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 taking long weekends and holidays to enjoy the beaches, whilst holiday-makers from across the 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 best scenery of forest, mountains, lakes and caves centred around a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
