Chiang Mai’s Songkran Sees Strong Turnout Despite Earthquake Jitters and Rate Cuts

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) 

 

Despite Songkran festivities boosting occupancy, Chiang Mai hotels slashed rates due to a lingering earthquake scare. Attempting to draw in hesitant domestic travellers, room rates saw an uncharacteristic dip, marking this year's holiday with a twist.

 

The earthquake that rattled Thailand and Myanmar last month left Thai travellers jittery. Many remained hesitant about travel, leading to fewer last-minute bookings, according to Paisarn Sukjarean, president of the Thai Hotels Association's upper northern chapter. Nonetheless, hotels managed an impressive 85% occupancy from April 12-16, equal to last year's figures.

 

Typically, Songkran sees room rates hike by 30% (approximating 800-1,200 baht or about £18-£27) due to high demand. This year, though, hotels kept increases modest—around 10% (200-300 baht or £4-£7)—in a strategic move to entice local guests. Ensuring safety tops priority, with hotels undergoing expert inspections post-quake.

 

 

 

Pollution concerns, particularly PM2.5 levels, unexpectedly posed less of an issue this year. Cleaner air greeted tourists, unlike previous years, boosting spirits. Still, perceptions about safety, especially from international visitors, linger as a hurdle.

 

Notably, Chinese tourism remains sluggish following a scandal involving actor Wang Xing's entrapment in Myanmar.

 

However, Patsalin Swetarat from the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Chiang Mai office highlighted over 146,000 tourists gracing the province during Songkran, 60% being locals, generating approximately 1.6 billion baht (£35 million).

 

Foreigners, primarily from South Korea and Europe, added to the zest. The average spend hovered around 4,600 baht (£101) per person daily.

 

Looking ahead, the Thailand Travel Mart Plus in June aims to showcase Chiang Mai's cultural allure alongside its modernity and sustainability efforts. Expected to attract over 500 attendees and 1,000 local tourism operators, it promises a vibrant business outlook.

 

Based on a story by Bangkok Post

 

-- 2025-04-18

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Despite Songkran festivities boosting occupancy, Chiang Mai hotels slashed rates due to a lingering earthquake scare.

 

I believe that to be just an excuse.

Wait for the 'we need help' plea to the government.

Here on Samui, there are a lot less visitors at the moment and our bookings are also down.

And there was no earthquake here.

Just low season started a bit early.

[factual monk]

Tourism authorities and their magical number always. .. 

Abracadabra... 🎩 🪄 🔮 

[hotchilli]

Wait till the Trump tariffs are back on.. as Thailand scrambles to talk it's way out of being a China ally.