Thai travelers are increasingly blending work with leisure, booking extended stays abroad as remote work becomes a permanent fixture for many. New data from digital travel platform Agoda shows that searches for stays of 30 nights or longer are climbing, with destinations such as Da Nang, Bali, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Seoul leading the list.
The trend, often dubbed 'bleisure,' reflects a broader shift in how Thai professionals approach travel. Rather than separating business trips from holidays, they are integrating work into longer getaways, drawn to cities that offer a compelling mix of lifestyle, affordability, and infrastructure.
Agoda's Country Director for Thailand and Indochina, Akaporn Rodkong, highlighted the appeal of these urban hubs. 'Thai travelers are looking for places where they can maintain productivity while enjoying a change of scenery,' Rodkong said. 'Cities like Da Nang and Bali offer that balance, with strong connectivity, reliable workspaces, and a cost of living that makes extended stays feasible.'
Coastal Thailand gains ground for long stays
Within Thailand, coastal and island destinations are also seeing increased interest for extended visits. Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui top the domestic list, offering a blend of beachfront living and urban conveniences. Southern islands such as Krabi and Koh Pha-ngan are gaining popularity, appealing to those seeking a balance of lifestyle and remote work flexibility.
This domestic shift is notable for hoteliers and resort operators, who are adapting to a clientele that values reliable Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and longer-term rates. The trend also aligns with broader regional patterns, as seen in festival-driven accommodation demand across Asia, which Agoda has tracked in recent months.
For travel agents and tour operators, the rise of bleisure presents new opportunities to package extended stays with work-friendly amenities. 'We're seeing more requests for apartments with dedicated office corners, and for properties that offer flexible check-in and check-out,' said a Bangkok-based agent who asked not to be named. 'It's a different booking pattern than the typical weekend getaway.'
Agoda's August Mega Sale, which offers up to 60% off hotel bookings, and a special Flash Sale on 19 August with up to 70% off, are designed to capitalize on this momentum. The promotions make it easier for travelers to plan longer trips without breaking the bank, a key consideration for those combining work and leisure.
The platform's data also points to a growing appetite for destinations that offer both productivity and recreation. Tokyo and Seoul, for instance, are popular for their high-speed internet and vibrant urban culture, while Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City attract with lower costs and expanding digital nomad communities.
For the travel industry, the implications are clear: the traditional split between business and leisure is blurring. Hotels, airlines, and online travel agencies are increasingly tailoring products to this hybrid traveler, from extended-stay discounts to co-working lounges. Agoda's recent unified partner portal and AI-driven room selection tools are part of a broader effort to streamline booking for both travelers and property managers.
As remote work becomes a permanent option for many Thai professionals, the bleisure trend is likely to persist. Destinations that can offer the right mix of connectivity, cost, and lifestyle will continue to attract long-stay visitors, reshaping demand patterns across the region.
