Central Thailand
Bangkok
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Thailand’s capital well known as the City of Angels, Krungthepmahanakorn (Bangkok) is the focal point for Thailand. It is a vibrant city where the visitor can expect an endless choice of sightseeing and entertainment opportunities. In addition to the many temples and historic buildings, such as The Grand Palace and Wat Arun, the list of interesting places to visit includes the numerous canal (klong) networks, the Chaophraya River and the many markets. For those who are avid shoppers, Bangkok offers shopping centers as well as many interesting markets and areas in which to search for your treasures. Bangkok would also have to be ‘the’ food capital of the world, offering seemingly endless choices. An exuberant city of contrasts, from the serenity of the exquisitely ornate golden temples to the vibrant nightlife, the vast malls of designer shops to the bustling street stalls and marketplaces.
Kanchanaburi
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Situated approximately 129 kilometres west of Bangkok. It is located at the point where two tributaries, the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. This is the location of the notorious Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Khwae one of the worlds famous World War II sites which have been immortalized in the film with the same name. The magnificent landscape and charming beauty of Kanchanaburi include several well-known waterfalls, caves which were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, reservoirs and the railway. Together, they offer an intriguing experience for first-time or repeat visitors. Whether its fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.
Nakhon Pathom
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Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 Kms. from Bangkok. The province features an ancient religious structure called “Phra Pathom Chedi”, the first religious landmark that signified the influx of Buddhism into Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruits varieties and the famous Floating Market of Damnoen Saduak and the Rose Garden, a stylish riverside resort and golf course. These fertile lands provide agricultural area for people, thus most of the residents earn their living from agriculture; plantations, farming, growing food crops, and fruit orchards.
Ayutthaya
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Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years until 1767, it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdoms territory was extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants. Today visitors can explore the architecture and the Thai history at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site that has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.
Cha-Am
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Situated on the Gulf of Siam next to the Royal resort of Hua Hin, this charmingly, low key resort is approximately two hours drive South of Bangkok. The beautiful stretch of soft sand beach is ideal for swimming and those lazy days of soaking up the sun. Cha Am hotels made dramatic changes in the last years. Today there are some of the most stylish hip hotels in Thailand. The resort itself is famous for its local beach restaurants, especially in nearby Hua Hin.
Hua Hin
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On Thailand’s beautiful Gulf of Siam, Hua Hin was first discovered in the late 1920’s. Hua Hin is an active bustling fishing port with plenty of colourful local life and a superb night market with a mind-boggling choice of handicrafts, textiles or the latest DVD’s. Golfers will appreciate the several 18 hole courses in the area, while other points of interest include the picturesque railway station, a winery, the beach promenade and the old palace on the outskirts of town.