15 years of Southeast Asia: These cities are a must - and these are a 'no'!

15 years of Southeast Asia: These cities are a must - and these are a 'no'!

Thailand attracts millions of tourists every year, and no one could write about it better than Alexander Neveling, who has traveled through Southeast Asia for more than 15 years. For him, Phuket represents a fascinating tourism magnet with numerous experiences and a warm atmosphere. This small tropical island in the south of the country is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, which attracts nearly 10 million visitors each year Roadgenius shows.

However, Neveling also visited cities that left him disappointed. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in particular, has lost its appeal as strict regulations on bars and alcohol serving dampen the mood. At the same time, the city is facing challenges in its tourism offensive, reports Focus.

Growing tourism in Thailand

Thailand's reputation as a tourist paradise is undisputed, and the numbers speak for themselves: in 2024, the country received around 32.4 million international visitors, making it one of the most visited destinations in the world. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Thailand welcomed over 12 million visitors. The numbers had previously collapsed by more than 83 percent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but tourism is recovering quickly. Loud Laenderdaten.info Thailand is known for its impressive Buddhist temples, beautiful beaches and delicious local cuisine, all of which attract numerous travelers.

Popular travel destinations within Thailand include not only Phuket, but also Bangkok, which ranked as the 17th most popular city worldwide in 2024. The lively metropolis attracts tourists with its royal palace, large shopping centers and a variety of temples. Hotspots like Chiang Mai and Pattaya are also not to be neglected as they offer unique experiences.

Tourist expenses and challenges

International tourists spent a whopping $42.7 billion in Thailand in 2024. This not only shows how much the tourism sector contributes to the national income, but also that many travelers stay in the country for more than 9 days to discover the true beauty of Thailand. The average daily spending was around 5,690 baht, which is around $160, while the best time to travel is recommended from November to early April.

Despite the positive outlook, Thailand also faces serious environmental issues caused by mass tourism. Excessive waste and the destruction of coral reefs are just some of the challenges that need to be addressed urgently. While the pandemic has given nature its chance to regenerate, the long-term impacts of tourism require sustainable solutions.