Extending north and west from Bangkok, the Central Plains is an immensely fertile region characterized by a patchwork of rice paddies dotted with sizeable town. It is bounded in the west by the saw-tooth Mountains which from the border with Burma, and in the east by the Khorat plateau. In the north, the town of Tak marks approximately the end of the northern uplands. Flowing north-south through the entire area is the Chao Phraya river systems, which accounts from the regions’ fertility.

The nation’s agricultural heartland is also its historical heart. Nakhon Pathom, west of Bangkok, was a Mon power centre in ancient times, while beyond lies Kanchanaburi, site of the infamous World War II Bridge over the River Kwai, and Three Pagodas Pass, a former gateway for Burmese invaders.

North of Bangkok is the ruins of Ayutthaya, Thailand’s capital for more than 400 years and once the most magnificent city in the Orient. Beyond lies the historic town of Lop Buri, a Khmer outpost before the rise of the Thais and later serving as Versailles to Ayutthaya’s Paris.

On the upper edge of the Central Plains is the 700 years-old site of Sukhothai, Thailand’s first capital. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient satellite towns Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet. To the west, a road crosses spectacular mountain scenery to reach Mae Sot on the Burmese boarders.

For touring purposes, the Central Plains can be included on a road or rail route north of Chiang Mai, although Ayutthaya is also a popular day excursion from Bangkok. Kanchanaburi lies off the north-south axis and warrants a separate visit.