If you still don’t have any plans for your next holiday, come join Netflix for a journey through Thailand! We have curated a list of attractions and experiences with something for just about everybody – from food, parties, and adventures to cultural experiences and natural beauty – and all of them are actual locations that have been featured in Netflix films and shows. Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating and not-to-be-missed destinations!
1. Jay Fai, an absolute must-visit destination for street food lovers
Let’s begin our exploration of the Thai food scene with a must-visit destination. “Jay Fai” is a roadside eatery located in the Pratu Pi area and the first street food stall in Thailand to be awarded a Michelin star – and then held that honour for six consecutive years. The story of Jay Fai was featured in the first season of documentary series Street Food Asia, which highlighted Bangkok's status as the "heaven of foodies" where one can find delicious food at every corner. Jay Fai’s signature dish is the crab omelet, a highly recommended dish because the crab meat is meticulously chosen for its freshness and meaty texture to ensure that customers are satisfied with every bite. Jay Fai is located on Mahachai Road near the Samranrat intersection, and is open on Wednesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
The documentary series Street Food Asia was produced to cater to food enthusiasts and those who enjoy discovering delicious cuisine in Asia. Produced under a collaboration with the producer of well-known American food show Chef's Table, the series sought to showcase a curated selection of restaurants from nine different Asian cities. Together, they offer an immersive experience of the culinary culture in the region.
Watch the official trailer here.
2. Don't miss the party scene in Charoenkrung - your ultimate nightlife destination in Asia!
In Midnight Asia: Eat · Dance · Dream, the Netflix documentary series delves into the lives of Asia’s night owls and showcases a different side of their world that many may not be aware of. The series highlights some of the must-visit party spots and takes us on a journey to the bustling district of Charoenkrung. Once a trading centre, this district is now transformed into a vibrant tourist destination at night by a new generation who renovated the old buildings. This area boasts numerous art galleries spread throughout the district, which will not disappoint art enthusiasts. In addition, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered during certain times of the day – such as nighttime bars that cater to night owls, those who want to unwind after work, or groups of friends who want to hang out. All of this is easily accessible via public transportation systems such as the MRT Blue Line and buses.
Although each episode of the documentary is no longer than 40 minutes, it is guaranteed to provide viewers with a full and satisfying experience. It portrays the lives of people during the night, showcasing their culture and cuisine, and offers a glimpse into the diversity of professions that exist in the nocturnal world. In addition, this documentary captures the allure of places during the night that differs significantly from their daytime counterparts.
Watch the official trailer here.
3. The Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park
Looking back to 2018, the search and rescue mission of 13 Thai kids who were trapped inside the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non cave captured worldwide attention. This event was adapted by Netflix into a six-episode limited series titled "Thai Cave Rescue". It was filmed on location at the real Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Rai province, which is also a popular destination for tourists. Chiang Rai is a secondary city that still retains its unique local identity in Northern Thailand, along with beliefs and legends that come with its beautiful and mysterious natural tourist attractions. The Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park is located approximately 60 kilometres from the city centre and can be accessed by car via Phahonyothin Road. The park is open for visitors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during November to April every year.
The Thai Cave Rescue series was created by renowned screenwriters Dana Ledoux Miller and Michael Russell Gunn with talented directors Bass Poonpiriya and Kevin Tancharoen taking turns at the helm. The series was filmed on location in Chiang Rai and at the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park for authenticity.
Watch the official trailer here.
4. Phang Nga
We brought up food earlier, and it would be remiss not to mention the latest Thai movie on Netflix, HUNGER. The film explores a dark story behind luxurious dishes in the fine-dining world and uncovers different expressions of "hunger" that exist within everyone. Part of this movie was filmed in Phang Nga province, specifically on Koh Yao Yai, an island that preserves the traditional way of life among the local fishermen community and is a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts. Notable attractions on Koh Yao Yai include observing the daily life of the fishermen, kayaking, visiting the Khai Islands, and snorkelling in shallow water. A long-tailed boat ride is recommended to see the painted spiny lobster, oysters, mussels, blue crabs, and fish in the cages, which were featured in the movie as inspirations for Aoy (Chutimon “Aokbab” Chuengcharoensukying) in her search for raw materials for her cooking. Traveling to Koh Yao Yai from Phang Nga province can be done by ferries departing from the Customs Pier in Mueang Phang Nga district to the pier on Koh Yao Yai. Additionally, ferries that connect Koh Yao Yai to Koh Yao Noi at Chong lad Pier and Manoh Pier take only 10 minutes.
HUNGER tells the story of Aoy (Chutimon “Aokbab” Chuengcharoensukying), a gifted street-food cook who challenges herself to the extreme when she agrees to be trained by Chef Paul (Peter-Nopchai Chainam), an infamous and merciless culinary expert who exposes her to the darker aspects of haute cuisine.
Watch the official trailer here
5. The Sanctuary of Truth, one of Pattaya's most extraordinary buildings
Money Heist, one of the most popular shows on Netflix, may be a Spanish crime thriller but one of the key scenes in Season 3 was actually shot at the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Chonburi, a coastal city not too far away from Bangkok. Built entirely of carved wood with a Thai-style chedi at the base and a four-sided roof to represent the importance of religion and philosophy, the Sanctuary of Truth is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Money Heist, also known in its original Spanish title as La Casa de Papel, achieved worldwide hit status after its first season premiered on Netflix in 2017. It is considered a huge success in Spanish television with internationally recognised awards, including the "Best Drama Series" at the International Emmy Awards in 2018.
Watch the official trailer here.
6. A sea of mist in Nong Khai
Finally, for nature enthusiasts, there are two must-visit destinations in Nong Khai that offer stunning views of a sea of mist. The first location is Wat Pha Tak Suea, situated on a high peak along the border between Thailand and Laos, offering a unique breathtaking panoramic view of the Mekong River. The second location is Pha Chom Mok, a newly opened tourist attraction formerly known as Pha Hin Taek. This site boasts a dramatic cliff face that offers a stunning view spanning over 180 degrees, with the mountains of Laos serving as a majestic backdrop. From here, visitors can clearly see the landscape of the Sangkhom district, as well as the magnificent view of the Mekong River. Nong Khai Province was also the filming location for The Lost Lotteries, a satirical comedy film inspired by the obsession with the Thai lottery system and people’s hopes of becoming rich.
The Lost Lotteries tells the tale of a daring mission by five down-on-their-luck strangers who band together to steal back winning lottery tickets worth millions from a mafia boss. Hilarious chaos ensues – complete with bullets and explosions!
Watch the official trailer here.
Have any of these destinations caught your eye? Check out the films and shows featured here for more sights and sounds that may help you plan your next trip at https://thailandtravelmap.com/
