The Hottest, the Largest, the Longest. Culture Shock in Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is number one on many lists. Whether it is the most visited tourist destination or the Guinness record holder of the longest place name, Bangkok is the first one.
The bustling Southeast Asian capital is the gateway for the rest of the region. For first-time visitors, the novelty can be overpowering.
Here are some random facts about Bangkok. Being aware of them can come in handy for tourists who want to avoid coming across as rude. They can be helpful also for ex-pats who want to duck from a punch of culture shock in Bangkok.

1. Number one tourist destination

Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. It has reached the podium around the millennium. Depending on who draws up a list (MasterCard, Euromonitor), BKK has been #1 or #2, with its 22 million visitors.

Another interesting fact about Bangkok: Khao San Road is unofficially the most famous backpacking destination in the world.

It is the place that you have to see with your own eyes because it is impossible to describe it. A swirling crowd of tourists, pubs, travel agencies, street vendors, magicians. You can buy bags, shoes, jewelry, sarongs, 50-cent pad Thai, freshly squeezed juices, skewer-roasted octopus, cocktails, ice cream, fresh coconuts, fried crickets (or grasshoppers?), silkworm snacks, counterfeit DVDs, watches, passports, ID cards, visas, world tours, mechanical puzzles, Hello Kitty cell phone cases, T-shirts, live animals, dead snakes. And everything is dirt cheap!

At first, Bangkok can be overwhelming. It is also muggy. Many Western visitors feel compelled to be inappropriate or walk shirtless. Please do not. It is inconsiderate toward locals, and going bare-chested in public is also illegal.

2. Not-so-fun fact: Bangkok is among the 10 most congested cities

The traffic jams in Bangkok are legendary, and they affect the lives of millions of people every day. Despite the incredible Sky Train system, there are, in fact, far too many cars.

Getting out of the airport and taking a bus to downtown came as a culture shock in Bangkok. I got off the bus at Victory Monument. It is a military statue in the center of a massive rotary.

In the roundabout, the traffic is crazy. Tuk-tuks, motorcyclists, cars, and buses speed around, completely ignoring the lights and the traffic signs. You cannot walk on the sidewalk because it is full of vendors, and there are crowds of people.
On the edge of the sidewalk, there are bus stops for several routes each. The numbers on the signs seem absolutely random. Also, if any of the buses come, they will not halt at the designated stop. In the middle of the traffic, a couple of people in uniforms whistle and wave with a flashlight. They show the bus drivers places to stop.
It took me at least an hour to find and get on the bus I needed.

If I could give one piece of advice for first-time visitors in Bangkok, it would be this: ˝If you are not on a tight budget, take a cab from the airport to your accommodation˝.

3. Thailand has the 2nd longest-reigning monarch in history

King Bhumibol Adulyadej reigned from 9 June 1946 until his death on 13 October 2017. He reigned over Thailand for 70 years and 126 days, and only Louis XIV preceded him on the list of longest-reigning monarchs ever. Next year, hopefully, Queen Elizabeth II will surpass him. (And only 2 years later, also Louis quatorze)

King Bhumibol Adulyadej was greatly respected by the Thai people. In general, paying respect to the royal family is a very serious matter in Thailand. The royal family is adored and deeply revered by its citizens. It is strictly against the law to criticize any member of the monarchy. Disrespectful acts against the king, queen, or royal heirs are punished with imprisonment for treason.

As a tourist, you should keep in mind not to step on money. It is illegal because the notes have the picture of the king of Thailand.

4. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by Europeans

This fact about Bangkok might play a part in Thailand being called the ˝Land of Smiles˝. Most Thais you will encounter, especially in the tourism industry, will greet you with a smile and/or a bow. Thai people are welcoming, hospitable and ever-smiling.
Visitors also should keep in mind that a bow, although not expected, is highly appreciated when you greet or thank someone.

5. Bangkok is among the hottest cities

You will find it all over the internet that Bangkok is THE HOTTEST CITY in the world. I fact-checked it, and it is simply not true. There are more fiery places on the planet, especially in desert areas. With its yearly average temperature is 28,6 °C (38,5°F), BKK is around the end of the top 30. It is still scorching, and it is also humid, so it feels hotter than the actual temperature. Another reason that makes Bangkok outstanding is that it is a metropolis. The heat affects more people than in Mekka, which is actually the hottest city in the world.

Thailand has three seasons which are wet, cool, or hot. Every year, there are 6 months of rain, followed by 3 months of dry, cool temperature, and 3 months of heat. But some may simply say the 3 seasons are actually hot, hotter, and hottest!

So be prepared when you arrive in BKK and leave the terminal, and you are still wearing several layers of travel clothing. The heat will slap you in the face.

6. Grand Palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions

There are approximately 8 million visitors to the Bangkok Grand Palace every year. Other top tourist attractions in Bangkok are the Buddhist temples Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

Remember, before entering temples, taking off your shoes and leaving them at the entrance is a must.
In Thai culture, the feet are considered lowly as they are symbols of attachment to the ground. For this reason, when you are sitting down, your feet must always be tucked underneath the body. You should not point your feet at a statue or another person.

On the opposite end of the body, the head is the most important part. As a result, no one should ever touch the head of another person, even a child. As a sign of respect, Thais often try to keep their heads lower than the head of anyone older than themselves.

7. The largest Chinatown in the world is Yaowarat in BKK

Another fun fact about Bangkok is that it has the largest Chinatown in the world. The streets of Yaowarat are full of shops and restaurants. Among the umpteen number of street food vendors, you will find the best cuisines in the city.

While here, be sure to visit Wat Traimit, so you do not miss the largest solid gold Buddha in the world. The 3-meter-tall and 5.5-ton statue is estimated to be worth about 250 million dollars.

8. Culture shock in Bangkok can be sweet: it is a massage paradise

You can find massage parlors spread across the city, catering to all kinds of needs and budgets. From traditional Thai foot massage to facial therapy, you are sure to find something beneficial for your body.

Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha) offers Thai massage in its most traditional form, taken from the original inscriptions in stone commissioned by King Rama V.

In the early years, Thai massage places were ill-famed for doubling up as brothels. Nowadays, you can let your body unwind with complete peace of mind.

9. Bangkok is the best place to try the smelliest fruit

Durian is the most odorous fruit in the world. Its smell is so powerful that the fruit is banned from public places. The taste and smell of durian are difficult to describe. It is something similar to onions, butter, and sweaty socks. You either love it or hate it. I personally fell in love with it at first taste.

This unique exotic fruit is a popular ingredient in many Thai dishes. The street food vendors and restaurants of Bangkok are the perfect place to try it.

10.The official name of Bangkok is the longest place name in the world

Bangkok is the English name of the city. The ceremonial title for the city in Thai is 168 letters long. It goes as follows:

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit

The translation:

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.

As you can imagine, that is a lot to remember. Many people can recite the whole name thanks to a song. 

So what do people actually call Bangkok? Usually, they take the first part of the name. This would either be Krung Thep Maha Nakhon  or just Krung Thep. Bangkok will also be understood.

Would like to read more interesting facts about the capital of Thailand?

Read my guide about the Temples of Bangkok.

Venturing further beyond the capital?

Why not visit a floating market?