Traveloka has revealed insightful data showing Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Krabi topped the list of popular destinations for Thai travelers during Songkran, reflecting the continued popularity of beach and cultural tourism.

Mr. Charles Wong, Vice President of Commercial at Traveloka, stated that Songkran is a particularly meaningful time for Thais, a time of homecoming, continuation of traditions, and new beginnings. Traveloka believes these joyful moments should be accessible to everyone, even during peak travel demand, whether it's returning to family in the North or relaxing by the sea in the South. We are ready to help make every Songkran trip smooth and meaningful, just like this celebratory festival.

The latest data from Traveloka indicates that the top 10 most popular domestic destinations during Songkran are Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, and Koh Samet. Beach destinations accounted for the majority of searches during Songkran 2026, reflecting the popularity of travelers seeking seaside relaxation during long holidays. Pattaya dominated the domestic Songkran charts, thanks to its unique extended celebrations, with the Wan Lai festival featuring water fights continuing until April 19th, creating a fun-filled atmosphere throughout the festival.

Chiang Mai tops the list for travelers seeking a culturally immersive Songkran experience. The Lanna-inspired city attracts tourists seeking a traditional atmosphere and large-scale celebrations such as MAYA Water World and water fights around Tha Pae Gate.

Coastal destinations like Krabi are receiving significant attention, reflecting the popularity of natural and scenic relaxation. Phuket and Hua Hin remain popular choices for families and groups of friends. Island hopping is also gaining popularity, with Koh Samui and Koh Samet seeing increased accommodation searches from travelers seeking tranquility over larger cities.

Bangkok remains a major hub for Songkran celebrations, including the Grand Songkran Festival at Sanam Luang, the S2O Music Festival, and the SIAM Songkran Music Festival, expected to further boost tourist numbers. Meanwhile, Hat Yai and Khon Kaen continue to be popular destinations for hometown travel and lively regional activities.

Beyond domestic tourism, demand for international travel during Songkran remains strong. Data from Traveloka indicates that Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are the most searched international destinations, reflecting the popularity of short-distance regional trips among Thai travelers, offering convenient travel and diverse experiences. Booking tickets first, accommodation later – planning ahead ensures a smoother trip. Traveloka data also reflects the travel planning behavior of Thai tourists. Flight bookings typically peak around 25 days before departure, reflecting advance route planning and budget management. Similarly, accommodation bookings usually increase in the last 10 days before holidays, reflecting a more flexible and closer-to-departure decision-making process.

This behavior indicates that while travelers plan their trips in advance, accommodation bookings often occur closer to the holiday season. However, with high demand for accommodation near Songkran, popular destinations may fill up quickly. Therefore, advance planning and booking offers better options and more suitable prices.

Traveloka launches the Songkran Mega Sale campaign to encourage advance planning and help travelers confidently book their desired destinations. The campaign runs from now until April 19, 2026, with D-Day promotions on March 3rd, 25th, and April 4th, along with special offers throughout the campaign. Travelers can enjoy discounts up to 90%, flash sales, special prices, and curated promotions on flights, accommodations, and tours.

The campaign aims to promote advance trip planning and expand accommodation options in popular destinations nationwide, covering major tourist cities, beaches, natural attractions, and cultural hubs, catering to city celebrations, group travel, or private beach getaways. Songkran remains Thailand's most popular tourist season. The Songkran Festival, annually held from April 13–15, is a pivotal time celebrating the Thai New Year and one of the country's busiest travel periods. Amidst the increasing demand for diverse travel experiences, Traveloka remains committed to providing a convenient booking platform encompassing accommodations, flights, and activities, helping travelers design their Songkran trips to meet their needs and plan their holidays more smoothly.

Furthermore, the 2025 Songkran Festival generated over 28,723 million baht in economic revenue nationwide, a 17% increase compared to the previous year. The continued evolution of the festival into a global celebration is expected to further boost tourism spending in 2026, driven by the expansion of larger-scale events and increased tourist participation.

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