Hotel room bookings in Chiang Mai have surged, reaching 90% last month, with rates for the upcoming Chinese New Year already exceeding 60%. The Northern province continues to draw tourists, both Thai and international, who are attracted to its natural beauty and temples, especially during the high season.
Paisan Sukcharoen, head of the Northern Upper Region Hotel Association of Thailand, noted a surge in tourism, helped by Chiang Mai’s cool weather, led to a recent influx of visitors from Europe, Scandinavia, and South Korea. The holiday season brought in many tourists, especially Koreans, matching the usual high number of Chinese visitors.
Since the beginning of January, over 26,000 hotel rooms, part of the association’s offerings, were booked, many for the New Year’s festivities, such as the Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival and the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. Reservations for the Chinese New Year have also seen a significant rise, with more than 60% of rooms booked mainly by Chinese tourists, attributed to the visa-free entry policy encouraging them to visit.
Paisan suggests that those looking to visit during the Songkran festival in April book their accommodations early due to the high demand. Beyond the 26,000 rooms provided by member hotels, Chiang Mai offers an additional 50,000 to 60,000 rooms from non-member small to medium-sized hotels, ensuring ample accommodation for tourists year-round. (NNT)
