Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep, is the capital and largest city of Thailand, with an official 2000 census population of 6,355,144. Bangkok is located at 13°45'N 100°31'E, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand.
Krung Thep has been the proper name of the city for more than two centuries. However, the city's original name of Bangkok (which now is used locally to refer only to a district of the city) persists in being used by most foreigners. Bangkok is a fast growing, economically and culturally dynamic city in Southeast Asia. The World Meteorological Organization has dubbed Bangkok the world's hottest large city.

Moreover, it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Bangkok is the wealthiest and most populated city in Thailand. The city is ranked as the 21st most populated city in the world.

The Grand Palace & the Temple of Wat Phra Kaeo, situated on the banks of the Chao Praya River, are perharps Bangkok's best-known sights.
Since being founded by King Rama I, Krung Thep Maha Nakorn, or City of Angels , has spread from the temples and palaces on Royal Ratanakosin Island, through a network of canals or klongs, many of which still survive, to modern Silom, Sukhumvit and beyond.

For shopping and entertainment Bangkok is hard to beat; from street markets to shopping malls of designer boutiques, restaurants serving every imaginable kind of cuisine and its word famous nightlife.

The Grand Palace and the Temple of Wat Phra Kaeo, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, are perhaps Bangkok's best-known sights. Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the royal temple and named after a Buddha image that stands in the main chapel. In contrast to Wat Phra Kaeo the architecture of the Grand Palace is European in style with cloisters and manicured lawns. A 15-minute walk from the Grand Palace is another of Bangkok's famous temples, Wat Pho, also called the temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok and apart from its 46-metre reclining Buddha, Wat Pho also has a fine collection of bas-reliefs, stupas and statues.

Bangkok's National Museum, the largest museum in South-East Asia, has a comprehensive collection of arts and artefacts including many items from the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhuthai. Jim Thompson's House is a beautiful teak house furnished with Thai antiques and a shop selling the best high quality Thai silk. For a break from the city streets take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River to visit the Royal. Barges National Museum or stop Barges National Museum or stop off at the world famous Oriental Hotel for a refreshing drink. Bangkok also boats many of Asia's most exciting new restaurants, cocktail bars and night clubs. Exciting night spots such as The Bed Supperclub, Mystique and the Dome add to the city's cutting edge.

Chatuchak Market, Bangkok's famous weekend market in the city's northern suburbs, sells just about anything you could possibly want. There are over 8,000 stalls and this is a great place to hunt for bargains, especially Thai handicrafts and souvenirs. Surrounding Bangkok are some remarkably beautiful and easily accessible green areas where you can enjoy a bike ride or a boat trip through refreshingly laid back Thailand of old.