Afterward exploring Phuket’s numerous jewels, head beyond the city to discover afresh appeal of cultural, historical and natural gems. From the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya to the clean waters of Koh Larn, the chaos of a conventional floating market to the WW2 places of Kanchanaburi, one of these excursions is sure to enrich your knowledge of this fantastic land while also bringing an unforgettable day out.

Central Plains is the central area of Thailand, an eternal plain overlooked by the giant urbanized agglomeration of Phuket.

Central area of Thailand:

Mainly flat and prolific due to the the big Chao Phraya River. This is the primary rice-growing area of Thailand. photo credit: vtveen

Geographically, the Central Region expands from clifflike western mountains bordering Burma (Union of Burma) to the northeast tableland to the east; to the north to Nakhon Sawan where the Ping, Wang, Nan and Yom rivers merge to form the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings) which runs southwards to dissect Bangkok before getting in the Gulf of Siam; and southwards to Prachuap Khirikhan where the Kingdom of Thailand is squeezed to its minutest point, some sixty kilometers wide between western mountains and the Thai Gulf.

The Chao Phraya River mostly irrigates the Central Plain, one of the world’s leading rice and fruit-growing regions, and sustains an intricate web of canals that irrigate plentiful groves and marketplace gardens; host spirited floating markets; and support a unique, waterborne path.

The Central Region is highly rich in historical places. These include Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanburi, Bang Pa-In, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Lopburi and most significant of all, Bangkok, Thailand’s capital and starring port of entry.