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.

Beach holidays in Thailand

Pattaya, south of Bangkok, is one of Thailand's major beach resorts and attracts visitors from many countries.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ancient capital of the kingdom of Ayutthaya is located 86 kilometres north of Bangkok. It is famous for its historic temple ruins; nearby Bang Pa-In is a preserved royal palace. To the west of Bangkok, in Nakhon Pathom, stands Phra Pathom Chedi, a Buddhist stupa about 120.45 metres high. 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.

As of September 2026, nine properties in Thailand are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They include Ban Chiang, the historic cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex and the Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries.

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 falls in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar 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.

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).