Why visit
Bangkok is Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Chatuchak market (15,000 stalls), khlong boat rides, and street food worth planning an entire trip around.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Bangkok is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Thailand. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Bangkok, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Thailand better matches the trip style.
Bangkok at a glance
City population
10.5 million
Metro: 17.1 million
Elevation
1 m
3 ft
Time zone
UTC+7
Asia/Bangkok
Airport
BKK
Suvarnabhumi International
Founded
1782 (Rattanakosin era)
Getting around
BTS Skytrain + MRT subway + river boats + tuk-tuks
Signature dish
Pad thai, tom yum, green curry, som tam, mango sticky rice
Neighborhoods for travelers
SukhumvitSilomRattanakosin (Old Town)Khao SanThonglor
Thailand at a glance
Country center
15.0°, 100.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
513,120 km²
198,117 mi²
Country population
71.7 million
140/km²
Subregion
South-Eastern Asia
Currency
Thai baht (฿)
THB
Dial
+66
Language
Thai
Demonym
Thai
Internet
.th
UN
Member state
ISO code
TH / THA
Where in the world
15.0° - 100.0°
Thailand
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Bangkok's full ceremonial name is 169 characters long, the longest city name in the world.
- The city sinks about 2 cm per year due to groundwater extraction.
- Bangkok has more than 400 Buddhist temples (wat) within its metropolitan area.
- Thailand was never colonized by a European power: one of only a handful of Asian countries with this distinction.
- The official capital name is the longest city name in the world: Krungthepmahanakhon... (listed in the Guinness Book).
Bordering Thailand
Traveler notes
- Skytrain + MRT avoid traffic above ground
- Wat Pho offers traditional Thai massage
- Chinatown (Yaowarat) at night is unmissable for food
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Bangkok
What currency is used in Bangkok?
Bangkok uses the Thai baht (฿), ISO code THB.
What languages are spoken in Thailand?
The primary language is Thai.
What is the international calling code for Thailand?
The calling code is +66.
What airport serves Bangkok?
Suvarnabhumi International (IATA: BKK).
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