Thailand’s Islands Shine in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 US Edition, Attracting Record Numbers of Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian Tourists

Published on October 14, 2025

Thailand’s islands are experiencing a surge in popularity in 2025, as international visitors from China, India, Malaysia, and beyond flock to its pristine beaches, following the country’s recognition in Condé Nast Traveler’s US Edition Readers’ Choice Awards. With Ko Samui, Phuket, and the Phi Phi Islands ranked among the Best Islands in Asia, these destinations continue to attract record numbers of tourists. This recognition not only highlights Thailand’s natural beauty but also underscores the appeal of its diverse tourism offerings, ranging from luxurious resorts to immersive cultural experiences. As tourists fill Thailand’s beaches and high-end accommodations, airlines like Thai Airways and AirAsia are expanding services to meet rising demand, while the hospitality sector adapts to offer more personalized and sustainable experiences. The growing influx of international visitors is poised to have a lasting effect on Thailand’s tourism, airline, and hospitality industries, shaping the country’s travel landscape for years to come.

In Previews for Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 US Edition, Thailand’s Islands Become The Focus of Attention, Attracting Record Tourist Arrivals From China, India, and Malaysia.

For years, Thailand has been a go-to country for people who want to enjoy a lively culture, stunning beaches, and excellent hospitality. But in 2025, Thailand’s appeal is being taken to new highs. Islands like Ko Samui, Phuket, and Phi Phi Islands have been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 US Edition. The award has increased Thailand’s tourism profile, particularly from China, India, and Malaysia. With more and more people coming to the Land of Smiles, the tourism, airline, and hospitality industries are undergoing massive transformations, marking the pivot of Thailand’s future as a global hub for travel.

Thailand’s Islands Dominate Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 US Edition

In the 2025 edition of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Thailand’s islands were sadly the best in the world. This year, Thailand’s islands received 3rd place for best islands in Asia for Ko Samui, 9th for Phuket, and 10th for the Phi Phi Islands. This goes to show the enduring value of Thailand’s tropical paradise islands. Thailand’s paradise islands are famous for their warm tropical beaches, but every cultural experience offered goes beyond the extraordinary. The nightlife in Phuket keeps the crowds entertained, while the wellness in Ko Samui helps restore the spirit and offers serenity.

Ko Samui and it’s luxurious allure go hand in hand. People flock to Ko Samui to visit the 4 seasons and other luxurious spa hotels just to unwind. and enjoy the beautiful nature. The Phi Phi Islands are famous for their beautiful limestone cliffs and lush nature. They are popular for escaping civilization and the numerous beaches provide for endless isolation.

Thai Tourism Keeps Growing

For a long time, Thailand’s islands have helped Thailand’s tourism. However, the rise in international travel has increased the islands importance. In the first 9 months of 2025, Thailand saw over 25 million visitors, and a 7.5% decrease in foreign tourists compared to 2024. However, the decrease was because of Thailand’s good tourism performance from China, India, and Malaysia.

In 2025, Thailand received 3.58 million tourists from China. This was because the Thai government made travel easier, and now has a permanent visa-free entry for visitors from China. India is also a fast growing market, and has 1.85 million visitors. Malaysia has also remained one of the top contributors, with 3.61 million visitors in 2025.

Increased visitors means increased flights and tailored hospitality. Airlines increased the number flights to Thailand, and resorts provide more personalized services to meet the international tourism demand.

Airlines Step Up Efforts to Meet Rising Demand

As more tourists from China, India, and Malaysia visit Thailand, more and more international tourists visit Thailand as well. This means that there is more traffic to Thailand. This means there is also more work and more expanded and revamped travel routes and chains. Thai Airways expanded offerings from international hubs to Thailand’s islands. This includes New Delhi, Beijing, and Kuala Lumpur chains that were praised as more direct travel to islands like Ko Samui and Phuket was implemented. You could then and still can easily and quickly access some of the more beautiful and popular islands.

AirAsia, unlike the above companies, imploring Thai AirAsia as a budget company, still increased his routes to Thailand’s islands and travel was still cheaper. AirAsia, from Malaysia still works with Thailand to improve travel routes to Thailand’s islands. This then works to ensure the Thai islands are well connected and can be visited be a greater number of people at multiple travel and budget points.

More airlines means cheaper flights which is great for tourists on a budget. Plus, more budget airlines means more air travel opportunities. This is a great time to be a tourist because there is more flexibility in travel for air tourists.

Hospitality Industry Adapts to Changing Demands

With more tourists comes more opportunity. Thai hospitality is now focused on adapting to the new demands. Thailand will be receiving more tourists after the 2025 recognition from Condé Nast Traveler. The JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Phulay Bay a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, to name a few, have been receiving more international guests. Guests seek out the cultural experiences while also enjoying the bliss of the beautiful resorts.

People arriving from other countries makes tourists behave differently. Even though people are still interested in high-end tourism, there are more people interested in luxury sustainably tourism. More and more sustainably expensive eco-friendly hideaways and hotels are being offered eco-friendly luxury holiday packages. For example, The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is one of the pioneers in eco-tourism in Thailand and continues to provide eco-friendly luxury holiday packages while promoting strong sustainable tourism. Koh Samui offers guests eco-friendly luxury holiday packages by and providing culturally immersive and natural experiences diversifies strong sustainable tourism.

Adaptations to changes in customer style are not unique and on the main land Thailand’s hospitality structures are still providing the same culturally immersive experiences that are expected of them. More and more small personalized serviced boutique hotels on the islands are providing wellness tourism and adventure tourism experiences in their offer. Thailand hospitality tourism and its agents are custom the culture jers to the immersive experiences their target market offers them more culturally immersive experiences in line with today’s customers expectations.

2025 Travel Tips for Tourists Going to Thailand

As Thailand continues to be one of the most visited countries in the world there is and will continue to be an increase in the number of questions Thailand receives.

• Peak season planning. Thailand’s islands are and will continue to be overcrowded: especially in the middle of the winter months like December and the school halids. The best and more cost effective way to make your journey worthwhile and comfortable is booking your plane tickets and provisions to a industries and accommodating Thailand escort at least a few months in advance.
• Keeping Up to Date on Visa Policies: Thailand has more visa flexibility to travelers from China and has been offering visa-free entry. That said, checking no visa restrictions is wise, and Thailand has relaxed visa entry for travelers from India, Malaysia, and several other international travelers too.
• Be an Early Bird When It Comes to Booking Flights: Many regions of Thailand and its islands now also served by Thai Airways and Air Asia, and you should book early to get the best availability and pricing for your Thailand trips. Even budget airlines should be on your watchlist, as they often have specials.
• Traveling Sustainably: You may also support local communities and your environmental footprint by selecting a Thailand eco friend resort and participating in eco-friendly tourism activities.

Thailand’s Future in the Travel Industry

In the future, Thailand’s tourism industry is expected to grow due to the recognition of Thailand’s islands and growing tourist markets like China, India, and Malaysia. New visa policies and enhancements in air travel and Thailand’s tourism services will keep Thailand as one of the top travel destinations. Thailand is becoming a top tourist destination because of its luxury services, sustainable tourism, and immersion in Thai culture.

In 2025, Thailand’s Ko Samui, Phuket, and Phi Phi islands will be some of the best to visit because of the relaxation, adventure, and luxury they provide.

China, India, Malaysia, and other international visitors are flocking to Thailand’s top islands, following their recognition in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 US Edition. With Ko Samui, Phuket, and Phi Phi Islands earning top spots, the tourism, airline, and hospitality industries are set for continued growth.

Flight Information

• Thai Airways: Direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, New Delhi, and Kuala Lumpur to Phuket and Ko Samui.
• AirAsia: Budget flights to Phuket, Krabi, and Ko Samui from Kuala Lumpur.
• Malaysia Airlines: Daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket and Koh Samui.

By keeping these suggestions in mind and paying attention to travel updates, travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy all the best Thailand in 2025.