In Chase Travel’s recent trend report, the company reported that bookings to Thailand are already up 22% YoY for travel in 2025. Virtuoso also named Thailand as a hotspot for travelers for next year, due to traveler’s increased interest in ultra-luxe travel, including experiencing exotic destinations. With popular TV shows set in the beautiful destination, the recent tourist visa extension, and its rich culture, culinary, and landscape, Thailand is the ultimate destination to add to next year’s bucket list.
With traveler’s increased desire to visit Thailand, here are the top 4 reasons why you should add Thailand to your 2025 bucket list:
- ‘Set-Jetting’ Inspiration
- Boasting crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and scenic limestone cliffs, Thailand offers some of the top beaches in the world. From over 1,430 islands to choose from, such as Phuket and Koh Samui, renowned for its relaxing environment, travelers can luxuriate like their favorite TV show cast. Premiering in February 2025, one of the most anticipated TV show’s season 3 takes place in Thailand and travelers are eager to experience the destination for themselves (without the tragic ending!)
- Recent Tourist Visa Extension
- Thailand recently extended its guidelines for tourists’ visas allowing for visitors to stay up to 60 days now (originally 30 days), making it easier than ever to visit the country for an extended time. Aimed to enhance the tourism sector, Thailand is anticipating to attract 40 million visitors next year. Travelers, postgraduate students, remote workers, and retirees all can benefit from this new policy and live like a local.
- ‘Five-Must Do’ Experiences
- Lastly, the government is eager to promote Thailand’s ‘Five-Must Do’ experiences: Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See, for travelers to experience the top Thai cuisine, fashion, festivals, and breathtaking scenery next year. A sampling of top activities they recommend include:
- Bangkok (for a city immersion + temples): Visit the sacred Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Wat Pho to see the reclining Buddha, or the impressive Grand Palace. Shoppers can spend the day at Chatuchak Market or Siam Paragon and history lovers can tour the Bangkok National Museum, home to the largest collection of artifacts and Thai art in all of Thailand.
- Phuket (the bustling beach city): Explore famous vendor markets like Chillva or Phuket’s Old Town Walking Street Market to try dishes like Pad Kra Pao Moo, and experience thrilling activities such as cliff-jumping, scuba diving, or immersing yourself in nature at the iconic Khao Yai National Park. For beach lovers, you can relax and visit islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, or Koh Samui.
- Lastly, the government is eager to promote Thailand’s ‘Five-Must Do’ experiences: Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See, for travelers to experience the top Thai cuisine, fashion, festivals, and breathtaking scenery next year. A sampling of top activities they recommend include:
- Luxurious Villas Available to Rent—Where to Stay
- Live lavish like the cast and stay in a fully secluded luxury villa with luxury rental brand, onefinestay, such as the contemporary Villa Jacinta (from $1,995 per night) or stunning Villa Alba, (from $4,250 per night), both residing in Koh Samui.
