Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. In Thai, it is known as “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon”, or in short as “Krung Thep” (the City of Angels). Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. In each year, more than 20 million of people visit this beautiful and charming capital of Thailand. It is well-known for its beautiful architectural design of the temples and tourist attractions, vibrant street life, and luxurious shopping malls. It is also famous worldwide for the unique delicious food which will not be found anywhere else.
The City of Angels
Bangkok, in other words Krung Thep, is the economic and investment center of Thailand located on the plain in central of the country, astride the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok, including Thon Buri area on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, covers an area of about 1,600 sq. km. The city is adjacent to Pathum Thani on its north, Nonthaburi on its northwest, Chachoengsao on its east, Samut Sakhon on its southwest, and Samut Prakan on its southeast. There are three seasons in Bangkok i.e. hot (from March to May), rainy (from June to October), and cool (from November to February). The annual average temperature is about 29 °C with the monthly averages ranging from 35 °C in April to 26 °C in December.
Bangkok is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. As the main gateway welcoming visitors to Thailand, Bangkok is visited by the majority of international tourists to the country. Due to the multi-faceted sights, attractions and city life of Bangkok, various groups of tourists hardly resist themselves to have visits to this charming city. Royal palaces and temples with traditional Thai architecture as well as several museums stand remarkably as tourist attractions. Cruises and boat trips on the beautiful rivers and canals usually attract tourists who love to experience another Thai traditional way of living.
Bangkok is usually listed at the top of tourists’ list for shopping and dining experiences due to its variety of choices and prices. Shopping places in Bangkok are located around the city area both as markets, and shopping centers & department stores. Prices in some shops and stalls in shopping centers can also be bargained, but not as much as in markets. Various shopping centers and department stores with good quality products, both imported and exported, are located around Bangkok area and waiting to serve tourists with sweet Thai smiles, and gentle hospitality.
From outside countries to Bangkok, there are two international airports operated in and just outside the city i.e. Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi (about 33 kms. from Bangkok) respectively with the airport codes as DMK and BKK. Transportation in Bangkok is so convenient and mainly by BTS skytrain, MRT subway, elevated train, taxi, and Tuk Tuk (motor-tricycle, the signature transportation of Thailand).
In Bangkok, the standard Thai language is used for communication. English is widely spoken and understood in business and tourist areas.
