Why is Bangkok called ‘City of Angels’?

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand boasts numerous attractions that will have you spending a majority of your holiday here. Part of Bangkok’s appeal is its collection of shrines and heritage sites that portray life as it was once known during a period where kingdoms rose and kings ruled. Often described as the ‘city of angels,’ Bangkok provides ample room to roam about and learn of its storied and magical past.

How was the title ‘city of angels’ conferred on Bangkok?

Though unknown to many foreign nationals, the phrase ‘city of angels’ points directly to the English translation for the local name of Bangkok which means ‘Krung Thep Maha Nakhon’ or ‘Krung Thep’ for short. While Thailand’s full name can easily run into more than one sentence which may have you gasping for breath towards the end, the mentioned phrase is said to have derived from the fact that the city lays claim to a number of temples and shrines. Interestingly and as per Thai culture, these sites are thought to be places of refuge for deities and angels. Therefore, the next time you hear the words ‘city of angels’ being spoken aloud, the city of Los Angeles will not be the only destination that comes to mind.

Visit the Grand Palace

Testament to the city’s ties to the Thai monarchy, the magnificently positioned Grand Palace is first up when wanting to learn as to why Bangkok was given the name the ‘city of angels.’ Featuring a vast complex where the Thai king once resided at, the Grand Palace is a classic example of sheer craftsmanship and a love for detail. While visitors will have to be decently dressed in order to be allowed in, patrons will have all the time in the world to stroll through open lawns and shift focus from pavilions, halls and various other works of art; some of which have been referenced to below.

Stop by Wat Phra Kaew

One way to while away the hours within the glorious setting of the Grand Palace is to make time for Wat Phra Kaew or ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha.’ Showcasing a stunning statuette of the Buddha, replete in precious stones and shiny diamonds, the mentioned site is arguably, one of the chief reasons to enter the Grand Palace which doubles as both a place of worship and heritage site.

Move over to Wat Pho

Located a stone’s throw from the Grand Palace is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or ‘Wat Pho’ which has etched its presence in the world’s history books as containing the largest reclining Buddha statue, measuring 46 meters in length and a further 15 meters in height. What makes this statue stand out is attributed to the fact that it has been hewn purely out of solid gold.

Discover the Ganesha Shrine

Easily accessible should you choose to be based at Maitria Hotel Rama 9 Bangkok which is a good boutique hotel in Bangkok, the alluring sight of the Ganesha Shrine cannot be ignored when searching for examples as to why Bangkok is called the ‘city of angels.’ Found at the Huai Khwang intersection, the Ganesha Shrine was built in honour of Lord Ganesha who is a deity of the Hindu faith. Open daily, visitors can offer alms in the form of laddu which are balls made out of gram flour, modak (sweet dumpling) and fresh bananas in the hope of receiving wealth, wisdom and the power to overcome life’s obstacles.

Take a trip to Ayutthaya

Having functioned as the capital of the former Kingdom of Siam between 1350 and 1767, Ayutthaya located in Central Thailand some 85 km north of the country’s capital houses a lengthy list of ruins to behold. As you wander through the region, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ayutthaya National Park will meet your gaze. Once here, you will witness a dazzling array of ancient palaces and temples. Worthy of mention is Wat Phra Si Sanphet which was the most important shrine during the height of the Ayutthaya era and Wat Mahathat; a temple that features the head of Buddha covered in tree roots.