Nearly 1 million Vietnamese tourists traveled to Thailand last year, Thais launch additional stimulus package

Since January, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Vietnamese tourists have visited Thailand. The rate of Vietnamese tourists traveling independently to Thailand increased by 7% compared to 2023.

Ms. Patsee Permvongsenee, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, South Asia and South Pacific of the Tourism Authority of Thailand - Photo: QUANG DINH

Tuoi Tre Online had an interview with Ms. Patsee Permvongsenee - CEO of Southeast Asia, South Asia and South Pacific of the Tourism Authority of Thailand - on the sidelines of the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2025 event held in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

* Currently, where does Vietnam rank among international tourist markets to Thailand? Is the Vietnamese tourist market considered a strategic market for the Thai tourism industry?

- In 2024, Thailand welcomed a total of 984,248 tourists from Vietnam, ranking 11th among international markets with the largest number of visitors to Thailand, accounting for about 2.77% of total international arrivals. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is particularly focused on promoting short-haul markets, of which Vietnam is one of the key markets in this group.

* This year, does Thailand have any special policies specifically for the Vietnamese market, madam?

- This summer, the main activities include: stimulating Vietnamese tourism to Thailand through cooperation with partners such as travel agencies, OTA (Online Travel Agency) platforms, airlines... with the goal of comprehensively meeting the needs of each group of tourists.

Targeting groups of vacationers, sports enthusiasts, groups interested in physical and mental health, families, groups of tourists interested in the environment, TAT offers special offers including: special discounts, vouchers, gift vouchers, souvenirs, etc.

During the period from January to present, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Vietnamese tourists visited Thailand. According to the 2024 tourist behavior survey conducted by TAT, the activities that Vietnamese tourists love when visiting Thailand include (in order): cuisine, visiting historical sites, experiencing nightlife, massage and spa, and sea and beach activities.

The rate of Vietnamese tourists traveling independently to Thailand increased by 7% compared to 2023. The group of first-time visitors to Thailand also recorded a growth of 9% compared to 2023.

* What is your forecast for the Vietnamese tourist market to Thailand in the next 6 months, including the number of tourists and revenue contributed to the Thai tourism industry?

- Currently, we cannot make an accurate forecast, due to the influence of many factors such as tourists' behavior and consumption trends, concerns of some visitors about external factors, erratic weather conditions leading to natural disasters, competition from other destinations...

For the Vietnamese market, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has adjusted its cooperation plan with partners, ensuring that Vietnamese tourists will have access to diverse products and services that meet high quality standards.

The Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2025 event took place from June 4 to 6 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, attracting more than 450 participating units - Photo: QUANG DINH

* Vietnamese tourists are increasingly traveling abroad and choosing increasingly diverse destinations such as China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea... So what are the opportunities and challenges in promoting Thailand in the Vietnamese market?

- The trend of Vietnamese people traveling abroad is increasing, which means that the number of Vietnamese people who can afford and want to explore the world is increasing.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide new, personalized and different experiences in each trip, with good quality and friendly service standards so that Vietnamese tourists feel Thailand as their second home, each time they return, they will have new experiences, not bored. This includes promoting the attraction of high-quality Vietnamese tourists in the direction of quality and sustainable development.

Vietnamese tourists visit the ancient city of Pratu Tha Phae - Photo: QUANG DINH

Activities and festivals that Vietnamese tourists should experience in Thailand:

- Songkran Festival (Thai New Year or Water Festival) not only takes place for 3 days but also has many activities taking place throughout April.

- Yi Peng festival (sky lanterns) in Chiang Mai. Loy Krathong festival (water lanterns) participate in releasing water lanterns, such as Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, places that were once the ancient capitals of Thailand.

Seasonal nature destinations, such as the wild sunflower hills in Mae Hong Son, the cherry blossom valley (Phaya Sua Krong) in Chiang Mai, Phetchabun and Loei. World-class music and sports events such as EDC music festival, Wonderfruit, Big Mountain, MotoGP International Sports Championship.

In addition, Vietnamese tourists can cheer for the Vietnamese team at the 33rd SEA Games from December 9 to 20 in Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya), Songkhla (Hat Yai). December is also the time when there will be many attractive activities such as the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok event, the Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 art light show.

Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2025, taking place from June 4 to 6 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is Thailand's most important international tourism event, organized in the form of B2B (business-to-business) trade.

This year’s event is held under the theme “Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End”, emphasizing meaningful travel and sustainable experiences. The main objective of the event is to bridge buyers from all over the world with Thai tourism businesses, with more than 450 participating units, including: hotels, tour operators, attractions and related organizations. More than 12,000 business negotiation appointments.

QUANG DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gan-1-trieu-khach-viet-du-lich-thai-lan-nam-qua-nguoi-thai-tung-them-goi-kich-cau-2025060616101947.htm