Facts About Bangkok

You will be greeted with “Swadeeka” when you first set foot in this vibrant city. Home to King Rama IX, Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is also its largest urban region and primate city. During the Ayutthaya Kingdom, it was just a small trading post, located at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. However, with the declaration of Bangkok as the capital, in 1768, the city emerged as a significant destination of Thailand. Bangkok is also known to be the political, social and economic center of Thailand and contributes considerably to South East Asia and Indochina as well. The city is also acclaimed to be a global city, owing to its influence in the fields of art, politics, fashion, education and entertainment. Today, Bangkok is one of the best cities for tourism and has also become the ‘honeymoon’ capital for many newly-weds, according to a recent survey. The city is also home to a number of malls, floating markets and flea markets, where you can buy clothes, accessories, shoes, food items and souvenirs. For some more interesting and fun facts about Bangkok, read on.

Fast Facts

Country: Thailand

Continent: Asia

Established In: 15^th Century

Established By: King Rama I

Population: 8,280,925

Area: 1,568.737 km2

Time Zone: Thailand (UTC +7)

Interesting & Fun Facts About Bangkok

§  Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand.

§  The Thai name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep.

§  Bangkok is also referred to as the ‘City Of Angels’.

§  Bangkok is split into separate patches of land by the Chao Phraya River, which is Thailand’s longest river.

§  Owing to the large number of canals constructed in Bangkok, it is also called the ‘Venice of East’.

§  Some of the spiciest food in Thailand, can be found in the street stalls and restaurants in Bangkok.

§  Bangkok is also known for its scandalous massage parlors.

§  Due to heavy urban development, Bangkok is sinking at a rapid rate of 2-5 cm per year. The rising sea levels also threaten the existence of the city in the near future.

§  Every year, in April, Bangkok hosts the world’s largest street water fight during the Songkran Festival, which is the equivalent to New Years.

§  The 5.5-ton Golden Buddha located Wat Traimit Temple in Bangkok is the largest gold Buddha in the world and is also one of the most valuable.

§  The auto-rickshaws in Bangkok are called ‘Tuk-Tuks’.

§  Bangkok is the only city in Thailand, where you will find a vibrant and colorful taxi services. Here, taxis are everything from pink to blue and yellow to green in color.

§  The traditional name of Bangkok is ‘Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit’. It is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest name for a place.

§  The Victory Monument in Bangkok is one of the city's biggest bus destinations.

§  The Grand Palace is the residence of the present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, popularly known as, King Rama IX. The Grand Palace also serves as one of the chief tourist destinations in the city. Here, certain parts of the palace are open to visitors, while the others are opened only on national holidays and celebrations.

§  Chatuchak Park and Rama IX Park are the two largest parks in Bangkok.

§  The liveliest and the busiest tourist areas in Bangkok include Backpacker Magnet of Khao San Road.

§  The area of Rattanokosin Isle and Banglamphu form the part of the Royal quarter.

§  Bangkok is a popular tourist destination, owing to the blend of Thai, Chinese, Indian, Buddhist, Muslim and Western cultures that it represents, along with thriving Thai economy.

§  Leaving the house without underwear in Bangkok is illegal! One could be arrested for it.

§  Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok is the second busiest, by passenger volume, and the fourth busiest, in international passenger volume, in entire Asia.

§  Bangkok is home to a second international airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is also an international and domestic terminus.

§  Don Mueang International Airport is one of the oldest international airports in the world, opened in 1914.

§  Don Mueang International Airport also features the tallest control tower in the world, measuring 132.2 meter (434 ft).

§  According to Travel and Leisure magazine, Bangkok was ranked the best city in world, in 2008.