Bangkok is Thailand’s capital, as well as its economic and political center.  It is by far the country’s largest city, with well over 11 million residents and covering an area over 7,700 square kilometers.  It is one of Asia’s most modern and cosmopolitan cities, with numerous accommodation, restaurant and shopping options as well as having historical and religious sites to visit.

Bangkok, known as Krungthep to the locals (which mean City of Angles) began as a small trading village on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River.  After the fall of Ayutthaya, the newly appointed King Taksin moved the capital to Thonburi, on the eastern banks of the Chao Phraya.  He then later moved the capital across the river into modern-day Bangkok because of the natural barrier the Chao Phraya River provided.  Today, the city incorporates both sections, with the majority of the commercial and business establishments on the western side of the river with the eastern side being less developed.

Bangkok holds the record as having the longest place name in the world.  The full name goes like this: “Krungthep mahanakhon amorn ratanakosin mahintharayutthaya mahadilok popnoparat ratchathani burirom udomratchanivetmahasathan amornpiman avatarnsathit sakkathattiyavisnukarmprasit”.  Many school children are taught to remember the name, but few actually know its meaning because of its archaic language.  However, the task of remembering the name is made easier because it is also a song, similar to the tune people sing while reciting the English alphabet.

So, what is there to do in Bangkok?  Lots!  The city is home to numerous temples and religious monuments, many of which are in the Grand Palace compound and its surrounding area.  Here you will witness beautiful glittering temples and important religious relics and artifacts, such as the Emerald Buddha.

The city is also home to a wide range of hotels and accommodation options.  Ranging from high-end, luxury riverside establishments to boutique addresses and homely guesthouses, there is something for everyone in Bangkok.  You can see Exotissimo’s Thailand hotels page for some ideas into the city’s accommodation scene.  In addition to the long hotel list, there are also countless restaurants catering to a wide range of tastes in Bangkok.  You may contact us for further information about great dining experiences in the city or if you have questions about any of our hotels or tours.

Bangkok definitely has one of the liveliest and vibrant Chinatowns, which is replete with interesting shops, markets and temples.  It is also one of the more bicycle-friendly areas in Bangkok and the area can be explored with our Biking in Chinatown & Foot Massage – Bangkok day trip tour.

The city is also home to an extensive list of public transportation that not only makes travel between destinations easy and convenient but also fun and memorable.  The city’s modern looking skytrain as well as more conventional travel methods such as long-tail botas and tuk-tuks can all be experienced with our Bangkok City Safari day trip tour.  Here, you will fully experience Bangkok while visiting some of the city’s major attractions.  You can also choose to shop at one of the city’s major shopping complexes or at the market-like Suan Lum Night Bazaar, all of which are just steps away from the sky-train and subway stations.

Bangkok is also your base for excursions to nearby destinations like the floating market of Amphawa, the temple ruins of Thailand’s former capital Ayutthaya, the peaceful beach resort town of Hua Hin and the historical jungle and waterfall destination of Kanchanaburi.  With so much to do within the city and many places to go just outside of it, Bangkok is truly a remarkable city.