Quezi

Marble Temple, Bangkok - courtesy spotter_nl - CC-BY

First, take a deep breath, then repeat after me.

Krungthepmahanakornamornratanakosinmahintarayutthayamahadilokphop
nopparatrajathaniburiromudomrajaniwesmahasatharn
amornphimarnavatarnsathitsakkattiyavisanukamprasit

Did you get all of that?

The name was given to the city by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, and later somewhat changed by King Mongkut.

It is in the Guiness Book of Records as the longest place name in the world.

Now, just what does all of that mean?

“Great city of angels; the repository of divine gems; the great land unconquerable; the grand and prominent realm; the royal and delightful capital full of nine noble gems; the highest royal dwelling and grand palace; the divine shelter and living place of reincarnated spirits.”

Sort of takes the ‘oomph’ out of Los Angeles as the “City of Angels” does it not?

The most common tourist sights in this remarkably named city include the Grand Palace where one will find the temple of the Emerald Buddha and the nearby temple commonly known as Wat Po where you will find the large Reclining Buddha. Tour groups also go to see the large solid gold Buddha in the otherwise unremarkable temple of Wat Traimit.

If you’re planning a trip to this great city, make sure to allow enough time to see some of the treasures that have given the city the status of a Southeast Asian icon.  Plan at least three to five days.

When you go to the airport, ask for a ticket to Krungthepmahanako…  and see just how far you get.

As for me, I’ll just book a fare to Bangkok.

For more information about Bangkok and Thai tourism.