This is a diverse wide geographic region that is haphazardly lumped together. To keep it simple, I will also unfairly group the western and eastern provinces together because they are not distinctly part of the other 3 regions: northern, southern, or Isaan.
For my purposes, this will be the region defined as places “within a few hours drive of Bangkok” encompassing the forests of Khao Yai, the old temples of Ayuthaya, the mountains of Kanchanaburi, and the beaches of Hua Hin and Chonburi.
To the far east, you will find some of the best fruit and seafood in Trat and Chantaburi.
To the west, you will find Hellfire Pass, the Bridge over the River Kwai, and other reminders of WWII.
For people in Bangkok, the central region is perfect for day trips and weekend trips to escape the city. Pattaya is a wildly popular beach town for foreigners and locals, while Kaeng Kachan and Khao Yai National parks are just a few hours drive from the capital. And the city-dwelling monkeys of Lopburi attract many tourists.
One of my favorite provinces to travel to is Kanchanaburi. There are so many things to do like going to Erawan Waterfall, visiting the WWII museum and bridge, getting a real local experience in Sangkhlaburi, or staying in a raft hotel.
I also can’t resist going to the old capital of Ayuthaya to admire the surviving temples and to eat giant river prawns in a riverside restaurant.
