Central Thailand Bangkok Tourism

Central Thailand is situated on the central plains of the Chao Phraya River and the Meklong River valley. The first substantial civilisation here was that of the Mon people and during the 6th - 9th C its Buddhist Kingdom was referred to in chinese records and on silver coins as '' Dvaravati ''. Influences from India when merged with Mon characteristics formed the basis of religion, art, architecture and public administration.
Later Central Thailand was absorbed into the Khmer Empire with its Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Then came the Tai from the North and the region was absorbed into the Empires of Sukhothai, Lop Buri and Ayutthaya.
After the sacking of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767 the political centre of what was then called Siam was moved to Bangkok now a city of 10 million people. Today this is the centre to which all of modern Thailand is focused and where the traditions of the past are fused with the variety of cultures of the other regions.

Thai Girl and Baby Elephant

We recommend 28 major places of interest in Bangkok. These include a mixture of interests from each of the sections of this Site. In order to expand your understanding about Bangkok and its attractions we recommend you read the History and art & architecture sections relevant to Bangkok and the Central region of Thailand. We recommend what is highly distinctive and special and have selected historical sites, art, cultural and architectural sites and 6 areas or natural beauty including, the Chao Phraya River, 2 coast lines and 3 National Parks.