All the temples on the Thai Baht coins are located in Bangkok
Set out a day to go on an adventurous trip exploring all the temples stamped on the back of the Baht coins. And don't worry, it's possible to see them all in a day - as has been done by many tourists before. 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)
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)
Bangkok still has some strange old laws
Every country has a few outdated laws which didn't quite catch up with the times, but some of the laws in Bangkok will really leave you scratching your head as to the reason they were formulated in the first place. You might inadvertently commit a crime if you:
-Leave the house without wearing underwear
-Drive a motorized vehicle bare-chested
-Use a durian fruit as a weapon; the fine levied will be determined according to the number of thorns that strike the victim
-Step on the currency, as it contains the image of the King and must not be disrespected
-Leave the house without wearing underwear
-Drive a motorized vehicle bare-chested
-Use a durian fruit as a weapon; the fine levied will be determined according to the number of thorns that strike the victim
-Step on the currency, as it contains the image of the King and must not be disrespected
Bangkok is the Massage paradise of the World
The phrase 'Thai massage' has become famous all over the world with good reason - you can find massage parlors spread across the city, catering to all kinds of budgets and needs. From hour-long reflexologists to day-long pampering, you're sure to find something to release that tension from your muscles. If you're looking for a luxurious experience, Urban Oasis, Health Land and Body Tune are some of the chains to look at. In the early years, Thai massage parlors were notorious for doubling up as brothels, but effective government action has ensured you can let your body unwind with complete peace of mind.
"Bangkok is Home to Red Bull "
The world-famous energy drink Red Bull was made in Bangkok by Chaleo Yoovidhya in 1976. He had moved from central Thailand to Bangkok with very little formal education but managed to build a multimillion empire with the help of his Australian business partner Dietrich Mateschitz. At the time of his death in 2012, Yoovidhya was the third richest man in Thailand with an estimated wealth of USD 5 billion.
However, the syrupy drink he made is quite different from the carbonated version enjoyed across the globe. At some shops in Bangkok, you can find both versions, and decide which one you prefer for yourself.
However, the syrupy drink he made is quite different from the carbonated version enjoyed across the globe. At some shops in Bangkok, you can find both versions, and decide which one you prefer for yourself.
Bangkok is considered the world's hottest city (by mean average)
Although the summer heat is not completely unbearable, Bangkok has high temperatures throughout the year making it the world's hottest city according to the World Meteorological Organisation. Between May and March, the temperature can rise to a sweltering 34 degrees centigrade, while the annual average is 28 degrees. Ideally, one should visit the city between the cooler months of November and February. This is also the peak tourist season in Bangkok, so plan your itinerary well.
Bangkok is called the 'Venice of the East'
Just like Venice, Bangkok is also a city built on dozens of canals and with buildings standing on stilts. Although most of these canals have now been paved in, the nickname has stuck. However, another, less-cheerful point of similarity is the sinking of Bangkok. Due to rising sea levels and extensive development, Bangkok is sinking at a rate of 2 - 2.5 cm per year. Parts of Bangkok could be submerged in a few decades, so you might want to prepone your vacation there.
Bangkok has the longest city name in the World
The world knows the Thai capital as Bangkok, but locals refer to their city as Krungthep or 'City of Angels'. The full, 169-characters long name has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest name of a place. If you really want to challenge yourself, try pronouncing the full name without pausing:
Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit.
Roughly, this translates to :
City of angels, the great city of immortals, the magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city
Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit.
Roughly, this translates to :
City of angels, the great city of immortals, the magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city