16 FACTS ABOUT BANGKOK -

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the most important and most visited cities in South East Asia and the world.

The city is famous for many things but there are some facts about Bangkok you might never heard of.

I have visited Bangkok countless times, on my arrival flights from Europe and as a stopover while traveling in Asia, and I am deeply in love with the city and I will return and get more and more of its amazing essence and people.

A view of the Bangkok skyline from the boat

I love to know about the places that I visit so I have investigated a bit more about Bangkok and have put together this article to let you know about some facts about Bangkok you might never heard of, so you will get to know a bit more about this fascinating city. Check out this essential guide to Bangkok before your visit to the city.

16 FACTS ABOUT BANGKOK

BANGKOK HAS THE LONGEST CITY WORLD NAME IN THE WORLD

Bangkok’s official name is the longest in the world and it has been inscribed as such in the World Guiness Records.

In its most scholarly transliteration, Krungthep Mahanakhon, the 168-letter official name for Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is krungthepmahanakhonamonrattanakosinmahintharaayuthayamahadilokphopnoppharatratchathaniburiromudomratchaniwetmahasathanamonpimanawatansathitsakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. The official short version (without capital letters which are not used in Thai) is krungthephphramahanakhon bowonratanakosin mahintharayuthaya mahadilokphiphobnovpharad radchataniburirom udomsantisug

Which translate into:

“City of angels, great city of immortals, the magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra’s behest”

RED BULL ORIGINATED IN BANGKOK

The world famous drink Red Bull was invented in Austria in 1987 but the Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz, inspired by a similar energy drink that he discovered in Thailand, the Krating Daeng, created by Chaleo Yoovidhya. He had minimal formal education and came from a modeslt family but with the help fo his Austrian business partner he co founded Red Bull, with some modifications to suit Western tastes.

The drink gained global popularity for its energizing effects, marketing campaigns and sponsorship of extreme sports events.

IT HAS A CENTRAL PARK WHERE HUGE MONITOR LIZARDS LIVE

Bangkok’s Lumpini Park is a huge green space in Bangkok, also called the “Green lung of Bangkok.”

Bangkok features a notable green space known as Lumpini Park, often referred to as the “Green Lung of Bangkok.” It spans 142 acres in size and it is an oasis of serenity inside the busy city. One of the most remarkable things about the park are its huge monitor lizards that roam free around the park that is their home.

Pilar standing in front of a tree and a monitor lizar on the back of the tree in the Lumpini park in Bangkok

This large lizards, called “hia” in Thai coexists in peace with the visitors and add some charm and beauty to the park ecosystem.

Going to the park just to watch these lovely monitor lizards is one of the Bangkok’s more popular attractions these days for locals but it has remained still an off the beaten path attraction for tourists, so you can still enjoy the park on the morning and evening hours of the days without the big tourists crowds.

IT HAS A DEDICATED AMULET MARKET

Bangkok is home to a well-known amulet market, one of the world’s largest also known as Wat Mahathat Amulet Market. The market is located close to some of the biggest Bangkok attractions.

The Bangkok amulet market in Thailand is a place of great importance for the local people as they believe it is amulets that bring good luck and protection to people. These amulets have strong spiritual significance in the Thai society, and they are believed to bring protection and blessings to the people who wears them.

Some amulets at the amulet market in Bangkok

The market has a vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings of Buddhist and other kind of amulets.

BRIGHT COLOR TAXIS

Bangkok is teeming with bright colored taxis that fill the city streets giving them a touch of wonder and art. From fuchsia and neon yellows to powerful red and electric blue these color taxis stand out as a symbol of the city.

It is a great experience to embark on a city trip in one of the beautiful painted vehicles and daydream about the colors that you do not see anywhere else in the world.

THIRD GENDER WASHROOM ARE COMMON IN BANGKOK

Bangkok is a very open city to the acceptance and acknowledgement of diverse gender identities and this is reflected in the presence of third gender washrooms. These toilets provide a safe space for individuals that identify themselves as transgender or outside of the traditional male or female.

You can find these toilets in various public venues such as shopping malls, universities or office buildings and they are a symbol of the city’s commitment to respecting all type of residents and visitors.

This type of availability gives the city a sense of belonging and acceptance and promotes social progress and understanding. Bangkok embraces the third gender people and gives a positive example to other urban environments worlwide.

BANGKOK NICKNAMES

Bangkok has different nicknames and boasts a myriad of nicknames that capture its essence. These nicknames include “City of Angels”( Krung Thep), that highlights the spiritual significance of the city and heavely nature of the city. ‘Venice of the East” during to its colorful canals that resemble the intricate network of canals in the Italian city. “City of smiles” or “land of smiles” for the whole of Thailand, is a reflection of the city warm hospitality and cheerful attitude of the Thai people. The city has also been named “Big Mango” as a similarity with the cosmopolitan and vibe of “New York city”, the “Big Apple”. These names a the essence of Bangkok’s identity and blend traditions with modernity, chaos with charm and make it a captivating destination where every corner tells a story.

WORLD’S BIGGEST CHINATOWN

Bangkok is home to the largest Chinatown in the world, a bustling area oozing history, culture and culinary delights out of every corner.

The area is a laybrinth of narrow streets with markets, temples and shops that are sell all kind of goods. The air is alive with the aroma of sizzling street food and the hustle of hawkers selling all kind of cheap electronics and other stuff.

There are other type of visitors that explore Chinese temples like Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, sample mouthwatering delicacies at street-side stalls, or simply soak in the energetic atmosphere. Bangkok’s Chinatown is not just a destination but an immersive experience, offering a captivating glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry.

BANGKOK IS FAMOUS FOR ITS STREET FOOD

Bangkok is a true street food adventure and its rich flavors and variety and affordability of dishes is a world wide famous. As you wander through its bustling streets you will walk pass thousands of the colorful stalls offering some delicious and cheap dishes.

From some delicious Pad Thai to my favorite Tom Yum soup and many other dishes to discover. Bangkok street food is really delicious and are a culinary delicacy that every visitor to the city should give a try.

BANGKOK HAS A VIBRANT ART SCENE

Bangkok is city where you can breath art in every corner. The city is a creative hub where artists come to get a career. From the contemporary galleries in Sukhumvit to hidden street art gems in Banglamphu, Bangkok is a mix of artistic expressions.

You can find trendy art areas such as the Thonglor and Charoenkrung with tons of galleries showcasing local and international talent. The city has some annual art festivals like Bangkok Art Biennale, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe.

You can also find street art painting in the streets of the city that tell stories about the urban life. Bangkok has a live art scene that features diversity, innovation and inspiration for every visitor to this amazing city.

MUAY THAI HUB IN BANGKOK

Muay Thai is also know as Thai boxing and it has its origins in the ancient kingdom of Siam, which a modern day Thailand. While this sport did not originate in Bangkok the city is one of the most important hubs for the practice of this sport.Muay Thai evolved from traditional martial arts practices employed by Thai warriors for self-defense and combat training and it has developed nowadays in to a highly skilled martial art.

Bangkok is home to many Muay Thai traning camps and stadiums, that attract enthusiasts fom all over the world.

IT IS KNOWN AS THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

Bangkok is also known”City That Never Sleeps”, as there is a constant pulse activity around the city 24 hours a day. You can party until dawn in some well known clubs or indulge in street food and have a 24 hours adventure.

IT IS HOME TO THE WORLD LARGEST WEEKEND MARKET

Chatuchak is an iconic hidden gem in Bangkok and it is well known as the largest weekend market. It has around 15 000 vibrant stalls and it is full with activity on Saturday and Sunday, attracting aroung 200 000 visitors.

You can find all kind of things in the market from antiques, to fashion, art and exotic pets.

IT IS HOME TO 60 COLLEGUES AND UNIVERSITIES

Bangkok has a wide educational offer with an impressive number of 60 collegues and universities.

The Kasetsart University stands as the city’s and the nation’s largest educational institution. Renowned for its excellence in agricultural and environmental sciences, Kasetsart University offers a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines.

93 % OF RESIDENTS ARE BUDDHIST

Most of the population in Bangkok are Buddhist people and the city is the spiritual center of the country with 93 % of its residents practicing buddhist teachings. The aura of the buddhist practice impregnates the city’s culture and it shapes its traditions, rituals and daily life.

From gigantic temples, testament to the Thai spiritual soul, such as “Wat Pho” and “Wat Arun” to the buddhist monks walking the streets and greeting you with their friendly smiles Bangkok is a place with a big Buddhist influence.

A row of Buddhas at Wat Pho temple in Bangkok and Pilar in prater postion

FACTS ABOUT BANGKOK FAQs

WHAT IS BANGKOK MOST FAMOUS FOR?

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and is famous for its rich cultural heritage and street life as well as its famous Thai temples, street food and markets. It is also a backpacker’s hub to travel other destinations in Asia.

WHY IS BANGKOK UNIQUE?

Bangkok is unique for its blend of tradition and modernity, featuring ancient temples close to modern skyscrapers. It is one of the biggest hubs for tourism, business and culture in Southeast Asia.

WHAT DO TOURISTS LOVE ABOUT BANGKOK?

Bangkok is a bustling modern city steeped in rich tradition. Amidst skyscrapers, ancient temples stand as cultural landmarks. Locals uphold customs such as spirit house offerings, blending old and new seamlessly.

IS BANGKOK A CLEAN CITY?

Bangkok faces cleanliness challenges due to its dense population and rapid urbanization. While efforts are made to maintain cleanliness, issues like waste management and air pollution persist. Regular street cleanings occur, but litter can still be prevalent in certain areas. Overall, cleanliness levels vary throughout the city.

IS BANGKOK A FRIENDLY CITY?

Bangkok is renowned for its warm hospitality and friendly atmosphere. Locals are often welcoming and eager to assist visitors, creating a sense of friendliness and inclusivity. However, like any large city, experiences may vary, but many find Bangkok to be a welcoming destination with a vibrant and friendly community.

MORE BANGKOK AND THAILAND GUIDES

I have been several in Bangkok and have spent in total months there during several stays in the city arriving from Europe or just on the way to other several destination in Thailand. Check here some more Bangkok guides;

And it is not only about Bangkok but Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world that I have travel extensively and I know quiet well. Check here some of the guides:

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Pilar

Travel Blogger at TravelTheWorldPages

Pilar is a travel blogger with many years experience living abroad and traveling in different world locations. She created her travel blog to inspire others to travel the world and experience its diverse and rich local cultures. She is a passionate scuba diver and loves underwater photography and video and writing about the sites she dives.

16 FACTS ABOUT BANGKOK

16 FACTS ABOUT BANGKOK