This is a photo gallery of street signs from around Thailand. Not only are street signs in many Thai towns beautiful, their creative designs are based on local landmarks, history, culture, legends, industries, etc. Click on each photo to see it large.
Central Thailand
Kanchanaburi city
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a popular food that is common in rivers here. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a popular food that is common in rivers here. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.
Kanchanaburi city
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a popular food that is common in rivers here. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a popular food that is common in rivers here. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.
Tha Maka, Kanchanaburi province
The top of the sign has the Bridge Over the River Kwai, though it's not in this town.
The top of the sign has the Bridge Over the River Kwai, though it's not in this town.
Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi province
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is a very popular tourist destination. They chose peacocks for the street sign because they look better than doing just a waterfall.
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is a very popular tourist destination. They chose peacocks for the street sign because they look better than doing just a waterfall.
Phetchaburi city
Phetchaburi rose apples are considered the sweetest variety.
Phetchaburi rose apples are considered the sweetest variety.
Phetchaburi city
This naga design is in the style of stucco art that Phetchaburi is famous for.
This naga design is in the style of stucco art that Phetchaburi is famous for.
Ban Nong Pho, Ratchaburi province
There is a very large dairy farm here and their Nom Nong Pho is a famous brand of milk.
There is a very large dairy farm here and their Nom Nong Pho is a famous brand of milk.
Samut Songkhram city
The old name of the province was Mae Khlong and though the meaning of the name is lost to history, the word khlong also means drum, so it was adopted as a provincial symbol.
The old name of the province was Mae Khlong and though the meaning of the name is lost to history, the word khlong also means drum, so it was adopted as a provincial symbol.
Ban Kradangnga, Samut Songkhram province
These elephants are holding ylang-ylang flowers (a symbol of the subdistrict) and bowing down before a fancy water jug because King Rama 5 once came here and left his behind.
These elephants are holding ylang-ylang flowers (a symbol of the subdistrict) and bowing down before a fancy water jug because King Rama 5 once came here and left his behind.
Eastern Thailand
No photos at the moment.
Northeastern Thailand
Nang Rong, Buriam province
The Khmer ruin on the sign is Phanom Rung, which is near the city.
The Khmer ruin on the sign is Phanom Rung, which is near the city.
Non Din Daeng, Buriram province
The government seal at the top shows the Rao Su ("We Fight") Memorial, which commemorates people who died fighting communists who were trying to sabotage construction of the highway here.
The government seal at the top shows the Rao Su ("We Fight") Memorial, which commemorates people who died fighting communists who were trying to sabotage construction of the highway here.
Chaiyaphum city
The top is Prang Ku, a Khmer ruin on the edge of the city, and there are Siam tulips, one of the province's main tourist attractions, on this side.
The top is Prang Ku, a Khmer ruin on the edge of the city, and there are Siam tulips, one of the province's main tourist attractions, on this side.
Ban Thaen, Chaiyaphum province
This is the town's holy Buddha image.
This is the town's holy Buddha image.
Chutturat, Chaiyaphum province
This small town lies along the rail line between Bangkok and Nong Khai.
This small town lies along the rail line between Bangkok and Nong Khai.
Khon Kaen city
The kaen musical instrument and decorative squares are symbols of Isan culture. Dok koon is the provincial flower.
The kaen musical instrument and decorative squares are symbols of Isan culture. Dok koon is the provincial flower.
Khon Kaen city
The official city seal on the top has Phra That Kham Kaen, one of the province's most revered stupas.
The official city seal on the top has Phra That Kham Kaen, one of the province's most revered stupas.
Khon Kaen city
One of Khon Kaen's very old style street signs.
One of Khon Kaen's very old style street signs.
Khon Kaen city
These street signs have two Isan symbols: kochasi from the Sin Sai legend and diamond patterns used as temple decorations.
These street signs have two Isan symbols: kochasi from the Sin Sai legend and diamond patterns used as temple decorations.
Khon Kaen city
These street signs are found at Khon Kaen University. It has several patterns used in silk weaving.
These street signs are found at Khon Kaen University. It has several patterns used in silk weaving.
Ban Phai, Khon Kaen province
A person at city hall said these are supposed to be lotuses, but neither lotus flowers or bulbs look like this, so I don't know what the real story is.
A person at city hall said these are supposed to be lotuses, but neither lotus flowers or bulbs look like this, so I don't know what the real story is.
Phu Wiang, Khon Kaen province
Phu Wiang National Park was the first place dinosaur fossils were found in Thailand.
Phu Wiang National Park was the first place dinosaur fossils were found in Thailand.
Chonnabot, Khon Kaen province
Chonnabot is one of Thailand's main silk weaving towns.
Chonnabot is one of Thailand's main silk weaving towns.
Phu Pha Man, Khon Kaen province
A cave near town is home to tens of thousands of bats.
A cave near town is home to tens of thousands of bats.
Wang Saphung, Loei province
The tree is Tetrameles nudiflora, which in Thai is a sapung tree, and because there are many of them here, the town took it for its name. In the lower right are Dvaravati era bai sema sacred boundary stones found at Wat Phatthasimaram.
The tree is Tetrameles nudiflora, which in Thai is a sapung tree, and because there are many of them here, the town took it for its name. In the lower right are Dvaravati era bai sema sacred boundary stones found at Wat Phatthasimaram.
Borabue, Maha Sarakham province
The circle is the official city seal, which has a lotus and a dharma wheel.
The circle is the official city seal, which has a lotus and a dharma wheel.
Mukdahan city
The ball represents the city's number one tourist attraction, Ho Kaew Mukdahan, a 65m-tall museum and observation tower. Though the real one has a much smaller pole on top.
The ball represents the city's number one tourist attraction, Ho Kaew Mukdahan, a 65m-tall museum and observation tower. Though the real one has a much smaller pole on top.
Nakhon Phanom city
This city has Thailand's biggest "fire boat" parade at the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat.
This city has Thailand's biggest "fire boat" parade at the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat.
Renu Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom province
The town has a very holy stupa, Phra That Renu.
The town has a very holy stupa, Phra That Renu.
That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom province
This design is found on the holy That Phanom stupa.
This design is found on the holy That Phanom stupa.
That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom province
That Phanom is home to one of the holiest stupas in Thailand and Laos.
That Phanom is home to one of the holiest stupas in Thailand and Laos.
Nakhon Ratchasima city
This is Pratu Chomphon city gate, the only original part of the old fortifications still standing.
This is Pratu Chomphon city gate, the only original part of the old fortifications still standing.
Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province
This is the main tower inside Prasat Phimai Khmer ruin.
This is the main tower inside Prasat Phimai Khmer ruin.
Nong Khai city
Many Thais believe there are naga living in this part of the Mekong River.
Many Thais believe there are naga living in this part of the Mekong River.
Nong Khai city
Many Thais believe there are naga living in this part of the Mekong River.
Many Thais believe there are naga living in this part of the Mekong River.
Phon Phisai, Nong Khai province
Phon Phisai is the most popular place to watch naga fireballs.
Phon Phisai is the most popular place to watch naga fireballs.
Roi Et city
'Roi Et' means 101 in Thai, and many musical instruments, including wot (circular pan flute) are made in the province.
'Roi Et' means 101 in Thai, and many musical instruments, including wot (circular pan flute) are made in the province.
Ban Niwet, Roi Et province
This village's former name was Ban Bong Ling, "Monkey Salt Lick Village" because there used to be a troop of monkeys that hung around a salt lick near the village.
This village's former name was Ban Bong Ling, "Monkey Salt Lick Village" because there used to be a troop of monkeys that hung around a salt lick near the village.
Surin city
Surin province is home to the Kui ethnic group, Thailand's most renown elephant trainers.
Surin province is home to the Kui ethnic group, Thailand's most renown elephant trainers.
Ubon Ratchathani city
This represents the city's famous candle parade.
This represents the city's famous candle parade.
Tambon Kham Yai, Ubon Ratchathani province
I could not find the meaning behind this sign.
I could not find the meaning behind this sign.
Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani province
This is Mae Thorani, a Buddhist version of Mother Earth.
This is Mae Thorani, a Buddhist version of Mother Earth.
Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani province
This is Mae Thorani, a Buddhist version of Mother Earth.
This is Mae Thorani, a Buddhist version of Mother Earth.
Udon Thani city
The city pillar shrine is on the top and a Ban Chiang-style pot is on the bottom.
The city pillar shrine is on the top and a Ban Chiang-style pot is on the bottom.
Udon Thani city
The city pillar shrine is on the top and a Ban Chiang-style pot is on the bottom.
The city pillar shrine is on the top and a Ban Chiang-style pot is on the bottom.
Udon Thani city
The city pillar shrine is on the top and a Ban Chiang-style pot is on the bottom.
The city pillar shrine is on the top and a Ban Chiang-style pot is on the bottom.
Udon Thani city
The city pillar shrine is on the top and a Ban Chiang-style pot is on the bottom.
The city pillar shrine is on the top and a Ban Chiang-style pot is on the bottom.
Udon Thani city
Udon Thani's city pillar shrine has a yak guardian.
Udon Thani's city pillar shrine has a yak guardian.
Kumphawapi, Udon Thani province
Three troops of monkeys live in the city center park.
Three troops of monkeys live in the city center park.
Yasothon city
Yasothon has the biggest rocket festival in Thailand, and the rockets are decorated like this when they are in the parade.
Yasothon has the biggest rocket festival in Thailand, and the rockets are decorated like this when they are in the parade.
Yasothon city
Yasothon has the biggest rocket festival in Thailand, and the rockets are decorated like this when they are in the parade.
Yasothon has the biggest rocket festival in Thailand, and the rockets are decorated like this when they are in the parade.
Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai city
The temple on top is Wat Doi Suthep.
The temple on top is Wat Doi Suthep.
Chiang Mai city
The stupa and umbrella are from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
The stupa and umbrella are from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Lampang city
The chicken is used because Lampang is famous for it's chicken bowl pottery.
The chicken is used because Lampang is famous for it's chicken bowl pottery.
Lampang city
This is in the style of a han-nam, the traditional Lanna roofed stand used for keeping water pots to offer refreshment to visitors.
This is in the style of a han-nam, the traditional Lanna roofed stand used for keeping water pots to offer refreshment to visitors.
Phitsanulok city
King Naresuan, shown riding his war elephant, ruled Ayutthaya, but was born in Phitsanulok.
King Naresuan, shown riding his war elephant, ruled Ayutthaya, but was born in Phitsanulok.
Phitsanulok city
Has five icons of Phitsanulok province. 1) Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat (home to the famous Chinnarat Buddha, but the Buddha on this sign is the large Phra Attharot Buddha). 2) Nature, represented by the waterfall. 3) Houseboats on the Nan River. 4) Native son King Naresuan riding his war elephant. (The elephants are often broken.) 5) The ancient, and long ago destroyed, "Naresuan Hat Fortress." When replica sections of the old city walls were built, hat-shaped roofs were included over the towers in honor of this fort.
Has five icons of Phitsanulok province. 1) Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat (home to the famous Chinnarat Buddha, but the Buddha on this sign is the large Phra Attharot Buddha). 2) Nature, represented by the waterfall. 3) Houseboats on the Nan River. 4) Native son King Naresuan riding his war elephant. (The elephants are often broken.) 5) The ancient, and long ago destroyed, "Naresuan Hat Fortress." When replica sections of the old city walls were built, hat-shaped roofs were included over the towers in honor of this fort.
Sukhothai old city
The stupa is from Wat Mahathat temple ruin.
The stupa is from Wat Mahathat temple ruin.
Southern Thailand
Krabi city
This is a smilodon, a type of saber tooth tiger. Theirs are some of the many fossils of ancient animals found in the Krabi area.
This is a smilodon, a type of saber tooth tiger. Theirs are some of the many fossils of ancient animals found in the Krabi area.
Krabi city
This is a white-bellied sea eagle (nok-awk). These birds are rare in Thailand, though several nest in the Krabi area.
This is a white-bellied sea eagle (nok-awk). These birds are rare in Thailand, though several nest in the Krabi area.
Krabi city
An elephant holding a sword is the symbol of the city. In the past, Krabi was noted for its large elephant population, and the word krabi means sword, and this is probably (there are other theories) where the name of the province came from.
An elephant holding a sword is the symbol of the city. In the past, Krabi was noted for its large elephant population, and the word krabi means sword, and this is probably (there are other theories) where the name of the province came from.
Krabi city
An elephant holding a sword is the symbol of the city. In the past, Krabi was noted for its large elephant population, and the word krabi means sword, and this is probably (there are other theories) where the name of the province came from.
An elephant holding a sword is the symbol of the city. In the past, Krabi was noted for its large elephant population, and the word krabi means sword, and this is probably (there are other theories) where the name of the province came from.
Ao Nang, Krabi province
These are sailfish, a popular sportfishing prey. The design is similar to a large sculpture along the waterfront.
These are sailfish, a popular sportfishing prey. The design is similar to a large sculpture along the waterfront.
Narathiwat city
A traditional korlae fishing boat, typical of far southern Thailand.
A traditional korlae fishing boat, typical of far southern Thailand.
Narathiwat city
A traditional korlae fishing boat, typical of far southern Thailand.
A traditional korlae fishing boat, typical of far southern Thailand.
Narathiwat city
An artistic representation of a traditional korlae fishing boat, typical of far southern Thailand.
An artistic representation of a traditional korlae fishing boat, typical of far southern Thailand.
Tak Bai, Narathiwat province
The sailboat represents this region's connection to the sea in commerce and fishing, and connections to faraway places.
The sailboat represents this region's connection to the sea in commerce and fishing, and connections to faraway places.
Tambon Kaluwo Nuea, Narathiwat province
A pilot wheel is used because there are many fishing villages here.
A pilot wheel is used because there are many fishing villages here.
Tambon Tha Chang, Songkhla province
Tha Chang means Elephant Waterfront, and long ago mahouts brought their elephants here to bathe in the river.
Tha Chang means Elephant Waterfront, and long ago mahouts brought their elephants here to bathe in the river.
Pattani city
This is the 17th-century Phaya Tani cannon, the largest ever cast in Thailand. It was hauled off to Bangkok after the Thais defeated the sultanate and destroyed the city in 1786. It's now on display in front of the Defense Ministry and the government's refusal to return it to Pattani is a taken a serious affront by many locals.
This is the 17th-century Phaya Tani cannon, the largest ever cast in Thailand. It was hauled off to Bangkok after the Thais defeated the sultanate and destroyed the city in 1786. It's now on display in front of the Defense Ministry and the government's refusal to return it to Pattani is a taken a serious affront by many locals.
Pattani city
Phaya Tani cannon, same as the other signs.
Phaya Tani cannon, same as the other signs.
Pattani city
Phaya Tani cannon, same as the other signs.
Phaya Tani cannon, same as the other signs.
Pattani city
Phaya Tani cannon, same as the other signs.
Phaya Tani cannon, same as the other signs.
Phang Nga city
The symbol of an elephant holding a lotus in its trunk comes from Khao Chang mountain on the southwest side of the city, which has the shape of a crouching elephant.
The symbol of an elephant holding a lotus in its trunk comes from Khao Chang mountain on the southwest side of the city, which has the shape of a crouching elephant.
Tambon Koh Kaew, Phuket province
In the past, many people here worked in fishing, and this sign artistically represents the front of a fishing boat.
In the past, many people here worked in fishing, and this sign artistically represents the front of a fishing boat.
Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province
Members of the royal family used to sail here often.
Members of the royal family used to sail here often.
Prachuap Khiri Khan city
Pineapples are one of this province's main products.
Pineapples are one of this province's main products.
Wing 5 Air Force Base, Prachuap Khiri Khan province
This is a frangipani flower.
This is a frangipani flower.
Ban Ao Noi, Prachuap Khiri Khan province
Pineapples are one of this province's main products.
Pineapples are one of this province's main products.
Ban Khung Tanod, Prachuap Khiri Khan province
This area has a lot of shrimp farms.
This area has a lot of shrimp farms.
Kuiburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan province
Kuiburi National Park is one of the best places in Thailand to see wild elephants.
Kuiburi National Park is one of the best places in Thailand to see wild elephants.
Bang Saphan Yai, Prachuap Khiri Khan province
The big gold disk is the city's official seal, which features Wat Khao Bot temple.
The big gold disk is the city's official seal, which features Wat Khao Bot temple.
Ranong city
The top of the sign comes from the province's official seal. The building represents Ratana Rangsan Palace where King Rama 5 stayed in 1890 – the symbol in the middle of the building is the Thai numeral 5. At the bottom is a crab, since Ranong has hundreds of soft shell crab farms.
The top of the sign comes from the province's official seal. The building represents Ratana Rangsan Palace where King Rama 5 stayed in 1890 – the symbol in the middle of the building is the Thai numeral 5. At the bottom is a crab, since Ranong has hundreds of soft shell crab farms.
Ranong city
At the center of the design is a ship's wheel around the reclining Buddha from Wat Waree Banprot, one of the province's most important temples. The birds on the sides are hongsa, swan-like birds from the mythical Himmapan Forest. Nobody could tell me if the bell-shaped top represents anything or not. I thought maybe it was supposed to be a lighthouse, but was told that it was not this.
At the center of the design is a ship's wheel around the reclining Buddha from Wat Waree Banprot, one of the province's most important temples. The birds on the sides are hongsa, swan-like birds from the mythical Himmapan Forest. Nobody could tell me if the bell-shaped top represents anything or not. I thought maybe it was supposed to be a lighthouse, but was told that it was not this.
Songkhla city
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
Songkhla city
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
Songkhla city
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
Tambon Phawong, Songkhla province
The naga design represents a parade float. Tambon Phawong often wins the phra ruea parade competition.
The naga design represents a parade float. Tambon Phawong often wins the phra ruea parade competition.
Yala city
A red-whiskered bulbul symbolizes the city's large annual ASEAN Java Songbird Contest.
A red-whiskered bulbul symbolizes the city's large annual ASEAN Java Songbird Contest.