Bangkok Part 1: The City

Did you know that the full ceremonial name of Bangkok, Thailand is the longest name of any city in the world? I didn't, until my visit to Thailand's, beautiful, capital city.

Inscribed on the monument pictured above, you can see the full name of Bangkok, which translates to Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

Our tour guides were kind enough to sing the name to us, as you can see and hear in the video above.

Bangkok's true name was just one of the many things I learned about this phenomenal city on my trip, which started here in my hotel room in Khlong San, one of the oldest districts of Bangkok.

The name "khlong" translates to "canal," which is one of the features this riverside district, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, is known for.

The city of Bangkok is built on the delta of the Chao Phraya River, which runs 40 kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand.

Eager to start exploring, I called for transportation using "Grab," (a rideshare app used in Southeast Asia) to take me into the central part of the city. Much to my surprise, my driver showed up on a motorcycle.

I decided to embrace this new adventure and hopped on the back. We passed by storefronts in the district with ease. Then suddenly, we were on the highway, veering in and out of traffic, often at high speeds.

I was thankful for this because Bangkok, the most populated city in Thailand, is a city of 11 million in the administrative region and a whopping 17 million, if you include the surrounding provinces. All those people mean lots of cars and lots of cars mean a ton of traffic. Being on the motorbike made traveling in Bangkok expeditious and exhilarating, but maybe not for the risk averse.

If that describes you, might I suggest an equally fun and efficient, but less perilous mode of transportation? I am referring to the tuk tuk, an open air vehicle. They are called rickshaws in India, xe lam in Vietnam and san lun che in China. In Thailand, these other countries and throughout Asia, taking a ride in one of these three wheelers is a must try experience.

I ended up discovering Bangkok by motorbike, tuk tuk, boat and on foot, all modes of transportation without air conditioning. I only mention this because Bangkok is considered among the top five, hottest, major cities in the world. Fortunately, almost all indoor spaces are well air conditioned.

Democracy Monument

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, like many other countries including Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Jamaica, to name a handful. The Democracy Monument, created by Mew Aphaiwong and Corrado Feroci, commemorates Thailand's 1932 transition from an absolute, to a constitutional monarchy.

Royal Pavilion Mahajetsadabadin

Signs of the monarchy are found throughout Bangkok, including the Grand Palace, the residence of the king, and the Royal Pavilion, pictured above.

The official name of the pavilion is the Royal Pavilion Mahajetsadabadin. It was constructed in 1989 under King Rama III's reign and was originally built as a staging area for royal and public events.

Today, tourists like me, stop by to admire the architecture, enjoy the gardens and learn about the history of Thailand.

Wat Suthat Thepwararam

Another way to learn about Thailand's rich history is to visit several of the many temples. The first one I visited was Wat Suthat Thepwararam, located in the Inner Rattanakosin area. It is one of ten, first-class, royal temples in Bangkok and one of 23 in all of Thailand. I was fascinated by the giant, red structure in front of the temple.

I learned that it is actually a massive swing constructed in 1784 and used during traditional swing ceremonies. The name of the swing, which stands almost 70 feet tall, is Sao Chingcha.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan

Wat Chaloem, is a second-rank, royal temple that was built in 1847. I learned that the differentiated rankings signify whether a temple is directly funded by the Thai royal family. First-rank temples, considered the most important in the hierarchy, are those that receive direct funding.

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen

From a second-rank temple, I traveled by boat to visit a third-rank, royal temple, but one of the most popular nevertheless.

The longtail boat (Reua Hang Yao) I boarded took me on a scenic ride on the Chao Phraya River.

Along the way, we fed the hungry fish in the river.

For those of us who were also hungry, this gentleman paddled by and offered us noodle soup with all the fixings.

We disembarked at the Wat Khuha Sawan Pier, located at the entrance to the Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen temple.

The temple is funded by prosperous, community members who ensure that the building's chofas, pediments and other temple ornamentation stays in tip top shape.

While the buildings are lovely and impressively decorated, the most famous feature at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is the gigantic, Buddha statue that was completed in 2021.

This 226-foot Buddha is the largest Buddha statue in Bangkok. To convey the scale, I intentionally photographed it with people in the foreground.

Wat Saket

Wat Saket

The final temple I visited was Wat Saket, located in Bangkok's Old Town. The temple is also known as the Golden Mount because if you climb 320 steps, you will reach a man-made hill that offers panoramic views of the city.

I suggest visiting close to sunset and then admiring the illuminated temple from a distance after your visit. It is quite a sight.

In addition to sites, I highly recommend getting a Thai massage in Bangkok. You can find massage parlors on just about every corner. Stop in for a quick foot massage ...

... or, full body massage. You can't go wrong either way, as I learned by booking both during my stay in Bangkok.

Pak Khlong Talat

As the sun set and evening came, I was lured to Pak Khlong Talat, and the vast flower market within, by the intoxicating aroma of fresh flowers. Pak Khlong Talat night market was once a fish market. Today, it consists of four main markets, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables and of course, endless varieties of flowers.

Phuang Malai

Of all the flowers, my favorite (without a close second) is the Arabian Jasmine, also known as Jasmine Sambac. Though it has been widely cultivated in Arabia (thus the name), this jasmine is actually native to India. The scent brings back endless memories of my numerous trips to India and of my parents, particularly my mother who loved the scent of this flower.

I lingered at the table, admiring the Phuang Malai (Thai garlands) and displaying my fondness for this flower for long enough to draw the attention of the shopkeeper. When I went to pay for the garland I had selected, the shop's owner insisted I take it for free, remarking that I clearly loved the flower as much as he did.

The Jasmine Sambac scented my hotel room for the rest of my stay in Bangkok and made me smile as I reminisced over tender memories of the past, as well as gratitude for it and the present.

On that warm and fragrant note, I will conclude this post. Coming up next are some of my other adventures in Bangkok, including a Thai cooking class, more time on the water and visits to some of the best food stalls and restaurants I've experienced. Until next time, "Chon gâew" or cheers!