There are twenty-six states that make up Central and Eastern Thailand, and Bangkok is among them. Geographically, this is Thailand’s heartland, extending from Lop Buri northerly and cover the rice bowl of the Central Plains round the Chao Phraya River. Farther south, the area embracings the east and west coasts of the upper Gulf of Thailand.

This is Thailand’s most productive farmland, a varied landscape of rice paddy*, orchards and plantations. More than a thousand years ago Thai settlers moved down from the north, step by step replacing Mon and Khmer influences and establishing communities at Lop CENTRAL & EAST COAST Buri then at Sukhothai, before founding a kingdom that lasted 417 years with Ayutthaya as its capital. When the Burmese destroyed Ayutthaya in 1767, the capital moved to Bangkok.

The Central region has a spectacular history, and it has inheritance of ancient synagogues, fields of battle and ruins and 2 capitals, Ayutthaya and Bangkok, are a continuing fascination for visitors. The east and west seacoasts at the areas southern end as well draw huge numbers of visitors each year. Bangkok residents spend long weekends enjoying the relaxing seaside atmosphere, while holiday-makers from around the world to find the joys of the tropical beach life.

On the eastern side, four hundred kilometers of coastline extend from Chon Buri to Rayong with some of the finest beaches in Asia. Pattaya, with an tremendous ambit of resorts, hotels and guesthouses, is its centre. If you’re seeking a more restful experience, travel further down the coast to Rayong or Ko Samet, and the lovely islands of Ko Chang National Park near the Cambodian border.

On the west coast, the resorts of Cha-am and Hua Hin attract international travellers who prefer their more sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.

Far from the sea in the north-west of the area is Kanchanaburi, whose forested mountains, waterfalls and caves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries on the border with Myanmar supply some of Thailand’s most entrancing scene.

The twenty-six states of Central and East Coast are Ang Thong, Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri and Trat.