Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha
Tour the royal palace and Thailand's most sacred temple.
Bangkok
Thailand's electric capital mixes glittering temples, floating markets and rooftop bars with some of the best street food on the planet. It is ranked #8 on Time Out's Best Cities 2026 list.
- Metro population
- 11,000,000
- Country
- Thailand
- Region
- Asia
Overview
Why visit Bangkok
Bangkok became Thailand's capital in 1782, when King Rama I moved the royal court across the Chao Phraya River. The dazzling Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home of the revered Emerald Buddha, date from that time, while nearby Wat Pho houses a giant reclining Buddha and Wat Arun rises from the opposite riverbank.
Locals call the city Krung Thep, the "City of Angels". Getting around is part of the adventure: hop on the BTS Skytrain or MRT to beat the traffic, ride the express boats along the river, or take a tuk-tuk for a short, bumpy thrill.
Food is the city's true attraction. Graze on pad thai, som tam and mango sticky rice at street stalls, explore the night-time food scene of Yaowarat (Chinatown), and shop at the enormous Chatuchak Weekend Market. For a day out, visit the ancient temples of Ayutthaya or a floating market outside the city.
Things to do
Top things to book in Bangkok
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Floating Market Day Trip
Shop and snack from boats at a traditional floating market.
Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise
Dinner on the river with views of lit-up temples.
Ayutthaya Day Trip
Explore the ruins of Thailand's ancient capital.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Bangkok
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Bangkok
- 01
The World'S Longest City Name
Bangkok's full ceremonial name is listed by Guinness World Records as the longest place name in the world.
- 02
Locals Call It Krung Thep
Thais usually call their capital Krung Thep, meaning "City of Angels". "Bangkok" is the name mostly used by foreigners.
- 03
A 46-Metre Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho is home to a gold-leaf reclining Buddha 46 metres long. The temple is also known as a historic centre of traditional Thai massage.
- 04
The Emerald Buddha Isn'T Emerald
The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew is carved from green stone. Its golden costume is changed by the King with the seasons, three times a year.
- 05
One Of The World'S Most Visited Cities
Bangkok regularly ranks among the most visited cities on the planet in international tourism rankings.
- 06
A Giant Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market has more than 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothes and plants to antiques and street food.
- 07
The "Venice Of The East"
Bangkok was once crisscrossed by canals called khlongs, and some neighborhoods still rely on boats today.
- 08
A Temple Covered In Porcelain
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is decorated with thousands of pieces of colorful Chinese porcelain that sparkle in the sun.
- 09
Capital Since 1782
King Rama I founded the current capital on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in 1782, the start of the Rattanakosin era.
- 10
Street Food With A Michelin Star
Street-food legend Jay Fai earned a Michelin star in 2018 for her famous crab omelettes.
Random Bangkok fact
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FAQ
Quick answers about Bangkok
Where is Bangkok located?
Bangkok is in Thailand, in Asia.
What is the population of Bangkok?
The greater Bangkok area is home to about 11,000,000 people.
What is Bangkok famous for?
Thailand's electric capital mixes glittering temples, floating markets and rooftop bars with some of the best street food on the planet.
Is Bangkok worth visiting?
Yes — Bangkok was ranked #8 on Time Out's Best Cities 2026 list. Explore its facts, attractions and top things to book on this page.
Did IShowSpeed stream from Bangkok?
Yes — IShowSpeed streamed from Bangkok during his 2024 Southeast Asia tour, including a famous elephant ride and tuk-tuk moment. See his full world tour map.
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