Known as Bangkok, but the original and official name of the Thai capital is much longer! It is actually the longest name of the city in the World and can be found in Guinness World Record. It consists 136 signs:
,,The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated God, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn’’.
Most Thai people use the short version Krung Thep, which means theCity of Angels.
Could this name get any better?
When I am thinking of Bangkok in Thailand the first thing that comes to my mind is Thai people. For me, the City of Angels means nothing more than the most welcoming and friendly residents in the World.
People who appreciate and celebrate every day of living with love, cheerfulness and kindness without any violence.
They are super-kind to visitors and very open at the same time. When you are chatting with a Thai person for the first time, don’t be offended by some direct questions, such as: How old are you? Are you married? Do you have children? How much do you earn in your country?
They like to ask plenty of personal questions and some of them can be very forthright or even rude in some cultures, but they are completely normal in Thailand.
Let’s talk about the gorgeous city of Angels itself.
Have you ever wondered, if all that gold foil on Buddha statues and temples is real? Yes, it is! In Bangkok, we can find around 400 temples covered in gold, but the most popular are: Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Wat Pra Kaew.
Even, if you don’t consider yourself a spiritual person, it’s worth to visit some of them to absorb yourself into impressive Thai architecture.
Next and my favorite aspect of visiting Bangkok is Thai cuisine, one of the best in the World! Interesting fact is that many Thai people don’t even have a kitchen, because the food is very affordable and eating on the street is kind of social activity. Thai always find a reason to go out and hang out with friends instead of eating at home.
There are stalls and open markets at every corner of the street. It is easy to spot them. You can get fresh sliced fruits and fresh food from charcoal grills lingers, different soups, a fried fish, pad thai or my favorite papaya salad.
When talking about Bangkok, I couldn’t skip famous backpacker location Koh San Road. It is a small, narrow road located on the northern side of Rattanakosin. This area has become a backpacker ghetto, where you can find budget accommodation, many restaurants and stalls serving Thai and international food. Of course, it’s not a place that reflects a real peaceful Thailand, but if you’re willing to have a big night in Bangkok, this is a place to visit. Try some fried bugs, walk along the road with Chang beer in your hand, eat some local specialities, get a massage and have fun!
In the morning, visit the floating market – my favorite place for shopping! In the past, canals and rivers allow people to travel around Thailand. However, over the years, infrastructure has improved enough to build roads and travel by land. As a result, the water markets almost disappeared. Fortunately, tourism industry has grown enormously over the last years in Bangkok and the floating markets became a popular tourist attraction. The most popular are Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa.
Loved learning a little about Bangkok. I did not know the official name was so long. I wonder if Los Angeles, California is its sister city, since they are both “City of Angels.” A reggae bar in Bangkok sounds very intriguing.
I loved Bangkok as a city, and during our time in Thailand spent quite a bit of time there exploring different areas. The only part we were not so keen on was China Town but I think that is just personal preference.
I love Thailand! For me, it has many wonderful things to offer to travelers. One of the Asian countries that really should be in everyone’s travel list.
Jennifer @ MatDifference
February 15, 2017 @
7:09 am
I am not a city person but Bangkok seems like a good place to explore. I would love to explore the floating markets. I love supporting local economies and artisans. The temples are another thing I want to explore.
The floating market looks amazing! Im a huge fan of Thai food so can only imagine how delicious the real deal was. I also had no idea of the meaning behind the name! Great post 🙂
I feel like every South East Asian city has a place called Reggae Bar. I used to live in KL and they had one – it was a popular joint with backpackers. I never knew that Bangkok’s name was so dang long! That’s crazy!
We really have to go to Thailand, we’ve heard lots of good and bad about Bangkok, I love that the capital’s name is in the longest name, I wonder if the ever write it (like government stuff)
Thank you Sara. Of course, Bangkok has good and bad aspects, but still its worth to visit 🙂 Everyone uses the shortest name now, but in the past that must has been a long process 🙂
The first time I had visited Thailand was when I was 8. I have to go back with my husband now. Thanks for sharing the cultural meaning behind the name.
I miss Bangkok and really enjoyed exploring the temples and the food! I actually didn’t know the name was the longest name in the Guiness Book of World Records..lol Thanks for taking me back to the City of Angels.
You taught me something new! I had no idea that Bangkok wasn’t the original name of the city. Did you know that Los Angeles is also the city of angels? Both are completely different but I find that similarity to be funny!
February 12, 2017 @ 4:44 pm
Loved learning a little about Bangkok. I did not know the official name was so long. I wonder if Los Angeles, California is its sister city, since they are both “City of Angels.” A reggae bar in Bangkok sounds very intriguing.
March 14, 2017 @ 5:47 pm
Thank you Charles 🙂
February 13, 2017 @ 9:56 pm
I loved Bangkok as a city, and during our time in Thailand spent quite a bit of time there exploring different areas. The only part we were not so keen on was China Town but I think that is just personal preference.
March 14, 2017 @ 5:50 pm
Yes, there are many places, so that everyone can find something interesting for themselves. Thank you Travelling Book Junkie 🙂
February 14, 2017 @ 3:53 pm
I love Thailand! For me, it has many wonderful things to offer to travelers. One of the Asian countries that really should be in everyone’s travel list.
March 14, 2017 @ 5:51 pm
I agree Teacaketravels 🙂 Thank you!
February 15, 2017 @ 4:42 am
I have not yet been to Thailand, but this is a great list of cool things to see and do in Bangkok. Thanks for sharing!
March 14, 2017 @ 5:51 pm
Thank you A Datsev! I appreciate 🙂
February 15, 2017 @ 7:09 am
I am not a city person but Bangkok seems like a good place to explore. I would love to explore the floating markets. I love supporting local economies and artisans. The temples are another thing I want to explore.
February 15, 2017 @ 3:28 pm
The floating market looks amazing! Im a huge fan of Thai food so can only imagine how delicious the real deal was. I also had no idea of the meaning behind the name! Great post 🙂
March 14, 2017 @ 5:52 pm
Thank you Stephanie! I agree, thai food is amazing 🙂
February 15, 2017 @ 3:36 pm
I feel like every South East Asian city has a place called Reggae Bar. I used to live in KL and they had one – it was a popular joint with backpackers. I never knew that Bangkok’s name was so dang long! That’s crazy!
March 14, 2017 @ 5:53 pm
Yes, its crazy in Asia 🙂 Thank you Meg 🙂
February 15, 2017 @ 8:18 pm
We really have to go to Thailand, we’ve heard lots of good and bad about Bangkok, I love that the capital’s name is in the longest name, I wonder if the ever write it (like government stuff)
March 14, 2017 @ 5:45 pm
Thank you Sara. Of course, Bangkok has good and bad aspects, but still its worth to visit 🙂 Everyone uses the shortest name now, but in the past that must has been a long process 🙂
February 15, 2017 @ 8:46 pm
I love seeing unique perspectives of Bangkok like this. Interesting meaning in the name, for sure. Thanks for sharing!
March 14, 2017 @ 5:37 pm
Thank you Erica 🙂
February 15, 2017 @ 9:30 pm
The first time I had visited Thailand was when I was 8. I have to go back with my husband now. Thanks for sharing the cultural meaning behind the name.
❥ tanvii.com
March 14, 2017 @ 5:39 pm
Thank you Tanvi. Definitely you should share another trip to Bangkok with your other half 🙂
February 15, 2017 @ 9:43 pm
I would absolutely love to go to Bangkok, but slightly put of with how touristy it probably is. I’ll go one day though 🙂 Lovely pictures x
March 14, 2017 @ 5:35 pm
Yes, specially the most famous temples are crowded. I try to avoid touristy places and stay more with locals. Thank you Young and Undecided 🙂
February 16, 2017 @ 8:45 am
Great post. I miss Bangkok so much after reading! Also you have awesome style 🙂
March 14, 2017 @ 5:32 pm
Thank you Serena 🙂 I appreciate 🙂
February 16, 2017 @ 3:33 pm
I miss Bangkok and really enjoyed exploring the temples and the food! I actually didn’t know the name was the longest name in the Guiness Book of World Records..lol Thanks for taking me back to the City of Angels.
March 14, 2017 @ 5:31 pm
I miss Bangkok too, so special city! Thank you Claire and Rosemary 🙂
February 18, 2017 @ 12:51 am
You taught me something new! I had no idea that Bangkok wasn’t the original name of the city. Did you know that Los Angeles is also the city of angels? Both are completely different but I find that similarity to be funny!
March 14, 2017 @ 5:29 pm
Really? I didn’t know about it! Maybe there are much more cities of angels in this World 🙂 Thank you Francesca 🙂