Thailand’s New Tourism Trend: Exploring Cities on Foot

Thailand’s tourism agency is championing walking tourism, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in local culture, nature, and communities. Walking tours have become a popular way for tourists to explore cities and towns, providing a more intimate and sustainable travel experience.

Walking tourism, as highlighted by UN Tourism, enables deeper engagement with local populations and environments. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for outdoor activities and sustainable travel. However, many areas struggle to meet this demand due to limited access, public transport, or focused investment.

“After meals or before returning to the hotel, we often ask, ‘Where shall we go for a walk?'” said Somradee Chitchong, deputy governor for domestic marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This simple pleasure has evolved into a key aspect of Thai tourism, leading to the development of ‘walking streets’ across major cities. Post-pandemic, the focus has shifted to exploring neighborhoods for their unique stories and insights.

Walking through areas like Yaowarat and Ban Tad Thong in Bangkok, or the indigo-themed Pha Kram Road in Sakon Nakhon, tourists can experience local culture and cuisine firsthand. Activities such as small shows, art exhibitions, and festivals further enrich the walking tour experience, promoting sustainable tourism by offering a low-carbon way to explore cities.

While walking tours offer numerous benefits, challenges remain, particularly regarding safety and accessibility. Many walking streets are not designed to be inclusive, with obstacles on pavements and shared spaces with motorcycles posing problems. Improving public transportation and designing walkable routes that cater to all visitors are essential for sustainable growth in walking tourism.

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