Bangkok: aka Krung Thep, the City of Angels.
Why is it called the City of Angels? Ask any native Bangkokian and surprisingly no one can answer. They can recite the full name but it comes out as song–like how we sing A B C D E F G… when reciting the alphabet.  All young Thai children are taught the full name.

However,  few know its meaning because it turns out that the City of Angels is a rough translation from Pali and Sansrit.   Bangkok’s full name, also in the Guiness World Records as the longest name of a place, has several parts translated as “the city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, and the happy city.”

In Thai society the lengh of a name also indicates its status and importance.   So a name like:

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit

is befitting for the city which resembles the heavenly palace where the reincarnated god reigns, a city given by the god, Indra.

If you take a tour on the Chao Praya Express, the tour guide will offer money if you can know the full name of Bangkok.  Memorize it, surprise him and collect your 1000 baht.