I gathered 13 fun facts about Bangkok, based on my experience and travels. I highlighted Bangkok’s impressively long name in Thai language, the deep respect for the National Anthem within Thai culture, and Thai innovations like Red Bull. Bangkok was a highlight of my Southeast Asia trip in 2018. Despite the heat, rain and swarms of mosquitoes, the weather didn’t stop me from exploring this cosmopolitan city. Pro Tip: June is definitely not the best time to visit Bangkok. Key Facts About Bangkok Details Population(2025) 10,900,000 Official Language Thai Currency Thai Baht Area 605.7 sq mi(1,568 km²) Main Religion Buddhism Seasons 3 seasons: hot (Mar–Jun), rainy (Jul–Oct), and cool (Nov–Feb). Explore 13 fun facts about Bangkok to help you dive into Thai culture and prepare for your adventure. 13 Surprising Fun Facts About Bangkok Bangkok’s full name has 168 letters, making it the longest city name in the world You can find Bangkok’s temples on Thai coins Bangkok is the world’s hottest city (by mean average) The National Anthem is played twice a day Red Bull energy drink origins in Bangkok Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the world Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by European powers Bangkok is built on canals and is referred to as “Venice of the East” Bangkok’s taxis are pink, yellow-green and red-blue In Bangkok it’s illegal to leave the house without underwear The world’s largest solid gold Buddha is located in Bangkok Bangkok’s street food is world-renowned Bangkok is home to one of the busiest airports in the world 1. Bangkok’s full name has 168 letters, making it the longest city name in the world Globally known as Bangkok, Thailand’s capital has the longest city name in the world at 168 letters. Locals refer to Bangkok as “Krung Thep,” a shortened version of the full name, which can be Romanized in English as follows: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit The full name of Bangkok is a poetic description of the city, roughly translating to: City of angels, great city of immortals, impregnable city of God Indra, magnificent city and grand capital of the 9 gems, happy city, abounding, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate.
2. You can find Bangkok’s temples on Thai Coins Thai baht coins feature images of Bangkok’s famous temples on their backs. Tourists often try to visit all the locations depicted. The temples are: 1 THB coin – Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha, inside The Grand Palace) 2 THB coin – Wat Saket (Temple on the Mount) 5 THB coin – Wat Benjamabophit (The Marble Temple) 10 THB coin – Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) A full view of Wat Arun. 3. Bangkok is the world’s hottest city (by mean average) Taking a cruise in Bangkok is a total must-do. Bangkok is officially the world’s hottest city (by mean average), with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C) year-round, according to the World Meteorological Organization. While Bangkok holds the title of the hottest city, it doesn’t record the world’s most extreme summer temperatures. From March to May, temperatures rise to 93°F (34°C). The best time to visit Bangkok is during the cooler months, from November to February. Here’s a list of the hottest cities in the world: City Temperature Highlights Jazan City, Saudi Arabia Consistently warm year-round; not the most extreme summer temperatures. Bangkok, Thailand Year-round intense heat, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 104°F (40°C) and nighttime temperatures staying high. Las Vegas, USA Daytime summer temperatures often reach 40°C; close to Death Valley, which recorded 134°F (56.7°C) in 1911. Hong Kong, China Summer temperatures frequently exceed 104°F (40°C); known for extreme heat due to inland desert location. Melbourne, Australia Summer temperatures can exceed 115.5°F (46.4°C); average year-round temperature is 67.6°F (19.8°C). Data from https://wmo.int/ Beat the heat at Thailand’s stunning beaches 4. The National Anthem is played twice a day The Thai National Anthem is played daily at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on TV and radio stations as well as in public places like schools, train stations, shopping malls and markets. Everyone stands to pay respect to the monarchy during the anthem. During my trip to Bangkok, I saw this practice firsthand, especially in cinemas before movies and at cultural performances. 5. Red Bull energy drink origins in Bangkok Red Bull can fly without wings. The popular Red Bull energy drink was originally created in Bangkok in 1976 by Chaleo Yoovidhya. It was originally called “Krating Daeng.” Chaleo built a multimillion-dollar empire with the help of his Austrian business partner, Dietrich Mateschitz, who would drink the energy drink to cure his jet lag. In 1984, the drink was modified for global tastes and Red Bull was officially born in streets of Austria. Today, you can find both the Western Red Bull and the original version in some Bangkok shops. Thailand is home to several innovative creations beyond just Red Bull: Tuk Tuk Auto Rickshaw is a widely used urban transport and symbol of Thailand. This iconic three-wheeler runs on liquified petroleum gas and is perfect for short trips. Polyethylene Prosthetic Leg was invented by Dr. Therdchai Jivacate. Muay Thai is Thailand’s national martial art and a key part of the country’s culture. 6. Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the world Food, friends and fun in Bangkok’s Chinatown Yaowarat is Bangkok’s Chinatown and one of the largest ones in the world. The area is home to over a million people of Chinese descent. Yaowarat is in Samphanthawong district, and busy during the day with merchants selling affordable goods. At night, the area becomes a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of Chinese and Thai dishes. Pro Tip: Don’t miss Thailand’s national dish, Pad Thai, a dish made of rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, scrambled egg and bean sprouts. I had it almost every day on my trip to Bangkok. Extra fun fact: Yaowarat is also home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha, found at Wat Traimit. 7. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by European powers Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country uncolonized by Europeans. It maintained independence by acting as a buffer between French and British colonies during the colonial period. King Rama V played a key role by ceding small areas of land and keeping the country neutral. He also abolished slavery. King Rama V’s portrait can still be found in many shops, restaurants, and homes across Thailand. >> LEARN MORE: 11 Hidden Fun Facts About Thailand 8. Bangkok is built on canals and is referred to as “Venice of the East.” Bangkok was historically built on canals, which earned it the nickname “Venice of the East.” The city is sinking at a rate of 0.8 to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm) per year, because of land subsidence from groundwater extraction. Some areas of Bangkok could be underwater within a few decades if the current trends continue. Nature’s escape right in the city. >> LEARN MORE: MOSE Project, an Italian invention, protecting Venice from flooding Experience authentic Venice in Italy through a student program 9. Bangkok’s taxis are pink, yellow-green and red-blue Bangkok’s taxis come in cool colors, including pink, yellow-green and red-blue. Each color represents a different company. The color doesn’t affect the taxi’s features or fare. Green and yellow, the colors of adventure. A taxi ride starts at 35 baht (about $1 USD) for the first 2 kilometers. After that, the fare increases by 2 baht per kilometer. When you’re stuck in traffic, the fare also rises. 10. In Bangkok it’s illegal to leave the house without underwear Bangkok and the rest of Thailand has some unusual laws. For instance, it’s illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear. When traveling to Thailand, make sure to respect these laws: The King is deeply respected in Thailand and it’s illegal to criticize him or any royal family member or you may face prison time. It’s illegal to step on Thai currency as it bears the image of the King. Driving a motorized vehicle bare-chested is illegal. Using a durian as a weapon is prohibited, with fines depending on how many thorns hit the victim. Don’t take pictures in religious temples. 11. Chatuchak Weekend Market is the world’s largest weekend market Chatuchak Weekend Market glowing in different colors. Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district is the world’s largest and most diverse weekend market. It has more than 15,000 stalls and 11,505 vendors across 28 sections and draws over 200,000 visitors each weekend. You can find plants, antiques, electronics, cosmetics, food and clothing at Chatuchak. 12. Thailand was one of the first countries to introduce third-gender restrooms As early as 2008, Thailand began creating third-gender restrooms. Bangkok is known for its progressive views on gender identity and sexuality. Thailand was one of the first countries to introduce third-gender restrooms for transgender individuals, particularly kathoeys (transgender women). Organizations like the Thai Transgender Alliance have advocated for these separate facilities. 13. Don’t cause anyone to ‘lose face’ Last but not least, it’s important to avoid causing anyone to “lose face” by pointing out their mistakes or embarrassing them. Thai people are renowned for their warm hospitality and good manners, so it’s important for visitors to reflect the same respect when interacting with them. >> LEARN MORE: Traveling to Thailand for an Outdoor Adventure