English
French
Spanish
Italian
Good news for travel lovers: Thailand will increase the number of public holidays in 2025 to stimulate tourism. According to the new announcements, Thailand will have 21 official holidays, not including compensation days, to boost tourism and the economy in general.
The Thai cabinet has approved additional public holidays for 2025 and the coming January 2026, with longer weekends to encourage tourism and the national economy.
Tourists wait for buses to return home during the Songkran holiday in Bangkok (Source: Bangkok Post)
Following a cabinet meeting in mid-November last year, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the additional days off will be added on June 2 and August 11 - both on Mondays - to create four-day weekends to mark Queen Suthida’s birthday (June 3) and Mother’s Day (August 12).
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (Source: VnExpress)
In addition, the government announced an extended holiday on Friday, January 2, 2026, to make the New Year holiday five days, from December 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This means Thailand will have 21 official holidays, excluding compensatory days in 2025. In recent years, Thailand has increased the number of public holidays to support the tourism industry and aid recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Display fireworks on New Year’s Eve (Source: Fan Club Thailand)
Tourism plays a major role in the Thai economy, accounting for about 12% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and nearly 20% of employment. Deputy government spokesman Sasikan Wattanachan said the addition of extra public holidays was also in line with the move by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration to designate 2025 as the Year of Tourism and Sports.
Thailand tries to support tourism (Source: Vietnam.vn)
Foreign tourists prize Thailand for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and abundant national parks, and the country is on track to improve on its pre-pandemic record this year as global travel demand rebounds strongly, according to online travel platform Agoda.
Thailand is a great travel destination (Source: Brussels Airlines)
Due to the extended public holidays, festivals and events in Thailand are promised to be more vibrant and enjoyable than ever. Tourists have a long list of worth-trying places, and here are some recommendations.
Bangkok is totally familiar to travelers, however, each time returning to this land, you can enjoy a whole new experience. Bangkok caters to every taste of tourists, varying from sacred constructions to experience activities, and many small streets as complicated as a maze.
Bangkok, Thailand (Source: Traveloka)
As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok holds many important buildings, for example, the Royal Palace. This place is a combination of Chinese, French, Italian, and ancient Thai architecture. Visitors will be overwhelmed by the unique architecture, majesty, and grandeur of the palace.
Bangkok Royal Palace (Source: Traveloka)
Once in Bangkok, visitors should go to the oldest areas to learn about local life. Chinatown is home to vibrant markets and food streets. It reconstitutes the special atmosphere of a Chinese space in the heart of Thailand. Not only visitors can visit and learn more about the unique culture, but also shop freely for a variety of items including electronics, souvenirs, clothing, antiques, musical instruments, and so on.
Chinatown in Bangkok (Source: Wikipedia)
Note that from 13/04 to 15/04 this year, tourists can attend the Thai water festival Songkran. This is the traditional New Year of Thailand, taking place in April every year. During this festival, people splash water on each other and their elders to show respect and wish each other good luck. Another highlight activity is going to the temple to attend the Buddha bathing ceremony, and then wishing their parents and grandparents a long happy life.
Songkran Festival in Bangkok (Source: Du lich Thai Lan)
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, known as the “treasure of experiences”. Blessed with multi-layered waterfalls, rich local cuisine, and the most beautiful beaches on the planet, Phuket is definitely a tropical paradise for explorers.
For those who seek peace in soul and healing, Phuket Old Town is a completely separated world from the outside hectic one. This place preserves ancient Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful wooden houses, and cobblestone streets bearing the mark of time.
Phuket Old Town (Source: Phuket Sail Tours)
Stroll the narrow streets and visitors will find countless souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. So ideal to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the bustling city life, and then shop for unique souvenirs to take home.
On the other hand, Phuket offers many destinations for adventurous seekers and tourists who love partying. Andamanda Water Park is perfect for those looking for some fun and excitement. For those interested in street art, public events like the Carnival Magic Festival will allow them to observe colorful street art performances, exciting entertainment games, and exciting music parties.
Carnival Magic Festival (Source: Klook)
Suggestion for you: Chiang Mai Tour 4 days: Captivating Discovery
Located in North Thailand, Chiang Mai appeals to many people due to its peaceful beauty. Not vibrant like Bangkok or Phuket, Chiang Mai stands out with dreamy hills, lush forests, and magnificent mountains.
Chiang Mai this year promises to be an unforgettable memory for faraway travelers. Big events like Western New Year, Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, and Sankampaeng Handicraft Festival are occasions to dig deeper into Thai customs and culture.
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (Source: Thailand NOW)
Besides, tourists can visit the Baan Khun Chang Kian Plateau to view the ‘gorgeous pink ocean’ of cherry blossoms. This place is famous for its large number of cherry blossom gardens, which makes it like a fairy tale land whenever the blooming season comes.
Sakura flowers in Chiang Mai (Source: Chiang Mai Local Tours)
There are more than 300 temples, from ancient, pristine temples to gilded temples on mountain tops in Chiang Mai. So tourists have many options, such as Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, White Temple Wat Rong Khun, Wat Umong Temple, etc. Each offers a unique landscape with a typical architectural style, bringing a sense of peace and quietness inside the soul.
White Temple Wat Rong Khun (Source: Shipped Away)
Established in the 14th century, Ayutthaya was one of the biggest cities in the world with prosperity and an enchanting appearance. Despite remaining ruins today, this ‘Venice of the East’ city cannot hide the beauty of its golden era.
The nostalgic beauty of Ayutthaya (Source: Du lich Thai Lan)
Ayutthaya is well-known for its many complexes of ancient temples. For example, Wat Phra Mahathat Relics, famous for the image of the Buddha’s head nestled in the roots of a banyan tree. Or Wat Chaiwatthanaram, built in the traditional Khmer architectural style, similar to Angkor Wat in Krong Siem Riep, Cambodia.
Wat Phra Mahathat Relics (Source: TakeMeTour)
The feeling when staying in Ayutthaya is quite peaceful, the statues are surrounded by rows of banyan trees creating a completely different feeling. If you have had enough of the hustle and bustle and want to find a quiet, leisurely place, ancient Ayutthaya is a perfect choice.
Thailand is a traveling paradise for all travel lovers. The new decision of the Thai cabinet has offered a great chance for visitors to explore this beautiful country. What are you waiting for? Contact Asia King Travel and let us help you plan your exciting journey!
Suggestion for you: Bangkok Tour 4 days: City Exploration
