"BANGKOK - KRUNG THEP, CITY OF ANGELS" Bangkok by ancient_traveler

Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, or Krung Thep, is the capital and primate city of Thailand. Bangkok's history begins at the rivers edge. At the edge of the Chao Praya River to be precise.

To most Thai people, Bangkok is much more commonly known as Krung Thep, which translates roughly to 'City of Angels'. Krung Thep, which has made it into the Guiness Book of Records as the longest place name in the world!

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Prasit.

Which translates into the following long line of superlatives:
The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.

young monks

Bangkok is a magnet for foreigners escaping turmoil in their homeland or simply for business. Bangkok has long been the gateway to Asia for foreign interests seeking new markets. The city's wealth of cultural sites makes it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

Fascinating, vibrant, colourful, and at times even mind-boggling... where gleaming skyscrapers grace the skyline alongside dazzling, historical temples, and luxury hotels. Past, present and future live harmoniously together.

This is Bangkok. Explore. Experience. Discover its hidden secrets.

inside Bangkok's AC bus, August 2009

currency: THAI BATH

www.bangkok.com
www.tourismthailand.org
www.alexholiday.com

• Pros:nice places, nice foods, nice shopping, nice people
• Cons:hot
• In a nutshell:temples, tuk tuks and tom yum gong