Skyscanner reveals that Bangkok and Phuket are the most-searched destinations in Thailand for Songkran 2016

Key findings:

Skyscanner's data reveals a 48% year-on-year (YOY) increase in overall searches for Thailand, with cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Krabi claiming the spotlight as the most popular cities to visit.

Top 5 popular destinations in Thailand

YOY Increase in searches

Bangkok

46%

Phuket

63%

Koh Samui

47%

Chiang Mai

32%

Krabi

55%

The data also unveils the top five countries whose residents are showing the most interest in travelling to Thailand. Singapore shows the largest increase in searches year-on-year, followed by Australia and Russia.

Top 5 countries travelling to Thailand

YOY Increase in searches

Singapore

89%

Australia

36%

Russia

26%

United Kingdom

22%

Germany

22%

Songkran is a prime period for Thais to travel as well. Below are the top domestic cities preferred by Thais.

Top 5 cities Thais travel to domestically

YOY Increase in searches

Bangkok

68%

Phuket

2%

Krabi

10%

Ubon Ratchathani

43%

Chiang Rai

31%

Grace Areerat, Marketing Manager, Skyscanner Thailand, said, "It is encouraging for us to learn that Thailand continues to be a popular destination among travellers during Songkran. The rise in searches year on year is in keeping with the government's efforts to boost tourism, especially during the annual New Year festival. Interestingly, Thais are also keen to explore their own backyard. The rising popularity of budget air travel has made it even more accessible for locals to celebrate the water-splashing Songkran festival nationwide."

Skyscanner recommends the following highlights for celebrating Songkran in Thailand's top five most popular cities:

Bangkok: There are countless events and activities on offer in Bangkok during Songkran. Apart from joining the internationally famous water fights – which will be held in various spots such as Silom, Khao San Road and Banglampoo – visitors interested in more a spiritual Songkran tradition can visit temples such as Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha) and Wat Arun to ask for a blessing from the monks and join in the tradition of bathing Buddha images with flower-scented water.

Phuket: If you visit Phuket during the Songkran festival, do not miss your chance to get soaked at Patong beach. Or join a communal merit-making ceremony, witness a procession of Buddha images along Patong beach or pay respect to the elders by washing their hands with scented water – an ancient and respected Songkran custom.

Koh Samui: One of the largest islands in Surat Thani province, Koh Samui is one of the best places to celebrate your Songkran holiday. Enjoy water-splashing events under sunny skies in Chaweng, Taling Ngam and Lamai beaches, and then relax at the seaside. You can top off each day's fun with a bountiful seafood dinner beside the gently lapping ocean waves.

Chiang Mai: This northern city is renowned for hosting the biggest Songkran celebrations in Thailand. Visitors can witness a wonderful parade around the city, enjoy Lanna-style cultural performances, delicious northern street food, fireworks and – of course – the biggest water fights in the world, held at several spots such as Thapae Gate or Kard Suan Kaew.

Krabi: Visitors can participate in a religious ceremony in the morning with making merit and asking for a blessing from the elders. Visitors can enjoy the water-splashing festival in various spots, the most popular of which is Chao Fah pier, one of the most prominent spots in the city, where cultural performances are also on offer.

• ข่าว Skyscanner