Geographically, the Central Region extends from rugged western mountains bordering Burma to the northeast plateau to the east; extends northwards to Nakhon Sawan where the Ping, Wang, Nan and Yom rivers unite to form the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings) which flows southwards to dissect Bangkok before entering the Gulf of Thailand; and southwards to Prachuap Khiri Khan where Thailand compressed to its narrowest point, some 60 kilometers wide between western mountains and the Thai Gulf.
The Chao Phraya River largely irrigates the Central Plain, one of the world's major rice and fruit-growing areas, and sustains an intricate network of canals that irrigate bountiful or chards and market gardens; host vibrant floating markets; and support a unique, waterborne way of life.
