Bangkok once again leads as Asia’s most popular city for returning travellers, according to Agoda’s latest Repeat Visitor Ranking. Analyzing booking trends from January to June 2025, Agoda found that the capital of Thailand continues to pull visitors back with its lively atmosphere, rich food scene, and range of activities.
Bangkok outperformed major destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, Bali, and Osaka, all of which made Agoda’s top five.
Bangkok remains a go-to spot for those who have already visited but want more. Its street food stalls, vast shopping malls, exciting nightlife, affordable hotels, and famous attractions give visitors countless reasons to plan another trip.
Many people even visit more than once in just six months, showing just how strong the city’s appeal is. Akaporn Rodkong, Agoda’s Country Director for Thailand, said Bangkok’s popularity comes from a mix of culture, unique food, and tourism efforts from both the government and private sector. Some travellers return to explore new areas; others simply crave the city’s energy or want to revisit favourite places.
Much of this repeat business is thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Events like the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2025, which runs from July 1 to August 15, offer exclusive deals on hotels, shopping, and entertainment.
Recent upgrades to public transit and local airports have made travelling in and out of the city even easier. These steps keep Bangkok attractive, especially for visitors from China, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore.
Bangkok’s Street Food Continues to Lead the World
The city’s street food is recognized as some of the best worldwide. Whether eating at a night market or picking up a snack from a roadside vendor, visitors are treated to bold flavours and colourful dishes.
Street favourites like som tam (papaya salad), pad thai, mango sticky rice, and tom yum (spicy prawn soup) attract food travellers from every continent. Hotspots like Yaowarat (Chinatown) and Sukhumvit Soi 38 stay busy late into the night. Even Michelin-recognized places like Jay Fai keep crowds coming with specialties like crab omelettes.
What draws many back is how easy and cheap it is to enjoy authentic food. A bowl of khao soi (coconut noodle soup) costs less than $2, and grilled seafood is sold at prices far below fancy restaurants. Bangkok’s food borrows from Thai, Chinese, and Indian traditions, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Agoda’s research shows “local cuisine” is a leading reason for people to return, with visitors eager to try new dishes or enjoy old favourites again.
Shopping in Bangkok: Something for Every Traveller
Bangkok’s shopping earns high marks, with everything from luxury malls to huge street markets. High-end shoppers stroll through Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and ICONSIAM, where international brands sit alongside upmarket cafes and entertainment venues. ICONSIAM, on the riverside, even has cultural displays and a floating market food court along with luxury stores.
Those who love a bargain head to places like the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With more than 15,000 stalls, it sells everything from vintage jeans to handmade art. Areas like Pratunam and MBK Centre specialize in affordable fashion and electronics, while evening markets such as Asiatique and Talad Rot Fai mix shopping, music, and lively atmospheres. Bangkok’s mix of price points and selection means shoppers of all tastes and budgets keep coming back.
Entertainment and Nightlife for Every Mood
Bangkok is famous for its non-stop entertainment. Here, visitors can watch a Muay Thai match, take in traditional dance, or dance the night away at one of many clubs. RCA (Royal City Avenue) and Thonglor are well-known for live music and rooftop bars that often feature international DJs.
Nightlife runs from relaxed bars on the river to packed clubs near Sukhumvit. Families can enjoy Siam Amazing Park and Dream World, both popular with children. Annual festivals like Loy Krathong and Songkran attract visitors hoping to take part in Thai traditions. Agoda notes the city’s range of activities helps keep each trip feeling unique, as there’s always a new venue or event to check out.
Affordable Places to Stay
Bangkok wins travellers’ loyalty in part by offering great value for accommodation. From backpacker hostels for $10 a night near Khao San Road to stylish boutique hotels in Sukhumvit or Silom for less than $50, the city has options to suit any budget. Luxury hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental and Anantara Riverside provide top-notch service at prices lower than at similar hotels in Europe or North America.
These savings stretch beyond Bangkok as well. Cities like Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Hat Yai also see repeat visitors looking for affordable holidays. However, Bangkok’s central location and easy transport links make it stand out. Budget travellers from India, Malaysia, and Vietnam often pick Bangkok for low-cost stays and package deals, according to Agoda’s data.
Not-to-Miss Sights Around the City
Bangkok’s main attractions remain a major draw. The Grand Palace, with its shining rooftops and Emerald Buddha, is a must for first-timers and regulars. Wat Arun’s riverside setting and Wat Pho’s huge Reclining Buddha offer beautiful photo opportunities and quiet moments. There’s also the Jim Thompson House for design fans and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) for art lovers.
Today, the Chao Phraya Riverfront is a trendy area for cruises, temple views, and city skylines. Lumpini Park is popular for picnics and exercise, and rooftop bars like Vertigo at Banyan Tree give sweeping city views. Neighbourhoods such as Thonglor and Ekkamai attract younger visitors with their coffee shops, galleries, and cool boutiques.
Returning travellers often look beyond the bigger sites, seeking out hidden gems like the Erawan Museum or the quirky Airplane Graveyard. Floating markets like Damnoen Saduak or the vibrant street art in Talad Noi show another side of Bangkok, keeping even experienced visitors interested.
A Positive Outlook for Travel in Bangkok
Thailand welcomed over 16 million international tourists in the first half of 2025, earning more than 743 billion baht in revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Ongoing improvements, such as faster visa approvals and new transport links, make visiting Bangkok easier than ever.
Partnerships like Agoda’s with TAT, including the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign, add even more flight, hotel, and activity deals, attracting tourists from India, China, and Southeast Asia.
Bangkok manages to stay affordable, lively, and full of things to do. Whether visitors come for street-side dining, buzzing markets, river cruises, or traditional temples, the city leaves a strong impression that brings them back.
Anyone thinking about a visit can use Agoda to find over 6 million hotels, book 130,000 flight routes, and choose from 300,000 activities, helping build the perfect trip. Visit agoda.com or use the Agoda app for more information and to start planning an unforgettable Bangkok experience.
