Thailand: The capital and other cities

A few notes on Thailand

Before we start exploring Thailand’s capital and some of its other cities, here are some notes about the country:

• Thailand is in Southeast Asia and bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia and Cambodia. 
• Thailand has coastlines along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. 
• As of 2023, the population of Thailand is around 70 million people. 
• Thai is the official language spoken in the country. Other widely spoken languages are Malay, Chinese and English. 
• The capital of Thailand is Bangkok, which is also the country’s most populous city.
• Thailand is governed by a Parliamentary Monarchy.
• “Wat” means “temple” in Thai, and “kho” means “island”.

Where is Thailand?

As noted above, Thailand is in Southeast Asia. It borders Malaysia in the south, Cambodia in the southeast, Laos in the northeast and Myanmar in the northwest.

Getting to Thailand

Turkish Airlines operates flights from İstanbul Airport to nine cities in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ko Samui, Krabi, Lampang, Phuket, Sukhothai and Trat.  Flights from İstanbul Airport to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, take an average of 10 hours. 

When to visit Thailand

Thailand has a tropical climate and can be visited throughout the year. The monsoon (rainy) season generally starts around mid-May and continues through September.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and some of the country’s other cities

The capital of Thailand: Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital and most populous city of Thailand, is the administrative and cultural center of the country. A multifaceted metropolis in every aspect, Bangkok is a highly popular destination. This sprawling city has historic temples and wonderful museums, as well as state-of-the-art shopping malls, skyscrapers and a lively nightlife and dining scene. Before getting to know some places to visit in the city, here’s a link to Bangkok flight tickets!

• The majestic Wat Arun Temple, set along the Chao Phraya River, is known as the Temple of the Dawn because of its extraordinary beauty at that time of the day – the centerpiece of the Buddhist temple is a 70-meter-high pagoda covered in shells and colorful porcelain shards.  
• Set in the former Royal Thai Mint, the National Gallery’s collection includes works by the country’s most esteemed artists.  
• Set on the Chao Phraya River, vibrant Chinatown features wholesale markets and gold stores, numerous restaurants and food stalls, and the world’s largest golden Buddha at Wat Trimit.
• Now open to visitors, the Grand Palace was the administrative center of the Kingdom of Siam for 150 years.  
• Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Opened in 1879, this Hindu temple is just off Silom Road.

City of temples: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is largest city in northern  Thailand’s and is known for its many beautiful temples and its walled old city.  

• One of the most visited spots in Chiang Mai is Wat Bupparam, which is on Thapae Road, 500 meters from Thapae Gate, known as the old entrance gate of the city. 
• Chiang Mai’s Old City was the capital of the former Lanna Kingdom. It is also home to the imposing Wat Chedi Luang, as well as Wat Chiang Man and Wat Phra Singh. 
• Under 20 kilometers from Chiang Mai is the beautiful Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, which houses Doi Pui Temple and Phu Ping Palace, along with lovely flower gardens.

A delightful route: Phuket

The island of Phuket is known worldwide as a vacation paradise, featuring stunning beaches and turquoise waters, along with lively nightlife and beautiful nature. Some of the highlights of the island include the following.

• The Big Buddha (The Great Buddha) statue, which is also on the list of places to visit in Thailand, is known as Ming Mongkol by local residents. This 45-meter-tall statue is on top of Chalong Hill and is surrounded by a complex with meditation areas.
• Wat Chalong Temple, one of the most famous historical temples of Phuket, is the most visited stop in the city. The temple, which has paintings telling the life story of Buddha on its walls, also leaves eye-catching memories with its gold-covered sculptures.
• Monkey Hill is another elevated spot on the island; its name comes from the monkey population of the area. 
• Inland on the island is picturesque Phuket Town, with stellar examples of 19^th-century shophouses.

You can read One city, three days: Phuket to find out more about Phuket.

Dining in Thailand

Thai cuisine is rich and diverse, influenced by regional characteristics as well as by Chinese, Indian and western traditions. Some typical dishes you may encounter in Thailand include the following:

• Tom yum goong (a Thai-style spicy and sour soup, often with shrimp)
• Pad Thai (a fried noodle dish, often with shrimp or chicken, garnished with peanuts) 
• Kaeng khiao wan kai (green curry with chicken)
• Yam nua (spicy beef salad)
• Panang curry (spicy red curry, usually with chicken)
• Khao yam (rice salad)
• Tako (coconut pudding)

Practical information about Thailand

The capital of Thailand: Bangkok

Official language of Thailand: Thai

Thai currency: Thai Baht (THB)