Not just elephant rides anymore—Thai design hotels and food shows become new favorites among young travelers

▲ A local scene in Thailand (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Taipei

Is your impression of traveling in Thailand still limited to visiting temples and riding elephants? In recent years, as travel trends have evolved, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has enhanced the depth of Thai tourism and diversified travel itineraries. This year, it has introduced a new theme, “Surprise Thailand: Happy Travels,” along with several new travel routes, allowing visitors to experience fresh and exciting ways to explore the country. To strengthen exchanges between Taiwan and Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand held a travel trade fair in Taiwan today (February 24), attended by the Southeast Asia Regional Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.Runjuan TongrutHe led 49 Thai tourism industry players to Taiwan to share the latest travel information with their Taiwanese counterparts.

Huang Heng,marketing manager of the Tourism Authority of Thailand,said that Thailand offersseven key tourism highlights: food, art, lifestyle culture, wellness, festivals, wisdom, and fun.Take “fun” for example—visitors can experience the joyful humor and attitude of Thai people through local life and products. Among generations-old temples and mural history, one can also feel the “wisdom” of Thailand. Beyond these seven tourism features, the Tourism Authority of Thailand launched 12 hidden gems in 2015 and has designed seven connected routes this year. Travelers can head east to the pristine Ko Chang, or connect Bangkok, Samut Songkhram Province, and Hua Hin, delving into Thailand through exploratory travel.

▲ The design-forward Pullman Hotel G in Thailand. (Photo / Taken by reporter Lai Wen-xuan)

With the increase in independent travelers, Thailand’s“design hotels”have become a new trend in accommodation. The Tourism Authority of Thailand noted that these hotels not only feature design elements favored by young people but are also conveniently located, making them ideal for backpackers. Additionally, Thailand’s top-tier large hotels offer great value for money, providing travelers with diverse options. For those who enjoy performances, Thailand has also introduced“culinary shows,”which incorporate traditional dishes like pad Thai into stage performances, filled with local vibrancy—these could all become new highlights for young travelers.

▲ Today, a total of 49 Thai tourism industry players came to Taiwan for exchange meetings.

According to the representative of the Thai Trade and Economic Office,Piroon Laismitaround 552,000 Taiwanese visited Thailand in 2015, an increase of 40.2% compared to 2014. Although last year’s tourism market was affected by the bombing incident, since the beginning of this year, the average number of daily visa applications has rebounded from just over 1,000 at the end of last year to between 2,000 and 4,000 per day, showing signs of gradual recovery.

%迹ㄗ蟠起） Thai Tourism Authority Southeast Asia Regional Director Runjuan Tongrut, Thai Trade and Economic Office Representative Piroon Laismit, and others jointly participated in the travel trade fair.