When it comes to exploring Thailand, many bloggers (myself included) usually break the country down into three sections: Bangkok; the North; and the Islands. Some (again, referring specifically to myself here) also include Isaan, although many do not.
Of course, part of the reason why so many travelers trust me (including, I hope, you) is that I go beyond the obvious. Any rules or guidelines I set are always flexible, if that’s what the situation demands.
It’s in this spirit that I present my central Thailand itinerary. Whether you do as a continuous roadtrip, or piecemeal over many visits to Thailand, I think you’ll find that the provinces north of Bangkok (but not quite as far north as Chiang Mai) are as outstanding as they are unexpected.
Why So Many Tourists Neglect Central Thailand
Part of the reason I decided to write this post? I search the internet for a central Thailand road trip itinerary, and basically didn’t find one. Sure, some people recommend driving via paak glang from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or making day trips to various central Thai provinces. But no one (at least in English) strung together this region’s manifold destinations in quite the way I envisioned—or, ultimately, ended up doing myself.
In some sense, of course, this makes sense. Driving in Thailand tends to intimidate foreign travelers; the only thing less appealing is trying to assemble a trip that goes to these places using public transportation. Moreover, although I’ve attempted to solve the problem with my content, there simply aren’t a lot of resources about what to do in central Thailand, leading some to believe that the answer is “nothing.”
Where to Go on Your Central Thailand Road Trip
Lopburi
For most tourists, Lopburi is a quick train trip up from Bangkok; you disembark and visit with the monkeys at Wat Sam Yot, and quickly go back from whence you came. If you stay overnight, however, there’s a lot else to enjoy, with winter’s Khao Chin Lae sunflower field being a wonderful highlight—and one that’s surprisingly uncrowded.
Phetchabun
Continue your central Thailand road trip by heading north to Phetchabun. As was the case in Lopburi, there is one main attraction here, in the form of the Wat Phra Sorn Kaew many-faced Buddha. However, there’s plenty else to do, especially on the culinary front: This province is the home of thin khanom jeen noodles.
Sukhothai
What is there to say about Sukhothai that hasn’t already been said? Even if you have a car, you will probably end up biking through the Sukhothai Historical Park; however, you can stop at Kaeng Song Waterfall on the way and take advantage of having your own set of wheels.
Ayutthaya
Likewise, there’s nothing revolutionary about adding Ayutthaya to a central Thailand trip. Still, being able to self-drive unlocks many other destinations besides the main old city, from the European-style Bang Pa’in Palace, to Wat Klang Khlong Watthana “purple temple.”
Ang Thong
Last but not least (and really not even last—more on why in a second) is Ang Thong. If I’m honest, I struggled as to whether or not I should include this one; for the purposes of a road trip, there’s only one main attraction, i.e. the Buddha at Wat Muang. But it’s close enough to Ayutthaya that this Buddha (Thailand’s largest) is very worth the slight extra trouble.
Other Places to Visit in Central Thailand
Beyond the core central Thailand destinations I’ve presented above, there are some others that you might consider, depending on the circumstances of your travel:
- Although a bit ordinary during most of the year, Chaiyaphum comes alive in July and August with the blooming of Dok Krajiaw, aka the “Siam Tulip.”
- Likewise, while Phitsanulok lacks the obvious tourist appeal of nearby Sukhothai, it’s in the central of central Thailand. In other words, you’ll be passing through here—why not stop?
- Much of central Thailand pairs well with other regions, especially if you have a car. You can stop in Sukhothai en route to Lampang or Chiang Mai, or in Chaiyaphum or Phetchabun en route to Loei, in Isaan.
Other FAQ About a Central Thailand Road Trip
What is a good road trip from Bangkok?
Personally, I love picking up a car at Suvarnabhumi Airport and immediately heading north to Lopburi, traveling for a few days in a counter-clockwise direction, visiting provinces like Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Sukthothai, Ayutthaya and Ang Thong (among others) en route. Central Thailand is convenient and interesting, but not too crowded wth tourists.
Is it safe to drive in Thailand?
Driving in Thailand gets a bad rap, but if you’re a careful and experienced driver, you’ll be fine. Do note that this applies to cars—I do not, as a general rule, recommend that foreign visitors to Thailand ride motorbikes or mopeds. If you do, you will be much more vulnerable to Thailand’s infamously dangerous roads.
How do I get from Lopburi to Phetchabun?
Although there are buses (and especially minibuses) connecting Lobpuri to Phetchabun, the only practical way for most travelers is via private car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, I suggest contacting your hotel in Lopburi and asking them to arrange a one-way taxi to Phetchabun.
The Bottom Line
I hope my central Thailand itinerary inspires you to explore this underrated part of the country. Some of these provinces (Ayutthaya and Sukhothai in particular) are relatively mainstream tourist destinations. There’s a chance, maybe even a good one, that you’ve visited. Others such as Lobpuri, Phetchabun, Ang Thong and Chaiyaphum, are more difficult to access and explore, but arguably offer even more rewards to travelers who choose to go the distance. Obviously, your trip will be much easier and smoother if you can rent a car and drive yourself, though this isn’t required. Need personalized help putting your central Thailand trip together? Consider hiring me to plan it!
