Tubing in northern Thailand bustling with foreign tourists

A Thai TikToker recently shared a video of foreign tourists enjoying a tubing adventure along the Pai River in Mae Hong Son, a northern province of Thailand. Thai netizens were overwhelmed by the video, saying it was a sign the kingdom is well on the way to economic recovery and tourism is booming once more.

@roritarkratair posted the video yesterday and featured nearly 100 foreign tourists enjoying bumping and gliding along the river.

The location was reported to be the Pai River at the Rim Pai Cottage Hotel in the Pai district of Mae Hong Son. In an interview with Khaosod, a hotel staff member revealed that 90% of the tourists in the province were foreigners, and almost every accommodation along the river offered tubing activities.

Many Thai netizens commented on the post, confirming that Pai is currently crowded with foreigners. Some expressed happiness and excitement for the tourists. Netizens said…

“I visited Pai last month and felt like a superfluous person. Foreigners were everywhere. I felt like I was travelling aboard!”

“That’s the same with Patong in Phuket!”

“I am happy that they enjoy travelling in Thailand. Hope you all have a fun trip!”

“I met many Russian people in Pai!”

“Pai is a little Phuket of northern Thailand”

A hotel staff member mentioned that the influx of foreign visitors is a good sign for the tourism industry and economy in the province and the country overall, which have been struggling due to the pandemic.

This is similar to the Folding Umbrella Market in the central province of Samut Songkram. The market is set along a railway track. It is quite unique how the vendors can quickly fold their parasols and clear their products when a train approaches.

The act drew the attention of many visitors, especially Chinese tourists. The market was reported to be packed with Chinese visitors who waited in anticipation to see the vendors’ reactions when a train approached.

According to the Tourism Industry Council of Thailand, the country is expected to welcome 30 million foreign tourists this year, generating over 3 trillion baht for the economy. As reported by the Airport of Thailand, since the country officially reopened its borders on October 1 of last year, Suvarnabhumi Airport alone has welcomed more than 17 million passengers from over 100,000 flights.