There is a lot more to Bangkok than people first realise. Not only does Bangkok have the longest city name in the world but it also has the largest Gold Buddha and its the hottest densly populated city in the World.
However, there is much more…
Bangkok has the longest City Name in the World
The official, full Thai name for Bangkok is a long, ceremonial phrase: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. It is commonly shortened to Krung Thep (City of Angels) or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. [more…]
It is commonly shortened to Krung Thep (City of Angels) or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
Key details regarding the name:
Meaning: The full name translates roughly to: “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”.
Longest Name: This full, ceremonial name holds the Guinness World Record for the longest place name in the world.
“Bangkok” vs. “Krung Thep”: While “Bangkok” is used internationally, most Thais refer to the city as Krung Thep or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
Origin of “Bangkok”: The name “Bangkok” originated from a smaller, historical riverside village and translates to “village of wild plums”.
A Golf Course between the Runways at the Airport?
Yes, it’s True. The
Kantarat Golf Course is located directly between two parallel active runways at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, Thailand. Managed by the Royal Thai Air Force since the 1950s, this unique 18-hole public course offers ansurreal experience where golfers play within meters of landing and taking-off planes [more…].
Key Details About Kantarat Golf Course:
Location: Inside the Royal Thai Air Force facility at Don Mueang Airport.
Unique Hazards: Low-flying passenger jets, with no high barriers between the fairways and runways.
Operation: Players must pass through security, including metal detectors/scanners, to access the course.
Play Rules: The game pauses (red warning lights turn on) when planes are taking off or landing. A caddy is required for play.
Cost: Known for being very affordable, with total fees (green fee, caddy, cart) often under 1500 Thai Baht.
Future: The course is hnique, but there have been reports of its potential closure due toairport expansion, although it remains open as of early 2026.
Due to strict security, it is generally recommended to enter via private transport rather than a taxi to the air force base entrance.
There is more than One Reclining Buddha in Bangkok
Everyone knows about the massive reclining Buddha at Wat Pho but few know about another reclining buddha at Wat Maha Phruettharam Worawihan. It’s a historic Buddhist temple located in the Bang Rak district of Bangkok, Thailand. The temple’s origins are not precisely documented, but it is known to have been an ancient monastery that underwent several renovations over the centuries [more…].
Wat Maha Phruettharam Worawihan features a 19-meter reclining Buddha, intricate ordination hall murals, and four Khmer-style spires. Renovated by King Chulalongkorn, it offers a quiet, no-fee experience for visitors.
Key highlights and details:
- Key Features: The complex includes three main halls and a 19-meter-long reclining Buddha, which is the second largest in Bangkok after Wat Pho.
- Art and Architecture: The ordination hall features detailed mural paintings depicting 13 ascetic practices of Buddhism, and the grounds include four spires with Khmer-influenced design.
- Location & Access: Situated on Maha Phruettharam Road near the Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem canal and Hua Lamphong intersection.
- Visitor Information: There is no entrance fee, but respectful attire (covering shoulders and knees) is required, and shoes must be removed before entering the halls.
The temple is often considered an underrated, peaceful alternative to more crowded tourist spots
There are Floating Markets in the Center of Bangkok
When people think of Floating Markets, they often think of the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, but it’s 1.5 hours outside Bangkok.
What people don’t realise is that there are floating markets actually in the City. [more…].
Bangkok’s floating markets offer a vibrant, traditional experience where vendors sell food, fruits, and souvenirs from boats along scenic canals. Top spots include the authentic Khlong Lat Mayom, the massive Damnoen Saduak (best for photos), and evening-focused Amphawa. Most are best visited on weekends, early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market: Located in Taling Chan, this is a popular choice for authentic, local experiences, offering great food, boat tours, and a mix of canal-side and floating vendors (open Sat-Sun)
Taling Chan Floating Market: A small, accessible, and laid-back market known for its traditional, direct-from-boat dining experience (open weekends)
Amphawa Floating Market: A favorite for locals, this market is known for its afternoon-to-evening hours, fresh seafood, and, in some seasons, firefly boat tour
Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market: Situated in the “green lung” of Bangkok, this is a smaller, local-style market that offers a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on local foods and snacks
Kwan-Riam Floating Market: Located between two temples, this market offers a scenic setting with traditional boats, food, and cultural performances (open weekends)
There is a Plane Market in Bangkok
Chang Chui Plane Market, often referred to as the “Plane Night Market,” is a unique creative space in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district. Established in 2017, it seamlessly blends art, dining, shopping, and entertainment, all centred around a decommissioned Lockheed L-1011 TriStar aeroplane [more…].
Highlights of Chang Chui Plane Market:
Shopping: A variety of shops offer boutique fashion items and artistic handicrafts, providing visitors with unique shopping opportunities.
Artistic Ambiance: The market showcases modern, urban, and often whimsical art installations, making it a haven for art enthusiasts.
Diverse Dining Options: Visitors can indulge in a variety of cuisines, from traditional Thai dishes to international fare. Notably, the market features a restaurant within the airplane itself, offering a unique dining experience.
Live Entertainment: The market often hosts live bands, presenting light acoustic music or jazz, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
The Worlds Largest Gold Buddha is in Bangkok
Bangkok is home to the World’s largest Solid Gold Buddha, weighing 5.5 tonnes and valued at an estimated £600,000,000.
Visit Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan to see it in all its glory.
At one point in its history, the statue was covered with a layer of stucco and coloured glass to conceal its true value, and it remained in this condition for almost 200 years, ending up as what was then a pagoda of minor significance [more…]
During relocation of the statue in 1955, the plaster was chipped off and the beautiful shining gold revealed. Guinness World Records recognizes the image as both the world’s largest solid gold sculpture and, by intrinsic gold value, the most valuable object of religion.
The Red Cross have a Snake Farm in Bangkok
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is a farm of venomous snakes, founded in order to extract their venom and produce antivenom.
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute was founded in 1922 according to King Rama VI’s wish for educational and humanitarian purposes. [more…]
Now, the mission of Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is to educate people on rabies and venomous snakes as well. Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute produces all products according to GMP, PIC/S and WHO Regulations, which are nationally and internationally approved. Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute main missions are 1) producing vaccines and serums 2) researching and provding scientific investigation 3) providing information about rabies and other tropical diseases as well as vaccinating people against those diseases. Nowadays, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute has become an attraction for individuals, students as wellas foreign tourists who are interested in snakes, since the Institute also has an academic service in order for people to have a correct understanding and to be able to apply the knowledge in their daily life. This service includes the Snake Farm Bangkok that exhibits snakes and educate visitors about snake and antivenom production in an entertaining way. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) promotes this place domestically and internationally as a tourist attraction, and it even features in the National Geographic magazine as well as in educational documentaries. There are a lot more places to visit in Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, although they are not as famous as the Snake Farm including Department of Animal Diagnosis and Investigation, Immunization and Travel Clinic, Rabies Immunization Clinic and Animal Toxin Clinic.