Thailand’s Green Season Is Emerging as a New Travel Moment for Gen Z and Millennials

Bangkok, Thailand, 7 August 2026 – New Airbnb data suggests Thailand's tourism calendar is evolving, with growing international interest in traveling during the country's Green Season.1 Searches by international guests for stays in Thailand during June and July recorded over 10% growth year-on-year, reflecting growing interest in traveling beyond Thailand's traditional peak travel months.2
Leading this growth are Gen Z and Millennial travelers, who are choosing to experience Thailand at a different time of year and travelling with friends and family, while discovering different parts of the country.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for Southeast Asia and India, said, "We're seeing travelers rethink when they visit Thailand, with the Green Season becoming an increasingly attractive time to explore different parts of the country. What's particularly interesting is the strong interest from younger travelers, who are discovering destinations beyond big cities in Thailand and embracing shared travel experiences. As travel patterns continue to evolve, this growing demand creates more opportunities for local hosts and communities throughout the year."
Younger travelers lead the shift to Koh Samui
The trend is most visible among younger travelers. In Surat Thani, home to Koh Samui, searches by 18-24-year-olds increased more than 50% year-on-year, while travelers aged 25-29 recorded growth of more than 30% across Surat Thani, Chiang Mai and Prachuap Khiri Khan.3
Green Season interest is also concentrating in a small group of destinations. Surat Thani (+40%), Chiang Mai (+25%) and Prachuap Khiri Khan (+20%) recorded the strongest year-on-year growth in searches by international guests for Green Season stays.4 While Chiang Mai has traditionally been associated with Thailand's cool season, growing Green Season interest suggests travelers are increasingly choosing to experience the destination beyond its traditional peak. Prachuap Khiri Khan is showing a similar pattern, with demand extending beyond its established high season.
Green Season is becoming a group trip
Travelers are also arriving in larger parties. Searches from groups of three to five guests increased over 30% in Surat Thani, while groups of five or more increased over 60% in Chiang Mai, reflecting growing demand for trips with family and friends.5
Together, these trends point to an evolving travel pattern. For a growing number of younger travelers, the Green Season is no longer simply an alternative to peak season—it's becoming a compelling time to experience Thailand in its own right.
Six Green Season stays across the top trending destinations
For some Green Season travel inspiration, here are six Airbnb stays across the top trending destinations:
- Mavieng Private Villa (Chiang Mai) — A four-bedroom private villa near Chiang Mai Old City, blending contemporary comfort with Lanna craftsmanship and handmade details from local artisans.
- The Breeze Villa at Nimman (Chiang Mai) — An interior designer-created retreat in Nimman that pairs nostalgic character and thoughtful design with the comforts of modern living.
- Villa Lawana (Samui, Surat Thani) — A stylish two-bedroom Samui villa with sweeping island views, a private rooftop terrace and saltwater infinity pool.
- Seaview Villa (Samui, Surat Thani) — A private hilltop tiny house surrounded by tropical greenery, with panoramic sea and sunset views and easy access to Maenam Beach.
- Ultra Luxury Private Beachfront Pool Villa (Prachuap Khiri Khan) — A five-bedroom Mediterranean-style beachfront villa with direct beach access, a private pool and spacious seaside areas for relaxing and dining together.
- Pool Villa (Prachuap Khiri Khan) — A four-bedroom Palm Springs-inspired villa in laid-back Khao Tao, centred around a large private pool with space for up to 12 guests.