Central Thailand

The vast plains that extend north and west of Bangkok, otherwise known as the Central Plains, are Thailand’s traditional heartland. The stage for many of the major events in the country's past, the Plains have given rise to all of the great Thai Kingdoms - from 14th-century Sukhothai, through 16th-century Ayutthaya, to Imperial Siam - and to this day remain the cultural, religious and economic heart of the country.

North of Bangkok, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya are the two old capitals, each a treasure trove of ancient buildings and religious and royal relics. Sukhothai, dating from the 14th-century, has been carefully restored, and its walled royal city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ayutthaya hosts the remains of a 16th-century royal palace with temples and monasteries all surrounded by lush rice paddies and waterways. Once a major city and trading centre with grand buildings and a port frequented by trading vessels from Asia and Europe, the city was invaded by the Burmese in the 18th century and burnt to the ground, but the ruins of many temples and palaces still remain, secluded fortress-like on a small island protected by three rivers.

Central Thailand offers other historic attractions beyond its ancient capitals. West of Bangkok, enjoy the scenery surrounding the River Kwai at Kanchanaburi, where you can spend time trekking, biking or rafting.

In and around Central Thailand
Thailand’s old capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya are both easily accessible from Bangkok (Ayutthaya, not much more than an hour away, can be visited on a day trip, while Sukhothai requires at least one night, ideally two). Both cities are often overlooked by visitors to Thailand, but for those who really wish to explore the country’s early history they are essential. Sukhothai, very much the historic capital of Thailand, doesn’t quite rival the spectacular temple complexes of neighbouring Cambodia (Angkor) and Myanmar (Bagan), but it comes close.

The ruins at Sukhothai are vast but can be explored on foot (or bike). Allow two days to cover the main sites, including the royal palace, and the numerous temples and Buddhas within the old city walls. Ayutthaya can be visited from Bangkok (one hour drive each way) as a day trip. The main temple complex is located in the old city and can be explored in an afternoon, but the more remote sites, including the impressive Wat Phu Khao Thong, will require more time.

Just over 2 hours from Bangkok, the space and peace of Kanchanaburi could not pose a starker contrast to the frenetic pace of the capital. The town sits in a lush valley surrounded by limestone hills, but its beauty belies the suffering that took place here during World War II. Cross the Bridge over the River Kwai, visit the moving and immaculately-maintained Allied War Cemetery, walk along the tracks at Hellfire Pass, and learn about the life of a prisoner working on the railway in the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum.