Koh Chang has been named Thailand’s fastest-growing destination for international visitors, according to the latest “New Horizons” report released by digital travel platform Agoda. The annual ranking tracks year-on-year growth in accommodation bookings and offers insights into evolving global travel trends, revealing a clear shift away from conventional tourist hotspots toward destinations that offer authenticity, accessibility, and meaningful travel experiences.
In the latest rankings, Koh Chang climbed five places to secure the 12th position among Thailand’s inbound destinations for 2025. As the country’s second-largest island, Koh Chang has increasingly captured the attention of international travellers seeking immersive natural experiences without the complexity of long-distance domestic travel. Its convenient access from Bangkok allows visitors
to explore lush rainforests, coral reefs, waterfalls, and coastal landscapes without the need to fly to southern resort destinations.
The report highlights that this growth reflects a broader trend toward so-called “second islands” — destinations that offer the depth and beauty of nature while remaining easy to reach and less crowded than traditional tourism centers. Koh Chang’s balance of unspoiled nature, local communities, and relaxed atmosphere has positioned it as an attractive alternative for travellers seeking slower, more sustainable forms of tourism.
Agoda’s findings also point to a wider regional trend across Asia. Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao have entered Asia’s top 100 destinations for the first time, signaling rising demand for island destinations that successfully blend vibrant beach culture with opportunities for tranquility, wellness, and reconnection with nature. The growing popularity of these islands reflects travellers’ desire for flexibility —destinations that can offer both social energy and peaceful retreats within the same journey.
On the domestic tourism front, the report notes a strong shift toward culturally rich destinations close to major urban centers. Nonthaburi has emerged as the top trending destination among Thai travellers, rising ten places to reach 36th position. Located just north of Bangkok, the province is gaining recognition for its Mon heritage, historic riverside communities, and distinctive
cultural attractions.
Among its highlights is Koh Kret, a small river island renowned for traditional Mon pottery, local craftsmanship, and vibrant weekend markets. The area offers visitors a chance to experience local lifestyles, heritage, and culinary traditions, reflecting the growing interest among Thai travellers in short-distance trips that emphasize cultural depth and community-based experiences.
Overall, the report underscores a changing tourism landscape in Thailand, where both international and domestic travellers are increasingly prioritizing destinations that combine natural beauty, cultural identity, and ease of access. This shift supports Thailand’s broader tourism strategy of promoting high-quality, sustainable travel experiences that distribute economic benefits more evenly across regions while preserving local character and environmental integrity.
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