Traditionally a time when Thais return to their hometowns to pay respect to their elders by pouring scented water onto their palms and visit a temple to make merit, newly released booking data from Agoda (http://www.agoda.com/?site_id=1811392) suggests that they are bucking tradition to spend Songkran abroad.
For the first time this year, more overseas destinations make an appearance in the top ten with Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul and Taipei taking up four of the top ten spots. Furthermore, Tokyo has usurped Bangkok’s crown for the most-booked Songkran destination, a title Bangkok held for at least the last two years.
Japan, South Korea and Taiwan offer visa-free entry and have many attractions to offer travelers looking for an alternative way to spend Songkran, such as the trendy Shibuya neighborhood in Tokyo, the world class Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in Osaka, the elegant Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul and the famous Taipei 101 Observatory.
Thailand’s renowned seaside cities Pattaya and Hua Hin, renowned for their laid-back vibe, dynamic nightlife, and delicious street food, hold onto second and third destination for Thai travelers.
Top Songkran destinations for Thai travelers
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| 1 | Bangkok, Thailand | Bangkok, Thailand | Tokyo, Japan |
| 2 | Pattaya, Thailand | Pattaya, Thailand | Pattaya, Thailand |
| 3 | Hua Hin, Thailand | Hua Hin, Thailand | Hua Hin, Thailand |
| 4 | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Phuket, Thailand | Bangkok, Thailand |
| 5 | Phuket, Thailand | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Phuket, Thailand |
| 6 | Krabi, Thailand | Krabi, Thailand | Osaka, Japan |
| 7 | Tokyo, Japan | Tokyo, Japan | Chiang Mai, Thailand |
| 8 | Koh Chang, Thailand | Koh Chang, Thailand | Seoul, South Korea |
| 9 | Rayong, Thailand | Kanchanaburi, Thailand | Koh Chang, Thailand |
| 10 | Chonburi, Thailand | Rayong, Thailand | Taipei, Taiwan |
