Perennially popular with Malaysian travellers – and many others – our neighbour to the north has just received another significant accolade.

It’s a favoured destination for Malaysians, oftentimes eclipsing even domestic travel spots as it draws Malaysian visitors in droves. Of course, we’re talking about Malaysia’s wildly popular neighbour to the north, and now Thailand has gotten a big boost for 2025 from one of the world’s most revered travel publications.

Travel + Leisure has crowned Thailand its “Destination of the Year” for 2025, breaking from its typical pattern of lesser-known locales. Over the last decade, this award has highlighted some of the world’s most celebrated spots like Costa Rica, Italy, and Japan – and now Thailand joins that prestigious list.

The magazine chose Thailand for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and commitment to conservation, particularly of endangered Asian elephants. In delivering the accolade, the publication noted that Bangkok also featured prominently as a vibrant hub of culture, cuisine, and a thriving LGBTQ+ community. Jacqui Gifford, Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure, shared her excitement, stating, “Whether visitors are exploring Bangkok’s cutting-edge culinary scene, relaxing on one of the country’s 1,430 islands, or experiencing its renowned hospitality with some of the best luxury hotels in the world, Thailand offers a unique adventure for every type of traveller.”

Bangkok’s appeal in particular has also captured the attention of Time Out magazine, which recently named it among the world’s top cities, with the Ekkamai neighbourhood praised as one of the “coolest.” Time Out Bangkok’s Top Koaysomboon added, “Food is both an indulgence and a source of pride for Thais, and eating in Bangkok is practically a sport. From street stalls to upscale restaurants in sleek skyscrapers, the options are endless – and many are wallet-friendly and available around the clock.”

Indeed, an impressive eight of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2024 are located in Bangkok, including Gaggand Anand, Nusara, and Sühring – all in the top 10. And the beautiful Capella Bangkok was just recently named No. 1 in the list of the world’s Top 50 Hotels, additionally grabbing the top spot in the Top Hotels in Asia 2024 line-up, too. For those who fancy a great cocktail, Bangkok delivers yet again, with four Bangkok bars making it onto the 2024 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, including Bangkok Social Club, Vesper, Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar, and Bar Us all highly ranked.

Beyond Bangkok, Thailand’s appeal extends to white-sand beaches in Phuket, ancient temples in Chiang Mai, and vibrant nightlife in Pattaya. The country also offers hidden gems like Kanchanaburi’s stunning waterfalls and Krabi’s limestone cliffs.

For Malaysians, Thailand is a perennially popular destination, thanks to its close proximity, affordability, and – particularly in the southern part of Thailand – a degree of shared cultural heritage, making it ideal for weekend getaways or longer holiday retreats. In fact, Malaysia leads the list of international visitors to Thailand, with a whopping 4.56 million visiting last year, a figure that’s expected to grow to around 5 million by the end of this year.

With year-round attractions and an array of experiences to suit all interests, it’s no wonder that Malaysians continue to flock to Thailand in ever-growing numbers.