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Home > Thailand Info > Central & Eastern Regions
Central & Eastern Regions
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| Central
and eastern Thailand consists of 26 provinces, including
the capital, Bangkok. Geographically, this is
Thailand's heartland, from Lop Buri in the north covering
the great rice bowl of the Central Plains surrounding
the Chao Phraya River, and turning down the east
and west coasts of the upper Gulf of Thailand. This
is Thailand's most fertile farming area, home
to orchards, paddy fields and plantations.
Historically
the Thais moved gradually down from the north, replacing
Khmer influence as they came. First at Lop Buri,
then setting up a kingdom that lasted 417 years with
a capital at Ayutthaya. When the Burmese destroyed Ayutthaya
in 1767, the capital moved to Bangkok, which will
celebrate its 220th anniversary in 2002.
The central region is
one of history - ancient temples, battlefields and ruins,
with the two capitals of Ayutthaya and Bangkok
providing the greatest attractions for visitors.
The east and west coasts draw huge numbers of visitors
every year - Thais aking long weekends and holidays
to enjoy the beaches, whilst holiday-makers from acrossthe
world are discovering the warm tropical beaches.
On the East Coast, the
400 kilometres of coastline that stretches from Chon
Buri down to Rayong boasts some of the finest
beaches in Asia, with Pattaya and its vast range
of accommodation, facilities and activities as the centre.
Those wanting a more relaxing time, move further down
the coast to Rayong, Ko Sa Met island, and the stunning
islands of Ko Chang National Park near the Cambodian
border.
On the west coast, the
resorts of Cha-am and Hua Hin are beginning to attract
more international travellers who prefer their
more laid-back atmosphere, with Hua Hin in particular
developing infrastructure rapidly. The odd-man out in
this region is Kanchanaburi, the western-most
province that wends its way into the great mountains
on the Myanmar border, providing some of Thailand's
best scenery of forest, mountains, lakes and caves
centred around a number of national parks and wildlife
sanctuaries.
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ANG
THONG |
 Astride
the Chao Phraya River, Ang Thong was long dominated
by its involvement with neighbouring Ayutthaya.
There are many temples of note. Wat Chaiyo Worawihan
is home to a large seated Buddha image, with a sizeable
collection of sacred amulets popular amongst
collectors.
Wat
Phra Buddha Saiyat Pha Mok has an old reclining
Buddha where King Naresuan paid homage prior to
tackling the invading Burmese. Wat Sa Kaeo is
also part orphanage and part royal weaving
project, displaying hand-made textiles, clothes
and household wares.
Handicraft
villages dot the province, with the most notable
being Bang Phae for its famous drums,
and Bang Sadet, which makes miniature dolls under
a royal project set up by Her Majesty
the Queen.
This
scenic province is famous for its mangoes and farm
produce, but the main attraction is Wat Sothon Wararam
Worawihan, housing Phra Buddha Sothon, one of the
most revered Buddha images in Thailand. The 1.98-metre-high
image has a mysterious past. Legend says it
was one of three images seen floating down the Bang
Pakong River, which was retrieved by famous monk
Luang Pho Sothon and enshrined in this
temple, which is frequently crowded with people
paying homage. Bang Pakong River is
a scenic spot for boat rides. An ancient fortress
still displaying old cannons is a good view
point. Sorn Thawee meditation centre, 20 kilometres
north of the town, offers meditation classes
in both English and German.
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