Surpassing Thailand, Vietnam is the number 1 choice for beach tourism in the region.

Other survey results also reflect deeper concerns about Thailand's dim tourism outlook.

According to the latest survey by Thai newspaper Bangkok Post , Vietnam has surpassed other Southeast Asian countries to become the number 1 choice for tropical beach vacations, replacing Thailand, which has long held this position.

The Bangkok Post has hailed Phu Quoc as Vietnam’s popular beach destination that is attracting more and more tourists to its idyllic beaches. In the first seven months of this year, Vietnam welcomed 12.2 million international visitors, up 22.5% from the same period in 2024. In contrast, the number of visitors to Thailand fell 7% year-on-year.

Additionally, more than a quarter of online respondents (26.3%) chose Vietnam as their preferred destination, ahead of the Philippines (18.9%), Indonesia (18.3%), Malaysia (12.7%), Cambodia (12.7%) and Singapore (11.1%).

Beautiful beach in Phu Quoc on Thai newspaper.

The poll, conducted via the Bangkok Post ’s official website from July 30 to August 12, highlighted broader concerns about Thailand’s tourism outlook. Among the notable results were the following:

Scams and unfair treatment reduce tourist interest: More than 56% of respondents said reports of tourists being scammed or treated unfairly reduce their interest in visiting Thailand, compared to 28% who disagreed and 16% who remained neutral.

Infrastructure: 59% believe problems with roads, public transport and essential services reduce Thailand's attractiveness.

Limited impact of marijuana laws: More than half of respondents said Thailand's legalization of marijuana had little impact on tourists' interest in visiting.

Tourists are moving away from Thailand: Nearly 70% noticed that tourists are increasingly choosing closer destinations instead of Thailand.

Thailand's focus areas: Safety and law enforcement were considered top priorities (39.6%), followed by transportation and infrastructure (23.6%), marketing campaigns (22.9%) and developing unique attractions (13.9%).

Traveler perceptions of Thailand: Respondents viewed the kingdom as a destination rich in culture, cuisine and warm hospitality (46.3%), while 26.1% rated it as a budget destination and 27.6% highlighted its blend of tradition and modernity.

Aside from beaches and cuisine, Thailand's nightlife was rated as the most attractive aspect (22.9%), surpassing historical sites (17.8%), natural landscapes (15.9%) and cultural arts (12.4%).

thanhnien.vn

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/vuot-qua-thai-lan-viet-nam-la-lua-chon-so-1-cho-du-lich-bien-o-khu-vuc-post880728.html