Bangkok

Why it's the capital

After the old capital Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767, King Taksin made his capital at Thonburi, on the river's west bank. In 1782 King Rama I moved it across the river to Rattanakosin Island, where the Grand Palace stands, and that area is still the historic heart of Bangkok.

Fun facts

1. Thai people call the city Krung Thep, a short form of a ceremonial name that is 168 letters long.
2. The name Bangkok may come from 'bang', a village on a stream, and 'makok', a plant with olive-like fruit.
3. In the 19th century most people lived on or near the water, so Bangkok was known as the 'Venice of the East'.