Thailand’s Tourism Landscape In 2025: Emerging Trends And Popular Destinations

Published on July 16, 2025

Thailand has for long been a favorite among foreign travellers, and 2025 trends are a heart-pounding mix of tried destinations and new ones. According to official statistics and market studies from Agoda, one of the largest digital travel platforms for the region, tourism for Thailand is going quite well despite some challenges.

Thailand 2025: A Vision for Its Tourism

Thailand tourism has seen accelerated development and some drastic shifts in the preferences of travelers of the first half of 2025. According to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the country accommodated more than 16 million foreigners in the first half of 2025, generating approximately 743.58 billion baht. This is a significant boost to the national economy, as tourism remains a leading economic pillar. Despite challenges like global uncertainties and altered traveling trends, the beauty of Thailand never changes, owing to positive policies of the government and upgraded traveling infrastructure.

Precisely, government campaigns like the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” were instrumental in luring additional visitors, offering varied culture, sport, and leisure events for the year. Moreover, new travel facilitation initiatives, such as increased flight schedules, coupled with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) scheme launched on May 1, 2025, eased international tourism to travel to Thailand (thailand.prd.go.th).

Source Markets: Where Are the Tourists Coming from?

Not surprisingly, tourism for Thailand is still reliant on nearby marketplaces, headed up by travellers from China, Malaysia, and South Korea. China, despite some challenges, is the largest marketplace, and this alone makes up a significant portion of the total number of travellers. South Korea, besides the sheer numbers of travellers that are exported from the nation, is distinctive for the longer distance of stay, with South Korean travellers often possessing a longer stay than the others. Other large marketplaces are Japan and Singapore, with these travellers typically opting for places like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.

China’s sheer numbers are a testament, with millions of Chinese visitors flocking to Thailand every year. Direct flight links, proximity, and cultural rapport between the two countries are a leading reason behind the trend. However, South Korean visitors have preferred long stay periods. Peace and cultural exposure offered through provinces like Pathum Thani, which is north of Bangkok, have most specifically appealed to South Korean visitors looking for a feel of life outside of the bustling capital city.

The Rise of Hatyai: Cheapest Destination of Thailand

One of the most exciting new trends that can be observed from Thailand’s tourism is the rise of Hatyai, which has gained popularity at a rapid pace among budget travellers. This Thai south metropolis, a leading favorite of Malaysian and Singaporean travellers, is famous for being one of the least expensive destinations to visit in Asia. For two consecutive years, Hatyai was in the top 3 least expensive destinations to visit in Asia, making it a hotspot for travellers seeking value without having to compromise on the travelling experience.

In addition to being budget-friendly, Hatyai delivers a unique mix of experiences. It mixes a dash of vibrant city life, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil shores, which appeal to all. Affordability, together with the ability to see a wide range of urban attractions as well as nature, makes Hatyai a big attraction for a wide range of foreign tourists. Government tourism campaigns for off-the-beaten-road destinations ensure that the site will continue to register consistent increases through the years (thailand.prd.go.th).

Popular Long-Stay Destinations:

Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Pathum Thani are popular ones, while Hatyai is going from strength to strength as a budget substitute, other more seasoned Thai destinations are equally keeping pace. Koh Tao, renowned for its pristine waters and top-grade diving spots, is still a favorite amongst Chinese, Japanese, and Singaporean tourists. It is a sea-roaming thrill haven which draws divers and snorkelers from every nook of the globe. Koh Tao being one of the best diving spots, has successfully maintained popularity despite other Thai islands becoming more developed and comercialized.

Koh Phangan remains, though, a favorite among Malaysian tourists. It is known for possessing a rare mix of tranquil natural beauty and a vibrant party scene, which makes it a top choice for tourists seeking a mix of relaxation and nightlife. Full Moon parties that are a regular occurrence on island beaches are still a top attraction, keeping Koh Phangan near the top of the Thai tourism scene for youth visitors.

Pathum Thani, a Thai province just beyond Bangkok, gained greater popularity among South Korean tourists. With a more relaxing atmosphere and a slower pace of life, Pathum Thani is ideal for visitors who are looking for Thai host culture beyond more popular regions. Due to Bangkok being so close, long-term visits are best for Pathum Thani, which presents a mix of the advantages of a large city, along with country peace.

Government Initiatives: Enhancing the Visitor Experience

Thailand’s tourism sector is supported through effective government programs that aim to entice visitors while improving overall visitor convenience. One program towards this end was the May 2025 launch of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, which streamlined the immigration process for visitors and provided a more convenient level of access for foreign travellers. As part of a broader undertaking aimed at upgrading Thailand’s tourism infrastructure, the country is becoming even more enticing for visitors (thailand.prd.go.th).

In addition, the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” initiative is designed to create a year-round event calendar for enticing visitors with cultural, sports, and leisure activities. It is a mirror of the government plans for developing Thailand’s international image as a top tourism center.

Thai Nationals Abroad: Leading International Destination Countries

While Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for foreigners, Thai citizens continue to travel abroad. Statistics reflect that places like Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Seoul remain most preferred destinations abroad for Thai citizens. These places are favored due to their proximity, cultural similarity, and diverse attractions, ranging from shopping, recreation, to historical and cultural sites. Good Times Ahead for Thai Tourism With the first half of 2025 coming to a close, the tourism of Thailand is still vibrant, new trends are emerging, and classic destinations are holding steady. With everything from the affordability of Hatyai to the serenity of Pathum Thani, Thailand can be found to match every type of explorer. Government initiatives coupled with the growing popularity of long-stay tourism will most definitely chart the course of the future for the business, keeping the Kingdom of Thailand among Asia’s most sought-after travel destinations. Akaporn Rodkong, Country Head of Agoda for Thailand, was happy to be a part of tourism support for Thailand, stating, “We are proud to be the platform that Asian travellers trust. We are proud to be a part of tourism support for Thailand through provision of a variety of accommodations, making everyone’s travel easy.” This statement reflects support from the private and public sectors to make Thailand a foremost destination for world travellers.

(Source: www.nationthailand.com)