Abandoned and forgotten places across the globe are experiencing an unlikely revival — as must-see tourist attractions, according to a recent overview by CNBC. Once neglected due to war, natural disasters, industry collapse, or the inexorable passage of time, these evocative spaces are drawing travelers in ever-growing numbers, offering both a thrill and a powerful lesson in history and resilience. The transformation of derelict ruins, shipwrecks, ghost towns, and relics of war into popular travel destinations signals a broader shift in tourism, where fascination with the uncanny and a hunger for unique experiences collide with heritage preservation and community revitalization efforts.
While Thais have long sought after wonders both natural and manmade, the emergence of abandoned sites as prime viral tourism locations reflects global travel trends with profound implications for both domestic destinations and the future of travel in Thailand. From Italy to Australia, Namibia to Japan, these sites embody the intersection of tragedy and hope—reminders of the past reimagined for a new generation eager for authenticity, adventure, and Instagram-worthy moments.
One striking example is the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse in Denmark. Originally constructed in 1900, it stood valiantly against the encroaching North Sea until erosion rendered its cliff-side location untenable. Innovative engineering saw the lighthouse relocated 230 feet inland in 2019—a feat that preserved the structure for future generations and now welcomes about 250,000 visitors annually. Similarly, Australia’s SS Ayrfield shipwreck in Sydney Harbour, now swallowed by mangroves, and Japan’s Hashima Island, a deserted industrial fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site, were both once symbols of industrial might. Today, these sites are stages for reflection on the impermanence of human endeavors.
Other locations, like Italy’s Poveglia Island and Craco, achieve their allure through mystery and tragedy—sites of plague quarantine and devastating earthquakes that have long been shrouded in folklore and paranormal intrigue. These haunting stories, transmitted across media platforms and film, captivate the imagination and inject new economic life into regions, fueling the popularity of “dark tourism” and history-driven exploration (CNBC).
Expert voices in tourism and heritage management contextualize this phenomenon as the product of broader shifts in traveler motivations. As a representative from the United Nations World Tourism Organization explained, “Modern travelers—especially younger generations—are less interested in conventional sightseeing and more eager to engage with places that carry stories, evoke emotion, and spark thought.” Local authorities and stakeholders increasingly view these abandoned relics not just as conservation challenges but as valuable assets that can spur regional development if managed ethically.
The economic ripple effect is evident. Kolmanskop in Namibia, a diamond mining ghost town, now hosts as many as 35,000 visitors annually, revitalizing the region’s service industries. Likewise, Bannerman Castle in New York State, once slated for demolition, was rescued through community activism and now generates revenue through guided tours and local events. On a different note, Tianducheng in China, known as “The Paris of the East,” illustrates a postmodern twist: a half-inhabited replica city that, despite failed original ambitions, has become a quirky attraction in its own right (National Geographic).
These stories resonate in the Thai context, where similar sites such as the old Sathorn Unique Tower (so-called “Ghost Tower”) in Bangkok and the abandoned buildings at the old Phuket tin mines have witnessed sporadic tourism interest. For Thailand’s regions historically affected by conflict, industry shifts, or demographic change, the global boom in “ruin tourism” offers both opportunity and caution. Adapting global best practices—for instance, ensuring safety, preventing overtourism, and including local voices in site interpretation—will be essential as communities consider how to capitalize on their forgotten heritage.
Yet, the transformation of abandoned places into thriving tourist attractions is not merely an economic calculation but presents complex questions about preservation, memory, and sustainability. The UNESCO World Heritage recognition of Japan’s Hashima Island, for example, ignited debates about the ethical representation of forced labor and dark histories. In the digital age, viral social media and streaming documentaries amplify these sites’ visibility, but also risk trivializing or damaging vulnerable locations through overexposure.
Thai experts in heritage management caution that the commodification of historical trauma must be balanced against respect for site integrity and community healing. A university-based cultural tourism scholar notes, “Embracing abandoned places as tourist destinations can help preserve history, but the narratives must be truthful and contextually sensitive, especially if they relate to painful collective memories.” This principle is particularly relevant in Thailand, where diverse sites—ranging from WWII-era infrastructure to post-industrial landscapes—carry layered meanings and unresolved histories.
Culturally, the allure of abandoned places taps into long-standing Thai beliefs about spirits, impermanence, and the unseen world. Local festivals, ghost stories, and rituals associated with old ruins reflect a transnational fascination with liminality—the boundary between past and present, visible and invisible. Such traditions could enrich tourism experiences, offering visitors not only visual spectacle but meaningful engagement with Thai cosmological and spiritual perspectives.
Looking to the future, the rise of abandoned sites as sought-after destinations will reshape the tourism industry worldwide. Opportunities abound for Thai entrepreneurs and policymakers to develop new tour circuits, educational programs, and community-based projects that highlight underappreciated aspects of national heritage. Nevertheless, careful planning and robust regulatory frameworks will be crucial to avoid pitfalls: site degradation, cultural commodification, and the displacement of local residents. As seen from international cases, successful revitalization depends on collaborative planning, transparent communication, and a commitment to authentic storytelling.
For Thai travelers and travel businesses, the message is clear: there is growing global appetite for tourism experiences that blend history, mystery, and a sense of discovery. To meet this demand responsibly, site operators should research international models, consult with heritage professionals, and engage local communities in shaping sustainable tourism strategies. Visitors, in turn, can practice ethical travel—respecting rules, avoiding damage, and sharing the stories behind their photographs.
Abandoned places, far from being relics of decay, are becoming stages for new stories—at once reminders of past struggles and beacons for the future of travel. For Thailand, the challenge and opportunity lie in harnessing these sites’ powerful appeal while preserving their soul for generations to come.
For more details on the featured sites, see CNBC’s full article and consult related research on heritage tourism from National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and the BBC.