TICA MICE UPDATE
January - February
2019
DESTINATION SHOWCASE
Central Plains
Known as the most densely-populated region in Thailand, the Central Plains is where most of the nation’s food is grown. Large expanses of rice paddies, sugar cane fields and orchards dominate the landscape. However, travellers can also find sandy beaches and majestic waterfalls amidst the three major rivers that flow through the area.
Many provinces and towns, like Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Cha-Am and Hua Hin, are only a short two to three hours’ drive from Bangkok, making them popular day-trip destinations for historical landmarks and natural attractions.
To the right of Bangkok is Samut Songkhram province, which is built around the Mae Klong River and is the centre of some of the most authentic floating markets in Thailand. The Amphawa sub-district is particularly notable for eco-friendly activities and CSR events, like mangrove-tree planting.
Further north, the heritage-filled town of Kanchanaburi awaits visitors interested in finding out more about WWII memorials and museums. Besides the iconic Bridge on the River Kwai and the Burma Railway, the province has some of the most beautiful tiered waterfalls in the country. Many adventurous group activities can easily be organised here, including cycling, hiking, elephant rising and white water rafting.
In the same area, there are historical ruins of Ayutthaya, memoirs of Thailand’s second capital city. If you continue further north, you will reach Sukhothai, the birthplace of the Thai kingdom in the 13th century. Like Ayutthaya, it boasts some of the oldest and most important heritage sites in Thailand.
For those who love the beach, further south of Bangkok are the towns of Hua Hin and Cha-Am, the long-time weekend getaways of the city’s inhabitants. Although quieter than the likes of larger beach destinations like Pattaya and Phuket, they all have a unique charm and luxurious feel thanks to the five star resorts and boutique hotels that hug the stunning coastline, as well as natural attractions like the Phraya Nakhon Cave. As expected, there are plenty of facilities suited for team building exercises, like banana boats, bike rental shops, go-kart tracks and paintball parks, that should excite all MICE visitors.
