Central Thailand

Thailand

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
L'Arcadia (antique shop), Sukhumvit.

L'Arcadia (antique shop), Sukhumvit.

Why visit Central Thailand

The past is never far behind in Central Thailand. Ayuthaya, Siam's former royal capital, is practically an open-air museum, with dozens of enchanting temple ruins peopled by stone Buddhas, while Kanchanaburi's WWII memorials pay tribute to the thousands of lives lost building the Death Railway.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Central Thailand? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Go to Thailand with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Adventures in Paradise: Southern Thailand's Island Oases

10 days / 9 nights

highlights

  1. 1Exploring Khao Sok National Park on a night safari to spot nocturnal and hidden jungle life
  2. 2Island hopping in Krabi with a chef-made seafood picnic
  3. 3Exploring Phuket’s crafts and farms on a tour of pineapple, rubber, and coconut groves
from $2,800

per person

book this tripsee trip details

Explore more trips

  • Treasures of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket
    Thailand

    12 days / 11 nights

    Treasures of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket

    FROM $2,815

    per person

    See Trip Details

Top places to visit in Central Thailand

Discover the best attractions in Central Thailand from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Central Thailand travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Road Trips

Take the scenic route on these vivid journeys through the lush Thai countryside. Here are 3 you're going to love.

Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Central Thailand

Central Thailand and beyond

View all