Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bangkok
Welcome to the city that never sleeps and where the party doesn't stop till the next day. A
massive city with a population of 11 million and skyscrapers reminiscent of New York City,
Bangkok may be a sight sore on the eyes but once you settle in you will find there are thrills
for everyone. A melange of traditional Thai culture and neon signs, Bangkok is worth visit-
ing for a few days. There are grand temples and hidden gems, fine cuisine and a wild night-
life that has gained international attention as the hottest place to party in Asia.
Another reason that visitors fly to Bangkok is for medical treatments that are much cheaper
than in the western world. More and more foreigners are heading to Thailand for a range of
procedures including cosmetic surgery, dental care and even organ transplants. These aren't
chop shops, the medical facilities are internationally accredited and provide quality services
for a much cheaper price.
Prior to becoming the country's capital in 1782 it was just a small riverside village. Most
people lived on floating bamboo rafts and the only land structures were temples and palaces.
In pop media there are many films shot in Bangkok, most popular of which are "The Han-
gover Part 2" and "The Beach". To learn about Muay Thai (thai boxing) before you go check
out the film "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior".
Bangkok is known as "Krung Thep" to the locals in Thai though its complete name is
"Krung thep mahanakhon amorn ratanakosin mahintharayutthaya mahadilok popnoparat
ratchathani burirom udomratchanivetmahasathan amornpiman avatarnsathit sakkathattiyav-
isnukarmprasit" which loosely means "The city of angels, 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 that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by
Indra and built by Vishnukarn". It is the longest city name in the world and has a place in
the Guinness Book of World Records to show for it.
Once youhave landed orrolled into Bangkok take a moment to learn yourway around. Nav-
igating the address system is an art but with a few tips you will find your way through the
twists and turns. Large roads are called "thanon", abbreviated to "th", and side streets are
called "soi", sometimes called "trok". Sois are numbered with all even numbered sois on one
side of the street and all odd numbers on the other side. As new streets are continually being
added they are given names between existing sois, for example soi 7 is next to soi 7/1 which
