Bangkok in Thailand was the world’s most visited city in 2024, as the destination rises in popularity following HBO filming the third series of White Lotus at the destination
Bangkok has been unveiled as the new most visited city in the world.
In 2024, a total of 32.4 million people made their way to the Thai capital, according to Euromonitor International’s World’s Top 100 City Destinations report. The data company added that this number “surpassed [the] pre-pandemic level of international tourism flows in 2023 and continued dynamic growth of over 30 per cent in 2024”.
Thailand was also recently named Travel+ Leisure’s 2025 Destination of the Year, and it is increasing in popularity thanks to a starring role in the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus. “In 2024, global cities increasingly leveraged sports and cultural events to boost tourism revenues. Infrastructure improvements and continuous marketing have attracted travellers’ attention, opening further growth opportunities,” Euromonitor’s report reads.
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Bangkok is a beautiful destination, and whilst in recent months it has suffered increasing numbers of tourists crowding some areas and just last week a devastating earthquake, it has many fascinating spots to explore. In addition to the city’s many temples, there is a thriving food scene and multiple luxury hotels.
One of the popular temples to visit is the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok and has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. Wat Phra Kaew, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is considered the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand and features the Emerald Buddha, which is a figurine of the meditating Buddha seated in a yogic posture.
The Buddha was carved from a single solid piece of green jade and was adorned with gold and diamonds. The statue is placed high above the heads of worshippers and tourists, as a sign of respect. For foodies, head to Chinatown — or Yaowarat — to experience a vibrant atmosphere with many street food vendors and shops. The city’s Chinatown was established in 1782 and is considered one of the largest Chinatowns in the world.
If in the city over a weekend, head to Chatuchak Weekend Market. This huge market boasts over 15,000 stalls — making it the world’s largest weekend market — selling a variety of goods, from clothing to souvenirs. Around 200,000 tourists visit the market each weekend, and to explore it all, organisers recommend spending half a day there.
Thailand as a whole is also home to other wonderful destinations including the Phuket Province, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lipe. The third season of White Lotus was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort on Koh Samui — Thailand’s second largest island.