Grab Reports 75% Surge in Chinese Tourist Rides in Thailand
Data from Grab Thailand shows a significant increase in ride-hailing demand from Chinese visitors, with emerging neighborhoods and street food hubs gaining popularity.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, Grab Thailand has observed a 75% increase in ride-hailing requests from Chinese tourists over the first nine months of 2026. This growth aligns with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s 'Nihao Month' initiative, designed to attract visitors during the Golden Week holiday period.
Travel trends indicate that Chinese tourists are increasingly exploring beyond traditional landmarks. The Song Wat and Khlong Bang Luang areas have emerged as the most popular new check-in spots this year. Meanwhile, Chiang Rai remains the top-ranked secondary city for those interested in nature and cultural experiences. In Bangkok, the Banthat Thong street food district has seen a threefold increase in ride-hailing activity, with visitors showing a strong preference for seafood and hot pot dining. Regarding food delivery, mango sticky rice remains the most popular Thai dessert, with orders via GrabFood rising by over 50%.
For travelers and residents, these trends highlight shifting tourism patterns toward local neighborhoods and specific culinary destinations. While these figures provide insight into current travel preferences, it remains to be seen how these localized surges will impact infrastructure and crowd management in these specific areas during the peak travel season.
