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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Thailand

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

Updated May 30, 2023

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  1. Bangkok
  2. Ban Tai
  3. Chiang Mai
  4. Mae Klong
  5. Pattaya
  6. Tambon Pong Ngam
  7. Wiang

Unusual Attractions in Thailand

See All 95 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 21
Buddhism 20
Sacred Spaces 13
Architectural Oddities 12
Statues 10
Ecosystems 10
Shrines 8
Caves 8

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Stories About Thailand

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
Ai Thong, a trained macaque, harvests coconuts in a family's backyard.

These Money-Making Monkeys Have Jobs Picking Coconuts

In Thailand, humans and simians share harvesting duties.
by Austin Bush
Carved fruit and vegetables were once a must for banquets and events.

How Thai Fruit Carving Went From Royal Craft to Internet Sensation

Once a symbol of power, it's now considered a dying art.
by Chawadee Nualkhair
Pad Thai for everyone was once the party line.

The Oddly Autocratic Roots of Pad Thai

The sweet and salty noodle dish started out in a prime minister's kitchen.
by Alex Mayyasi

Lists Featuring Thailand

Fierce little cat.
Elephants playing in the mud at Elephant Nature Park.
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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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