Bangkok Set to Host the World’s Largest Gathering of Seasoned Travellers in 2026 with Bespoke Experiences and Exclusive Networking Opportunities

Published on December 12, 2025

Bangkok is set to welcome the 2026 edition of the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF), reaffirming its position as a premier destination for travellers who have explored the farthest reaches of the globe. Taking place from 22 to 25 October 2026 at the Ambassador Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11, the event promises a four-day programme of interactive sessions, bespoke excursions, and storytelling-driven experiences tailored for the world’s most experienced explorers.

ETF has grown into the largest assembly of travellers who have collectively visited every United Nations-recognised country, 193 in total—a number that reflects the festival’s ambition to unite those who have seen every corner of the world. For these participants, the festival offers a rare environment to share insights, forge connections, and discover new ways to navigate global exploration.

A Global Network of Adventurers

Central to ETF is its commitment to fostering a global community. The festival provides a platform for like-minded travellers to meet, exchange stories, and cultivate enduring relationships. Beyond networking, it offers opportunities to engage with individuals whose journeys encompass diverse cultures, climates, and continents. Attendees benefit from shared knowledge that only decades of extensive travel can generate.

Content is delivered through a series of presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions, all curated to provide insights into extreme travel, exploration strategies, and the evolving landscape of global tourism. Every session emphasises storytelling as a tool for understanding the world and inspiring future journeys, ensuring participants leave with both practical insights and fresh perspectives.

Immersive Experiences Beyond Conventional Travel

ETF is defined not only by its sessions but by its dedication to authentic experiences. The festival’s programming focuses on return on relationships and return on experiences, moving beyond traditional sightseeing to offer meaningful interactions with local communities and cultural leaders. Optional day trips and multi-day excursions are carefully curated to immerse participants in Thailand’s unique heritage, local craftsmanship, and cultural traditions. These experiences combine learning, networking, and cultural exploration, creating moments that are both memorable and transformative.

A new feature for 2026 is the Travel Content Creation Day, spotlighting travel documentaries, books, and other storytelling formats. This dedicated day enables attendees to engage with creators, understand how travel narratives influence global perceptions, and discover new ways to document and share their own journeys. The addition further positions ETF as a platform for both travellers and content innovators shaping modern tourism.

Understanding the Challenges of Extreme Travel

ETF embraces the realities of global exploration, including unpredictable conditions, changing visa requirements, and complex geopolitical environments. The festival recognises that the most transformative travel experiences often come with challenges, offering participants a space to share insights and learn from each other’s journeys. These stories add depth to the community and inspire others to approach travel with curiosity, resilience, and adaptability.

Engagement Opportunities for Industry Leaders

The festival also provides unique opportunities for destinations, brands, and service providers to engage with an influential audience of travellers and content creators. Sponsors and exhibitors gain exposure to participants who actively shape travel trends and narratives, offering insights into the behaviours and preferences of the world’s most seasoned explorers.

Bangkok: A City Tailored for Exploration and Connection

Returning to Bangkok highlights the city’s strengths as a hub for international gatherings. With convenient transport links, a vibrant cultural scene, and a wide range of dining options, the Ambassador Hotel offers a seamless experience for delegates. The festival reinforces Bangkok’s reputation as a dynamic destination where learning, networking, and authentic cultural engagement converge.

As preparations for ETF 2026 continue, the event extends an open invitation to the global travel community. Participants will engage in immersive experiences, exchange ideas with fellow explorers, and gain insights into the ever-evolving world of travel. With its unique blend of education, networking, and adventure, the Extraordinary Travel Festival remains at the forefront of global travel gatherings, inspiring new ways to explore the world and redefine what it means to be a modern explorer.