Central Thailand - The central region is considered the heartland of the country. Basically it encompasses the alluvial plains created by the Chao Phaya River. The region is the most fertile of the country, and due to an extensive network of canals and small irrigation projects, the area is a major producer of rice. It is also the most densely populated region of the country, with the capital, Bangkok, in its midst.
There are 26 provinces that make up Central and Eastern Thailand, and Bangkok is one of them. Geographically, this is Thailand’s heartland, extending from Lop Buri in the north and covering the rice bowl of the Central Plains around the Chao Phraya River. Further south, the area embraces the east and west coasts of the upper Gulf of Thailand.
This is Thailand’s most fertile farming area, a wide-ranging landscape of paddy fields, orchards and plantations. More than 1,000 years ago Thai settlers moved down from the north, gradually replacing Mon and Khmer influences and establishing communities at Lop CENTRAL & EAST COAST Buri then at Sukhothai, before founding a kingdom that lasted 417 years with Ayutthaya as its capital. When the Burmese destroyed Ayutthaya in 1767, the capital moved to Bangkok.
On the eastern side, 400 kilometres of coastline extend from Chon Buri to Rayong with some of the finest beaches in Asia. Pattaya, with an enormous range of resorts, hotels and guesthouses, is its centre. If you are seeking a more relaxing experience, travel further down the coast to Rayong or Ko Samet, and the lovely islands of Ko Chang National Park near the Cambodian border.
Bangkok the City of Angeles
The city of Bangkok, with its full name recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records, is the longest name of any capital city. The official, full name of Bangkok is "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Naha Sathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathathiya Witsanukam Prasit".
Loosely translated this means "The City of Angels, the Great City, the Residence of the Emerald Buddha, the Capital of the World Endowed with Nine Precious Gems, the Happy City Abounding in Enormous Royal Palaces, which Resrmble the Heavenly Abode where in Dwell the Riencarnated Gods, a City given by Indra and built by Witsanukam (The Builder God)".
The name clearly represents the great significance attached to the city, as the seat of the sacred and most revered objects and the residence of the god king. Bangkok is thus more than a capital city in its general concept.
Bangkok was appointed a royal capital in place of Ayutthaya, the former glorious city of four centuries that remains vivid in the memories of the nation. A great city that met a tragic end in the battle of 1767.
The Chao Phraya River, once a conduit to the sea from Noi River and Pa Sak Rivers that form a loop around 1782, the tenth day of the waxing moon of the sixth lunar month, following the coronation ceremony performed by the self proclaimed king on April 6 of the same year.
The Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaew, is the heart and soul of the royal city, so much so that the city is known as the City of Rattanakosin, the Residence of the Emerald Buddha. The Bangkok Period was also referred to as the Rattanakosin Period.
Bangkok today differs from the original royal city beyond all recognition. It has emerged a megacity accommodating 7.5 million people in a land area of 1,568 square kilometers. There are no less than five million unregistered folk; a non-resident population and tourists. It's home to four million motor cars, and 1.5 million motorcycles.
Bangkok as a center, in all respects, has had a drawing effect since its inception. Progress in transport and communications as well as tourism in recent times have made Bangkok a world city and a significant hub. The city expands in all directions, notably skyward.
On the west coast, the resorts of Cha-am and Hua Hin attract international travellers who prefer their more sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.
Far from the sea in the northwest of the region is Kanchanaburi, whose forested mountains, waterfalls and caves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries on the border with Myanmar provide some of Thailand’s most enthralling scenery.
The 26 provinces of Central and East Coast are Ang Thong, Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri and Trat.
This inner-city riverine landmark contains several buildings with highly detailed architectural features. It was built in 1782 when King Rama I succeeded to the throne and Bangkok was founded as the capital of Thailand. The architectural plan is almost identical to that of the Royal Palace in the former capital of Ayuthaya. In the same compound located the royal chapel or Wat Phra Kaeo.
Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo, situated in the same compound of the Grand Palace, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Three main buildings inside the temple which form up a glittering scene are the Golden Stupa, enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. Besides, the 178 section mural paintings which depict the story of the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin artisans.
Wat Pho
This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace enclave and contains a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha, some 46 metres long and 15 metres high, with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called "Thailand's first university". Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and Thai traditional massage.
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