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.
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
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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
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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