Thailand most popular destination in Southeast Asia for Chinese tourists

By Hoang Vu August 28, 2024 | 02:00 am PT

Tourists visit Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 18, 2023. Photo by Reuters

Thailand topped Southeast Asia in attracting Chinese tourists in the first half of this year with 3.43 million arrivals driven by visa privileges and promotions.

Vietnam was second with 1.89 million, followed by Singapore with 1.45 million and Malaysia with 1.44 million, according to data collected from the countries' tourism ministries.

Southeast Asian countries are actively competing to attract the returning Chinese tourists, offering special visa policies for the purpose.

Thailand has permanently made entry for Chinese tourists visa-free, and hopes to receive eight million of them this year.

Thai authorities will also offer them a variety of promotions, including special deals, discount vouchers and souvenirs, between September and December this year.

Malaysia began offering Chinese citizens 30-day visa-free entry in December last year, and has extended the scheme until 2026.

Singapore and China began a mutual visa waiver in February.

Laos started allowing visa-free entry for 15 days for Chinese tourists traveling in groups on July 1.

Indonesia is considered visa-free entry for nationals of 20 countries, including China.