You might expect the winner of a ‘destination for the year ahead’ award to be somewhere you’d never thought of travelling, but that’s not quite the path Travel + Leisure have followed with their most recent announcement.
For the last decade, the travel publication has spot-lit one destination it believes will be a must-visit for the year ahead, and previously the likes of Costa Rica, Italy and Japan have been named. For 2025? The ‘destination of the year’ is (drum roll, please) Thailand!
Why Thailand? Travel + Leisure cites the country’s beauty, including destinations such as Phang Nga Bay, and the country’s efforts toward conserving species like endangered Asian Elephants. The magnetic capital of Bangkok also got a mention, a hub of culture, amazing food and home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community.
‘We are thrilled to recognize Thailand as our Destination of the Year for 2025,’ said Jacqui Gifford, editor in chief of Travel + Leisure. ‘Whether visitors are exploring Bangkok’s cutting-edge culinary scene, relaxing on one of the country’s 1,430 islands, or experiencing its renowned hospitality with some of the best luxury hotels in the world, Thailand offers a unique adventure for every type of traveller.’
We can’t really argue with that logic – in fact, has named Bangkok as one of the world’s best cities, and its neighbourhood Ekkamai as one of the world’s coolest.
If you’re heading to Bangkok, make sure your appetite is primed for a feast. Top Koaysomboon from Bangkok said: ‘Food is both an indulgence and a source of pride for Thais, and eating in Bangkok is practically a sport. From street-side stalls and food carts on bustling streets to fancy restaurants in sleek skyscrapers, the options are endless – and many are wallet-friendly and available around the clock.’
In Ekkamai more specifically, you’ll find amazing cafes and coffee shops, vintage boutiques as well as solid connections to the rest of the city. Read more about it here.
And now for the rest of Thailand. We’ve got guides on the best beaches, the best nightlife spots and the best things to do, as well as recommendations for Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Sumai plus more, all on our Thailand hub.
Did you see that these were the trending destinations in 2024, from Jakarta to Baltimore?
Plus: The world’s best international airport and airline named by Forbes.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.
