These key historical shrines can be explored on foot.