Bangkok Reopens for Domestic Tourists

Thailand’s domestic tourism reopening is shaping up to see Bangkok as the hub for an early return of daytrips, staycations and inter-provincial road trips. With over eight million residents coupled with a sprawling megacity catchment with a population base in excess of 15 million, the recovery of the country’s tourist economy is set to be staged from the capital city.

New research from hospitality consulting group C9 Hotelworks and Delivering Asia Communications has highlighted the Top 8 intra-provincial destinations within six hours driving time from Bangkok. They are in order of visitor numbers – Nakhon Ratchasima, Kanchanaburi, Chon Buri, Petchaburi, Rayong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Saraburi.

While reopening Thailand to international tourism will require cross-border bilateral agreements, the government’s current focus is to mobilise the critical mass of domestic travellers through a series of health, safety and economic measures. These steps which are expected to be implemented in June include a formal certification for hotels and tourism establishments under the Safety and Health Administration (SHA) and government sponsored financial aids to stimulate domestic travel.