Central Thailand

Why Go

Central Thailand is the historical and cultural heart of the country, with UNESCO city ruins and many National Parks of outstanding beauty said by some to be the most scenic in Thailand.

To See

High on this list, are Thailand's two former ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, which are both World Heritage sites. Then there's scenic Kanchanaburi, with its infamous bridge and death railway. In the surrounding province, Erawan National Park with its famous waterfalls, and Huai Mae Khamin Waterfalls in a park that stretches to the mountainous border with Myanmar. There are also camping sites scattered around these parks and many outdoor activities available in the province. For the monkey lovers, Lopburi is not to be missed, with its famous colony of macaques occupying the town. They are certainly not shy to come and say hello! Close to Bangkok is Nakhon Pathom, Thailand's 'first city' and the birth of Buddhism - which boasts the ancient Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest stupa in the world.

To Know

Central Thailand is the historical and cultural heart of the country, and where most of its population speak in the original Thai tongue. The vast fertile central plains are effectively the 'rice bowl' of Thailand, and political control of the central region has always meant control of the country. As a result, the central area has been the primary focus of many wars with Thailand's two neighbours - Burma and Cambodia - during the Kingdom's long history.