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If you’re just gearing up for your summer vacation and are scrambling to figure out where to go before everything sells out, I’ve got good news for you.
Cozycozy, a price comparison and booking platform exclusively for travelers, just released a ranking of the top 5 most popular cities with American travelers this summer.
The list is based on data collected from March 2023 to March 2024 for stays scheduled between June 1st and September 15th, 2024.
While the ranking included a lot of the usual suspects – Paris, London, Rome, and Cancun – there was one Thai hub, in particular, that saw an incredible increase in bookings these past few months: Bangkok.
While undoubtedly a stunning city, it’s still worth exploring – why are so many Americans willing to embark on 20+ hours-long flights just to experience the Thai capital?
So Much To See And Do
Well, for starters, many go for the one-of-a-kind experiences alone.
Between all the ancient temples, traditional markets, and towering skyscrapers, Bangkok manages to walk such a fine line between history and modernity that every single traveler will find something to love in the city.
So don’t limit yourself to just a trip to (the admittedly iconic) Wat Phra Kaew or Wat Arun.
Explore the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, take in the views of the sprawling MBK Center, visit the iconic Jim Thompson House, and walk through Lumphini Park – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
An Excellent-Value Destination
One of the best things about visiting Bangkok is that you get to see some of the world’s greatest wonders on a remarkably low budget.
Now, obviously, since it’s the capital, Bangkok is pricier than other Thai hubs, but by most of the world’s standards, the city is still pretty affordable to visit.
The priciest part of a Bangkok getaway will likely be the trip since economy round-trip tickets from the U.S. this summer start at a little over $900.
However, the high travel costs will be offset by everything else.
Here, a quick meal for one costs less than $3, a three-course meal for two barely surpasses the $26 mark, and a 1-mile taxi ride is less than $2 – it really doesn’t get better than that.
Accommodation follows a similar pricing trend, with highly-reviewed stays ranging between $15 (hostels) and $95 (5-star hotels) a night.
The U.S. Dollar Has Gained Some Ground Over The Thai Baht
Bangkok has always been considered a budget-friendly haven, but these last couple of years it’s become even cheaper to visit since the local currency, the Thai Baht, has experienced a significant drop in value.
This means that your U.S. dollar can stretch much further now, seeing as the same amount of Thai Baht (10,000) that would cost you $345 in 2021 only costs ~$270 right now.
Over the course of an entire trip, the savings could be huge!
Incredible Food Scene
Thailand is nothing if not a world-class food hub, and in Bangkok, you’ll truly get to try some of the best dishes of your life.
While there’s no shortage of higher-end Michelin-starred restaurants in the city (Gaggan, Nahm, and Le Du, just to name a few), I recommend you take a page out of the locals’ playbook and get most of your meals from one of the many incredible street food places that have taken over the city.
Spicy som tam, pad thai, and crispy pork belly skewers are all must-tries.
Welcoming Locals And English Speaking Staff
If you’re looking to go someplace where you’ll feel right at home, visiting what’s known as the “land of smiles” is a pretty safe bet.
Whether you’re seeking directions, recommendations, or overall assistance, you’ll be stunned to see just how much people here go out of their way to make your travel experience as seamless as possible.
And while most people living in Thailand aren’t particularly fluent in English, Bangkok, being such a globally coveted tourist attraction is an exception to the rule.
Not only are almost all hotel and restaurant staff proficient in English, but you’ll find that many people in the streets will be able to understand you, as well.
I’d still highly recommend learning some basic phrases in Thai before you travel to Bangkok, though – even if you don’t end up needing them, it’s a great way to show appreciation for the local culture.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.