Central Thailand is the part of the country, which is the nearest to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. This region is known for historical attractions representing different stages of Thailand history and for its natural beauty. Discover the best tourist destinations in Central Thailand, most popular cultural and natural attractions, and the best things to do in Central Thailand.
Central Thailand Destinations
Central Thailand is rich in history as ancient city of Ayutthaya, Khmer temples of Lopburi and Death Railway in Kanchanaburi represent different stages of Thailand history. This part of the country is known for its natural beauty with its landscape of mountains, forests, rivers, caves and waterfalls too, Erawan National Park near Kanchanaburi being a top choice.
As this part of the country is close to the capital city, most important tourist attractions in Central Thailand can be explored on day trips from Bangkok.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is the old capital of Siam (old name of Thailand). The city was the richest and biggest in the country before being destroyed by Burmese. Ayutthaya is located on an island surrounded by three rivers.
Ayutthaya historical park now is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can find still existing temples, palaces and other buildings, some of them well preserved. If you are interested in history and architecture, it will be a magnificent place for you to visit. You can conveniently visit it from Bangkok on this popular Ayutthaya Temples Small Group Tour.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a city in Central Thailand famous for its World War II history. You can find a number of dedicated memorials and Death Railway there and get to know how the WWII prisoners of war suffered there.
Kanchanaburi is also an excellent tourist destination for nature lovers. The city itself is a place to relax on the banks of the River Kwai, inside a raft house or riverside restaurant. The surrounding countryside has many natural attractions to explore. You can visit several spectacular waterfalls at Erawan National Park, mountains, caves, forests and three of Thailand’s largest reservoirs. The city and the national park can be conveniently visited from Bangkok on this popular Erawan Park & Kanchanaburi Small-Group Tour.
Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom is one of the oldest cities in Central Thailand, located just 50 km west of Bangkok.
Nakhon Pathom is famous for its giant Phra Pathom Chedi which is one of the tallest of the world. Not far from the town you can find the picturesque Dragon Temple as well as the temple known for making holy tattoos.
Lopburi
Lopburi is the city influenced by Khmers and a number of Khmer temple ruins still exist in the city.
Nowadays the city is famous for its large monkey population. You can find many of them staying around Prang Sam Yot Khmer temple or just hanging around the streets of Lopburi.
You can conveniently visit Lopburi together with Ayutthaya from Bangkok on this Ayutthaya & Lopburi Monkey Temple Private Day Trip.
Maeklong Railway Market in Samut Songkhram
Maeklong Railway Market is a unique market located directly on the railway just down the track from the train station of Maeklong, small town in Samut Songkhram province of Central Thailand, about 80 kilometers southwest of Bangkok.
There several ways how to get to Maeklong Railway Market from Bangkok as you can take a minivan from bus station in Bangkok, join a tour, take taxi or a private car, or get there by a local commuter train. You can even visit Maeklong in half-day by joining this guided Maeklong Railway Market 5 hours Tour.
Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram
Amphawa Floating Market is one of the largest and oldest floating markets in Thailand. The market is located in Samut Songkhram province, just 70 kilometers southwest of Bangkok and it takes approximately 1.5 hours to get there from Thai capital. As Amphawa Floating Market is not far from Bangkok, it makes this place a popular weekend destination for both locals and tourists who like to come here and enjoy a relaxing Thai style shopping atmosphere.
Visiting Maeklong Railway Market and Amphawa Floating Market on the same day is a perfect day trip from Bangkok. You can combine a visit to the railway market with shopping at Amphawa Floating Market, if traveling on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. You can visit these two famous markets on a tour that can be booked online here: Maeklong Railway Market and Amphawa Floating Market tour.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, certainly the most famous floating market around the city of Bangkok, is located in Ratchaburi province of Central Thailand, about 105 km southwest of Bangkok. This floating market is very tourist focused so the feel here is less authentic than you could experience in some other floating markets around Bangkok.
You have several options for getting to the floating market, but the most worry free is joining an excursion that takes you to the market. Visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the most popular day trips in Bangkok as it is a suitable way for those of you who don't want the hassle of arranging schedules and budgets.
You can choose from either a shared group or private guided experience to see 2 iconic markets on this day trip from Bangkok. See a market located on the railway tracks, the Maeklong Railway Market, and a market that floats on the canals at the Damnoen Saduak Market.
Central Thailand Transportation
Transportation options for a trip in Central Thailand can be found and transport tickets can be booked by this search form.
Weather in Central Thailand
In the central part of Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May the weather is mostly dry with little rain expected throughout the region for much of this time. The dry season in Central Thailand is broken up into the periods of cool season (November to February) and hot season (March to May), when it is not unusual for the temperature in Kanchanaburi and other central locations to reach even 40°C.
The wet season in the central part of Thailand is from May to November. The rain usually comes in the form of short showers, lasting an hour or two. As the rainy season progresses, the rain can become heavier and more constant, traditionally reaching peak levels in August and September.
For the best time to visit Kanchanaburi and other Central Thailand destinations check our Central Thailand weather ratings chart.
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After visiting Central Thailand you are planning to continue your trip up north or down south? Check when is the best time to visit Thailand's other destinations and choose destination with the best possible weather conditions wisely.