Follow Thailand's history from its birth in Sukhothai to the Ayutthaya era and finally present-day Bangkok. Exploring the capital unveils a fast-paced, cosmopolitan atmosphere combined with vestiges of earlier times and peace found at the many Buddhist temples. Explore picturesque open-air markets packed with bargain souvenirs and the bustling life on the Chao Phraya River and canals which surround the city.
Central Region consists of 22 provinces(Changwats): Ang Thong, Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachinburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Sakaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri and Suphan Buri, which are located in a fertile basin having most rice farming and regarded as a rice bowl of the country.
Central Region is a land of civilization originating from the pre-historic era and had been developing continuously till Ayutthaya and Ratanakosin periods. Besides being the country's most fertile land on rice growing, the central region is also famous for its tourist attraction places, which are lied prominently on natural resources and the historic ancient remains. The prior mentioned is thick forests, high falls, caves and sea beaches, while the later is ancient ruin temples or palaces, historical places etc. In addition, central region is also the center of national communications, thus, causing it a center of tourism, which is to be decentralized to other regions too.
This central Thailand province is home to Ayutthaya – Thailand’s former capital and one of the country’s leading tourist attractions. Easily accessible from Thailand’s current capital (just 86 kilometers north of Bangkok) and rich in historical significance, the ancient city of Ayutthaya (or, more formerly, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and remained the country’s capital until 1767. During this period 33 kings from a variety of dynasties ruled Thailand from Ayutthaya until it was invaded by the Burmese in 1767. Today’s Ayutthaya has been on UNESCO’s world heritage list since 1991 and is full of important reminders of the area’s former glory. With three rivers and a large canal encircling Ayutthaya, boats (particularly long tail boats) represent an ideal way to access the city’s various historical sites. They are also by far the best way to appreciate the province’s 2,556 square kilometers of landscapes and views. Being so close to the capital, Ayutthaya can be approached as a day out or an extended visit. Numerous tours are available to the area, most originating in Bangkok.
