Ranked as the most visited city for tourism and business, Bangkok is most often described in the superlatives – most beguiling, most intriguing, most sensual, and most vibrant. Of course, it is the city with the longest official name: “Krungthep Mahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiya witsanukamprasit.” To the locals, Bangkok is simply called Krung Thep.

Bangkok was founded in the 15th century and it was made the capital of Thailand by King Rama I after the downfall of the Thonburi Kingdom of King Taksin The Great. In 2010, the city had a population of more than 8 million and increases to 14 million if the immediate surroundings are included. It is a primate city since there is no other city in the country that comes close to it in terms of population, financial and international standing.

According to Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index, Bangkok has been chosen as the most visited city in the world for three years in a row with more than 20 million overnight visitors. Indeed, there are a thousand and one reasons to visit this city. For now, it is suffice to mention at least 25 things to see or to do. They are:

1. Khaosan Road
2. Grand Palace
3. Wat Pho with its Reclining Buddha
4. Wat Arun
5. Chatuchak Weekend Market and Park
6. Pratunam Market
7. Erawan Shrine
8. Baiyoke Tower II and Sky Hotel – the third tallest building in Thailand with a revolving floor
9. Mahanakhon Skywalk – the second tallest building in Thailand
10. Sea Life Ocean World
11. King’s Park or Rama IX Park
12. Lumphini Park
13. Chao Phraya River Cruise
14. Dream World
15. National Museum
16. Jim Thompson’s House
17. Mahboonkrong (MBK) Shopping Center
18. IconSiam
19. Safari World
20. Bangkok Planetarium
21. Children’s Discovery Museum
22. Silom Red Light District
23. Songkran Festival
24. Loy Krathong Festival
25. Great Shopping and Tasty Food

Of course, these are but a few of the things that are in store for visitors. In the surrounding areas such as Ayutthaya and Pattaya, a lot more awaits them.

See also: What to see and do in the provinces