Thai Tourism Surges as New Luxe Resorts Draw Bangkok Weekend Crowd

The eleventh season of the popular television travelogue, “Roger on Tour in Thailand,” hosted by Roger Wu, continued its exploration of Thailand’s burgeoning domestic tourism landscape this week, focusing on destinations that are increasingly attracting Bangkok residents seeking weekend escapes. In the latest installment, Wu and co-host Bobo Wong highlighted the significant investment in new hospitality infrastructure transforming specific regions into premier getaway spots, mirroring the trend of Hong Kong residents traveling north for leisure.

This new wave of high-end resort development is a cornerstone of the Thai tourism authority’s strategic focus, aimed at capitalizing on domestic travel demand, particularly during long holidays. These destinations provide a convenient and appealing alternative for city dwellers, offering state-of-the-art facilities and diverse leisure activities comparable to international holiday spots. Tourism experts note that this localization trend helps stabilize the industry against global travel fluctuations.

Co-host Bobo Wong made headlines during the episode for her more adventurous sartorial choices. Wong, who typically maintains a conservative appearance even in resort settings—often layering a t-shirt over swimsuits—explained her previous approach was influenced by professional concerns. “I needed to maintain a consistent skin tone for potential re-shoots of ongoing dramas,” Wong clarified, emphasizing the need to minimize sun exposure and remain camera-ready during the production break. Her decision to showcase a swimsuit presentation in the new episode marked a notable shift for the personality.

The travel series later shifted focus to Bangkok itself, showcasing a newly inaugurated dinosaur theme park. Wu and Wong spent the subsequent episode immersing themselves in the prehistoric attraction, which features impressively scaled replicas and interactive installations. Upon entering, Wong expressed immediate excitement upon encountering the towering Brachiosaurus model, referencing its portrayal as a benign creature in popular cinema.

The park is designed with distinct zones, each featuring specialized scenarios and narratives. A central attraction highlighted was the life-sized Velociraptor exhibit, famously depicted as intelligent predators. Wong engaged with the set-up by mimicking cinematic interactions, using hand signals to “communicate” with the creatures. The finale of the visit centered on the Tyrannosaurus Rex experience, which has quickly become a must-visit location for photo opportunities and social media content creation, drawing both families and young entertainment seekers.

The increased investment in diverse, family-friendly attractions like the dinosaur park, combined with the development of luxury resorts outside the capital, underscores Thailand’s multifaceted approach to revitalizing its tourism sector. By catering simultaneously to international visitors and high-spending domestic travelers, the industry is establishing a more resilient and sustainable growth model. Future episodes are expected to continue highlighting both well-established and emerging Thai leisure markets.