Bangkok, Capital city and administrative region in Thailand
A metropolitan area of over 10 million people stretches along the Chao Phraya River, connecting historic temple complexes and palaces with modern skyscrapers, while a network of canals threads through older neighborhoods and street markets thrive between high-rises.
King Rama I established the new capital on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya in 1782, naming it Krung Thep after Ayutthaya fell to Burmese armies. The city grew rapidly under the Chakri dynasty and opened to Western influence through modernization reforms in the late 1800s.
The city unites Thailand's political, economic and religious institutions, serving as home to the royal family and more than 400 Buddhist temples that shape daily life for residents while drawing pilgrims from across Southeast Asia.
Two international airports serve the metropolitan area, with Suvarnabhumi being the larger hub. The Skytrain and subway network connects central districts, while express boats on the river provide an alternative to road traffic. The dry season from November through February brings cooler temperatures and less rainfall for sightseeing.
The full ceremonial name of the capital contains 169 characters and holds the record as the world's longest place name, though locals shorten it to Krung Thep or City of Angels, while the international name derives from the earlier village name Bang Makok.
Location: Thailand
Inception: April 21, 1782
Founders: Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
Elevation above the sea: 2 m
Shares border with: Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Chachoengsao
Address: Bangkok, Thailand 10### Bangkok
Website: http://bangkok.go.th
GPS coordinates: 13.75000,100.51667
Latest update: November 30, 2025 17:12
Photo license: GFDL
Photo license: CC BY-SA 3.0
This collection showcases the 25 most populated cities in Asia, ranked by their urban area populations. The Asian continent now hosts the largest human concentrations on the planet, with metropolises exceeding 10 million inhabitants regularly. From Shanghai with 24 million residents leading the ranking to Chennai with 6.8 million, these urban centers reflect a demographic momentum unmatched elsewhere. This overview spans twelve countries: China leads with multiple megacities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, while India also has several major representatives including New Delhi and Mumbai. The list also includes capitals like Dhaka in Bangladesh, Tokyo in Japan, and Istanbul in Turkey, along with metropolises from Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Iran, and Iraq. Each city presents a different aspect of Asian urbanization, blending tradition and modernity, with historic districts, lively markets, and recent developments continuously shaping their urban landscapes.
Bangkok offers photographers a wide variety of subjects, from religious heritage to contemporary urban spaces. The Thai capital hosts several major historic temples such as Wat Arun, established in the 17th century, with its central prang reaching 79 meters (259 feet) and decorated with porcelain fragments, as well as the Grand Palace, a royal complex from the 18th century covering 218,000 square meters (54 acres) and home to the renowned Emerald Buddha. Wat Pho, with its 46-meter (151-foot) gold Reclining Buddha, completes this series of religious sites that have shaped the city's architectural identity. Beyond temples, Bangkok features diverse locations suitable for various photography styles. Markets like Chatuchak, with 15,000 stalls on weekends, offer authentic scenes of local life. Green spaces such as Lumphini Park help document urban nature across 57 hectares (141 acres). Modern shopping districts like Asiatique The Riverfront and Siam Paragon demonstrate the city’s contemporary growth. This collection includes accessible sites that reflect the multiple facets of Bangkok.
Bangkok has several dozen rooftop bars located on the top floors of skyscrapers and hotels downtown. These altitude venues serve cocktails, spirits, and craft drinks while offering unobstructed views of the Thai metropolis, its modern towers, and the Chao Phraya River. Places like Above 11, ABar Rooftop, and Bangkok Heightz offer open terraces at various heights, some with 360-degree views of the entire city. The establishments are known for their specialties: 1826 Mixology and Rooftop Bar focuses on cocktail creations by mixologists, Alfresco 64 centers on Chivas Regal whiskies, while Belga Rooftop Bar and Brasserie combines Belgian cuisine with urban landscapes. Barracuda Rooftop Bar features marine decor with tropical fruit cocktails. Most of these bars combine dining services with drink menus in decorated spaces that come alive at night when the city lights up.
Wat Phra Kaew
2.6 km
Grand Palace
2.7 km
Wat Pho
2.5 km
Golden Buddha
1.4 km
Wat Arun
3.1 km
Emerald Buddha
2.6 km
Khaosan Road
2.3 km
Erawan Shrine
2.6 km
Chatuchak Weekend Market
6.9 km
Victory Monument
2.9 km
Democracy Monument
1.8 km
Soi Cowboy
5.2 km
Siam Paragon
2 km
Wat Suthat
1.7 km
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara
2.2 km
Wat Benchamabophit
1.8 km
Wat Ratchabophit
2.1 km
King Power Mahanakhon
3.2 km
Sao Chingcha
1.7 km
Wat Rakhang
3.4 km
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
2.4 km
Wat Saket
1.2 km
EmQuartier
6.1 km
Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall
2.7 km
Bangkok National Museum
2.8 km
Baiyoke Tower II
2.7 km
Sathorn Unique Tower
3.7 km
Dusit Palace
2.7 kmReviews
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