• City Name: Bangkok (known as Krung Thep in Thai)

• Population: 9 million

• Airports: (Primary) Suvarnabhumi – Used for all international flights.

• (Secondary) Don Mueang International – Domestic flights operated by Nok Air and Orient     Thai.

• Transport:  BTS Skytrain, Underground MRT rail network, Taxis, Buses

• Accommodation: Everything you can imagine! Over 700 hotels, ranging from dormitory to uber luxurious penthouses in the city’s prime locations.

• Tourist Attractions: Wat Pra Kaew Temple, Grand Palace, Chatuchak Market, Amazing Nightlife, Shopping, Floating Market, China Town,

• Known throughout Thailand as Krung Thep, Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and home to a sprawling population of 11 million.  Bangkok is by far the largest city in Thailand, with heavy congestion plaguing the streets, immense heat, high rise buildings and infamous nightlife.  While the city may seem like it could eat first time travellers alive, Bangkok is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, full of colourful temples, palaces, canals and vibrant markets.

‘Must Do’ Activities for Tourists 

• Do the touristy thing: If you haven’t been to Bangkok before, take in some of the history and culture by visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pra Kaew and other prominent temples throughout the city.
• Shop till you drop! Bangkok would have to be heaven for most shoppers! Take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit Station or MRT to Chatuchak Park on a Saturday or Sunday and enjoy the surrounds of what would have to be one of the world’s largest markets; a place where you can practically buy anything. Other recommended attractions for shoppers include MBK (situated at National Stadium BTS Station), Paragon (Siam BTS) and Central World (Half way between Chitlom and Siam BTS)
• See Bangkok from the water: Bangkok is known as the Venice of the East because of its many waterways.  The river, which originates in the north of the country, runs through the heart of the city, providing a variety of options for travellers to experience a different angle to Bangkok.  First time travellers can enjoy a delightful evening of delicious Thai food combined with traditional Thai performance on a dinner boat cruise, while the more adventurous traveler can take a ferry for less than US$1.
• See Bangkok from the sky: One of my favourite places to go in Bangkok is one of the two skybars situated in Bangkok. The Banyan Tree Hotel in Sathorn features a skybar offering stunning views of the city, while Lebua’s Sirocco (featured prominently in the film ‘The Hangover II’) is a personal favourite of mine where I take all my visiting friends from overseas. Here, diners can enjoy the perfect meal under the stars and over the City of Angels.  The Rose-apple Martini is definitely recommended.
• Go local! Try the street food: One of the first things that you notice in Thailand food is everywhere.  Go on, be brave! Try it! It’s not going to hurt.  Well, if you’re not sensitive to spicy food that is.  One of the few things that I have learnt about living in Asia is that the most authentic cuisine is purchased on the street. While the vendor may not be able to speak English, a lot of smiling and pointing helps to master the language barrier, before you enjoy one of the most authentic Thai meals that you’ll have during your stay in Thailand.  It’s also a great way to save, with most dishes priced at around US$1. 
• Go for a ride in a Tuk Tuk:   Tuk Tuk’s are a Bangkok icon and definitely worth a ride for the experience.  One of the cheapest ways to get a ride is from the Grand Palace or Wat Prakaew where many of the drivers have a deal with a nearby gem store who pay the driver a commission.  If you don’t mind stopping and taking a look and don’t mind saying no to a hard sale, you’ve got a free ride in a tuk tuk.

The city’s history

Bangkok, as we know it today, was once a small village situated on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River.  Following the capture of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in the 18^th century, King Taksin the Great converted that small village into the capital of the Siamese empire, renaming it Thonburi.

The capital moved to Rattanakosin on the eastern side of the river in 1782, where it eventually grew into the Bangkok that we know today. The Rattanakosin area was home to a significant population of Chinese migrants, who were then moved outside of the city walls to the neighbouring area of Yaowarat. It was from this time that King Rama I gave the city its name, Krung Thep Maha Nakorn, which translates to ‘City of Angels’ in English.

Ever since then, Bangkok has transformed into a city that has something for everyone, and serves as the cultural, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre of Thailand.

Bangkok Today 

Situated just to the north of the equator, Bangkok a sprawling metropolis, which is considered by many as one of the most tourist-friendly in Asia.  Having said this, it still feels worlds away from home, confronted by the sweltering heat, strange writing, pollution, and what comes across as organised chaos that can only be found in big Asian cities.

While in recent years, the city has been the subject of much media attention due to violent anti-government demonstrations, Bangkok is a remarkably safe city.  A woman would have no problems walking down the street at night, but some petty crime, as well as scams occasionally occur in Bangkok.

While the seasons vary from dry, to wet, to cool, travellers from temperate climates will feel the unbearable humidity throughout the year.  Its Bangkok’s high humidity that provide the opportunity for some beautiful exotic orchids to flower, and delicious tropical fruit that is available pretty much everywhere throughout the city.

Every morning, monks can be seen wearing their distinctive saffron-coloured robes walking through street-side markets, receiving their daily contents of food from passers-by, a tradition that they Buddhist monks have undertaken for hundreds of years.

Busy streets, filled with people heading in every direction, the iconic sound of a tuk-tuk speeding along the soi, the pungent smell of durian combining with the strong, but appetising odours from nearby street-side vendors, tacky neon signs illuminating the street at night, and the ever-enthralling “taxi driver conversation,” which is an experience of déjà vu of having the exact same conversation with three other taxi drivers earlier in the day.

Ahh, yes.  That is quintessentially Bangkok, or known locally, Krung Thep Maha Nakorn…. The City of Angels.