Why Thailand’s Koh Samui is gaining popularity among Indians

In the current content-focused environment, it’s clear that social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube are influencing our travel plans (either positively or negatively, but that’s another discussion entirely). The white structures of Greece, the gondolas in Venice, and the hot air balloon adventures in Cappadocia, Turkey – all feel like a fantasy, marketed to us by travel influencers or travelers who enthusiastically recount their journeys online.

Nevertheless, aside from social media, pop culture significantly impacts our travel decisions. Recall when Netflix’s Emily in Paris made everyone fantasize about walking in the City of Love? And by the time we got to the fourth season, we were just as in love with Rome? Currently, a fresh spot is generating excitement: Thailand’s Koh Samui, following its appearance in The White Lotus Season 3. If you’ve been looking for activities in Koh Samui, believe me, you’re not the only one.

Information from Agoda, a digital travel platform, reveals that following the Season 3 debut earlier this week, accommodation inquiries from India to Koh Samui have increased by 15% against the January average and by 50% compared to the same timeframe last year. Koh Samui is approximately a seven-hour drive from Phuket, or you might opt for a ferry if you want something more luxurious. When it comes to Phuket, both Air India and IndiGo provide direct, non-stop flights from Delhi, with a duration of only four and a half hours. This convenient accessibility makes Ko Samui an appealing spot for Indian tourists.

Thailand has been vigorously encouraging tourism, especially focusing on Indian travelers. The country’s visa waiver policy has made traveling even simpler. If you wish to prolong your visit past the 60 visa-free days, Thailand has launched an e-visa system for holders of Indian passports. This easy visa procedure (we’re pointing at you, Schengen visa) has turned Thailand, particularly Koh Samui, into a favored option for Indian tourists.

Whether it’s popular culture, convenient access, or the allure of a lavish getaway, Koh Samui is swiftly emerging as the next major destination for Indian travelers. Well then, are you prepared to gather your belongings?