Bangkok (VNA) – Although the Lunar New Year (Tet) is not a public holiday in Thailand, the Southeast Asian country is increasingly seen as a favourite destination for international tourists, including those from countries that consider Tet the most important holiday of the year.
Digital travel platform Agoda found that Thailand has cemented its position as a favourite destination for those looking to celebrate the festival, which started on January 29, marking the Year of the Snake.
This showed up in accommodation searches on the Agoda platform in December and rearmed Bangkok as the country's biggest tourist magnet during the period.
Pattaya in Chon Buri province and Chiang Mai were the second and the third, respectively, with accommodation searches up by 38% and 55% from last year, Agoda said.
Domestic tourists are also seeking out formerly overlooked destinations like Khon Kaen, which saw a 2,964% surge in accommodation searches year-on-year.
Meanwhile, searches by foreign tourists for places to stay in Bangkok over this festive period were up 70%. Other popular destinations included Phuket and Hat Yai district in Songkhla, with the rate of searches jumping 80% and 30%, respectively, said Agoda.
According to Thai media, one of the main reasons why people want to flock to Thailand during the Lunar New Year is that the country is convenient and safe, especially when it comes to travel and transport, tourists said.
Many tourists said that the warm weather, vibrant culture and exceptional hospitality make the country a popular choice at this time of year.
Agoda noted that as Thailand is accustomed to welcoming international and domestic tourists alike, its blend of traditional festivities and modern conveniences continues to attract travellers./.
