2022 saw Thais gradually resume traveling as the COVID-19 pandemic in the country continued to improve. According to data from Google Maps, there was a significant increase in commute searches on Google Maps compared to 2021. Cycling directions requests increased 30% and walking directions requests increased 110%. There was also more than a 50% increase in driving directions requests while transit directions requests more than doubled.
Google has also revealed the lists of places in Thailand with the most direction requests and interactions on Google Maps in 2022 including beaches, shopping centers, cafes and restaurants, as well as the most reviewed historical sites and landmarks of all time.
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Thailand’s beach destinations are popular with both domestic and foreign tourists. Top beaches with the most direction requests and interactions on Google Maps in 2022 are located in six provinces including Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chon Buri, Surat Thani, Rayong, Krabi, and Phuket.
Top beaches in Thailand in 2022
- Bo Thong Lang Bay, Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Samae Beach, Chon Buri
- Haad Wai Nam, Surat Thani
- Sai Nuan Beach, Surat Thani
- Bang Por Beach, Surat Thani
- Ta Yai Beach, Chon Buri
- Nam Rin Beach, Rayong
- Baan Tai Beach, Surat Thani
- Noppharat Thara Beach, Krabi
- Thala Beach, Phuket
Thailand is a popular destination for shopping with a wide range of available shopping options, from luxury malls with high-end international brands to affordable shopping centers. According to Google Maps, top shopping centers by direction requests and interactions in 2022 are located in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi.
Top shopping centers in Thailand in 2022
- centralwOrld
- Megabangna
- ICONSIAM
- Siam Paragon
- Future Park Rangsit
- Central Ladprao
- Central Westgate
- Fashion Island
- Central Pinklao
- Central Rama 2
Cafes and restaurants remain some of the most popular meet-up locations in Thailand. According to Google Maps, the top 10 cafes and restaurants in Thailand by direction requests and interactions in 2022 are located in Bangkok and nearby provinces including Nakhon Pathom and Chon Buri.
Top cafes and restaurants in Thailand in 2022
- Chocolate Ville (Bangkok)
- Jeh O Chula (Bangkok)
- Tichuca Rooftop Bar (Bangkok)
- Bubble in the Forest Cafe (Nakhon Pathom)
- Jay Fai (Bangkok)
- Mum Aroi – Na Kluea Branch (Chon Buri)
- Pupen Seafood Restaurant (Chon Buri)
- CQK Spicy hot pot (Bangkok)
- Thipsamai @Maha Chai Rd Original (Bangkok)
- Pa Boon Café (Chon Buri)
Aside from providing directions for places of interest, Google Maps also enables people to share their experience by leaving reviews of the places they visited. According to Google Maps, the most reviewed historical site in Thailand of all time is The Grand Palace, one of Thailand’s most well known landmarks and attractions. Further down the list of most reviewed historical sites and landmarks are Wat Phra Thart Pha Sorn Kaew in Phetchabun and Pratu Tha Phae in Chiang Mai.
Most reviewed historical sites and landmarks in Thailand, all-time
- The Grand Palace (Bangkok)
- Wat Phra Thart Pha Sorn Kaew (Phetchabun)
- Pratu Tha Phae (Chiang Mai)
- Wat Mahathat (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya)
- Sukhothai Historical Park (Sukhothai)
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya)
- Kham Chanot Wang Nakhin (Udon Thani)
- Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang (Lampang)
- Karon View Point (Phuket)
- Phanom Rung Historical Park (Buri Ram)
The lists showcase various places people in Thailand are interested in on Google Maps. In fact, Google Maps is more than just a tool for navigation. It also offers recommendations for places and allows users to edit information and share their experiences by writing reviews and adding photos and videos which will help others find useful information they need to make decisions.
