Thailand joins global top 3 in ‘Most Fun’ list, celebrated for Full Moon and Songkran festivals
Thailand shines as Asia’s top fun destination, famed for its delicious food, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and iconic celebrations like the Full Moon Party and Songkran Festival. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)
PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand has been recognized as the third most fun country globally and the only Asian nation to make the top 10 list, according to a recent survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report. The survey collected opinions from approximately 17,000 people worldwide, including business leaders, elites, and the general public, assessing various countries on their adventurousness and overall appeal.
The ranking is part of the “Best Countries” series by U.S. News, focusing on the category of “Adventure,” which includes how respondents perceive the fun and excitement of each country. The survey was conducted from March 22 to May 23, 2024, and asked participants to rate their association with each country regarding “fun.”
Thailand scored impressively in this category, ranking third for fun with a score of 91.3, while also placing fifth overall in the broader adventure category with a score of 90.1. The country’s vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, stunning beaches, and colorful nightlife contribute heavily to its high ranking. Particularly noted is the famous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, which is a major attraction especially for backpackers and the growing community of digital nomads who flock to Thailand.
The survey ranked the top 10 most fun countries in the world as follows: Spain took the top spot, celebrated for its historic and lively traditions like the La Tomatina tomato festival, vibrant beach resorts, and iconic party cities such as Barcelona and Ibiza.
Brazil came in second, famous for its colorful Rio Carnival and was also voted the sexiest country worldwide due to its passionate culture.
Pattaya’s wild and water-soaked Songkran Festival adds to its global reputation as one of the world’s most fun destinations. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)
Thailand stood out as the only Asian country on the list, known for its delicious food, beautiful beaches, and energetic nightlife. Key highlights include the unforgettable Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan and the world-famous Songkran Festival in April, which showcases Thailand’s lively and joyful spirit.
The list also included Italy, Mexico, Greece, Australia, Portugal, New Zealand, and France, showcasing a diverse range of destinations known for their unique festive atmospheres and cultural celebrations.
Europe dominates the overall rankings with 17 countries appearing in the top 40. Countries like Greece, Portugal, and the Netherlands are also celebrated for their unique party cultures and nightlife, drawing tourists from across the globe.
From North America, only the United States and Canada made it into the top 20. Las Vegas is recognized as the quintessential party city in the U.S., while Montreal is known internationally for its world-famous electronic dance music (EDM) festivals such as the rave culture that draws global visitors.
The survey results highlight Thailand’s growing stature as a global destination for fun, adventure, and cultural experiences, positioning it as a key hub for travelers seeking lively entertainment and natural beauty in Asia.