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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Thailand

101 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Thailand

Updated January 22, 2024

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  1. Bangkok
  2. Ban Tai
  3. Chiang Mai
  4. Ko Samui
  5. Mae Klong
  6. Pattaya
  7. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
  8. Tambon Pong Ngam
  9. Wiang

Unusual Attractions in Thailand

See All 101 Things To Do in Thailand

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Thailand

See all 10 Places to Eat in Thailand
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Temples 23
Buddhism 20
Sacred Spaces 13
Statues 12
Architectural Oddities 12
Ecosystems 10
Shrines 9
Collections 8

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Stories About Thailand

Thailand's foi thong features longer strands than the Portuguese dessert that inspired it.

Make Thailand’s Golden Threads Dessert

A recipe from the countess who ran the royal kitchens of Siam.
by Andrew Coletti
The historic Japanese Village of Ayutthaya, where Guyomar grew up, displays a wax figure and portrait of Guyomar in the royal kitchens.

The Tragic and Inspiring Story of the 'Queen of Thai Desserts'

From countess to political prisoner to palace chef, Maria Guyomar de Pinha lived a life fit for the screen.
by Andrew Coletti
In preparing some Thai dishes, the candle known as tian op is key.

The Magic of Thailand’s Culinary Candle

The fragrant smoke of tian op perfumes royal Thai desserts.
by Andrew Coletti
Jon Jandai cultivates and saves the seeds of rare and indigenous plants at the Pun Pun Center for Self Reliance.

How Thailand's 'Happiness Farmer' Built an Oasis of Simple Living

A revolution in food-growing, home-building, and seed-saving is afoot outside Chiang Mai.
by Sam Lin-Sommer
In the challenging atmosphere of an underwater cave system, rescue operations are more complex—and far more risky.

The Surprise Rescue-Within-a-Rescue in a Flooded Thai Cave

In 2018, before divers could reach a famously stranded junior football team, they first had to save other lives.
by Rick Stanton with Karen Dealy
A stir-fry of minced pork, holy basil, and dried marijuana leaves at Ban Lao Reung, the first restaurant in Thailand to cook with the ingredient.

In Thailand, Traditional Cannabis Cuisine Is Back on the Menu

Cooking with marijuana is about umami and taste.
by Austin Bush
Gods and spirits are offered flowers, food, and Fanta.

Thailand’s Spirits Have a Taste for Red Fanta

The ruby-red drink is a mainstay at spirit houses and shrines.
by Chawadee Nualkhair
Elite chefs in Thailand collect funeral books for their recipes.

In Thailand, Funeral Cookbooks Preserve Recipes and Memories

Though their origins are tragic, the books provide invaluable inspiration.
by Chawadee Nualkhair

Lists Featuring Thailand

Fierce little cat.
Elephants playing in the mud at Elephant Nature Park.
Oh, hello!
Little Spotted Kiwi

10 Ethical Animal Places to Visit in 2019

Unique experiences from Nairobi to Chiang Mai.

12

Including Cat Island, Elephant Nature Park , and India's Giant Technicolor Squirrels

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