As you start to plan a trip to Thailand, you’ll read a lot about the mountain regions to the north and the pristine beaches to the south. While these areas are certainly worth your time to visit, don’t overlook central Thailand – the cultural heart of the country. Visit the lush and ancient towns of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai, bike through the fertile plains fed by the Chao Phraya River and relax in the beach community of Hua Hin. Here’s what to see and do in Central Thailand.
Erawan Museum, Bangkok
Step inside one man’s mind’s eye and marvel at the psychedelic stylings of the Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan Province. Thai millionaire Lek Viriyaphant constructed the museum in traditional Thai and European designs. Three floors represent the universe – more specifically the three tiers of the Hindu-Thai Buddhist concept of Tribhumi. The building is considered locally as one of the most revered objects in the province. Notice (you can’t miss it) the 65-foot-high three-headed elephant statue outside.
Ayutthaya
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Ayutthaya is a must for history buffs. It was once the capital of ancient Siam and as such is full of monasteries, temples, statues and significant archaeological ruins. Highlights include Bang Pa-In Palace, Wat Lokaya Sutha, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, where you’ll see 120 sitting Buddha statues.
Amphawa Floating Market
Tuck into delicious grilled seafood prepared on one of the many wooden boats moored at the Amphawa Floating Market. Food stalls actually stretch from the riverbanks into the surrounding streets, if you’re seeking more sustenance. This market is particularly popular with the locals, making for an authentic travel experience. Walk along the Mae Khlong River canals and shop for local handicrafts and local delicacies. While you’re in the area, see Wat Bang Kung, an entire temple that has been taken over by the roots and branches of a banyan tree.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
If you really need more market – and more people – visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market west of Bangkok in the Ratchaburi Province. Go before 10 AM to beat the tour buses. If possible, hire a longtail boat so that you can experience the bustling market from the water. Your boatman can take you deeper into the canal network to get a feel for the local communities and lifestyle.
Erawan National Park
Surround yourself with nature at Erawan National Park, one of Central Thailand’s prettiest spots. The park is most famous for its seven-tiered Erawan Falls, cascading into an emerald-green pond. There are several caves, some quite long, throughout the park. To avoid the crowds, visit during the week. You can swim at each level of the falls.
Bridge on the River Kwai/Kanchanaburi
Take a beat and revisit a sobering moment in Thai history in this sleepy town and its illustrious bridge. Bombers destroyed the railway between Myanmar and Thailand here on the River Kwai – it was originally built by Allied POWs and Asian laborers during World War II. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, next door to the cemetery, and the JEATH War Museum to learn about the bridge, see war artifacts, photography equipment and more about the lives lost along the railway due to appalling working conditions.
Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom Town
What’s a chedi? It’s the bell-shaped part of a temple that contains the relics of Buddha. Now that you know, visit the town of Nakhon Pathom for its massive Phra Pathom Chedi – at 420 feet tall, it is claimed as the tallest Buddhist monument in the world. The gold landmark, on a circular terrace surrounded by trees, dates back to the year 3 BC. While you’re in Nakhon Pathom, visit the Phuttamonthon, among the tallest standing Buddha statues in the world, the Lamphaya floating market and the Sanam Chandra Palace and namesake park.
Lopburi
Look beyond the ubiquitous monkeys in Lopburi and visit the many Buddhist temples here, including Wat Phra Si Mahathat and the Phra Prang Sam Yot monument from the Angkor empire era (and there the monkeys congregate). Watch your belongings – the cunning creature will reach right into your bag to grab at your possessions.
Bang Pa-In
Spend a couple hours imagining life as a Thai royal at Bang Pa-In. This collection of palaces and pavilions were once the summer retreat of local royals and makes a fun stopover on your way north to Ayutthaya. You’ll see Italian Baroque, European Gothic, Victoria and Chinese architecture styles. A portion of the royal quarters are open to the public. Highlights include the Chinese-style Wehat Chamrun Palace, the Withun Thatsana observation tower and the Thai-style Aisawan Thipphaya-at.
Sangkhlaburi
Close to the border with Myanmar on the outskirts of the Kanchanaburi Province. The low-key Sankhlaburi is a quiet spot to soak up authentic Thai life. Walk across the longest handmade wooden bridge in the country – across Vajiralongkorn Lake – in the early morning to visit the market on the Mon side. Visit the geometrically patterned Wat Wang Wiwekaram Temple and kayak to the remains of old Sangkhlaburi town (at low tide, you can get out and see the structures up close).
Phetchaburi
Explore the many sandy beaches, royal palaces and natural caves in this province between Myanmar and the Gulf of Thailand. The capital – also called Phetchaburi – dates back to the 8th century and you can see evidence of Khmer presence in the area at the Kamphaeng Laeng historical site. Don’t miss Cha-Am beach – or the lesser-known gems of Hat Chao Samran and Hat Puek Tian. While you’re here, visit the Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace, atop a small mountain and accessible via cable car, and the Phra Ram Ratchaniwet Palace. Explore underground via the elaborate cave system in the province – the Khao Luang caves are the best known. The cave was used by King Mongkut for meditation and storage of his many Buddha statues.