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Trip.com Group has revealed a remarkable shift in travel preferences among Thai tourists at their "Trip.Best Roadshow: Southeast Asia Travel Trends Unpacked" event. Thai travellers are showing a keen interest in exploring China’s lesser-known cities, with a focus on immersive experiences rather than traditional sightseeing.

 

According to Trip.Best data for 2025, Chongqing has become popular among Thai tourists, with an astonishing 395% rise in page views and an 828% surge in bookings. Known for its spicy cuisine reminiscent of Thai flavours and its rich cultural sites, Chongqing attracts those seeking authentic experiences. Edmund Ong from Trip.com Singapore noted that Thai tourists are moving towards deeper cultural engagement and well-planned trips.

 

Shanghai now tops the list of preferred destinations for Thai visitors, boasting a 334% increase in bookings. Following closely are Hong Kong, with a 52% rise, Tokyo at 71%, and Osaka at 132%. The search for experiential travel is evident with an 808% increase in interest for "activities" and an astounding 1,941% leap for "cool escape attractions."

 

Domestic travel also continues to flourish with a 25% growth. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket remain sought after by local explorers. Thailand's digital adoption shapes these travel behaviours, with over 95% of consumers relying on influencer recommendations for discovery.

 

Trip.Best's AI-driven platform has gained positive feedback in Thailand, with user satisfaction rising significantly. The service's reliability has led to a 35% boost in its net promoter score. Thai travellers are meticulously planning journeys that balance excitement with ease, and Trip.Best's technology aligns with this trend, reported The Nation.

 

Sunny Sun of Trip.com Group highlighted the role of AI in enhancing travel experiences, stating that the platform helps uncover destinations tailored to modern tastes. Direct bookings using influencer codes have risen by 120%.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai travellers are shifting towards immersive, cultural experiences in China.
• Shanghai, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Osaka are top destinations for 2025.
• Trip.Best’s popularity surges with a 35% rise in user satisfaction.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-12-08

 

 

 

Thais like to go to China??? Chinese like to go to Vietnam....

China with very expensive cities like Shanghai and Hongkong.. I am sure it are not middle class Thai that go here same for the non Chinese cities like Tokyo and Osaka... There is a difference between I would like to go..... and I go to......