Why Thailand Became the Number 1 Travel Destination?

Aditya Putri Ismarini

Thailand has firmly claimed the title of Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destination, drawing more international visitors than any other country in the region. In 2024, Thailand welcomed an impressive 35.5 million international tourists, outpacing Malaysia’s 25.0 million and Vietnam’s 17.6 million. The country also attracted over 10.6 million travelers from ASEAN nations, representing 30% of its total international arrivals, and earning its top spot as the region’s preferred "dream destination" for Southeast Asian tourists.

What Makes Thailand Number 1?

1. Stunning Natural and Cultural Variety

From pristine beaches and islands to sacred temples, jungles, and hill tribes, Thailand offers an unmatched range of experiences. Iconic spots like Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai cater to all tastes and budgets.

2. World-Renowned Thai Cuisine

Thai food is celebrated worldwide. On one global poll of the “World’s 50 Best Foods,” Thailand had more entries than any other country, including beloved dishes like pad Thai, tom yam goong, and mango sticky rice.

3. Affordability and Value

Traveling in Thailand delivers exceptional value. Even hotspot destinations like Phuket can be up to 45% cheaper than Western alternatives, making it appealing for budget travelers and luxury seekers alike. The range of accommodations providea options for every budget.

4. Strong, Consistent Branding & Promotion

The enduring “Amazing Thailand” campaign, created by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, has been a vital global marketing tool since the late 1990s. The TAT also drives sustainability initiatives, carbon-neutral tourism, and cultural preservation.

5. Modern Tourism Trends & Flexibility

Thailand excels at catering to evolving traveler trends like “flexiscape” combining adventure with upscale relaxation. Bangkok's premium hotels, spa treatments, and vibrant city life seamlessly blend with cultural and natural escapes.

6. Infrastructure & Hospitality Excellence

Thailand’s infrastructure is internationally recognized. The country’s welcoming reputation reinforces its appeal.

Eskimo Is Also a Popular eSIM in Thailand

Eskimo eSIM has become a trusted and widely-used option among travelers visiting Thailand. It offers robust features tailored to seamless, hassle-free connectivity:

Nationwide 4G/5G Coverage via AIS: Eskimo’s Thailand-specific eSIM operates on the AWN (AIS) network, offering fast and reliable data speeds across the country.
Instant Activation, No SIM Required: Users can skip airport queues and physical SIM purchases. The eSIM activates immediately once installed.
Flexible Pricing & Money‑Back Guarantee: Transparent data plans (daily or fixed bundles), free trial options, and refund policies ensure confidence and flexibility.
Wide Regional Coverage & Long Validity: Eskimo offers both Thailand-specific and Asia-Pacific/global plans that include Thailand. Many plans last up to two years, with generous data rollover features.
Simple Setup & Connectivity Across Borders: Install once and stay connected across regions without reinstalling, ideal for multi-country travel.

FAQs

What attractions contribute most to Thailand’s popularity?

Its beaches, cultural heritage (like temples in Bangkok and Chiang Mai), cuisine, festivals, landscapes, and tourism infrastructure all work together to attract diverse traveler profiles.

What is the daily budget for a day trip in Thailand?

You can manage on a budget of about $30–50 (฿1,000–1,600) per day when sticking to hostels, street food, and public transport.

Can I use English in Thailand?

English is commonly spoken in major tourist areas like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, but proficiency drops significantly in rural regions.

What are some popular Thai foods?

Iconic dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Green Curry, and Som Tum (green papaya salad), beloved by both locals and travelers.

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Written by a real person 💙

Aditya Putri Ismarini

I love to travel and share my story through writing to help other travelers. My lifetime goal? To visit as many countries as possible and experience the world!