The Indonesian Express
Thailand continues to be the foremost tourist destination in Southeast Asia. The country surpasses Indonesia in the rankings of the best travel destinations worldwide, as reported by U.S. News & World Report, where Thailand holds the seventh position globally. In addition to Indonesia, Thailand outshines other Southeast Asian nations that also attract significant international visitors, such as Singapore and Malaysia. This ranking is derived from a global survey involving over 17,000 respondents, who evaluated countries based on various criteria, including scenic beauty, friendly locals, adventure opportunities, and delicious cuisine. Thailand remains a favorite among international tourists, renowned for its golden pagodas, hospitable citizens, and advantageous visa policies. As of July 2024, the number of countries and territories eligible for visa-free entry into Thailand has increased from 57 to 93. This year, Thailand has welcomed nearly 30 million international tourists and is on track to achieve its target of 36 million visits by year-end. In the U.S. News & World Report's list of the best travel destinations, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country in the top ten. Singapore ranks 14th, followed by Malaysia at 31st, Indonesia at 32nd, Vietnam at 41st, Cambodia at 62nd, and Myanmar at 72nd. According to VN Express, the top travel destinations globally include Italy, Spain, and France. Last month, Thailand and Vietnam were recognized as two of the top 20 countries in the world for travelers, according to Conde Nast Traveler, with selections made directly by the magazine's readers.