Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Krabi are emerging as top choices among Thai travelers preparing for the country’s biggest holiday travel period. New insights from Traveloka reveal that these iconic destinations are leading bookings for the upcoming Songkran long holiday, reflecting travelers’ continued love for festive coastal escapes and culturally rich city celebrations.
Following strong economic contributions in 2025, with Songkran generating over 28.7 billion baht nationwide in 2025, representing a 17% year-on-year increase in tourism revenue, the festival’s continued evolution into a globally recognised celebration is expected to further boost tourism spending into 2026, as large-scale events and festival participation continue to expand.
Charles Wong, VP of Commercial Traveloka, said, “Songkran is Thailand’s most cherished season, a time for homecoming, tradition, and new beginnings. At Traveloka, we believe the importance of these moments means they should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the holiday rush. From family reunions in the north to coastal escapes in the south, we are here to ensure that your Songkran journey is as seamless and meaningful as the celebration itself.”
Beach Escapes Lead Domestic Travel as Regional Getaways Gain Momentum
According to recent data from Traveloka, top 10 domestic destinations for Songkran include Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, and Koh Samet. Traveloka data shows that beach destinations make up the majority of domestic searches during Songkran 2026, highlighting travelers’ strong preference for seaside holiday experiences.
Among domestic destinations, Pattaya ranks as the most popular destination during Songkran. Known for its extended celebrations, the city keeps the festive atmosphere alive beyond the official holiday period, with its iconic Wan Lai festivities continuing water celebrations until April 19.
Chiang Mai follows as a top choice for travelers looking to experience Songkran through a cultural lens. The city attracts visitors seeking northern traditions, festive atmosphere, and heritage-driven celebrations such as MAYA Water World and large-scale water festivities around Tha Phae Gate.
Coastal destinations also see significant interest, with Krabi highlighting the popularity of scenic beach retreats for nature-inspired relaxation. Similarly, Phuket and Hua Hin continue to be firm favorites, offering convenient seaside getaways that appeal to families and groups alike. Island escapes are also gaining momentum; Koh Samui and Koh Samet are seeing increased accommodation demand as travelers seek more tranquil alternatives to the major urban tourist hubs.
Meanwhile, Bangkok remains a major festive hub, with large-scale events such as the Maha Songkran celebrations at Sanam Luang, S2O, the SIAM Songkran Music Festival, expected to further boost visitor numbers. Hat Yai and Khon Kaen also continue to draw travelers, supported by family visits and strong regional tourism activity.
Beyond domestic travel, outbound demand remains robust during Songkran. Traveloka data indicates that Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong rank among the most searched international destinations, highlighting Thai travelers’ preference for short-haul regional escapes that combine convenience with diverse experiences.
Early Flights, Last-Minute Stays: Why Planning Ahead Matters
Traveloka insights also highlight a distinctive travel behaviour among Thai travelers. Flight bookings typically peak around 25 days before departure, reflecting early route planning and fare optimization. Accommodation bookings, meanwhile, typically surge only within the final 10 days leading up to the holiday, reflecting flexible planning habits and last-minute travel decisions.
This booking pattern shows that many travelers plan their flights early, while deciding on accommodation closer to the holiday. However, as demand for stays increases near Songkran, availability in popular destinations can fill up quickly, making early booking a better way to secure preferred options and prices.
Traveloka Launches Songkran Mega Sale to Support Early Travel Planning
To help travelers secure preferred destinations and enjoy greater travel flexibility, Traveloka has launched its Songkran Mega Sale, running from today to April 19 2026. The campaign features limited-time D-Day promotions on 3 March, 25 March, and 4 April, alongside promotional deals available throughout the campaign period. Travelers can enjoy discounts of up to 90%, flash deals with special flat-price offers, and curated promotions across flights, accommodations, and travel experiences.
The campaign encourages early trip planning by expanding accommodation choices across popular Songkran destinations spanning major cities, beach escapes, nature retreats, and cultural hotspots nationwide. Through the promotion, travelers can access offers designed to support seamless domestic holidays, whether for festive city celebrations, group visits, or relaxing solo coastal escapes.
Songkran Remains Thailand’s Most Anticipated Travel Season
Celebrated annually from April 13–15, Songkran marks the Thai New Year and continues to be one of Thailand’s busiest travel periods. As demand for diverse travel experiences grows, Traveloka continues to provide convenient booking options across accommodations, flights, and activities, helping travelers design personalised Songkran journeys. Travelers can explore Songkran Mega Sale offers on the Traveloka platform to secure preferred destinations and enjoy a smoother holiday planning experience.
