Amazing Facts About Bangkok

1. Bangkok became Thailand's capital in 1782 when King Rama 1, fearing attack from the Burmese, moved the capital from the eastern banks of the Chao Praya River to the more easily defendable western side. Bangkok now spans both sides of this river over an area of 1500 square kilometers.

2. Thai's universally refer to their city as Krung Thep, which roughly translates as City of Angels. These are just the first two words of what the Guinness book of records acknowledges to be the longest place name in the world. The name Bangkok means village of wild plums and refers to the city's old site, now the suburb of Thonburi.

3. Bangkok with a population of around 6,000,000 is Thailand’s most populated city by a long way. The next biggest city is Chiang Mai in the north with a population of only 170,000, not even a 30th of Bangkok’s

4. Bangkok is built on low-lying swampland. This, heavy seasonal rain and a high use of ground water by a rapidly growing population contributes to the city sinking by up to 5 cm a year. 

5.Bangkok’s once extensive network of canals earned it the nickname, Venice of the east. Nowadays, with most of these waterways filled in, the city bears little resemblance to its Italian cousin. However it is still possible to travel over much of the city by canal and the largest canal, Khlong Saen Saeb, is a regular commuter route.

6.Traimit Temple, near Hualomphong railway station, houses a 3 meter tall, solid gold Buddha image. This five and a half ton statue was rediscovered in 1955 when, while being moved, a piece of the plaster that encased it cracked and fell off revealing its hidden value.

7. From steel cooking utensils to intricate wooden carvings to jeans, you'll find them all and more in Chatuchak, a sprawling outdoor market in North Bangkok. Spread over several square kilometers it is also known as the Weekend Market, and is, as the name suggests, only open on Saturday and Sunday.

8. In July of every year the streets of Bangkok are the setting for a huge water fight as revelers head outside to celebrate the Thai New Year, Songkhran. Traditionally celebrated by pouring scented water on the hands of elders in a show of respect, the modern version sees combatants do battle with buckets of water and high-powered water pistols.

9. Bangkok’s favorite son is the snooker star James Watttana who is almost single-handedly responsible for the sports huge popularity in the city. Known by his nickname Dong See Choy, he rapidly rose through the world rankings to become Number 3 in early 90’s.

10. The huge influx of regional workers to Bangkok means that the streets are packed with stalls and restaurants selling dishes from around the country. A good example of this is Soi Rang Nam near Victory Monument where eateries serve almost exclusively North Eastern food including the very popular Som Tam; a hot salad made from unripe papaya.

11. Bangkok’s long awaited sky train opened in 1999 and runs over much of the business and commercial areas. Introduced as an attempt to relieve traffic congestion in the city it provides a quick, clean alternative to Bangkok's notorious roads.

12. The viewpoint at the top of the Bayoke tower in Pratunam provides a spectacular vista of the city. Completed in 1997, this is the tallest building in the city and at 320 meters high the second tallest hotel in the world.

13. Jim Thompson's house, just off Rama I Road and next to Saen Saeb canal represents one of best of examples of traditional Thai architecture in the city. Built by the renowned entrepreneur, it consists of six solid teak buildings, most at least 200 years old, which were transported to their present sight in the 1950's.

14.The Emerald Buddha, reputably over a 1000 years old is regarded by the Thai people as the most sacred object in the country and a potent symbol of national independence. Actually made of jade, this 30-inch high statue can be found in the temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the grand palace compound on Rajdamnoen Road.

15.As much as 15% of the city's population is of Chinese origin and Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the oldest areas in the city. The Chinese moved to this area during the founding of Bangkok and many of the small side streets and alleys are little changed from 200 years ago. Although once known for its brothels, opium dens and gambling houses it is now the high concentration of gold shops that is most noticeable.

About The Author: Joel has lived and worked in Asia for the last decade and has written for numerous travel magazines. He is the chief editor of Asia Travel Ezine and is also responsible for editing and managing the website, Asia Hotel Bookings . He currently resides in Hanoi.

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