Centre of Thailand

Damnern Saduak floating market

Khao Wang Phetchaburi

Nakornpathom

With Bangkok as the country capital, the other province that make up the Centre Region of Thailand include Chainat, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Phetchaburi, and Prachuapkhiritkhan. Without a doubt, Bangkok is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It is a place where you can find glittering temples among skyscrapers and mega shopping malls. There is an endless list of things to see and do in this “city of angels”. Why not start at one of the major attractions of Bangkok, The Grand Palace. It was here where King Rama 4 and his family lived. Around this part of town, visitors will be able to see a number of ancient Thai architecture as they were well preserved through time. Another interesting activity to do while in the city is to take a cruise along the Chaophraya River and witness beautiful temples and ancient buildings created by early settlers. Also decorating both sides of the river are the numerous luxury hotels, some built during the time of King Rama 5.
Phetchaburi, although technically a part of The Western region, is considered the gate way to the South. The remarkably popular seaside vacation spot of the province (particularly for Thais) is Cha-Am and Hua Hin with countless beautiful boutique hotels. A popular outdoor activity and a trade mark of the area is pony riding on the beach. One of the main attractions is the beautifully restored teak wood seaside palace of King Rama 6, the Marukathaiwan Palace in Cha-Am. It is opened to the public everyday except for Wednesdays for weekly cleaning. A major archaeological attraction not too far from Bangkok is the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya (76 km). For 417 years (1350 – 1767 AD) it was the country’s capital and at the time considered one of the most illustrious and glittering cities in the South East Asia. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and had been since 13 December 1991. To enhance the viewing pleasure, tourists can enjoy a tour around the once glorious remains on elephant backs, a service very popular with both local and international visitors.

In Kanchanaburi ((128 km from Bangkok), one of the most popular activities of the province is rafting in the Kwae River. Floating above swiftly gushing water makes an ideal adventure for the whole family. Not to be missed is the Bridge of the River Kwae where thousands of European and Australian soldiers died building during world war two when they became captives of the Japanese soldiers. A museum containing historical artifacts of the war and the cemetery of these men still remain today as a reminder of their bravery.

Other provinces have many interesting tourist attractions as well. A well-known attraction in Nakompathom includes the Elephant and Crocodile farm of Samphran and the Suan Samphran where traditional Thai arts are on display for visitors. Lopburi is known for its heard of monkeys who have inhabited the San Prakarn for many generations.

In Damnernsaduak Floating Market is one of the most well-known tourist attractions of Ratchaburi. The 32 meter long canal was dug during the reign of King Rama 4 in order to connect the Mae Klong and Thachine Rivers, enabling the citizens of Ratchaburi, Samutsakorn and Samutsongkram to commute by boat. Houses and little shops are built right next to the canals while fruits and vegetables are sold on little boats as vendors paddled by. Tourists can hire long-tailed boats for a tour around the area (The best time to see floating market is in the morning when the place is alive with activities). Only 80 km away from Bangkok, visitors can reach the market in one hour by car.