A wave of travel inspiration arrives as Tripadvisor reveals the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards for Best of the Best Things To Do. The list spotlights top-rated attractions and tours, chosen from millions of reviews. For Thai readers planning overseas trips or curious about how Thailand compares globally, the results offer practical ideas and important cautions.
Trust in these rankings comes from everyday travellers, not marketing budgets. The 2025 results cover reviews from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, weighing both quantity and quality of feedback alongside editorial input. The approach prioritises authentic experiences over hype, reassuring budget-conscious families.
Globally, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona tops the list, followed by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Angkor Wat in Siem Reap remains Southeast Asia’s strongest regional draw. In the United States, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex leads, underscoring the appeal of science and history. The rankings emphasize travel as a story of discovery, not just famous landmarks.
Standout experiences include immersive tours and culturally rich encounters. In Florence, the Renaissance and Medici Tales tour blends history with live storytelling and artful scenery. In Vietnam, the Ninh Binh Highlights day trip is celebrated as a life-enriching experience. Outdoor adventures and food-focused itineraries—such as a blue-cave boat excursion from Dubrovnik and a historic pub tour in London—also perform well. In Hawaii, the Grand Tour Around Oahu reflects continued demand for regional exploration.
For Thai travellers, these insights influence both outbound and domestic plans. More Thais travel overseas, seeking experiences that meet international standards while staying mindful of budgets and currency fluctuations. Understanding which attractions earn praise from independent reviews helps prioritise must-see experiences and avoid crowded “tourist traps.” At the same time, Thailand’s heritage-rich sites—historic temples, markets, and river journeys—remain globally appealing when presented with authentic storytelling.
Thai rankings on Tripadvisor’s local lists echo global trends. Highly rated local experiences include Bangkok canal tours, ethical elephant sanctuaries in the north, traditional cooking classes, and iconic temples like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. These activities offer genuine cultural immersion for international visitors and Thai residents seeking meaningful experiences that support local communities.
The credibility of Tripadvisor’s selections rests on transparent review-based methodology and rigorous editorial evaluation. Data from reviews within the defined window shows these rankings are not purchasable nor swayed by advertising. For example, the Sagrada Família top ranking grows from steady, long-term positive feedback rather than marketing pushes.
The awards cater to diverse traveller demographics—from families to solo explorers to culture seekers. Family-friendly options like science-centred destinations and multi-generational tours illustrate broad appeal. For Thai operators and planners, the takeaway is to balance popular experiences with intimate, sustainable options that resonate with visitors’ values and interests.
Crowd fatigue and the search for authenticity are shaping travel choices. Travellers increasingly seek smaller-group experiences, open-air activities, and deep cultural immersion. This shift reflects opportunities for Thai destinations to cultivate responsible tourism that respects communities and environments.
Practical guidance for Thai travellers: use trusted review platforms to screen experiences before booking. Look for recent reviews, authentic traveller photos, and details that matter—family-friendly amenities, accessibility, or English-speaking guides. This approach helps close gaps between brochure promises and real experiences, turning trips into lasting memories.
For Thailand’s tourism professionals, the message is clear: prioritise genuine, high-quality experiences rooted in culture and nature. Manage visitor flow at popular sites, expand community-based tours, and invest in training and interpretation to keep Thai attractions relevant on the world stage. Responsible, well-communicated offerings tend to rank higher and attract sustainable visitation.
In short, Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards reflect rising demand for authenticity, variety, and responsible tourism. Thai readers can use these insights to plan smarter—whether exploring far afield or discovering Thailand’s own treasures. The best experiences are often those validated by honest reviews and meaningful connections with local communities.
For more on the latest rankings and travel ideas, explore Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best 2025 selections through their official channel.