CENTRAL THAILAND Thailand's Central Region consists of 22 provinces: Ang Thong, Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya), Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri and Suphan Buri.

It is the country's most fertile land rich in rice farms and fruit orchards. The region also abounds in tourist attractions which lie prominently on both natural resources and historical ancient remains.

Ayutthaya Province The ancient city of Ayutthaya, or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years.

This old capital was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. Thirty three kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom.

Ayutthaya is located 76 kms. north of Bangkok. It was one of Indo-China's most prosperous cities and is one of Thailand's major historical attractions.

The grandeur of Ayutthaya is reflected by numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lop Buri Rivers.

The area, well conserved as a historical park, has been included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage since 13 December 1991. Ayutthaya covers an area of 2,556 square kilometres

Bangkok Province Bangkok was established as Thailand's capital in 1782.

Over the next two centuries, it developed in many ways reflecting the modern dynamism; however, its ancient glories were well maintained, especially in the old areas around the Grand Palace.

Today, Bangkok has become the principal gateway and prime tourist attraction for both domestic and international travellers.

Bangkok occupies a total area of 1,568 square kilometres on a flat alluvial plain divided by the Chao Phraya River. Composed of about 50 districts (Khets), it is home to one-tenth of the country's population.

Thon Buri, a former capital, is now a district under the administration of the Bangkok Metropolis.

Kanchanaburi Province Kanchanaburi is Thailand's third largest province. It covers an area of 19,486 square kilometres, most of which is forested mountains.

There are fertile plains around the meeting point of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers where the town is located.

To the west, Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar and has the Tanaowasi Range as its borderline.

Beyond the compact provincial capital, some 130 kilometres from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi unfolds in progressively arresting scenic beauty in a landscape characterised by several waterfalls, caves once inhabited by Neolithic man, national parks and tranquil riverside and reservoir settings.

Many of its major attractions are also connected with the Second World War, and more specifically the years 1942 to 1945.

Lop Buri Province Lop Buri, formerly known as "Lawo", was one of the important ancient towns of the Khmers from the 10th-13th century.

Many Khmer ruins are found in and around this town. During the Ayutthaya period, King Narai the Great established Lop Buri as the second capital with the help of French architects.

Most of the architecture of that time reflects the mixture of Thai and Western styles.

Samut Prakan Province Samut Prakan, also known as Paknam is located at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River.

The town is only 25 kms. south of Bangkok and easily frequented by bus.

Its old community settled in Phra Pradaeng (now a northern district) during the Ayutthaya Period. The modern town and several fortresses, were built by the command of King Rama ll in 1819. Samut Prakan occupies an area of 1,004 square kilometres.