In winter, due to extreme cold and air pollution, traveling to warmer destinations has become a seasonal tradition for many Mongolians. Over the past years, the number of locals heading to Southeast Asia has been rising rapidly.

🔥 Explosive Growth

In 2015, only 1.4 thousand Mongolian travelers visited Vietnam and Thailand combined. Last year, that number soared to 34.4 thousand, a 24-fold increase over 8 years. Breaking it down further, travel to Vietnam has increased 108.7 times to 20.9 thousand visitors, while Thailand saw a 10.9-fold rise to 13.4 thousand. This remarkable growth reflects the rapid development of the tourism industries in both countries.

• 🐦‍🔥 Vietnam on the Rise: Vietnam is expected to welcome 17.5 million tourists in 2024, representing a 38.9% year-over-year increase, and generate $33.2 billion in tourism revenue. Its appeal lies in affordability: the average daily spend for tourists ranges from $25–$40, 10%–20% lower than in Thailand.
• 🌟 Thailand Continues to Shine: Last year, Thailand attracted 35 million tourists, generating $48 billion in tourism revenue. Successful campaigns, such as “Amazing Thailand,” combined with stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and the legalization of cannabis use in some regions, continue to draw travelers from around the world.

Why Southeast Asia? While the surge in winter holiday travel looks exciting on the surface, the real driver is more sobering. Mongolia’s harsh winter is also its most polluted, prompting many families to seek warmer, cleaner destinations to protect their children’s health. The pleasant weather in Southeast Asia, in contrast to Mongolia’s extreme cold and smog, makes countries like Vietnam and Thailand an appealing escape.