Welcome to Bangkok

Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep for short, is the capital, largest urban area and primate city of Thailand.

It was a small trading post in the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom and came to the forefront of Thailand when made capital in 1768 after the burning of Ayuthaya. However, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom began in 1782 when the capital was moved across the river after being sacked by the Burmese. The Rattanakosin capital is now more formally called "Phra Nakorn", pertaining to the ancient boundaries in the metropolis' core and the name Bangkok now incorporates the urban build-up since the 18th century which has its own public administration and governor.

Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's top tourist hotspots. According to Travel and Leisure magazine it is Asia's best tourist destination - the third in the world in 2006. It is also voted the best city in Asia according to Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Bangkok is Thailand's major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign tourists arrive in Bangkok. The Tourism Authority of Thailand hopes to draw 15 million tourists in 2007, up from 11.6 million in 2005.

The city boasts some of the country's most visited historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's historic sites in the Rattanakosin area and river districts.

Thailand has a variety of shopping experiences from street markets to world class luxury malls. Tourists have historically always preferred markets and bazaars to the other forms of shopping. The Chatuchak weekend market is one of the largest shopping destinations in Bangkok. Water markets are gradually disappearing, but remain strong tourist attractions as many tours are offered through the canals the markets are located on.

The huge new shopping complex known as Siam Paragon and CentralWorld on Rama I Road in Bangkok's city center are among the biggest and most luxurious malls in Southeast Asia.[citation needed] Bangkok also includes over 15 world class malls situated around Bangkok, many centered around Sukhumvit Road. There are approximately 25 shopping malls, 35 lifestyle shopping centers, 40 department stores, 55 superstores, and 1,100 convenience stores around Bangkok.

The adjacent MBK Center (Ma boon krong) shopping center and Siam Square area are targeted towards bargain shoppers.