Welcome to Bangkok Twilight
the ultimative Bangkok Guide

 

Bangkok, constructed in 1782, is one of the biggest cities in the world, yet in all its existence, many may not have been aware that its proper name is not Bangkok. Krung Thep Mahanakhon, roughly translated as "City of Angels," is more accurate, but even this is not strictly correct. Thailand's title for its capital is so long, those few who are aware of it can barely recite its full name.

Since the destruction of the Thai Kingdom's old capital Ayutthaya near Thonburi, which was then Siam, the new city which is where Bangkok now stands has changed its name four times. The then King Rama I built this new city on the opposite bank of the Menam River to the old city. This new capital, off the Chao Phraya River, was but a small village, but two years later it was renamed, Rattanakosin in 1787. However, during the reign of King Rama III, the name was altered again to what it is now, but barely ever uttered. The name that King Rama III granted for the new capital of Thailand, is the city's present name. In full, it is: "Krungthep Maha Nakorn, Amarn Rattanakosindra. Mahindrayudhya, Mahadilokopop Noparatana Rajdhani Mahasathan, Amorn Piman Avatarn Satit, Sakkatultiya Vishnukarn Prasit." In English, this long phrase means: "The City of Gods, 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 which resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn." The Thai people rarely use the name Bangkok when describing their capital, but Krung Thep, a shortened version of its true name, which, when translated, is the longest place name in the world, but the name has stuck and tourists continue to use it.

For first-timers, touring Thailand's biggest city can be an eye-opener. By Western standards, Bangkok can put people off when they first arrive. The traffic is horrendous, political correctness has yet to reach its borders (thankfully), and the sights and smells can be an assault on the senses. Bangkok is a city of two worlds: for every stretch limo there will be a family of five balanced precariously on a small motorbike. For every five-star hotel there is a slum, and for every expensive restaurant there is a vendor selling street meat. This dichotomy is all a part of the Bangkok experience; a trip to Bangkok is what you make of it, as Bangkok is a city where you can have whatever experience you choose. Recently Bangkok has improved its infrastructure with the opening of the new Suvarnnabhumi International Airport and introduction of the MRT metro system. There are large deluxe shopping malls opening up at almost every turn, and ever increasing family attractions like Siam Ocean World in the Siam Paragon Center; the biggest aquarium in South East Asia.Bangkok deserves the top ranking in the world's best city survey because it has everything to offer to different types of visitors, from its modern infrastructure and world-renowned hospitality and service, to the rich culture and to-die-for Thai cuisine.