The most desired travel destinations for Thai people are Pattaya and Hua Hin, which are gaining popularity due to their privacy and amenities that attract travelers to choose to stay at Airbnb

As communities around the world gradually open their doors to welcome people, many who have been staying home during COVID-19 are starting to generate ideas for future travel. Internal data from Airbnb reveals early signs of future travel planning through searches and creating Wish Lists —lists of places they want to visit, which travelers create to prepare for reconnecting with people and the global community once again.

As tourism begins to recover, Airbnb presents popular trends among Thai travelers to ensure no one misses out, whether it’s poolside villas or private villas with complete amenities. These places are calling for everyone to step out and travel again after being confined at home for their own safety and that of others.

Domestic tourism is the first choice for Thai travelers.

Although travel has been limited by various necessities, the spirit of travelers continues to dream of new travel experiences. The Wish List shows Airbnb that Thai travel enthusiasts are still looking for destinations close to Bangkok and by the sea that can be reached within a few hours.

According to internal data from Airbnb from March to May 18, 2020, Pattaya and Hua Hin are the most desired travel destinations recorded by Thai travelers. Furthermore, 8 out of 10 domestic accommodations that Thais want to stay at are also located in Hua Hin.

Additionally, Airbnb found that the top 5 destinations most searched by Thai travelers are:

1. Bangkok

2. Pattaya

3. Phuket

4. Hua Hin

5. Chiang Mai

This differs from the survey conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2019, where Tokyo, Seoul, and Osaka were among the top 5 destinations that Thai people wanted to visit, indicating that the current trend among Thai Airbnb users is domestic tourism.

The family-friendly villa at Jomtien Beach Pattaya is the accommodation that Thai Airbnb users recorded as the most desired.

Privacy and amenities are key factors in Thai travel decisions.

Currently, cleanliness and hygiene are paramount, leading Thai travelers to prioritize accommodations that offer privacy. The family-friendly villa at Jomtien Beach Pattaya, featuring a private pool, garden, and complete kitchen facilities, is the accommodation that Thai Airbnb users recorded as their top choice, followed by the second choice, a modern-style villa near the sea in Hua Hin.

Meanwhile, internal surveys from Airbnb from March to May also show that amenities such as kitchens, Wi-Fi, and swimming pools are the most sought after by Thai travelers. Additionally, accommodations that allow pets are also among the 1 in 10 amenities most searched by Thai users.

The modern-style villa near the sea in Hua Hin is ranked second among the accommodations that Thai Airbnb users recorded as their most desired.

Dreaming of foreign lands

Looking beyond Thailand, Airbnb found that Thai travelers have a desire to travel to countries in Asia. Last year's survey revealed that Japan and South Korea were among the top favorites, and this year's survey shows that Seoul and Tokyo remain the most searched foreign cities by Thai people.