Discover Thailand’s UNESCO Creative Cities

Repeat visitors to Thailand will have experienced the creativity of the Thai people. From the artisans of the north to the culinary experts of the south, this is a country with a history of creative locations and communities. This has been formally recognised by the United Nations, with Thailand currently home to nine designated UNESCO Creative Cities.

UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), describes itself as “an agency dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication.” UNESCO’s lists and designations (such as World Heritage and Creative Cities) form a global network that supports peace, protects cultural heritage, and promotes sustainability. 

What is a UNESCO Creative City?

Created in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) comprises more than 400 cities worldwide. The network of cities has been recognised for the way they support creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development. UNESCO Creative City listings cover several categories:

• Architecture 
• Crafts & Folk Art
• Design
• Film
• Gastronomy
• Literature
• Media Arts
• Music

Thailand’s Creative Cities

With responsible travel becoming more important for travellers, Thailand is increasing its efforts to promote sustainable tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging hotels, tour operators, and other stakeholders to adopt more responsible practices through initiatives such as the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) concept. 

These initiatives are inspired by UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of these goals is Sustainable Cities and Communities. which aims to make cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

There are nine Creative Cities in Thailand, with the listing encompassing not just the city, but the wider province (e.g. Chiang Mai city and Chiang Mai province).

Bangkok

Category: Design
Year listed: 2019

Bangkok was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Design for its dynamic fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary urban creativity. From temple architecture and canal-side communities to cutting-edge fashion, graphic design, and digital media, the city showcases how design shapes daily life. UNESCO recognises Bangkok’s role as a regional creative hub that uses design to support sustainability, innovation, and inclusive urban development.

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Chiang Mai

Category: Crafts & Folk Art 
Year listed: 2017

Chiang Mai earned its UNESCO status for its deep-rooted Lanna craft traditions, including wood carving, silverwork, textiles, lacquerware, and paper making. These skills are still practised in local communities and adapted by contemporary designers. UNESCO highlights Chiang Mai as a living centre of craftsmanship where heritage knowledge is preserved, shared, and economically sustained through education, tourism, and creative enterprise.

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Chiang Rai

Category: Design
Year listed: 2023

Chiang Rai has long been associated with the arts and design, with the northern province producing several well-known artists, including Chalermchai Kositpipat. The Chiang Rai native is the creative force behind the city’s dazzling White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Golden Clocktower. One of Chalermchai’s students, Phuttha Kabkaew, designed the famous Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten). Other notable sites of interest in Chiang Rai include the Black House Museum (Baan Dam) and the Chiang Rai Contemporary Art Museum.

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Nan

Category: Crafts & Folk Art
Year listed: 2025

Nan was recognised for its living traditions in textile weaving, mural painting, and woodcraft, deeply connected to Tai Lue and Lanna heritage. Local art reflects spiritual beliefs, nature, and community identity. The UNESCO listing values Nan’s grassroots approach to cultural preservation, where creativity supports education, cultural pride, and sustainable local development.

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Phetchaburi

Listing: Gastronomy
Year listed: 2021

Phetchaburi earned recognition for its exceptional dessert traditions and farm-to-table food culture. Renowned for sweets made with palm sugar, coconut, and sea salt, the city reflects a close relationship between cuisine and local geography. UNESCO commends Phetchaburi’s preservation of traditional recipes, culinary education, and sustainable use of regional ingredients.

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Phuket

Listing: Gastronomy
Year listed: 2015

Phuket was recognised as a Creative City of Gastronomy for its unique food culture shaped by Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Peranakan influences. Signature dishes like mee hokkien, moo hong, and local dim sum reflect centuries of migration and trade. The UNESCO listing is reward for Phuket’s commitment to preserving culinary heritage, supporting local producers, and promoting food culture as a driver of responsible tourism.

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Songkhla

Listing: Gastronomy
Year listed: 2025

Songkhla joined the UNESCO list in 2025, designated a Creative City of Gastronomy. The listing highlights the southern Thai city’s food culture as a unique asset that connects local ingredients, culinary knowledge, and community pride.

Songkhla Old Town is a charming location to dive into the delights of traditional southern Thai food. Dishes to try include dim sum, khua kling (spicy dry curry) and pad sataw kung kapi (stir-fried shrimp with stink beans and shrimp paste). Look out too for khai khrop, a speciality Songkhla dish made with salted duck egg yolks that are steamed until hard and served with rice or other dishes.

Sukhothai

Listing: Crafts & Folk Art
Year listed: 2019

Sukhothai was designated for its mastery of traditional ceramics, especially Sangkalok pottery, alongside weaving and metalwork. These crafts trace back to the Sukhothai Kingdom and continue to define local identity. UNESCO highlights the city’s strong community-based craft networks, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and efforts to keep ancient techniques relevant in today’s creative economy.

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Suphan Buri

Listing: Music
Year listed: 2023

Suphan Buri was listed for its strong musical heritage, particularly traditional Thai folk music such as pleng e-saew and pleng choi. These expressive forms reflect rural life, storytelling, and social values. The UNESCO listing recognises Suphan Buri’s role in preserving musical traditions through education, festivals, and community participation.

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