The Chao Phraya is the major river in Thailand with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. In the English-language media in Thailand, the name Chao Phraya River is often translated as 'river of kings'. The Chao Phraya begins at the confluence of the Ping and Nan rivers at Nakhon Sawan (also called Pak Nam Pho) in Nakhon Sawan Province. After this it flows south for 372 kilometres (231 mi) from the central plains to Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand.