It is not surprising Bangkok has maintained its place as the most visited city in the world, it remains an amazing destination as they have a secret to making tourism a success.
Bangkok is ranking first on the list of the most visited cities in the world.
The city receives approximately 22.78 million international visitors yearly! (What a revelation)
The ancient city of Bangkok is also called Krung Thep (City of Angels) by the locals, a shortened version of the official Thai name of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
I bet you must be wondering why it is called the ‘City of Angels’, wait for it to
Asides from the fact that it is called ‘City of Angels’, there are a lot of fun facts about Bangkok that make it the world’s most visited city.
Wreathed in the noise of tuk-tuks and constant activity is the city of Bangkok, where map-less exploration always leads to fun discovery.
For people who love adventures, this city is one with almost endless discoveries (Be sure to have a tour guide so you don’t get lost).
It is always fun to know some interesting, quirky facts about a city especially if you are visiting.
We have put together lists of fun facts about Bangkok:
1. Bangkok has the longest city name in the world
The world knows the Thai capital as Bangkok, but locals refer to their city as Krungthep or ‘City of Angels’.
The full, 169-characters long name has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest name of a place.
If you want to challenge yourself, try pronouncing the full name without pausing:
Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit.
Roughly, this translates to :
The great city of angels, it’s where the immortal divinity dwells, the invincible city, the royal capital endowed with nine precious jewels and full of joy, it is abundant with enormous royal palaces, it’s where the reincarnated angels reside, at the order of Indra, Vishvakarma majestically built the capital.
2. Bangkok is home to red bull
The famous energy drink Red Bull was made in Bangkok by Chaleo Yoovidhya in 1976.
He had moved from central Thailand to Bangkok with very little formal education, but managed to build a multimillion empire with the help of his Australian business partner Dietrich Mateschitz.
At the time of his death in 2012, Yoovidhya was the third richest man in Thailand with an estimated wealth of USD 5 billion.
However, the syrupy drink he made is quite different from the carbonated version enjoyed across the globe.
At some shops in Bangkok, you can find both versions, and decide which one you prefer for yourself.
3. Funny Old Laws
Every country has some rather strange, outdated laws that have failed to keep up with modernity and might seem weird now. Thailand is no different.
Here are some of the antiquated ways to run foul of the law in Bangkok:
It is illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear
It is illegal to drive a motorised vehicle bare-chested
It is illegal to use a durian fruit as a weapon, the fine levied will be determined by how many thorns strike the victim
It is illegal to step on any Thai currency either coins or notes, as they carry an image of the King.
4. Third-gender washrooms
When nature calls and you dash to complete your mission, don’t be surprised if you are faced with not two toilet doors.
Along with the usual male and female washrooms found everywhere, Thailand was one of the first countries to introduce a third gender option for transgender men.
The third gender washroom is commonly known as ladyboys.
This option is rare, it is unlikely you’ll encounter such a toilet situation.
They are out there and you never know where one might crop up.
Thailand and Bangkok are liberal in terms of sexuality and tolerance towards gender identity.
5. World hottest city (by mean average)
Bangkok is the world’s hottest city according to the World Meteorological Organisation.
Although the summer heat is not completely unbearable.
The average air temperature throughout the year is 28°C, but this jumps to a sticky 34°C between March and May.
The best time to travel to the city is between November and February when the city enjoys cooler temperatures and bluer skies.
This is also the peak tourist season in Bangkok, so plan your itinerary well.
6. World’s biggest Chinatown (with the world’s largest gold buddha)
Bangkok has the largest chiinatown in the world, home to over a million people of Chinese origin, usually second or third generation.
Known locally as Yaowarat, the crisscrossing alleyways and bylanes transform into a buzzing street food hub at night and a thrift shopping centre during the daytime.
The area around Yaowarat is one of the most vibrant and interesting for inquisitive tourists and a day of exploring is advised.
On top of this, Chinatown also boasts the largest solid gold Buddha in the world.
Housed inside Wat Traimit, the 5.5-tonne Buddha was hidden inside plaster for hundreds of years and was only discovered when it was accidentally dropped while moving it.
7. Bangkok is the massage paradise of the world
Bangkok is known to be the home of massage.
The phrase ‘Thai massage’ has become famous all over the world with good reason – you can find massage parlours spread across the city, catering to all kinds of budgets and needs.
From hour-long reflexologists to day-long pampering, you’re sure to find something to release that tension from your muscles.
In the early years, Thai massage parlours were notorious for doubling up as brothels.
Effective government action has ensured you can let your body unwind with complete peace of mind.
8. SHOPPING PARADISE
When we’re talking about Bangkok facts, we can’t miss the shopping.
Thailand’s capital is the most shoppable city on Earth!
Home to the biggest weekend market – Chatuchak (more than 15,000 stalls) and two of the top 10 largest malls on the planet (Siam Paragon and CentralWorld).
There’s no product you can’t find in Bangkok.
I bet you are looking forward to a trip to Bangkok already!
9. BANGKOK WAS NEVER COLONISED
While all its neighbours were colonised by different European powers, Bangkok (and most of Thailand) never succumb to the pressure.
But how did they do it?
Having a strategic position between French-occupied Burma (Myanmar), Laos, and Vietnam and the Indian colonies of Britain, Thailand was seen as a welcomed neutral buffer.
It’s quite an impressive accomplishment that brings a proud smile to the face of the modern Thais.
10. ALL THE TEMPLES PICTURED ON THAI BAHT COINS ARE IN BANGKOK
A fun game you can play when visiting temples in Bangkok is trying to find the locations of all those pictured on Thai baht coins.
All the temples stamped on the back of Thai coins are in Bangkok.
It’s possible to see them all in a single day as this has been done by lots of tourists.
1 baht coin – Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha, inside The Grand Palace)
2 baht coin – Wat Saket (Temple on the Mount)
5 baht coin – Wat Benjamabophit (The Marble Temple)
10 baht coin – Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
11. CITY OF MILLIONAIRES
Allegedly, 95% of Thailand’s millionaires live in Bangkok. And no, I’m not talking about millionaires in Thai Baht.
It’s millionaires in US dollars! Bangkok is said to house the highest percentage of millionaires
12. STREET FOOD IN BANGKOK
You’ll see street vendors everywhere you turn in Bangkok – it’s part of the urban culture!
Fresh cut fruit, ice cream sandwiches, grilled chicken, iced coffee and milk tea and more.
Whatever you’re hungry for, there will be someone selling it cheaply nearby.
Isn’t that awesome! Knowing about Bangkok and its interesting facts.
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Omo this is eye opening.
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Very educating
Hello Joseph, thank you for engaging with our post.
We are glad to know you find it very educating. Kindly share with someone today.
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