Phuket, Thailand, often depicted as an idyllic island escape, now holds the unfortunate title of the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination.
Previously celebrated for its quiet beaches and peaceful ambiance, the island now has a tourist-to-local ratio of 118 to one.
With global travel resuming vigorously post-Covid, the issue of overtourism has surged to the forefront.
Tourists, eager to make up for lost time during the pandemic, have swarmed many renowned destinations, placing significant stress on local resources and natural settings.
Venice recently implemented a tourist tax to manage the surge of visitors, a measure that Thailand had already adopted earlier in the year.
Other Thai destinations like Pattaya and Krabi also face similar issues, ranking high on the list of overcrowded places, with Macau, China, and Miami, USA, also appearing in the top ten.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, celebrated for its 90 miles of stunning coastline and popular beaches such as Kata and Karon. However, not all parts of the island offer a paradise retreat.
The bustling Patong area, known for its dense tourist population, extensive beach gear, and vibrant nightlife, often detracts from the peaceful island experience many seek.
A tourist shared their disappointment, stating, “The overwhelming crowds were unexpected. The island and its beaches, including the excursions to nearby islands, felt overwhelmingly crowded.”
Despite these challenges, Phuket still harbors less frequented areas in its northern and eastern parts, where visitors can enjoy a more authentic Thai atmosphere at more reasonable prices.
Yet, the island’s infrastructure is overwhelmed. The continuous arrival of large aircraft full of tourists has strained Phuket’s capacity.
In an effort to manage the influx, Thailand has introduced a 300-baht tourist tax on all flights entering the country, aiming to control the dramatic rebound in visitor numbers from 200,000 during the pandemic to a previous high of 40 million in 2019.
The most overcrowded tourist destinations in the world include:
1. Phuket, Thailand
2. Pattaya, Thailand
3. Krabi, Thailand
4. Mugla, Turkey
5. Hurghada, Turkey
6. Macau, China
7. Heraklion, Greece
8. Venice, Italy
9. Rhodes, Greece
10. Miami, USA
