#Bangkok, the capital city of #Thailand, is an interesting place for its name alone. Its local name is Krung Thep, but its tongue-twisting full title contains 169 characters and occupies a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the longest place name in the world!
To tourists, Bangkok is known by its monikers of “City of Angels” or “The Venice of the East.” So what is it about this Southeast Asian metropolis that will pique visitors’ curiosity?
Here are seven things you should learn about the most visited city in the world, plus some golden nuggets of information to keep in mind when you book your next budget-friendly Bangkok tour package.
The heat is sizzling in Bangkok. That’s because it is the hottest major city in the world by mean average, according to the numbers by the World Meteorological Organization.
Visitors to the city should probably book their trips for the cooler months between November and February; otherwise, the searing heat—which can reach up to 34 °C in the summer months of March, April, and May—could be too much for some people to bear.
The energy drink Red Bull originated in Bangkok. Thinking of what cocktails to sample during your next trip to Bangkok? Why not celebrate with a Jäeger Bomb, whose non-alcoholic base—Red Bull energy drink—hails from the city itself?
Indeed, one of the world’s most widely consumed caffeinated energy drinks was invented by an enterprising Thai named Chaleo Yoovidhya, who, upon his death, was the third richest man in the country.
Bangkok is home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. In the heart of Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, is the Temple of Wat Traimit. Here, a visitor can marvel at the sight of Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon or the Golden Buddha.
Weighing 5.5 tonnes or 5,500 kilograms, this Buddharupa statue was once covered by additional layers of colored glass and stucco to hide its true value from the public.
If you come to visit Wat Traimit or any other historic temple in Bangkok, do follow proper temple etiquette.
The city is a melting pot of cultures—and you can see this from the cuisine alone. Yaowarat is the largest Chinatown in the world and houses more than one million residents of Chinese origin.
It’s a given that one can feast on culinary treasures like pork noodles, chive dumplings, and steamed fish in this part of the city.
But did you know that there are many delicious Japanese restaurants in the vicinity, too?
Suffice to say, there is a wealth of things to eat in Bangkok in addition to the dishes of its sterling national cuisine.
Bangkok is perhaps the best place in the world to relax and get a massage. After all, it is the birthplace of the Thai massage. Massage parlours are rife in Bangkok and welcome customers at any time of day.
You can choose between quick reflexology massages to more indulgent, hour-long spa treatments; there’s a lot of variety to be had in how you can relax!
Bangkok’s Siam Paragon Mall is an Instagram capital. In 2013, the Siam Paragon Mall earned an interesting distinction: it was named the most Instagrammable spot by the social network, beating out bucket-list mainstays like the Eiffel Tower and Bangkok’s own Suvarnabhumi Airport.
This beautiful commercial complex remains a great place to take travel photos for social media.
Chatuchak is the world’s largest weekend market. The famous Chatuchak weekend market on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road houses up to 15,000 stalls selling refreshments, furniture, souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, books, and many more items.
It also welcomes 200,000 visitors every weekend—and as one of them, you’re sure to find an exciting bargain there!
These are just seven among many facts that set Bangkok apart. Between cultural landmarks, cuisine, sunny weather, retail therapy, and relaxation, what are you most excited to discover about Bangkok?
