Creativity is deeply rooted in everyday life across Thailand—from time-honored craftsmanship and age-old musical traditions to evolving design scenes and culinary practices shaped by local wisdom. These cultural expressions are not relics of the past, but living forces that continue to define communities and inspire new generations.
From the mist-shrouded mountains of the north to the sandy shores of the south, every corner of Thailand tells a story through a uniquely rich mosaic of traditions, craftsmanship, festivals, and flavors. Together, these elements make up, and reflect, aspects of the nation’s enduring soul. To celebrate and sustain such ingenuity, UNESCO established the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which links communities across the globe that place culture and innovation at the heart of sustainable urban development.
Thailand proudly stands among these creative trailblazers with seven cities recognized for their distinctive contributions: Bangkok and Chiang Rai for Design; Chiang Mai and Sukhothai for Crafts and Folk Art; Phuket and Phetchaburi for Gastronomy; and Suphan Buri for Music. Together, they form a vibrant constellation of creativity – where imagination, heritage, and local wisdom converge in inspiring and harmonious ways.
BANGKOK
The Design Metropolis
Dynamic, daring, and endlessly inventive, Bangkok is a city where the ancient and the avant-garde coexist in captivating contrast. From ornate temple spires and palatial architecture to sleek contemporary structures, every street reveals a dialogue between past and future. The city’s thriving café culture, design studios, and art spaces embody Thailand’s evolving design identity.
WORTH VISITING: Begin your journey in Charoen Krung, Bangkok’s first road and the cradle of its cosmopolitan spirit. Once home to the nation’s first embassy and bank, the district remains a melting pot of faiths and cultures. Many of its century-old shophouses and architecture now host boutique hotels, creative cafés, and contemporary galleries. Start at the Bang Rak General Post Office, which houses the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), then wander through vibrant art enclaves like Warehouse 30, Att19, and Charoen 43.
EVENTS: Bangkok Design Week
Discover the dynamic of Thailand’s capital city. Fly to Bangkok with Thai Airways!
CHIANG RAI
The Northern Beacon of Design
Perched at Thailand’s northernmost edge, Chiang Rai is a cradle of Lanna artistry dating to the 13th century and home to diverse ethnic communities – from the Akha and Lahu to the Hmong – whose traditions, attire, and rituals remain vibrantly alive. This cultural mosaic inspires a new form of experiential tourism, one that values immersion, learning, and local authenticity.
WORTH VISITING: The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has championed community-based initiatives that empower local artisans and preserve indigenous wisdom. Visit Ban Pha Mi to experience Akha village life over a cup of locally grown coffee, or explore Ban San Thang Luang, where the intricate Thai Yong embroidery tradition thrives. Try crafting a tea pillow as a keepsake of your visit.
EVENTS: Chiang Rai Sustainable Design Week
Experience the artistic charm of Thailand’s northern frontier. Fly to Chiang Rai with Thai Airways!
CHIANG MAI
A City of Crafts and Folk Art
Steeped in tradition yet ever evolving, Chiang Mai remains the heart of northern art and craftsmanship shaped by local skills and wisdom. Its artisans excel in weaving, woodcarving, silverwork, earthenware, ceramics, and more – each discipline a testament to centuries of artistry and refined technique. Beyond the workshops, the city’s tea plantations, coffee culture, and artisanal bakeries breathe contemporary life into ancient crafts.
WORTH VISITING: Chang Moi district blends old-world charm with modern sensibilities, offering a lively mix of traditional craft shops, art cafés, and boutique eateries. It also connects important locations of the city, such as Tha Phae Gate and Warorot Market (Kad Luang). For exquisite woodcarving old and new, head to Baan Tawai, the famed artisan village, while Wualai Road remains the epicenter of Chiang Mai’s silverware tradition.
EVENTS: Chiang Mai Design Week
