China Emerges as Top Travel Destination for Thai Tourists in 2025
China has become the top overseas destination for Thai travelers in 2025, driven by visa exemptions, social media influence, and shared culinary culture.
Key Points
- 1Visa exemptions between Thailand and China started in March 2024, boosting Thai travel to China.
- 2Chongqing is the most popular Chinese city among Thai tourists, with a 395% increase in page views and 828% rise in bookings.
- 3Social media and local influencers significantly influence Thai travel choices, with 45% discovering trips through online posts in 2025.
- 4Younger Thai travelers are exploring beyond traditional destinations, driven by cultural and culinary interests.
For years, Thailand has been a popular spot for Chinese tourists, with the country developing infrastructure and services to welcome them. However, since the introduction of visa exemptions between Thailand and China in March 2024, the flow has shifted. Now, China has become the leading overseas destination for Thai travelers, enabled by expanded air routes, competitive pricing, and convenient travel apps that simplify payments and communication.
Chongqing, known for its spicy cuisine similar to Thai flavors and striking neon-lit urban landscapes, has seen a surge in interest among Thai visitors, with web page views soaring by 395% and bookings increasing by 828%. Social media plays a significant role in this trend, with nearly half of Thai travelers in 2025 discovering trip ideas through local influencers' posts, a notable rise from previous years. This shift suggests a more personal and culturally connected approach to travel, with food and lifestyle experiences taking precedence over traditional sightseeing.
Cities like Chengdu also attract Thai tourists for their rich culinary scenes and local character, emphasizing shared cultural elements rather than distant historical appeal. Platforms such as Xiaohongshu offer Thai-language content, including detailed itineraries and recommendations, making trip planning as accessible as it is for popular destinations like Tokyo. This expanded travel mindset is especially prominent among younger Thais who use apps and social media to explore beyond the usual hotspots.
This emerging travel trend reflects a generational change where younger Thai travelers venture beyond familiar destinations, driven by a desire for authentic experiences and cultural connections. The growing accessibility and tailored digital content are helping to reshape travel habits, making China an increasingly attractive and approachable destination for island residents and visitors alike. OG Lab notes that this evolving regional travel dynamic could inspire fresh ideas for local experiences and cross-cultural exchanges on Koh Samui.
