population: 0.19 million

extension: 99.3 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Thio, New Caledonia and want to visit museums, a great place to start would be the Tjibaou Cultural Center located in Nouméa, which is about a 2-hour drive away. The center showcases the culture and art of the Kanak people, the indigenous inhabitants of New Caledonia.

If you're interested in visiting other museums during your stay in New Caledonia, you may also want to check out the Museum of New Caledonia and the Maritime History Museum, both located in Nouméa as well.

Food

Thio is a small and remote commune in New Caledonia, and the traditional Kanak cuisine is not well-known here. However, some popular dishes that you can try while visiting Thio and the surrounding areas include:

1) Bougna: It is a traditional Kanak dish made with meat or fish, taro root, yams, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk. The ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an earth oven for several hours.

2) Grilled seafood: Being located near the coast, Thio is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. You can try grilled fish, lobster, prawns, and other seafood dishes in local restaurants.

3) Coconut crab: This is a delicacy in New Caledonia and is considered one of the world's largest land crabs. It is usually prepared by boiling or grilling and served with a side of rice or salad.

4) Roussette au lait de coco: It is a traditional dish made with batfish cooked in coconut milk, onions, and spices. It is often served with yam puree or steamed rice.

5) Salade Calédonienne: This is a simple yet delicious salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado, tossed in a lime juice dressing. Some versions also include grilled chicken or tuna.

Keep in mind that these dishes may not be available in all restaurants in Thio, but you can check with locals or restaurant staff to find out where to try them.

Activities

Thio is a small town in New Caledonia that offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors. Here are some fun activities that locals and tourists enjoy doing in and around Thio:

1. Hiking: There are several hiking trails in and around Thio, which offer beautiful views of the mountains and the sea. One popular trail is the Mont Panié trail, which takes about 4-6 hours to complete.

2. Scuba diving: The waters around Thio are known for their clear visibility and abundant marine life, making it a great spot for scuba diving. You can explore the coral reefs and see a variety of fish and other sea creatures.

3. Beaches: Thio has several beautiful beaches where you can relax, swim, or try your hand at snorkeling. Some popular beaches include La Roche Percée, Plage de Téremba, and Plage de Ouano.

4. Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity among locals in Thio. You can go fishing on your own or join a guided fishing tour to catch some of the local fish species such as mahi-mahi, tuna, and marlin.

5. Cultural tours: Thio is home to the Kanak people, the indigenous inhabitants of New Caledonia. You can take a cultural tour to learn more about their history, traditions, and way of life.