Central Thailand
Central Thailand is the heart of the kingdom both geographically and administratively. The central region is made up of fertile flatlands providing Thailand with most of its agricultural produce. It is a place of natural beauty – of mountains, forests, waterfalls and rivers, yet it is also home to Bangkok – the seat of Thai government and some of the most important cultural and historical sites in the kingdom. The influence of key civilizations can be clearly seen in the central region – the Khmers established themselves here and the mighty Ayutthaya Empire certainly left its mark. As a result the region offers a diverse range of ancient art and architecture of national and international significance.