Bangkok, Thailand: Facts, Travel, and Points of Interest

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand as known by foreigners; however, Thailand natives refer to it as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. This is the shortened version of the longer name. The more extended version has a remarkable 169 characters and is used as a tongue twister. The complete title is Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yuttahaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit.

the name means a city of angels, mighty city of immortals, beautiful city of nine gems and a city full of royal palaces. It is considered to be the capital city with many characters. Surprisingly most Thailand’s can say the name without any difficulty. The city occupies about 1570 square kilometers and is positioned at the heart of Thailand. It is one of the populous town having over eight million people which are almost 13 percent of the country’s total population.

Bangkok plays a vital role in Thailand being the economic hub, political and administrative center, cultural and spiritual center. From the surveys conducted recently, Bangkok has been found to be one of the most visited cities on earth. It has such a rich culture and vast history that compels people around the globe to pay a visit. There is much in Bangkok ranging from the outstanding temples with remarkable architecture for one to visit, numerous markets for shopping, street foods for one to eat and jungles for adventure. These end up giving tourists headaches on where to start.

Fascinating Facts You Need To Know About During Your Bangkok Visit

10. The Longest City Name in the World 

The locals prefer calling Bangkok Krung Thep which is a shortened version of a real name containing 160 characters. The real and full name is Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yiutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Witsanukamprasit.  This name directly translates to a city of angles, the great immortals city, the magnificent town of nine gems, the seat of the king, the two of royal palaces, the homes of the gods incarnate, erected by the Visvakarman at the Indra behest. 

Most of the people living in this city can remember this name thanks to the Thai popular rock band name Asanee Wasan who decided to integrate the name into a song that made everyone in Thailand pronounce it correctly. 

9. The Thailands Coin are Here!

Are you interested in catching some of the best attractions during your vacation in Bangkok? No need to worry, just follow the image on the coin! When you have a close look at the coins, you will always see pictures of the temples expect on the 25 and 50 Satang coin.  Bhat coin contains the Temple of Emerald Buddha coin, two that includes the Golden mountain image, five bhat has the Marble Hall image while the ten bhat consists of the Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn image. 

8. Outstanding Temples of Thai

If you want to get the fantastic pictures of your lifetime Thailand is the place to be. The temples have such an explicit form of architecture of both the ancient and modern times. They do use this temples images in their coins which makes their currency appealing to have them for prestige especially for foreigners. They tend to be like an ornament to them as opposed to being a mere coin. An example is the 1 Baht coin which has the great Temple of Emerald Buddha, 2 Baht has the image of the Golden mountain, and the 10 Baht coin has the picture of the Temple of Dawn.

7. The Largest Markets

If you are planning to visit the market in Thai, you are advised to spare large chunk of your time. The Chatuchak Weekend Market as an example covers is extensive as it covers 27 Acres in the area. It means that it is impossible to include the whole market by one visit. It is believed to be the largest market in the world. There are over fifteen thousand stalls. One can find almost anything you can imagine about ranging from books, clothing, food, furniture, pieces of art, plants, craftwork, antiques and many more. For all the shopping lovers come and experience one full day of nonstop shopping.

6. Hottest City in the World

If you come to the temperate countries where it is relatively cold throughout the year or the tropical nations where the temperature is moderate all time the year Thailand is a place to visit experience high temperatures. Bangkok is hot all year round and is among one of the worlds hottest cities. The most top range of temperature is 35 degrees Celsius, and the minimum is  31 degrees Celsius. It is amazing how you will see things heat and dry fast.People crack jokes about this in that one can wash clothes and wear them after an hour.Be prepared to carry lots of water when going around as you’ll lose plenty of water by sweating.

5. Surprising Dressing

 It is normal that when it hot one wears light clothes or exposing clothes to feel comfortable. An example is wearing vests and shorts. However, the case in Bangkok is unique in that locals still dress well despite the high temperatures. You will find many individuals on trousers and long-sleeved shirts. In addition to this motorbike, operators wear heavy jackets in that hot weather. It leaves tourists typically wondering how they survive some joking that they might be cold-blooded. Dress well when you walk in public cause if you have your chest being exposed or bikini be prepared to be arrested.

4. Home to the Worlds Largest China Town

It is likely that you’ve heard that Yaowarat is the paradise for street food as numerous restaurants are selling them. It is one adventure that one must try when in Bangkok. The Chinese fraternity outside China also lives in this area. It is one of the old cities of Bangkok. This area is center for the gold trade and holds a 200-year-old market that is still active to date.

3. Colourful Traffic Jam

Bangkok is one of the cities that one wishes that there is a traffic jam.It is because it is unique as opposed to many countries where the yellow taxi color inconspicuous. In Bangkok taxis are super colorful some being red, green, blue, purple, white, yellow, pink and others which are a mixture of colors. Traffic jam in Bangkok gives the city a beautiful and colorful theme resembling that of a rainbow.

2. Statue Stops 

Walking in the streets of Bangkok can be very interesting. It is because out of nowhere you will find everyone stops walking and stand still like a statue. It is because at 8.00 AM and 6.00 PM the national anthem is played. To show respect Thai people stop carrying out their activities and stand. It is fascinating to watch for foreigners how things in such a massive city freeze for some few minutes.

1. Only Place to Find the Richest Statue

I believe each one may have seen gigantic Budha statues somewhere especially old cities of the world. Bangkok Budha statue is outstanding being the worlds most substantial and most expensive. It is because Bangkok hosts a 5.5 tons of pure gold statue “Phra Phutta Maha Suwan Patmakon” This figure is believed to be erected in the 13 or 14 century in Sukhothai period. The icon has a place in the Guinness World Book of Records is the sacred statue with the highest inherent value. Currently, the figure is estimated to be about 250 million dollars in profit and also the most substantial solid gold Budha statue in the world.

Places of Interest and Travel 

10. Dusit Palace

It is one one of the royal homes in Thai believed to be constructed between 1897 and 1901 for King Rama V. The most notable building is the Vivanmek Mansion which is built of golden teak one of the most expensive timber. It is also the world’s most enormous timber mansion as it contains 31 exhibition rooms as well as the throne room, bedrooms and bathrooms. Just a tip of advice if you get to visit the Grand Palace before this mansion, please keep the ticket as it will earn you a free entry into the hall.

9. Lumphini Park

This park is more than an oasis of nature in scurrying Bangkok. It was initially designed to house Thai flowers and crafts. It is such a tranquil place where people can take paddle boat ride, stroll paths or even just sit and relax while watching others perform their morning and evening exercises. It is such beautiful place where outdoor events are held primarily on weekend afternoons.

8. Khao San Road

If at all the city of Bangkok is where East meets the West, then Khao San Road must be the collision scene. It is the place where people poke into their partner's eye and jostle of superiority. Several clubs are playing exciting sounds, travelers from every corner of the world, the eclectic market stalls, meals that are coked to meet the West palate and lots of converted VW cocktail bars. It is a small road located near the Chao Phraya River. Khaosan means milled rice which is a reminder that the street was once famous for trading rice.Inthe last two decades, Khaosan has changed drastically into a world-renowned backpackers hangout. As it offers cheap accommodation, restaurants, bars, internet cafes as well as travel agencies.

7. Jim Thompson’s House

The house belonged to Jim Thompson, the infamous CIA operative who was responsible for reviving the struggling Thai silk industry immediately after the completion of World War 2. He had this home incorporate six traditional Thai style houses.The house sits on a klong across from Bangkrua, where his weavers were located.Tourists must not miss taking a tour through the buildings.

6. Wat Arun

Also referred to as Temple of Dawn. It is one of the oldest and best-known tourist attractions. It is because of its an architectural representation of Mount Meru the heart of the universe in Buddhist beliefs.It also provides a spectacular sunset view in the evening. 

5. Central World 

This eight-story CentralWorld was opened back in 1990. It used to market itself as a shopping center for the middle class as opposed to the Siam Paragon which sold itself as an upper-class center. However, in May 2010, CentralWorld was among the properties set on fire by anti-government protestors. The center was reopened in September same year after months of repair works. 

4. The Wat Pho 

Also referred to as the Temple of Reclining Buddha, the Wat Pho is one of the largest temples in Bangkok and even among the oldest temples since it was constructed 200 years before Bangkok was named Thailands capital city. Wat Pho temple is also known to have the distinction of having the largest reclining Buddha image and contains the most substantial number of Buddha images in the country. This Buddha statue is approximately 46 meters long and measures 15 meters in height.

3. The Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace 

Construction of Grand Palace started back in 1782 immediately the capital of Siam was changed from Thonburi to Bangkok. Previously, this palace used to serve as the home of Thailand kings until the death of King Ananda Mahidol back in 1946. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Ananda brother, permanently moved to Chitralada Palace. Currently, the palace is among the top tourist attraction sites. However, part of this castle has been dedicated to a royal temple.

2. Chao Phraya River and Waterways 

It is considered to be among the most scenic areas.  The riverside resembles an ever-changing scene day and night, the giant rice bags charging upstream, water taxis that are set against luxury hotels and glittering temples. The regions from Phra Sumeru Fortress to Wat Arun are home to the oldest settlements in the city of Bangkok.

1. Soi Cowboy

This place was named after the African- American who was wearing a cowboy hat opened the first ever bar at the site back in the early 1970s. This site is known to have more carnival-like feel than a Patpong or a Nana Plaza. There are also flashing neon lights on the colorful streetscape which comprises of the Western & Japanese tourists and the middle-aged expats.  

In conclusion for anyone planning to travel during the holidays, Bangkok is the place to be for you.