Bangkok Beats London, Istanbul, Paris, Dubai, Macao, and More to Set New Records in 2025 with Over Thirty Million International Visitors

Published on December 9, 2025

In 2025, Bangkok surged past cities like London, Istanbul, Paris, Dubai, and Macao, breaking records with over thirty million international visitors. This success is driven by the city’s unique mix of vibrant culture, affordable luxury, dynamic nightlife, and world-renowned street food. The growth of budget airlines and Bangkok’s expanding array of attractions, along with a booming hotel and café scene, have further solidified its position as the top global destination.

As we look ahead to 2026, it’s clear that 2025 has been a transformative year in the travel world. With international tourism experiencing a strong resurgence, this year marked a significant shift in global travel trends.

Euromonitor International has just released its annual rankings, showcasing the cities that welcomed the most international arrivals. Among them, one city stands out, reaffirming its place as the world’s most visited destination.

Bangkok Reigns as the Most Visited City in 2025

For the second consecutive year, Bangkok has been named the Most Visited City in the World for 2025, attracting a remarkable 30.3 million international visitors. The Thai capital continues to captivate travellers with its vibrant nightlife, world-class street food, luxury shopping, and rich cultural heritage.

Several factors have contributed to Bangkok’s enduring appeal in 2025:

• The recognition of Charoen Nakhon Road as one of the coolest streets globally, bringing new attention to this stylish neighbourhood.
• The flourishing hotel and café scene in trendy areas like Thonglor and Ari.
• The lingering impact of the hit TV series “White Lotus,” which brought renewed focus on Thailand’s beaches and urban culture.
• Increased competition among budget airlines offering affordable fares from regions such as India, the Middle East, and Europe.

Looking ahead to 2026, Bangkok’s popularity is expected to rise even further, as the city prepares for exciting festivals, new hotel openings, and a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism.

Top Attractions in Bangkok for 2026

If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok in 2026, here are some of the city’s top attractions to consider:

• The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: A magnificent architectural masterpiece and the home of the revered Emerald Buddha.
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): An iconic temple by the Chao Phraya River, known for its stunning glow at sunrise and sunset.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the world’s largest outdoor markets, featuring over 15,000 stalls offering diverse goods and street food.
• Charoen Nakhon Road: A vibrant street filled with art spaces, trendy cafés, boutique hotels, and the luxury IconSiam Mall.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat Road): A lively area offering a wide range of street food and Thai-Chinese specialties.
• Khao San Road: A bustling backpacker hotspot with vibrant nightlife, bars, and quirky shops.
• Floating Markets (Damnoen Saduak & Amphawa): A quintessential Thai experience with longtail boats selling fruits, snacks, and souvenirs.
• Asiatique The Riverfront: A scenic riverside complex offering shopping, dining, and entertainment, perfect for families and couples.

The Top 10 Most Visited Cities of 2025

Euromonitor International’s latest rankings reveal the following cities as the most popular international destinations for 2025:

• Bangkok, Thailand – 30.3 million
• Hong Kong, China – 23.2 million
• London, United Kingdom – 22.7 million
• Macao, China – 20.4 million
• Istanbul, Turkey – 19.7 million
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 19.5 million
• Mecca, Saudi Arabia – 18.7 million
• Antalya, Turkey – 18.6 million
• Paris, France – 18.3 million
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 17.3 million

This list highlights a robust global recovery in travel, spurred by improved flight connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and a renewed interest in cross-border adventures.

Why Bangkok Continues to Captivate Travellers

Bangkok’s charm lies in its unique combination of culture, vibrancy, and accessibility. Whether you’re visiting ancient temples in the morning, shopping at floating markets by day, enjoying cocktails at a sky bar by evening, or indulging in street food in Chinatown after dark, the city offers something for every type of traveller.

Its well-connected public transport system, including sky trains, metros, and river ferries, makes it easy to navigate the city. Moreover, accommodation in Bangkok remains significantly more affordable than in many other global cities, providing excellent value for money.

In 2025, Bangkok outpaced global cities like London, Istanbul, Paris, Dubai, and Macao, setting new records with over thirty million international visitors. Its unique blend of culture, affordability, vibrant nightlife, and growing attractions has solidified its position as the world’s top travel destination.

As 2026 approaches, Bangkok’s position as a top travel destination remains unshaken, and its appeal continues to grow. With its perfect blend of modernity, tradition, and affordability, the city stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of travel. Along with the other cities in the top 10, Bangkok proves that wanderlust is as strong as ever in the world of tourism.