Bangkok is located in Central Thailand, stretching from 13.45 N to 100.35 E. With an overall area of 1,569 sq km, it is the 68th largest province of the country. The most prominent geographical characteristic of the place is the Chao Phraya River that flows for 372 km, caressing the length of city. The presence of Chao Phraya is also the main reason behind the extensive canals (both natural and artificial) and passages that interlace the various districts of the place. Due to the canals and waterways, Bangkok has earned the epithet of 'Venice of the East'.