The Grand Palace in Bangkok Courtesy of Kelly Iverson
Bangkok, the thriving yet chaotic capital of Thailand, is a top destination for travellers. The crowds, the smells and the sights, however, can be both dizzying and intimidating. Because of this, it only seems fitting that Bangkok’s full name is more than a mouthful, and certainly takes the award for the longest city name in the world. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Trips and Tours in Bangkok
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Bangkok is diverse in its attractions from shopping, to food, to historic sites, making it a popular choice for those with varying interests. The kind people and the value for money the city offers are some of the reasons why millions of people flock to this beautiful destination each year. Take in these Culture Trip recommended tours to experience the magic of Bangkok.
Here is Bangkok’s full name: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit … and, breathe!
It is certainly hard to push out the entirety of Bangkok’s real name in one exhale, and imagining the city’s name on a driver’s license is simply laughable. For many of those visiting the City of Angels, knowing the name Bangkok usually suffices. Visitors will be hard-pressed to find a fellow visitor who actually knows how to say the city’s real name in its entirety.
While it is important and useful to learn a handful of Thai words before heading to the Land of Smiles, Bangkok’s full name simply does not make the cut. That being said, those traveller’s who want to impress the locals more than their fellow tourists should get studying.
Those who do not have the time to memorize the monologue that doubles as Bangkok’s official name should know that Krung Thep (City of Angels) should suffice.
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Buddhist Temple
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The Grand Palace more than lives up to its name. The white exterior walls keep the priceless relics hidden from the public, but upon paying the entrance fee, visitors are treated to views of towering spires and stunning temples across the grounds. A second must-see inside the palace walls is Wat Phra Kaew, otherwise known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Inside, a smallish emerald and gold-laden Buddha dons a cloak that the king changes with the passing of each season.
Wat Pho
Buddhist Temple
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Nothing can quite prepare you for the jaw-dropping size of the Reclining Buddha, so try to act natural upon entry. Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, surrounds the 46-metre-long (151-foot-long), 15-metre-high (49-foot-high) statue that stares up at the ceiling in a gaze of enlightenment. Though the statue is the focal point of the temple grounds, visitors will also find colourful murals illustrating over 400 images of the Buddha, in addition to a traditional Thai massage school.
Wat Arun
Buddhist Temple
Recently renovated and reopened to the public at the end of 2017, Wat Arun, or the Temple of the Dawn, is a majestic white temple that sits on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River in the old capital of Thonburi. The temple is home to five towering prangs (towers), which are visible from the river and covered with vibrant porcelain and colourful ceramic tiles, many of which look like pieces of foliage. Like most major attractions in Bangkok, it’s best to go when it opens to avoid the crowds.
Wat Traimit
Building
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Just a short walk from Yaowarat Road on the southeast end of Chinatown is Wat Traimit, one of the most noteworthy temples in the capital. The stunning building, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, is home to a 5.5-tonne Sukhothai-style Buddha statue made entirely of gold and dates to the 14th century. The Buddha might be worth a fortune, but the entrance fee to see it is not.
Khao San Road
Architectural Landmark, Market
Known as a haven for backpackers, Khao San Road is a kilometre-long street filled with countless bars, street-food vendors, chain restaurants and some of the cheapest hotels and hostels. Backpackers flock here to mix, mingle and party day and night as bar girls entice onlookers with happy-hour deals and buckets filled with beer. Drugs run rampant around this stretch, but getting caught in Bangkok comes with serious ramifications – stick to the booze.
