Discover the “Land of Smiles”
From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, here is a curated introduction to the temples, art, people and flavors waiting for you in this country known for its hospitality.
Bangkok
This bustling city has been the country’s capital since 1782. Today, it honors history while leaning fully into modernity.
Bangkok | Dusk to Dawn
Striking timelapse shots of the fast-moving city.
MahaNakhon | Building Thailand’s Tallest Tower
This mixed-use skyscraper, marked by its pixelated-looking exterior, was completed in 2016. Learn how it was built in this intro from The B1M.
Former Monk Blesses Others With His Spiritual Tattoos
Join National Geographic in Bangkok, Thailand, where people from around the world seek the spiritual powers of famed tattoo master Ajarn Noo Kanpai. His sak yant tattoos feature geometric designs known as yantras, which are inscribed with Buddhist prayers believed to protect the wearer.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
This short UNESCO documentary provides a good history of Ayutthaya—the second Siamese capital, bridging the gap between the earlier Sukhothai and later Bangkok—and its striking architecture, consisting of prangs (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries.
Chiang Mai
Experience the beauty of life in northern Thailand. But Chiang Mai is the center of the country’s famed silk weaving industry, along with its many temples and a special wildlife sanctuary.
Chiang Mai | The Beauty of Diversity
So Beautiful images of Chiang Mai’s natural and cultural heritage.
The elephant rescuer of Chiang Mai
Thailand’s work elephants often lead a miserable existence. Meet animal welfare activist Lek Chailert, who established the Save Elephant Foundation (also known as Elephant Nature Park) a sanctuary where work elephants can enjoy their retirement.
Natural Born | Thai Silk
Thailand is known the world over for its luxurious silk. This beautifully shot documentary visits the epicenter of production—northeast Thailand, in the region of Isan—to show the complete fabrication process, So from silkworm to finished product. For a detailed buyer’s guide from an expert, click here.
Thai Food
Sour, sweet, salty and spicy – addictive flavors at their best.
Chiang Mai Noodle Soup
Chef Marion Grasby shows how to make one of Thailand’s most famous street foods: Chiang Mai’s Khao Soi, a curry-and-coconut-milk noodle soup.
Bangkok: Recipes and Stories from the Heart of Thailand
Every year, more than 16 million visitors flock to Thailand’s capital city, and leave transfixed by the vibrant culture and unforgettable food they encounter along the way. Thai cuisine is more popular today than ever, yet there is no book that chronicles the real food that Thai people eat every day—until now.
Thailand’s Floating Markets Serve Up a Feast on the Water
For hundreds of years, floating markets have been at the center of communities in Thailand. Originally built along canals and rivers, the markets emerged during a time when water transport played an important role in daily life. This Great Big Story video profiles one of the country’s most popular: Amphawa (45 miles west of Bangkok on the Mae Klong river).
Thai Desserts!
Join chef and author Pailin Chongchitnant at a market in Bangkok for an introduction to Thailand’s sweet delicacies. Find her cookbook, with recipes for every meal of the day, here.
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