Da Nang tops Thai searches for month-long overseas stays

Thai travellers are showing greater interest in spending at least 30 nights abroad as flexible working makes it easier to combine work and leisure, with Da Nang ranking as their most-searched overseas destination, according to Agoda.

Bali, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Seoul were also among the destinations attracting the most accommodation searches from Thai travellers for stays of 30 nights or more.

Agoda said the findings reflected changing travel behaviour as more flexible working arrangements gave people greater freedom to choose when and where they worked.

Travel was no longer necessarily regarded as a complete break from employment, but was increasingly becoming part of a lifestyle that combined remote work with leisure and longer periods away from home.

This shift has supported the growth of “bleisure” travel, which blends work with leisure. Alongside tourist attractions, travellers considering extended stays are increasingly weighing affordability, infrastructure and lifestyle when choosing a destination.

Da Nang leads overseas long-stay searches

Da Nang generated the strongest search interest among Thai travellers looking for overseas accommodation for at least 30 nights.

The Vietnamese coastal city appealed to long-stay visitors through its relatively affordable living costs, modern amenities and convenient access to both beaches and an urban lifestyle, Agoda said.

Bali remained a popular choice among digital nomads and travellers able to work remotely while away. Its appeal was supported by facilities suited to remote working and a lifestyle that placed strong emphasis on wellness.

Tokyo continued to attract interest because of its world-class infrastructure and highly connected public transport network, while Kuala Lumpur stood out for its value for money and comprehensive amenities.

Ho Chi Minh City and Seoul were also among the most-searched destinations, reflecting stronger interest in cities that offered a combination of affordability, culture and quality of life.

Thai beaches dominate extended-stay interest

The shift towards longer trips was also evident in searches for accommodation in Thailand for stays of 30 nights or more.

Seaside and island destinations ranked prominently, suggesting that travellers seeking extended stays were favouring locations surrounded by nature and capable of supporting a balance between work and personal life.

Pattaya ranked first among Thailand’s most-searched long-stay destinations. Its combination of seaside living, urban conveniences and easy access from Bangkok made it a practical option for visitors planning to stay for a month or longer.

Phuket and Koh Samui were the next most popular choices, benefiting from convenient international travel connections, large international communities and a broad range of accommodation, including hotels and private villas.

Hua Hin and Cha-am also continued to attract travellers seeking a quieter seaside lifestyle within relatively easy travelling distance of Bangkok.

Islands gain appeal among remote workers

Marine destinations in southern Thailand remained popular for extended stays, with Krabi, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Lanta among the most-searched locations.

Agoda said their popularity reflected growing demand for destinations capable of meeting both lifestyle needs and the practical requirements of working remotely.

Koh Phangan, although widely associated with its Full Moon Party, was also gaining recognition for its wellness offerings and growing digital-nomad community.

Koh Tao moved higher in Agoda’s search rankings from the previous year, supported by its reputation as a diving destination and its distinctive laid-back atmosphere.

Outside southern Thailand, Koh Chang offered another option for travellers attracted by natural surroundings and a slower pace of life. Agoda said it appealed particularly to those seeking a quieter alternative to more established resort islands.

Khao Lak and Rayong also appeared among the 15 most-searched destinations, reinforcing the wider trend towards seaside locations that offered quality of life and the flexibility to combine employment with leisure.

Agoda sees work and travel converging

Agoda Country Director for Thailand and Indochina Akkaporn Rodkong said the findings showed that Thai travellers were increasingly interested in longer stays at overseas destinations capable of meeting their lifestyle and practical needs.

“Our data show that Thai travellers are increasingly interested in longer stays in overseas destinations that meet their needs in terms of lifestyle, value for money and infrastructure,” Akkaporn said.

“At the same time, international travellers seeking extended stays in Thailand continue to show strong interest in islands and seaside destinations.

“Agoda is committed to making it easier for travellers to find accommodation that suits changing travel patterns, whether for remote working, longer holidays or trips that combine work and leisure.”