Pattaya crowned top micro-travel destination in Thailand, ranks among Asia’s Best
Pattaya tops Thailand’s micro-travel list, welcoming record numbers of short-stay visitors and helping spread tourism benefits beyond Bangkok to regional cities. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)
PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand has received more good news in its tourism sector, with Pattaya—the famous seaside city—being recognized as the most popular destination for “micro-travel” overnight trips in the country. According to data from Agoda, Pattaya attracted the highest number of overnight stays for trips lasting just one to two nights from January through May 2025.
Micro-travel is a growing trend among modern travelers, especially working professionals with limited time. These short trips offer concentrated experiences without the need for long-term planning or taking extended leave from work. Agoda’s survey reveals that micro-travel accounts for more than 35% of travel across Asia and is continuously growing, particularly among working women and those who combine work with travel, known as “workation.”
Pattaya’s popularity extends beyond Thailand’s borders. The city ranked among the Top 5 most favored micro-travel destinations in Asia, alongside major urban centers such as Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Taipei, and Manila. This recognition underscores Pattaya’s potential as a tourism hub catering to evolving traveler lifestyles throughout the region.
The top five micro-travel destinations in Thailand are Pattaya, Chonburi, Hua Hin, Rayong, and Khao Yai. This rising trend offers new opportunities for Thailand’s tourism industry, encouraging service providers to create packages and offerings that suit quick, hassle-free trips that recharge visitors’ energy. It also supports spreading tourism income beyond Bangkok to nearby cities and secondary destinations, strengthening the country’s grassroots economy.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports expressed pride in Pattaya’s achievement, attributing the city’s success to its well-developed tourism infrastructure, quality services, and Thailand’s outstanding international reputation as a travel destination.