Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling yet chaotic capital, is a well-liked destination for travelers. But the crowds, smells and sights could be each overwhelming and intimidating. For that reason, it seems only right that Bangkok’s full name is greater than only a mouthful and positively takes the prize for longest city name on the earth. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Here is the complete name of Bangkok: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit… and breathe!
The name means “City of Angels, Great City, Residence of the Emerald Buddha, Impregnable City of God Indra, Great Capital of the World Carved with Nine Precious Jewels, Happy City, Rich in an Enormous Royal Palace Similar to the Heavenly Kingdom, Kingdom of the Resurrected God, City Offered to Indra and Built by Vishnukarna.”
It’s actually hard to say the whole real name of Bangkok in a single breath, and imagining town’s name in your driver’s license is downright ridiculous. For many visitors to the City of Angels, knowing the name Bangkok is normally enough. Visitors can have a tough time finding a companion who actually knows pronounce town’s real name in its entirety.
While it’s vital and helpful to learn a number of Thai words before heading to the Land of Smiles, the complete name of Bangkok simply doesn’t fit. That being said, travelers who wish to impress the locals greater than they do other tourists should learn.
For those that haven’t got time to memorize the monologue that’s the official name of Bangkok, Krung Thep (City of Angels) should suffice.
