Asia’s Year-End Travel Boom: Bangkok And Tokyo Top Christmas And New Year Lists

Bangkok tops global Christmas travel, overtaking Tokyo, with a 14% search surge. Agoda highlights Asia’s dominance in festive travel this season!

Move aside, Tokyo—Bangkok is claiming the crown this festive season! According to Agoda’s latest insights, Thailand’s vibrant capital has become the world’s top destination for international travelers this Christmas. A 14% increase in accommodation searches compared to last year has propelled Bangkok past Tokyo, making it a must-visit for holidaymakers.

Bangkok also shines as the second most popular destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations, trailing only Tokyo. Completing the top five Christmas destinations are Seoul, Taipei, and Osaka, while for New Year’s Eve, the list includes Taipei, Pattaya, and Osaka. These rankings highlight Asia’s dominance as the preferred region for end-of-year festivities.

Pierre Honne, Senior Country Director at Agoda, shared his thoughts on Bangkok’s meteoric rise: “Bangkok’s charm is undeniable during Thailand’s cooler months. Its bustling nightlife, rich cultural experiences, and dazzling festive displays are irresistible.” He also noted the significant draw of domestic hotspots like Pattaya and Chiang Mai for local travelers during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, Thai travelers looking to celebrate the New Year abroad are setting their sights on destinations like Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taipei. With Agoda’s vast inventory of over 4.5 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, planning the perfect year-end getaway has never been easier, reported The Nation.

In a quirky holiday twist, a Russian expat in Pattaya brought his own festive cheer to the streets but not without consequences. Ivanov, the driver of a grey sedan, turned his car into a mobile Christmas light show with a dazzling array of multi-colored lights. However, his spirited celebration was cut short when local police stopped him for the unusual display.