Travel Trends in Thailand

Traveling Trends in THAILAND With attractions that include lush jungles, sunny beaches, and hundreds of islands, it is easy to see why Thailand draws vacationers from around the world. Hot spots around the country POPULAR DESTINATIONS OFF-THE-BEATEN O The Chiang Rai area is blessed with outstanding natural beauty, where visitors can check out remote hill tribes and exotic wildlife. PATH DESTINATIONS Chiang Mai has become a modern city and attracts over 5 million visitors each year. It has a thriving arts scene. O If you want to experience local customs, people, and traditions, Isaan is for you. It is a good starting point for trips into Laos and Cambodia. Chiang Rai (O Bangkok, with a population of over eight million, sits along the Chao Phraya River. Its vibrant MYANMAR (BURMA) LAOS Chiang Mai Isaan street life and cultural landmarks offer plenty to occupy those visiting. Andaman Sea THAILAND Amphawa Bangkok CAMBODIA M Amphawa, a quaint river town, boasts a Prachuap Khiri Khản City floating market with small Gulf of Thailand VIETNAM shops that sell food, coffee, and trinkets. South China Sea Phuket Trang Straight of Malacca MILES ' MALAYSIA 100 Phuket offers a diversity of cultures, architecture, and cuisine. It is also known for its beautiful forests and world-renowned diving sites. enthusiasts will enjoy () Prachuap Khiri Khan is a place of delectable coconuts and pineapples, delightful beaches, mountains, and caves. It has been called "the land of spiritual beauty." A Trang has a tranquil coastline. Snorkeling and diving sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life. Visiting Thailand TOURISM 22.3 MILLION Arrivals have 14.1 soared since 1998: 11.5 9.5 7.8 MILLION 1998 2000 2005 2010 2012 TOP 5 GLOBAL DESTINATIONS BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL VISITORS: 16 BANGKOK'S FOR 2013: GROWTH IN INTERNATIONAL 1. Bangkok VISITORS: MILLION 2. London 2011 11.5 12.2 through 2013 3. Paris 4. Singapore 5. New York 2011 2012 2013 Estimated 18% TOP 10 NATIONALITIES TO VISIT THAILAND, 2012 I. China 2. Malaysia 3. Japan 4. Russia 5. South Koreca 6. India 7. Laos 8. Australia 9. U. Kingdom 10. Singapore 2.79 MILLION 2.60 | 1.37 I 1.32 1.17 1.01 0.95 1 0.93 | 0.87 0.82 Sources: O# HomeAway http://newsroom.mastercard.com/?attachment_id=30443 http://www.thaiwebsites.com/tourism.asp http://www.touropia.com/top-attractions-in-thailand http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2012-popular-places-instagram-article-1.1229079 let's stay together"