Thailand Tourism Booms in 2025 With China, Malaysia, and South Korea Boosting Arrivals and Hatyai Ranking Among Asia’s Most Affordable Cities

Thailand is basking in a spirited tourism rebound this 2025, headed by a rapid increase of visitors from China, Malaysia, and South Korea—the three leading markets propelling the kingdom’s travel renaissance. More than 16 million foreigners came in the first half of six months, a record boosted by new flight routes, facilitated entry procedures, and new enthusiasm all across Asia for Thai culture, landscapes, and hospitality. At the top of the buzz-worthy stories this year is the rise of Hatyai, a southern gem that’s fast becoming a must-visit for budget-minded visitors, especially from immediate Malaysia and Singapore. With budget-friendly accommodations, lively street scene, and seashore appeal, Hatyai now joins Asia’s budget-travel destinations, a relaxing alternative to Thailand’s more crowded beach capitals such as Pattaya and Phuket.

Hatyai Steps Up As Thai Capital of Budget Travel

While the world-renowned tourism destinations of the country are thriving, the Thai southern city of Hatyai has rapidly climbed the ranks to be one of Asia’s cheapest destinations. Gaining popularity especially among Malaysian and Singaporean tourists, Hatyai became a tourism hotspot of the sub-region for a budget-friendly but vibrant experience.

With a blend of rich local markets, true southern Thai cuisine, serene seaside breaks, and low cost of living, Hatyai now boasts the honours of being Thailand’s cheapest city. For two years running, the city featured among Asia’s top three cheapest cities, boding well for a larger tourism shift towards value-for-money breaks.

Travel Patterns Suggest Overall Trends: Volume versus Duration

Statistics for the first half of 2025 are interesting for glimpsing some trends in travelling habits. China tops the list for total tourist arrivals, a testament to the enduring travelling ties between China and Thailand. But for time spent in country, the South Korean visitors are top of the list, on average spending more time than other nationalities.

Following South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore travellers likewise near the top of the list for average stay duration—in short, the interest of Thailand exceeds the short weekend break, enticing travellers seeking to participate in longer, more experiential encounters.

First Half of 2025 Logs High Tourism Earnings

Thailand welcomed some 16 million foreign arrivals from January to June 2025, earning a staggering 743.58 billion baht from tourism-led revenue. These numbers confirm a healthy recovery of the national tourism sector, positioning Thailand among Asia’s top performers this year so far.

Several factors are behind the recovery. Increased availability of schedules for international flights, streamlined entry procedures, and new pushes from government promotions—particularly from promotions launched under the 2025 Grand Tourism and Sports Year—have invited more visitors to return. A cultural event, sport, and provincial promotions mix, Thailand is positioning itself well for long-term tourism resilience.

Thais Travel Abroad in Large Numbers

Outbound tourism is doing well, too. Thai citizens are specially eager for regional centers of East Asia. Leading among foreign destinations are Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Taipei—cities that are well-known for lively metropolis life, popularity of shopping, and variety of food.

Travel to these places is eased through intra-Asian airline connectivity, streamlined visa procedures, and cultural comprehension, therefore becoming leading destinations for Thai travellers seeking worthwhile experiences beyond their shores.

Thailand Tourism Outlook: Jan-Jun 2025 Snapshot

MetricDetailsTop Inbound MarketsChina, Malaysia, South KoreaMost Popular Booked CitiesBangkok, Pattaya, PhuketEmerging Star DestinationHatyai (Ranking Top 3 cheapest in Asia)No. of Visitors16 million foreign visitorsGenerated Revenue743.58 billion bahtLongest StaySouth Korea, Japan, Malaysia, SingaporeThai Favorite Booked Outbound CitiesTok

Why Thailand Remains a Top Asian Travel Destination

Thailand tourism of 2025 is not only a reflection of the country’s popularity as a place of recreation but also of its ability to re-invent itself to match the needs of the current day explorer. Whether one is seeking luxury breaks in Phuket, cultural explorations in Chiang Mai, or budget breaks in Hatyai, there is something for every type of tourist.

With infrastructure for tourism continually growing and marketing for everything from eco-tourism to digital nomadism, Thailand will continue to dominate the competitive Asian travel market.

Thailand’s tourism boom of 2025 is being produced from vigorously expanding Chinese, Malaysian, and South Korean numbers, of which Hatyai is a regional favorite amongst value-conscious travellers due to value for money combined with cultural draw. Looking ahead, the focus on regional variety, value-based experiences, and long-staying visits bodes well for the remainder of the year and beyond.

The post Thailand Tourism Booms in 2025 With China, Malaysia, and South Korea Boosting Arrivals and Hatyai Ranking Among Asia’s Most Affordable Cities appeared first on Travel And Tour World.