Skip to main contentScroll Top

Explore Thailand by region

Bangkok and the Centre

Historic capitals, vibrant neighborhoods, rivers and escapes to the Gulf.

  • Home
  • Thailand
  • Bangkok and Central Thailand: Heart of the Kingdom

Traveling to Bangkok and Central Thailand

Bangkok is often treated as a mere gateway, when it deserves several days of its own. Royal temples, old quarters, markets, canals and the banks of the Chao Phraya River allow for very different kinds of visits.

Around the capital, the Central region encompasses the ancient cities of Ayutthaya and Lopburi, the riverside landscapes of Kanchanaburi, the markets of neighboring provinces, and a coastline stretching from Phetchaburi to Prachuap Khiri Khan. Some areas are suitable for a day trip; others are best explored over several days.

This page serves as a starting point to choose between a few getaways from Bangkok and an itinerary dedicated to the region, before accessing the detailed guides.

Bangkok and the Centre in brief

For: heritage, urban life and varied excursions

Main base: Bangkok

For a Bangkok–North–South tour: 2 to 4 days

For a stay focused on the region: 7 to 10 days

Combine with: Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi or the Gulf Coast

Explore Bangkok and the City Center on the map

Hover over or tap Bangkok or a province to display its main landmarks.

Bangkok and Central Thailand Provinces Interactive map allowing you to select Bangkok or one of the eighteen Central provinces.

Selected province

Bangkok

A capital city to explore over several days, between historic districts, temples, markets, canals and the banks of the Chao Phraya.


Key landmarks

Rattanakosin · Thonburi · Chinatown · Chao Phraya

Where to start ?

Six entry points chosen manually to understand the region and prepare an initial itinerary.

Some suggested itineraries

These diagrams are used to visualize distances and the distribution of nights. They should be adapted to the pace of the journey and the mode of transport.

4days3 nights

First discovery

Bangkok3 nights
Ayutthayaexcursion
7days6 nights

Capitals and river

Bangkok3 nights
Ayutthaya1 night
Kanchanaburi2 nights
10days9 nights

From the river to the gulf

Bangkok3 nights
Kanchanaburi2 nights
Amphawa1 night
Sam Roy Yot2 nights

Preparing for your stay in Bangkok and Central Thailand

The places covered on the blog

This map brings together the places already covered in the blog articles.

Travelers' Map is loading ...
If you see this after your page is loaded completely, leafletJS files are missing.

All articles about Bangkok and the Centre

Practical guides, detailed tours and travel diaries: find here all the articles classified in the region.

Clear filters
Tha Kha floating market: a local early morning floating market
Bangkok's Chinatown: a walking tour through alleyways, markets, and temples
Song Wat Road, the new face of Bangkok's Chinatown
Two days in Ayutthaya: beyond the must-see temples
Pilok: a former mining village in the heart of the Kanchanaburi mountains
Sangkhlaburi: a break around Khao Laem Lake, on the doorstep of Burma
Huay Mae Khamin: The Peaceful Alternative to Erawan Falls
Erawan Falls: How to make the most of this iconic national park
Talat Noi: a walking itinerary to discover an unusual Bangkok