Not Thailand, THIS Country Is The Most Visited Destination In Southeast Asia

With its awe-inspiring beaches and cultural beauty, Thailand has been one of the most loved destinations in Southeast Asia for years. However, this year, there has been a significant shift. According to a report by VN Express, Malaysia welcomed over 10.1 million foreign arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, way more than Southeast Asia’s crowd-favourite Thailand. Scroll on to know more about this.

Malaysia Is The Most Visited Country In Southeast Asia

As per the report, a wave of change is reshaping the face of tourism in Southeast Asia as Malaysia has emerged as the most visited country in the region. In the first quarter of 2025, it has surpassed Thailand by welcoming over 10.1 million international tourists, marking a significant shift in travel trends.

Thailand was placed second on the list with 9.55 million tourist arrivals. Not so surprisingly, Vietnam followed behind with 6 million foreign tourists. With 4.31 million tourist arrivals, Singapore stood fourth on the list.

Interestingly, a large portion of Malaysia’s international tourists come from neighbouring Singapore. In the first three months of 2025 alone, over 4.9 million Singaporeans visited the country. Furthermore, Malaysia welcomed 1.12 million visitors from China and 1.08 million from Indonesia during the same period, sealing its name as the most visited country in Southeast Asia.

Also, Malaysia is becoming popular as a study-abroad destination, thanks to its well-ranked universities, affordable tuition fees, and comparatively low cost of living. Many international students are now ditching conventional popular destinations in favour of Malaysia.

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What Triggered This Boom?

Reports suggest that Malaysia emerged as the most visited country in Southeast Asia because of its relaxed visa policies. Recently, the country extended the five-year visa exemption for Chinese tourists. It also offered an option to renew it for another five years, up to 2036. Indian travellers can also enjoy visa-free entry into Malaysia until 2026. They can visit the beautiful country without a visa for up to 30 days.

Also Read: Elephant Breaks Into A Grocery Store In Thailand, Steals Sweet Rice Crackers And Walks Out. Watch!

So, are you planning to add Malaysia, the most visited country in Southeast Asia, to your travel bucket list this year? Let us know in the comments.

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