Phuket Prepares for Low Season Tourist Boost: Targeting Vietnamese Visitors and Upgrading Infrastructure

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and a world-renowned tourist destination, is strategically preparing to attract more visitors during its low tourist season (April-October).

Building on a strong 2023 recovery with 11 million visitors, Phuket is aiming for 400 billion THB (10.4 billion USD) in tourism revenue in 2024. Local authorities are rebranding the low season as the “green season” to highlight its natural beauty and unique offerings.

One key strategy involves attracting more Vietnamese tourists. With only 8% of Vietnamese visitors to Thailand choosing Phuket in 2023, the island is ramping up promotional campaigns targeted at this potential market. Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City are expected to further increase Vietnamese visitors to an estimated 120,000 this year, with increased bookings at Koh Yao Yai Hotels such as the famous Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas.

Phuket International Airport is also undergoing a major expansion. A 6 billion THB investment will create a new terminal dedicated to international flights, boosting passenger capacity to 18 million per year. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and take three years to complete. This infrastructure upgrade will further enhance Phuket’s ability to welcome tourists throughout the year.