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Strange Things in Thailand - Aside from the remarkable scenery and delicious cuisine, Thailand stands out to travelers for some of their unusual - at times, “peculiar” - cultural features. Come with Asia King Travel to learn things that are both strange and fascinating !
Located next to the Old Town, the Amulet Market is a haven for amulets of all kinds - from prayers for peace and good fortune to attract wealth. The mood is truly one of a kind, permeated by the smell of incense and the sound of the monks chant. Visitors are often seen carrying a magnifying glass to inspect every amulet carefully, which shows their respect and deep faith - making it one of the weird things in Thailand that intrigue curious tourists.
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The Amulet Market in Bangkok
In Thai, “Luk Thep” translates to “angel doll,” and these dolls are believed to bring good fortune to their owners. What makes them fascinating - and one of the strange things in Thailand - is the way people care for them as if they were living children: dressing them in adorable clothes, taking them out to restaurants, and sometimes even ordering separate meals for them. Owners may purchase individual plane tickets for their dolls so they can “travel together” in comfort. In some themed cafés, you’ll even find special seats reserved for guests’ Luk Thep, highlighting just how deeply these dolls are cherished in Thai culture.
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“Luk Thep” Lucky Dolls
“Bangkok” is just the short, convenient name we all know. Its full official name in Thai is “Krungthepmahanakhon-Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit”, stretching to more than 20 words, carrying a poetic meaning that honors the “city of angels.” Even many Thai people can’t recite the entire name from memory, yet they take pride in this linguistic marvel, seeing it as a charming testament to their capital’s uniqueness.
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The Capital with the World’s Longest Name
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Just a short distance from Bangkok, Samut Prakan recreates more than 116 of Thailand’s historic landmarks in one sprawling open-air museum. The highlight is the majestic Sumeru Mountain Palace, guarded by an enormous mythical Ananda fish - a breathtaking fusion of architecture and mythology that transports visitors into the heart of Thai legends.
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Sumeru Mountain Palace
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Thailand uses the Buddhist Era (BE), which counts years from the time of the Buddha’s passing into Nirvana - 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. This means that while it’s 2025 in Vietnam, it is already the year 2568 in Thailand. You’ll see this calendar on official documents, train and bus tickets, and even public signs. It not only reflects the nation’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage but also gives visitors the curious feeling of having “traveled” into the future.
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Thailand uses the Buddhist Era
In Thailand, every banknote bears the portrait of the King - a figure deeply revered by the people. Stepping on or sitting on money is not only considered highly disrespectful but is also against the law. This is regarded as a direct offence against the royal family and may incur police action in Thailand.Small but significant social rules to observe for a visitor to the country include respecting Thai culture and the country’s rules, something you’ll quickly learn during a Thailand tour. A traveler should note to observe and be mindful of etiquette as a sign of decency, not just for the law. Many locals are careful to ensure that their soles do not come into contact with the money.
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In Thailand, every banknote bears the portrait of the King - a figure deeply revered by the people.
When you visit a cinema in Thailand, you’ll experience one of the strange things in Thailand: a unique tradition before the film begins. As the lights dim, the screen plays a solemn montage honoring the King, accompanied by the national anthem. At this moment, everyone, including visitors, is required to stand as a sign of utmost respect. This is not only a cherished tradition, but a legal requirement. Anyone who opts to not stand or disrespect the moment may receive a warning or a fine. To many travelers, this moment is unfamiliar, yet strikingly dignifying, providing a stepping glimpse into Thailand’s culture before lauding into a movie.
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Royal Tribute Before the Movie
In Surat Thani Province lies a truly unique school dedicated to training monkeys to assist in human daily life - most famously in climbing trees and harvesting coconuts. The “students” here are mainly long-tailed macaques, carefully taught to identify ripe coconuts and pick them quickly and safely. Beyond their practical skills, they are also trained to perform entertaining tricks for visitors, making this one of the most delightful strange things in Thailand. When you visit, you can watch the training sessions up close, interact with these playful “graduates,” take photos, and even try shaking hands or putting a tiny hat on them. It’s a rare blend of humor, charm, and cultural curiosity – an experience you’ll hardly find anywhere else in the world.
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The “Monkey College” in Surat Thani
Spending a night in a hotel with a prison theme is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Bangkok - truly one of the strange things in Thailand.Every aspect, from the outside to the very innermost details, has been made to resemble a real prison with heavy iron bars, small rooms like cells, dark corridors, and even the clothes worn by inmates given at reception. In addition to the décor, meals are served in metal trays that resemble real prison rations, which heightens the sense of novelty and excitement. This is the ideal opportunity for people who like unusual experiences to spend a night "playing inmate." It's more than just a place to sleep; it's a peculiar psychological and cultural experience that's hard to find elsewhere.
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Prison-Themed Hotel
In Chiang Mai’s Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park, elephant dung is creatively recycled into handmade paper products like notebooks, greeting cards, and souvenirs. Visitors can observe the entire process and discover how waste is converted into environmentally friendly, uniquely Thai crafts. It's an enjoyable, environmentally friendly, and surprisingly endearing experience that transforms the "unpleasant" into both art and usefulness - a quirky highlight worth adding to your Thailand tour itinerary.
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Elephant dung is creatively recycled into handmade paper products
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Travel Tips for Thailand
Thailand is not only celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich cuisine, but also for its fascinating quirks, strange things in Thailand, and unique cultural traditions that make every Thailand tour exciting and unforgettable. Get ready to immerse yourself in the distinct charms of the Land of Smiles and enjoy a journey full of surprises.
Contact Asia King Travel today for detailed advice and to choose the perfect Thailand tour. Let us help turn your dream trip into reality!
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