Thailand Dominates Asia-Pacific’s Culinary Tourism Scene

Thailand has emerged as the undisputed leader in culinary tourism across the Asia-Pacific, with more than 80% of Traveloka’s top 100 most-searched food and drink experiences located in the Kingdom. Bangkok alone accounts for over 60% of these searches, solidifying its reputation as Southeast Asia’s food capital.

Top culinary experiences in Bangkok include high-end buffets, omakase dining, and stylish afternoon teas — with popular venues like Miracle Lounge at Don Mueang Airport, Wisdom International Buffet, and W Omakase Pradit Manutham. The city’s Chao Phraya River also attracts food lovers with scenic dinner cruises, while rooftop bars such as Vertigo at Banyan Tree and Red Sky deliver memorable sky-high dining paired with panoramic views.

Beyond the capital, culinary hotspots like Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and Khon Kaen are drawing increasing attention, highlighting the country’s rich and diverse food culture.

Thailand’s dominance is backed by a national strategy to become a global food tourism hub by 2026. Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Gastro Nomad initiative, part of the broader Mueang Na Tiew: Year of Celebration campaign, the country is promoting unique food adventures across 55 secondary cities. The campaign aims to attract over 10 million visitors and generate more than THB 500 million in tourism spending.