Central Thailand
Bangkok lies at the geographic heart of Thailand. The Gulf of Thailand stretches away to the south and the rice-growing heartland lies to the north. Beyond the city reaches there are enough attractions in Thailand’s central provinces to keep you busy for a week or more.
The World Heritage site of the ancient city of Ayuthaya is two hours north of Bangkok and a romantic overnight cruise up the river to this enchanting historical park is a great way to delve into the country’s glorious past. Also in the region is the equally historically important Lavo ruins at Lopburi, which date back to the 10th century.
Another popular daytrip from Bangkok is the charming floating market, which takes you back to a more traditional Thailand, when canals where very important to the region. Equally fascinating is the intriguing Ancient City near the Chao Praya river mouth. This remarkable historical theme park has replicated most of Thailand’s most important cultural structures all in one manageable package.
Many visitors also choose to go west to seek out the famed Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi. This hilly province is a wonderful destination and site of the infamous WWII bridge that cost so many lives. Less touristy is the magnificent Khao Yai national park, northeast of the city, which many tourists overlook but contains one of the country’s best variety of species.
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AyuthayaExplore the grand ancient ruins of one of Asia’s greatest cities of antiquity, only an hour from Bangkok and a Thailand highlight not to be missed... more |
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KanchanaburiTrace the tragic WWII history of the death rail and Bridge over the River Kwai, or enjoy soft adventure, along the border 200kms west of Bangkok...more |
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Hua HinBangkok’s favourite seaside town, near enough for a weekend trip with its lovely coast and good hotels - a Royal retreat, and less touristy ... more |
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PattayaThailand’s original resort has a reputation for its naughty nightlife, but there’s plenty of family attractions, golf courses and some pretty offshore islands...more |
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Koh SametA gem of island, with the whitest beaches in Thailand, popular as an escape southeas from Bangkok or if you can’t make it to the larger islands... more |
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Khao Yai ParkThailand’ oldest and most respected national park is within easy reach of the capital and full of hiking trails, jungle, waterfalls and some wildlife...more |
There’s quite a bit more to see in the central region if you have the time. Using Bangkok as an ideal base you can visit some rewarding cultural and historic sites as day trips or overnight stops, and you’ll get a more thorough experience of Thailand.
Perhaps the most popular, certainly on all tour itineraries, is the delightful Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak, about an hour’s drive southeast of Bangkok. It’s the busiest and most appealing of several like it in the area and can get crowded at its early morning height as you tour the real market in traditional narrow boats.
Far less crowded and more of a complete experience is the remarkable Ancient City (Muang Boran) situated in the satellite town of Samut Prakarn at the Chao Praya river mouth. It includes very good replicas of many of Thailand’s most famous historic buildings, including temples from Ayuthaya that hav elong since disappeared. Best explored on bike, this pretty themed park is an excellent way to sample the best of the kingdom in a single day.
Lop Buri is another historic site that is the remnants of one of the oldest organised Kingdoms in the region, dating back 1000 years. It’s also an easy drive northwest of Bangkok and has some impressive Khmer-inspired Prangs and other architecture, it’s also famously overrun by entertaining and often cheeky monkeys.
There are several other minor sites, including the world’s largest chedi and Nakon Pathom, read more. Learn about Thailand travel experiences from others on our forum.
Recommended Tours
Bangkok and Central Thailand tour (6 days/5 nights)
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