Bangkok Thailand

Although the capital city of Thailand is known to the world as Bangkok, local people refer to it as Krung Thep. But this is just a shortened version of the actual name, which consists of 169 characters and makes for a challenging tongue twister. The full name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit. This roughly translates to: City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the 9 gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Visvakarman at Indra's behest.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, Bangkok is the world’s hottest city. The average air temperature throughout the year is 28°C, but this jumps to a sticky 34°C between March and May. That would explain the sweat stains! The best time to visit Bangkok is between November and February, when the city enjoys cooler temperatures and bluer skies. The only problem is everyone else has the same idea.

‘Sawadee Krap/Kaa’ (translated as ‘Hello’ or ‘Greetings’) is a phrase you'll hear countless times every day throughout Thailand. It's often the first word most tourists learn – usually before they have left the airport – so it comes as a surprise to learn that the word was only introduced into the Thai language in the 1930s by a professor at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s most prestigious seat of higher learning. Prior to 1930, the most common way to say hello in Thailand was to say "Gin kaow leaow ruu yang?" which translates to ‘Have you eaten yet?’

Thai Baht

Prior to banknotes, Thailand used coins, pot duang, and baked clay coins. The Bank of Thailand has the exclusive authority to issue baht. Each baht is equal to 100 satang coins. The Thailand baht is most regularly referred to as Thai baht or just simply baht. The symbol used for this currency is ฿.

In Thailand, it is considered rude to carry banknotes in your back pocket, because it is considered sitting on the image of the King. Another offensive act against the monarchy is stepping on a banknote or coin. Any act of disrespect towards the King is frowned health towards the King. Always make sure you show respect when handling this currency.

Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok

Night shopping 🛍

Asiatique successfully combines 2 of the most popular shopping experiences in the city: a night bazaar and a mall. Around 10 minutes downriver from Saphan Taksin BTS station, this once-bustling international trade port transformed into a huge replica warehouse complex with over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants. Open from 5pm, spending an evening here is no problem: you’ll have good fun browsing the boutiques, picking up gifts or something for yourself. You’re also guaranteed to find something you’d like to eat and if this isn’t enough entertainment, nightly highlights range from Calypso ladyboy cabarets to classic Thai puppet shows.

Public Utilities In Thailand

You can take the train from BTS station, taxi 🚖 or Tuktuk