5 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Bangkok

The City of Angels is a city like no other and there is much to explore and many adventures await when you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. A fascinating metropolis that has hidden aspects, we outline a few fun facts that you probably didn’t know about the wonderful city of Bangkok.

1. A complex network of canals – Most tourists have no idea that there is a maze of canals that stretch to every part of the city; you can ride the canal taxis, they are all electric now, which have replaced those huge V8 engines. The longboats glide through the water and you will get to see how the Thais live, while also enjoying the many Buddhist temples and they run very often, as Bangkokians use the canals to commute to and from work. Stay at an affordable hotel near Sukhumvit MRT and you are close to at least one canal and can easily plan a day of canal travel.

2. Bangkok’s full name – Definitely a tongue twister, the full name is something like this, ‘Kreung Thep Mananakorn Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilock Phop Nopparat Ratchatani Buriram Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Pimam Awatan Sathit Sakathattaya Witsanukam Prasit.

3. Flashfloods – Some lower areas of the city have flashfloods during the monsoon season; water can reach 1 metre, but it generally recedes within a couple of hours. Central Bangkok can quickly be underwater, so when you go out in the rainy season, make sure you wear suitable shoes. When it rains, the heavens open and the drains simply can’t cope, yet a couple of hours later, the water has gone!

4. Amazing Chao Phraya dinner cruises – Unless you stay at a riverside hotel, you might not know about the daily river cruises; the boats leave at around 5 pm and return at 9 pm, after taking you down this incredible waterway. The views are amazing, so make sure your camera has a lot of digital space and you can enjoy the delicious buffet and a traditional Thai dance show is included. You can easily rent a meeting room in a hotel if you are doing business in Thailand.

5. Guided bicycle tours – Exploring Bangkok by bike is something you should experience; Google will take you to the website of a leading tour operator and the 5-hour tour includes lunch at one of the best noodle shops Bangkok has to offer. You are supplied with a helmet and, of course, a high-end bike with 27 gears; an experienced guide will take you to places tourists never get to see, so you can see a different side of this incredible city.

If this will be your first visit to Bangkok, it certainly won’t be your last and we hope this information helps you to plan each day with awesome activities. Prepare to be amazed when you land at the airport and they open the doors; the heat and humidity hit you immediately and your adventure begins now!