The Central

Thailand’s Heartland The Central region has a dramatic history, and its heritage of ancient temples, ruins, and two capitals, Ayutthaya and Bangkok, are a continuing fascination for visitors. It is one of the world's most fertile farming areas with colorful traditional culture and way of life. Major destinations include Ayutthaya, home to one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hua Hin, and Kanchanaburi. Ayutthaya – The Lost World Ayutthaya is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and historically interesting towns within easy reach of Bangkok. Accessible by rail, river and road Ayutthaya is a must on any travel itinerary. Founded in the 14th century by King U-Thong, it was the nation’s capital for more than 400 years and was one of the largest municipalities in the world, eclipsing cities like London. Ayutthaya’s temples are dotted throughout this once glorious city, along the encircling rivers, and in the surrounding countryside. At least one full day is needed to fully appreciate the magnitude of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the best ways to explore the restored complex of ruins is by pedal power. Renting a bicycle is a peaceful and enjoyable mode of getting up close to the monuments. For a more unique journey of discovery, chartering a long-tail boat allows you to absorb the attractions from a riverine perspective. Principle sights include the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Si Sanphet - the Royal Chapel, and Wat Mahathat – the Temple of the Great Relic. To further experience Ayutthaya, visit the Portuguese Village. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive at Ayutthaya in 1511. They also came as military volunteers in the Ayutthaya’s army and as Christian missionaries, and they settled at this site. You will enjoy learning how they live their lives in the old days. If time permits, visit <A HREF="http://www.palaces.thai.net/day/index_bp.htm" target=_blank>Bang Pa-In Summer Palace</A>, built on a lake in the middle of the island and first used as a royal retreat in the 17th century or <A HREF="http://www.bangsaiarts.com/index2.html" target=_blank>Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center</A>, a training center offering a glimpse of how farmers in Thailand’s four regions live, work and produce their local arts and crafts products. Hua Hin – Thailand’s Oldest Beach Resort Hua Hin is the oldest beach resort of the country and has been the Thai royal family's summer residence since the 1920s. It is about 125 miles south of Bangkok. Hua Hin today offers modern luxury accommodation while preserving much of its traditional character as a classic beach destination, including one of the country’s first and finest 18-hole golf courses. Its 3 miles of clean white sand and crystal clear water has continued to provide peace and serenity Hua Hin is renowned for. While offering a tranquil atmosphere, Hua Hin beach is also the place for fun-filled activities ranging from jogging, walking, sun bathing, horse riding, kite boarding, and other kinds of water sports. Visit the hilltop of Khao Takiap to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Hua Hin, which is one of the delightful views either during the day or night. For nature lovers, visit Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, which contains a wide range of shoreline habitats: limestone hills, marshes, mangroves, coves and caves. Also do not miss Hua Hin Railway Station, one of Thailand’s oldest and most beautiful railway stations and Hua Hin Night Market, the most colorful spot offering a wide array of food, drinks, desserts, and souvenirs. To learn of love and hope, visit Mrigadayavan Palace in the nearby beach of Cha-am. This summer seaside palace, often referred to as “the palace of love and hope” was built in 1923 by King Rama VI. The building lies between Cha-am and Hua Hin and consists of a two-storey wooden pavilion, a series of linked halls and a long wooden corridor leading down to the sea. Cha-am is also popular for its straight sea pine-lined beach and superb seafood. Kanchanaburi – Historic and Natural Experience Located just 80 miles west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi combines historical interest with some of the most picturesque scenery in the whole country. Historically it is best known as the site of the infamous “Death Railway” and “Bridge over the River Kwai”, built by allied POWs and Asian forced labor during World War II. Main attractions in the city revolve around war memorials of World War II. The most visited place of all is the Bridge over the River Kwai which was made famous by the 1957 film “Bridge over the River Kwai”. Built in 1943, the bridge was a part of the railway that the Japanese army aimed to use as a line to transport supplies to their frontline soldiers in Myanmar. Nowadays you can cross the bridge on foot or by train. Steam train enthusiasts will be delighted to see a few World War II era machines displayed beside the bridge. About 50 miles northwest of Kanchanaburi, the most difficult terrain met in the construction of the Death Railway dubbed “Hellfire Pass” by those who worked there, hacking away at solid rock with the most basic tools. Built by the Australian Government in 1998, the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum is perhaps the best of all those in the region offering exhibitions of contemporary photographs, maps, models, illustrations, memorabilia from the war and a 7-minute audio-visual presentation. There is a walking trail that allows you to walk to the Hellfire Pass. Adventurers can also enjoy plenty of activities. At Erawan National Park and Sai Yok National Park, you will enjoy the beauty of the caves, waterfalls, rivers, and lush forests. Whether it is golfing, fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all. The Central region has a dramatic history, and its heritage of ancient temples, ruins, and two capitals, Ayutthaya and Bangkok, are a continuing fascination for visitors. It is one of the world's most fertile farming areas with colorful traditional culture and way of life. Major destinations include Ayutthaya, home to one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hua Hin, and Kanchanaburi. 4

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2008-10-16T11:02:07+00:00