Tourism in Thailand: Types, Features, and Essential Tips
In 2024, Thailand welcomed a record number of international tourists — over 35.5 million people, marking a 26.3% increase compared to 2023. This growth was driven by relaxed visa policies and the active restoration of international flight connections. Tourism revenue reached 1.66 trillion THB (approximately 48.5 billion US dollars).
These figures highlight the strong recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector following the COVID-19 pandemic. With current trends, the number of visitors is expected to grow even further in 2025, reinforcing Thailand’s position as one of the world’s leading travel destinations.
From May 1, 2025, all foreign citizens arriving in Thailand must complete a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before entry. This innovation replaces the TM6 paper form and simplifies the immigration control process.
Starting in June 2025, all travelers entering Thailand on a visa-free basis are required to obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling.
Beach holidays in Thailand
The largest resort in Thailand, Pattaya, is located to the south of Bangkok. This small town is visited annually by up to 5.5 million tourists from Europe and East Asia.
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Completion in: 2028.III Total of 385 apartments
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Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 606 apartments
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Completion in: 2028.I Total of 816 apartments
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Total of 44 apartments
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Completion in: 2025.IV Total of 2470 apartments
Spacious beaches occupy almost the entire coastal strip, and numerous hotel complexes are located in their immediate vicinity. Not far from Pattaya there are several farms where performances with crocodiles, tigers and elephants are regularly held. There is also the Nong Nooch Tropical Park with a cactus garden, orchids and a butterfly hill.
Pattaya’s Mini Siam Park features miniature replicas of the world’s famous landmarks. Tourists prefer to relax on the beaches of Jomtien, the southern suburbs of Pattaya, or on the coral islands located near the coast (less than 1 km).
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Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 606 apartments
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Built in 2022 Total of 1644 apartments
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Completion in: 2027.II Total of 899 apartments
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Total of 315 apartments
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Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 1800 apartments
$228,000
Total area 133 m² 2 bedrooms
$270,000
Total area 278 m² 3 bedrooms
Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is also very popular among tourists. It is renowned for its white sand beaches, coconut groves, and scenic waterfalls. Patong is Phuket’s most famous beach, so it can get crowded and noisy at times. Lovers of quiet and relaxing holidays usually choose Karon and Kata beaches instead. Phuket is home to Khao Phra Theo National Park.
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Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 220 apartments
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Completion in: 2027.I Total of 237 apartments
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Completion in: 2026.IV Total of 411 apartments
$157,000
Total area 30 m² Studio
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Completion in: 2027.II 37 units in total
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Completion in: 2027.II Total of 210 apartments
$185,000
Total area 44 m² 1 bathroom
The Phi Phi islands are located 30 km from Phuket. They feature mountainous scenery and beautiful bays with white sand beaches.
The second and third largest islands in Thailand are Koh Chang and Koh Samui, respectively. Koh Chang is a national park renowned for its waterfalls, while Koh Samui is a coconut plantation with coral sand beaches.
The release of the third season of the HBO series “The White Lotus”, filmed on Koh Samui, has generated significant interest in Thailand as a tourist destination, especially luxury resorts.
In addition, the small town of Krabi is also quite popular among tourists due to the unique nature of its surroundings with coral reefs, quaint caves, and tiny karst islands.
$716,000
Total area 320 m² Land area: 700 m²
$728,000
Total area 625 m² Land area: 678 m²
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Yield 13.0% Built in 2024
From $242,000
Total of 54 apartments
Cultural tourism
Fans of antiquities and history should definitely visit Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The city is surrounded on all sides by canals and fortress walls with towers. In addition to housing the royal residence (the Grand Palace), Bangkok is also home to numerous monasteries. Among them are Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), famous for its 46-metre-long and 15-metre-high statue of Buddha; Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), considered the holiest site in Thailand; and Wat Ratchanatdaram (Temple of the Royal Niece), notable for being the only Buddhist metal building in Bangkok.
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The ancient capital of the kingdom of Ayutthaya is located 86 kilometres north of Bangkok. It is famous for the ruins of historic temples and the remains of the Bang Pa-In Palace. To the west of Bangkok, near the city of Nakhon Pathom, the tallest Buddhist stupa in the world (Phra Pathom Chedi) is located; its height is 127 metres. Not far from the town of Kanchanaburi, there is a bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway, built by prisoners of war during the Second World War. The Rose Garden is located near Bangkok (half an hour drive); it is an incredibly beautiful park with flowers and fountains.
In northern Thailand, in the city of Chiang Mai and its environs, there are about 300 temples and historical monuments, including the famous Wat Phra Doi Suthep, located on the mountaintop, and Wat Chiang Man, the oldest monastery in the region, which houses two miniature statues of the Buddha, both statues are 2 thousand years old. Nearby is the city of Mae Hong Son. Its temple (Wat Chong Kham) houses well-preserved ancient wall paintings.
Five sites in Thailand are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: the archaeological site of Ban Chiang, the ancient cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the Khao Yai National Park and the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.
Festivals and holidays in Thailand
Every month on the night of the full moon, the Full Moon Party is held on Koh Pha-ngan. DJs from all over the world take part in this grandiose all-night party: from Australia, Great Britain, Germany, the USA, and many others.
Phuket hosts the Chinese Vegetarian Festival every autumn. For nine days, local Buddhists observe a strict fast, abstaining from meat and fish dishes.
Chinese New Year is celebrated in late January and early February, lasting 15 days and ending with the Lantern Festival. In February, the Flower Festival is held in Chiang Mai. In mid-March, there is a kite festival. Songkran (Thai New Year) is one of the most popular holidays in the country; it takes place from April 13 to 19. During this holiday it is customary to pour water on each other, which symbolises cleansing. The second week of May is marked by the Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai), which is held in Phaya Thaen Park in Yasothon.
Leisure expenses
Thailand is one of the most affordable countries for a resort holiday. Food, transportation, and attractions are inexpensive here.
You can rent a villa on Koh Samui from 200 US dollars per day. Scooter rental in Thailand costs 150–200 US dollars per month, while petrol costs about 1.5 US dollars per litre. A Thai cuisine lunch costs about 3 US dollars, while a European one starts at 7 US dollars.
Taxi from airport | Accommodation in a 3-star hotel, per day | Sightseeing | Lunch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangkok | $9–14 | $15–142 | $2–15 | $3–10 |
Pattaya | $34–43 | $15–121 | $11–31 | $3–6 |
Phuket | $19–31 | $12–125 | $3–9 | $2–6 |
Chiang Mai | $4 | $12–93 | $3–6 | $2–4 |
The minimum cost of a tour to Thailand, depending on the season, is 2,000–3,000 US dollars. You can save a lot if you visit the country during the rainy season (June — October) or during the heatwave (March — May).
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