10 Things You Didn’t Know About Bangkok
The Grandeur of Bangkok,
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Bangkok That Will Spark Your Curiosity.
You probably don’t know them yet, but they’ll definitely interest you if you’re planning to visit Thailand.
Bangkok Has the Longest City Name in the World
Although commonly known as Bangkok, Thailand’s capital has an official name far longer, which all Thais know. Locals simply use the first part, Krungthep (กรุงเทพ), to refer to the city.
Its full name is: “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.” It means: “City of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the magnificent capital endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in a colossal royal palace like the divine dwelling where reincarnated gods reign, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukam.”
It’s Called the “Venice of the East”
Bangkok is filled with numerous canals (khlongs), many of which were once main transportation routes. Today, several remain active and are a major tourist attraction. Bangkok also has famous floating markets.
Temples on Thai Baht Coins Are All in Bangkok
Thai Baht Coins
Many visitors enjoy a “temple hunt” to see all the temples featured on Thai baht coins. All of them are in Bangkok and can be visited in a single day:
- 1 baht coin – Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha, in the Grand Palace)
- 2 baht coin – Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount)
- 5 baht coin – Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
- 10 baht coin – Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Bangkok Is the Hottest City in the World
According to the World Meteorological Organization, Bangkok is the hottest city in the world, with an annual average temperature of 28°C (82°F). From March to May, temperatures can rise to 34°C (93°F). The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is cooler and skies are clearer.
The Royal Anthem Is Played Before Movies and Cultural Events
The Royal Anthem Is Played Before Movies and Cultural Events
In Thailand, the national anthem plays every day in public spaces at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. But it’s also played before movies in cinemas, where audiences must stand in respect, and before cultural events.
Red Bull Originated in Thailand
The world-famous energy drink Red Bull was invented by Thai entrepreneur Chaleo Yoovidhya in Bangkok. In 1976, it began selling nationwide under the name Krating Daeng (กระทิงแดง), which translates to “Red Bull.”
Third-Gender Bathrooms
While most public restrooms worldwide have separate facilities for men and women, in Thailand it is becoming common to have a third restroom for transgender individuals, especially in bars and clubs frequented by the LGBTQ+ community. This feature is present in many places in Bangkok.
The Traditional Thai Greeting “Sawadee”
The Traditional Thai Greeting “Sawadee”
The greeting “Sawadee Kap” for men and “Sawadee Ka” for women is the most common form of greeting in Thailand. The term was established in the early 1930s by a professor at Chulalongkorn University. Before then, Thais greeted one another by asking “Khin Kaow Rii Yang?” meaning, “Have you eaten yet?”
Bangkok Has the Largest Chinatown in the World
The Largest Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown, known as Yaowarat, is the largest in the world and home to over a million Chinese people of various generations. It’s a labyrinth of food stalls and alleys filled with Chinese shops, turning into a massive night market after sunset. Chinatown is also home to the world’s largest solid-gold Buddha statue (5.5 tons) inside Wat Traimit.
Thailand Is the Only Southeast Asian Country Never Colonized by Europeans
Thais are proud of this fact and often mention it when speaking of their history. In the 19th century, European powers colonized many parts of the world, including Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos (French), and India (British). Thailand resisted all attempts at colonization, maintaining its independence and national identity.
Did you know any of these facts about Bangkok? Now you do — and without a doubt, Bangkok surprises in every way, making it one of the most fascinating cities to visit.
