Rivers, rice plains and the beating heart of the kingdom
Central Thailand
The flat, fertile heartland around the Chao Phraya river — home to Bangkok, Ayutthaya and the country's great rice plains.
Why visit Central Thailand
Central Thailand is where the kingdom's history and its modern energy meet. Bangkok delivers rooftop bars, street food and grand palaces, while a short train ride north brings you to the ruined temples of Ayutthaya, once one of the largest cities on earth.
Highlights
- Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Bangkok
- Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Floating markets of Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa
- Lopburi's temples and resident macaques
When to go
November to February is dry and comfortable. March to May is very hot; the monsoon runs roughly June to October.