New Year Tourism in Thailand Sees Surge with China Leading Arrivals and Bangkok Topping Bookings, Signaling its Future Growth for the Tourism Sector

Published on December 26, 2025

Tourism in Thailand is expected to kick off strongly into the New Year, according to projections by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, with both domestic and foreign travels expected to see an upsurge. China will lead the arrivals, followed by Russia and India, while Bangkok will continue to reign as the busiest destination. This growth therefore means a bright outlook for Thailand’s tourism sector into the future as it cements the country as a premier holiday destination in Southeast Asia.

In the case of foreign tourists, China is expected to be the biggest contributor, reflecting the recovery of Chinese travel and increased demand for international destinations. Besides China, Russia, India, and Southeast Asia have continuous potential for significant growth. Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and the US will also be contributing in strong numbers during the holiday season, depicting the diverse tourism appeal of Thailand.

Bangkok Continues to Lead as Thailand’s Top New Year Destination

Bangkok is expected to be the most visited city in Thailand during the New Year period, with bookings and travel plans concentrated around the country’s key hubs. As the heart of Thailand’s tourism, the capital will continue to attract both international and domestic travelers who flock to the city’s rich cultural offerings, nightlife, and iconic attractions.

Alongside Bangkok, other destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Koh Samui will also see strong demand, reinforcing the importance of diverse tourism options within Thailand. This indicates that future tourism growth will not only benefit Bangkok but also spread across key regions, creating opportunities for other tourism hubs to develop and attract more visitors.

Rising Domestic Travel and its Future Impact on Tourism Growth

Domestic tourism is also poised to experience a significant surge during Thailand’s long New Year holiday. According to TAT, 502,400 trips are expected to be made to Bangkok, representing a 5% increase from the previous year. Other destinations such as Udon Thani (+5%) and Chiang Rai (+22%) are gaining traction, reflecting the increasing interest in domestic getaways during the cooler season.

This growth in domestic travel is an important trend, as it provides resilience to the tourism sector, especially in times of global uncertainty. The ability to attract local travelers also serves as a foundation for future tourism growth, with more opportunities to showcase lesser-known destinations and encourage exploration within Thailand’s rich cultural landscape.

As domestic tourism continues to rise, it will play a vital role in maintaining a balanced tourism ecosystem, ensuring the sector’s sustainability while boosting local economies. TAT projects that the Central region will attract the most visitors (1.28 million), highlighting regional tourism growth within Thailand, which will be crucial for tourism diversification and the overall future development of the industry.

Thailand’s Regional Tourism Forecasts and Future Revenue Growth

The future of tourism in Thailand looks positive, with the TAT forecasting increased revenue across various regions. The East region, driven by coastal destinations like Pattaya and Rayong, is projected to generate 3.82 billion baht (+9%), while the North is set to see an increase in revenue to 3.71 billion baht (+12%), with seasonal travel supporting growth in Chiang Mai and surrounding areas.

In revenue terms, the East is expected to lead, but Bangkok remains a key driver of tourism revenue, bringing in an estimated 3.4 billion baht (+6%). As Thailand’s most prominent tourist destination, Bangkok will continue to be a major source of income for the tourism industry, but regional destinations will benefit from the growing interest in diverse travel experiences, positioning them for future tourism growth.

Forecast for Thailand’s Total Tourism Revenue in 2025

TAT projects that the total tourism revenue for the New Year period will reach between 70.1 billion baht and 76.5 billion baht. This steady growth is attributed to an increase in both international arrivals and domestic travel. The increase in domestic tourism is particularly significant, as local travelers continue to explore Thailand’s diverse offerings, contributing to the overall economic boost for the tourism sector.

Looking ahead, the future impact of tourism in Thailand will be shaped by the increasing demand for cultural, ecological, and recreational experiences. Thailand is well-positioned to capitalise on these trends, ensuring long-term growth in the tourism industry. This includes investing in sustainable tourism practices and enhancing regional infrastructure to accommodate the increasing numbers of international and domestic tourists.

Optimistic Future for Thailand’s Tourism Sector

The Thailand New Year tourism season in 2025 mirrors positive growth across international and domestic markets, with China leading the stream. This diverse tourism line-up-from vibrant Bangkok to the tranquil beach destinations-further cements Thailand’s position as the greatest destination for travelers.

With the continued influx of foreign arrivals and domestic travel, Thailand’s future in tourism looks bright. Further development of regional tourism hubs and a focus on sustainable tourism practices will enable Thailand to sustain its growth and maintain its position as a leading destination in Southeast Asia. The favorable tourism trends that will result in the next few years will contribute to economic growth, job creation, and make tourism more resilient against global challenges.