10 Random and Interesting facts about Bangkok.

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Bangkok is the most visited city in the world and also, in my opinion, one of the most exciting places in the world. Bangkok welcomes around 11 million tourists every year and the number is growing. It is well known for its spectacular temples and pulsating street life. It is home to over 8 million people and is the political, economic, cultural, culinary and spiritual capital of Thailand. Bangkok has the best of both worlds - the traditional appeal and modern ease.  The city seems a bit disorderly at times but always with a graceful smile. It has also been my home for the past 5 years and admittedly there have been times that I felt overwhelmed by it all but at the same time, this "grand lady of a city" never fails to amaze me with her charming ways.

There is so much to experience in Bangkok it can be hard to know where to start.  To get you orientated if you plan to visit I have put together a list of interesting facts about Bangkok.
I am sure there are many more but these are the ones that stand out for me. I hope this will inspire you for your trip to Bangkok or maybe spark some interesting conversations with fellow travellers.

 1. The longest city name.
   The name Bangkok is certainly not a long name but the traditional Thai name is Krung Thep        Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahindra Yuthaya mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasthan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. 
It has been listed in the Guinness book of world records as the longest name for a place. The name Bangkok is only used by foreigners and the locals call it "Krung Thep."It means the City of Angels.


2. Temples on the bath coins
All the temples pictured on the bath coins are in Bangkok. There are more than 400 temples disseminated around Bangkok. The most famous ones are Wat Pra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.


3. Largest Chinatown
Bankok's Chinatown is the largest in the world. The area of Chinatown is so vast it covers the entire east side of the Chao Phraya river from Hua Lampong to Rattanakosin Island with many small streets and alleys full of shops. It is also the centre of gold trade and home to a 200-year-old market which is still lively today.



4. Golden Buddha
On top of this Bangkok's Chinatown also boasts the largest gold Buddha in the world. Just next to Yaowarat road is Wat Traimit and is the location of the 5.5 tons pure gold "Phra Phutta Maha Suwan Patimakon" This Buddha statue is believed to be from the 13th and 14th century in the Sukhothai period. It is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the "sacred object with the highest intrinsic value" It is estimated to be valued at $250 million dollars and are also the heaviest gold Buddha image in the world.

5. Hottest city
Bangkok holds the title of the world hottest city.  It is not that the daily temperatures are always extreme but rather the fact that the city is always hot throughout the year. The average temperature is 28 degrees and highs around  35 degrees plus humidity all year round



6. Red Bull Energy drink
The world-famous energy drink Red Bull was created in Bangkok by Chaleo Yoovidhya in 1976. At the time of his death in 2012, he was the third richest man in Thailand.


7. The Kings Anthem
Not just in Bangkok but in the whole of Thailand, the Kings  Anthem is played at 8 o'clock in the morning and again at 6' o clock in the evenings.  During this time everything comes to a still stand and people pay respect to the Anthem. It is also played before movies and cultural performances.


8. Rainbow coloured taxis
 Another reason why Bangkok is the most vibrant city in the world is that all taxis are in different colours. You will see pink, green, yellow, green and blue ones and it gives the infamous traffic jams a little nicer rainbow theme.


9. Chatuchak Weekend Market
   You can spend an entire day in this market and it is the biggest market in Thailand. It is also claimed to be the largest market in the world. The market stretches over 27 acres and there are 15000 stalls in 27 separate sections selling everything imaginable.
If you love shopping this is the place to be.



10 Seven Elevens around every corner.
 It is truly an anomaly of how many convenience stores there are in Bangkok. Unlike Convenience stores in the West, they are not ridiculously overpriced and they do carry some truly convenient items. From fresh coffee to beauty products to phone credit to wine and sushi.
The best food by far to buy at the Seven Eleven is the grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It is always good any time of the day.



 The last word.
I hope you find these interesting facts useful in your travel planning.


Greetings from Bangkok
M





















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