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Where Short-Term Rental Demand Actually Exists in Thailand - and Where It Doesn’t

Short-term rental demand in Thailand varies sharply by location and season. Some markets experience dramatic peak-and-trough cycles, while others offer steadier year-round occupancy. Understanding these patterns is critical when choosing where—and when—to operate an STR.

Split view of Phuket beach area and Bangkok cityscape illustrating where short-term rental demand exists and where it weakens in Thailand.
Short-term rental demand in Thailand concentrates unevenly, shaped by tourism patterns, seasonality, and destination type.
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Short-term rental demand in Thailand is not evenly distributed, nor does it behave the same way across locations.
Some markets experience sharp seasonal swings tied to climate and international travel, while others maintain steadier demand driven by business travel, domestic tourism, or long-stay visitors.

Understanding where demand concentrates—and how it rises and falls over time—is essential before drawing conclusions about STR viability in any given location.

What this article covers

The geographic markets in Thailand where short-term rental demand is concentrated, and how that demand fluctuates over time through seasonality and longer-term trends. It profiles six core STR markets—Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Hua Hin—explaining how demand behaves differently in each.

What this article does NOT cover

This article intentionally does not address legal constraints or enforcement considerations, nor does it examine operational or management tactics. It does not offer investment recommendations or return analysis. The focus is demand behavior only: where STR demand exists, when it peaks, and when it softens.

Who this article is for

Property owners and investors comparing different Thai locations for STR potential, as well as analysts interested in tourism demand cycles. Readers looking to understand which markets experience strong seasonality, which offer year-round stability, and how guest profiles vary will find this relevant.

What decision this article enables

More informed choices about location and timing for STR activity. By understanding how demand behaves across Thailand’s major STR markets, readers can align their rental strategy—or acquisition plans—with realistic occupancy cycles rather than assumptions.

Executive Summary: Short-term rental (STR) demand in Thailand is heavily concentrated in a handful of tourist-driven markets, each with distinct dynamics:

  • Bangkok: The capital sees the largest volume of STR activity and relatively steady, year-round demand thanks to business travelers and constant tourism.
  • Phuket: Thailand’s top resort island experiences strong seasonal swings – high occupancy in the November-April dry season and a low slump during monsoon months. It has among the highest nightly rates due to villa rentals and upscale condos, catering to vacationers.
  • Pattaya: A beach city close to Bangkok, Pattaya’s STR demand is buoyed by weekend domestic trips and Asian tourists. Occupancy is decent year-round but not as high as Phuket, with occasional dips in the rainy season.
  • Chiang Mai: The northern cultural hub has a peak in the cooler winter months (Nov–Feb) when tourism and festivals surge, then a sharp drop in March-April due to the smoky season. It’s also popular for long stays by digital nomads, which stabilizes demand at other times.
  • Koh Samui: This island (and its neighbors like Koh Phangan) attracts high-spending tourists and has two peak seasons – summer holidays and Christmas/New Year – with a quieter period during the late-year monsoon. Samui STRs command premium rates and often cater to luxury travelers.
  • Hua Hin: A seaside town favored for weekend getaways and retiree living, Hua Hin sees steady but modest STR demand. It peaks on Thai holidays and cooler months, but weekdays and off-season months are quiet, resulting in lower average occupancy.

Each of these markets follows its own rhythm. Understanding those patterns is crucial: a host in Phuket must prepare for off-season lulls, while a Bangkok host might see more consistent bookings. Timing, regional events, and traveler segments (family vacationers vs. business travelers vs. expats) all shape the ebb and flow of STR bookings in these locations.

Market snapshot · Key destinations
Thailand Short-Term Rental Performance (2024)
A side-by-side view of active listings, occupancy, ADR and typical annual revenue per listing across Thailand’s primary STR markets. (Inputs: Airbtics + AirROI, Sep 2024 – Aug 2025)
Largest supply
Bangkok · 15,232
Highest ADR
Ko Samui · $146
Top annual revenue
Ko Samui · ~$37k
Core tension
Volume vs yield
Market Active listings Avg occupancy ADR Typical annual revenue / listing
Bangkok ~15,232 ~66% ~$49 ~$11,000
Phuket ~11,809 ~65% ~$82 ~$19,000
Pattaya (City) ~9,000 ~60% ~$47 ~$10,000
Chiang Mai ~7,124 ~65% ~$42 ~$10,000
Ko Samui ~4,306 ~68% ~$146 ~$37,000
Hua Hin ~1,593 ~59% ~$64 ~$13,000
Typical annual revenue per listing (relative)
Ko Samui
~$37k
Phuket
~$19k
Hua Hin
~$13k
Bangkok
~$11k
Pattaya / Chiang Mai
~$10k
Note: Bars show relative scale using your provided “typical annual revenue per listing” figures (Ko Samui = 100%). They are not a forecast.
Takeaway: Bangkok has the largest supply, but island markets (notably Ko Samui) can generate far higher revenue per listing due to ADR. Investors should treat “volume markets” and “yield markets” as fundamentally different plays — and stress-test both against legal and enforcement realities.

What drives STR demand in Bangkok?

Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city and a global travel hub, which gives it a robust base of STR demand year-round. Several factors drive this:

  • Year-round tourism: Bangkok welcomed nearly 40 million foreign visitors in 2019, and even post-pandemic it remains the gateway city for most travelers. Tourists visit Bangkok throughout the year – while the cooler season (Nov–Feb) is most pleasant, the city still gets steady visitors in hot and rainy months thanks to its urban attractions, shopping, and events.
  • Business travel: As a regional business center, Bangkok draws corporate travelers who often prefer serviced apartments or Airbnb for longer stays. This adds a layer of demand that isn’t as seasonally affected as holiday tourism.
  • Large inventory: Bangkok has over 15,000 active STR listings – the highest in the country. With that variety, hosts can tap multiple demand segments. A condo in Sukhumvit might attract tourists for a week, whereas a townhouse in a residential area might host a family for a month. This variety means a broad spectrum of travelers use STRs in Bangkok: backpackers in cheap studios, families in entire homes, digital nomads in condos with workspaces. Because of this, occupancy tends to hover in the mid-60% range on average – relatively strong given the huge supply. There isn’t a dramatic high vs. low season swing like beach destinations experience.
  • Events and trends: Bangkok sees spikes in demand around major events like Songkran (Thai New Year in April), when domestic travelers flood the city, or during international concerts, conferences, and marathons. The city’s role as a medical tourism hub also means some STR bookings come from patients and families staying near hospitals for weeks at a time. These nuances keep Bangkok’s STR demand relatively balanced across the calendar compared to resort towns.

In summary, Bangkok offers perhaps the most stable STR demand in Thailand – it’s a megacity that “never sleeps” in tourism terms. A well-located Bangkok STR can achieve consistent bookings most months of the year, with only slight seasonal pricing adjustments needed (higher in peak tourist season Nov–Jan, a bit lower in mid-year and the wet season). The challenge in Bangkok is not demand shortage, but competition, as many listings vie for guests in this large market.

Demand dynamics · Seasonality
Seasonality: Peaks and Lows Across Thailand’s STR Markets
STR demand in Thailand swings with weather, travel calendars, and city function. The contrast between island boom–bust cycles and urban steadiness is one of the most decisive variables in risk-adjusted returns.
Typical occupancy range by season (illustrative)
Phuket & Ko Samui — island cycle
~90% peak → ~30–40% low
Strong holiday-driven highs (Dec–Feb) followed by sharp monsoon softness. Revenue is concentrated; cashflow planning matters.
Bangkok & Pattaya — urban steadiness
~56–60% peak → mid-30%s low
Business travel and domestic leisure smooth demand. Less upside than islands, but fewer off-season shocks.
Chiang Mai — climate-driven swing
High winter → spring dip
Winter festivals and cool weather lift occupancy (Nov–Feb); smoke season (Mar–Apr) depresses demand sharply.
Hua Hin — weekend-led pattern
Stable base + spikes
Domestic tourism buffers seasonality; occupancy jumps on long weekends and school holidays, soft mid-week.
Note: Bars are a visual shorthand for typical ranges cited in market data and operator reports. They illustrate relative volatility, not month-by-month forecasts.
Island risk
Cashflow gaps
Urban trade-off
Lower volatility
Northern swing
Climate exposure
Planning rule
Budget for lows
Takeaway: Seasonality determines risk as much as ADR. Island STRs can outperform — but only if owners can absorb deep off-season slumps. Urban markets trade upside for steadier cashflow. Strategy should be built around the worst quarter, not the best month.

What drives STR demand in Phuket?

Phuket is Thailand’s premier beach destination, and its STR demand reflects a classic resort market with pronounced seasonality:

  • High season influx: Phuket’s peak tourist season runs roughly from November through April, aligning with the dry, sunny weather on the Andaman Sea coast. During these months, international tourist arrivals skyrocket – Europeans escaping winter, Australians on summer holidays, etc. STR occupancy in Phuket during high season is very high (often 80%+ for well-located properties) and nightly rates jump accordingly. Hosts make the bulk of their annual income in this window. It’s common for villas and condos to be booked out weeks or months in advance for the Christmas/New Year period. On average, Phuket maintains around a 65% occupancy across the year, but that average includes the near-full winters and the sparse rainy months.
  • Low season lull: Come May through October, Phuket enters its monsoon season (especially September, the wettest month). Tourist numbers drop sharply. STR bookings slow to a trickle for many operators, and deep discounts are often needed to attract the smaller pool of visitors (which might include surfers and budget travelers who don’t mind the rain). Some hosts actually shut their properties during parts of low season for maintenance or to save operating costs, reopening when tourism picks up. Occupancy in these months can fall well below 50% for a typical listing. This boom-bust cycle is a defining feature of Phuket’s market – managing cash flow and maintenance during the off-season is key for hosts.
  • Global customer base: Phuket attracts a wide international mix – beach vacationers from Europe, China (in huge numbers pre-2020 and starting to return), Russia, Australia, and beyond. Different markets come at slightly different times (e.g., Europeans in Dec–Feb, Australians in their winter June–Aug). This helps spread demand somewhat. Additionally, Phuket has pockets of longer-stay guests such as retirees or remote workers who might rent for a month or two in low season when prices are low. Those help some STR owners keep a baseline occupancy even in rainy months.
  • STR property types: Phuket’s STR landscape includes many luxury villas and high-end condos. The ADR in Phuket is among the highest – averaging over ฿3,000 (about $85) per night, indicating the prevalence of upscale rentals. Travelers come expecting a “villa with a pool” or a seaside apartment, and are willing to pay a premium for it. Budget accommodations exist too, but competition with inexpensive hotels and guesthouses means the mid to high-end STRs perform best. Villas with ocean views or beach access are particularly in demand and can command exorbitant holiday rates.
  • Regional events: While Phuket’s tourism is mostly seasonal holiday-driven, events like the Phuket Yacht Show, marathons, or music festivals can create mini-peaks in demand. Also, nearby islands (like Koh Phi Phi, reachable via Phuket) create spillover demand – travelers may base in Phuket and do day trips. Another dynamic: some travelers combine Phuket with other destinations (Phuket + Samui or Phuket + Bangkok). This means hosts often see bookings of a few nights as part of a larger Thailand itinerary, rather than very long stays.

In essence, Phuket STR hosting is a game of leveraging the highs and surviving the lows. The potential revenue in peak season is perhaps unmatched in Thailand (a villa might fetch thousands of dollars for a Christmas week booking), but one must be prepared for quiet months. Successful Phuket hosts employ seasonal pricing, marketing pushes for long stays in low season, and maintenance/upgrades in the off-season. The demand will always be there when the sun is shining – the island’s global allure ensures that.

What drives STR demand in Pattaya?

Pattaya offers a slightly different profile – it’s a seaside city known for both tourism and expatriate communities, and it’s relatively close to Bangkok (about 2 hours’ drive). Key aspects of Pattaya’s STR demand:

  • Weekend tourism and domestic market: Pattaya is one of the top weekend getaway spots for Bangkok residents. Every Friday, one can observe a stream of cars heading to Pattaya for a short break. This means STR occupancy spikes on weekends and Thai public holidays. Many city dwellers prefer renting a pool villa with friends or a condo by the beach rather than staying in hotels, so this fuels STR bookings. Conversely, mid-week demand can be soft, especially in low season – a pattern distinct from Phuket where foreigners on weeklong vacations fill entire weeks.
  • Steadier international flow than islands: Pattaya, historically known for its nightlife, attracts a constant flow of international visitors year-round, including a significant number of long-stay retirees and “snowbirds” (particularly from Europe and Russia) who spend months in the warm climate. These longer stays often happen in the milder months (Nov–Feb), boosting occupancy then. During the rainy season (roughly June–October for the Gulf of Thailand coast), Pattaya still sees visitors, albeit fewer; it doesn’t shut down as dramatically as Phuket does in monsoon, partly because even in the rain, Pattaya offers urban entertainment, malls, etc., and it’s easy to reach from Bangkok.
  • Occupancy and supply: Pattaya has nearly 9,000 Airbnb listings on record, making it another large STR market. Average occupancy is around 60% – slightly lower than Bangkok or Phuket. This is because supply has grown substantially; many condos in Pattaya are owned by investors targeting STR, leading to high competition. During peak tourist times (year-end holidays, Chinese New Year), occupancy in well-located units jumps very high, but during off-peak months, a lot of inventory sits empty or caters to monthly tenants. Pattaya’s ADR is relatively affordable (~฿1,700 on average), reflecting that it’s a price-sensitive market with plenty of budget travelers and a surplus of condos.
  • Emerging family-friendly image: In recent years, Pattaya has tried to broaden its appeal beyond nightlife, adding family attractions (water parks, festivals, sports events). This has somewhat diversified STR demand – for instance, a family from Bangkok renting a house with a pool for a school break, or sports teams coming for a tournament and renting condos. Such factors help fill units outside of the traditional solo traveler or retiree segments.
  • Seasonality: Pattaya’s peak season aligns roughly with the Nov–Feb cool/dry months, similar to most of Thailand’s central region. It sees a mini-dip in March–April heat (though still lots of domestic travel during April’s holidays). The rainy season (May–October) brings fewer international tourists, but many expats who live part-time in Pattaya actually arrive during this time to avoid their home country’s summer crowds. As a result, occupancy doesn’t crater to the extent Phuket’s does, but pricing certainly drops. Expect a noticeable slump in September (typically the quietest month) and a strong ramp-up starting late October into the year-end.

For STR hosts in Pattaya, tapping into the domestic weekend market is crucial – tailoring minimum stay requirements or check-in days to accommodate 2-night weekenders can be beneficial. Also, being prepared for last-minute bookings is key; many Bangkokians decide spontaneously to head to Pattaya and will book an Airbnb just days or even hours before arrival. Maintaining flexibility and competitive pricing in the off-season, or finding month-to-month tenants (perhaps an expat on a short work assignment or a medical tourist), can help smooth out the lower demand periods.

Demand profile · Guest mix
Who Are the Guests? Tourist Mix by Region (STR)
Guest composition drives stay length, booking window, amenities and pricing — and determines how sensitive each market is to shocks (flight disruption, weather, and global sentiment).
Region Guest mix Typical trip purpose Typical length of stay Demand implication
Ko Samui & Phuket Heavily international (often cited ~95% foreign guests) Pure vacation demand: families, groups, weddings, villa breaks; high expectations for service. 5–7 nights common (week-long patterns) Strongest holiday-led peaks and highest sensitivity to flight capacity and weather. Pricing power rises sharply in peak windows; low-season requires discounting or longer-stay capture.
Bangkok International-heavy (often cited ~88% foreign) + regional/business mix City breaks, business trips, medical tourism, events; wide spectrum from budget to premium. 3–4 nights typical Demand is steadier and more diversified. Competition is the main pressure: conversion depends on location clarity, reviews, and being “work-ready” (Wi-Fi, desk, self check-in).
Hua Hin More domestic (often cited ~66% foreign / ~34% Thai) Bangkok weekenders, Thai families, holiday breaks; lighter international dependence. 2–3 nights (weekend-led) Demand is calendar-driven (long weekends + school holidays). Mid-week softness is structural; pricing strategy must protect peak nights without collapsing weekday conversion.
Pattaya Mixed foreign + regional (more Asian/regional than island markets) Weekend breaks, nightlife/entertainment trips, plus pockets of longer-stay retirees and expats. 2–4 nights common, plus multi-week pockets Demand is price-sensitive with strong weekend spikes. Success often depends on capturing last-minute bookings and differentiating in an oversupplied condo market (photos, value-adds, review velocity).
Chiang Mai Foreign nomads + Chinese tourism (seasonally variable) Remote work / winter escape + festival tourism; demand sensitive to smoke season. Longer ALOS possible (2–4 weeks not uncommon for nomads) Mid-stay demand is meaningful. A model that can shift between festival peaks and monthly stays is more resilient than purely nightly turnover, especially around smoke-season downturns.
Islands
Week-long stays
Bangkok
Steady demand
Pattaya
Weekend spikes
Chiang Mai
Mid-stay floor
Hua Hin
Holiday-led
Takeaway: Guest mix isn’t trivia — it determines seasonality intensity, booking windows, and how quickly a market rebounds after shocks. Treat each market as a different demand engine, not a generic “Thailand STR” pool.

What drives STR demand in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand, has a unique demand profile influenced by climate, culture, and a growing expat scene:

  • Cool season boom: Chiang Mai’s weather is most pleasant from November to February – cool mornings and evenings, with the famous floral blooms and festivals like Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) in November and the Flower Festival in February. This period draws throngs of tourists, both international and Thai. Many Bangkok residents take winter holidays in Chiang Mai to enjoy the cooler temperatures. STR occupancy during these months is very high; it’s common for the city to feel fully booked around festival dates. Nights can be chilly (which is a novelty for tropical Thailand), and that atmosphere brings in visitors in droves. STR hosts can charge premium rates in this season, albeit Chiang Mai’s prices are generally lower than the southern hotspots.
  • Smoky season drop: A critical thing about Chiang Mai is the annual “smoky” or “burning” season, typically March and April (sometimes extending into May). Agricultural burning in the region causes severe air pollution, which dramatically reduces tourist interest. Many expats and locals actually leave during this time. STR bookings plummet; even if the climate is still dry and warm, the smog deters visitors. Savvy hosts either lower prices heavily, market to non-air-quality-sensitive segments (perhaps short stays for those en route to elsewhere), or temporarily close. This stark drop is an unusual demand driver that’s purely environmental.
  • Summer & rainy season: After the smoke clears and rains come (late May onwards), Chiang Mai sees a smaller uptick. June, July, and August bring some foreign tourists (e.g., Europeans on summer break) and quite a few long-term visitors like digital nomads, since the countryside turns lush and the city is less crowded. The rainy season (May–October) in Chiang Mai is not as torrential as the southern coasts, so while it’s low season, it’s still livable. Occupancy might hover in the 50-60% range on average in these months for active hosts. By September, it’s the tail end of low season, relatively quiet before the big November surge.
  • Digital nomads and long stays: Chiang Mai has earned a reputation as a digital nomad hotspot. Many foreigners base themselves there for months at a time, enjoying the low cost of living. This translates into STR demand for monthly rentals – a significant number of Airbnb listings in Chiang Mai offer monthly discounts and cater to this group. These aren’t “tourists” in the traditional sense, but their presence keeps certain condos or homes occupied for extended periods, especially outside of peak tourist season. The nomad community peaks around winter as well, but a steady number remain year-round, providing a stable demand floor. Many foreigners (digital nomads) spend months in Chiang Mai. They often rent Airbnbs on a monthly basis, which helps keep occupancy up during off-peak times. This long-stay segment provides a stable base of demand year-round, even when short-term tourist numbers dip.
  • Inventory and pricing: Chiang Mai has about 7,000 STR listings and an average occupancy around 65% annually (which includes the very high winter and low spring). The average daily rate is around ฿1,500 – the lowest of the top markets – reflecting a surplus of affordable apartments and the city’s lower cost profile. Guests can get good deals, and many do extended stays. For hosts, this means revenue per night is lower, but you might get longer bookings. Unique traditional houses or well-located modern condos can charge a bit more, but generally Chiang Mai is a volume game rather than high margin per night.

In short, Chiang Mai’s STR demand is all about timing: maximize occupancy and earnings in the November–February high, prepare for near-zero tourist demand in March-April, then cater to longer-stay visitors and the trickle of off-season tourists until the cycle repeats. It’s a market where balancing short-term holiday rentals with medium-term stays can be particularly effective.

What drives STR demand in Koh Samui (and nearby islands)?

Koh Samui, along with its neighboring islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, constitutes the primary STR market in the Gulf of Thailand’s southern region. Samui’s demand drivers have some parallels with Phuket (as they’re both island destinations), but also distinct features:

  • Dual peak seasons: Unlike Phuket, which peaks in the winter, Samui has two main tourist seasons. The first big peak is July–August (European summer holidays), when weather on Samui is generally sunny and dry (while Phuket is wet). Families and tour groups flock to Samui’s beaches at this time. The second peak is late December through early February, overlapping with Christmas/New Year and the Chinese New Year period – this is partly weather-driven (good conditions before the spring rains arrive) and partly holiday-driven. Samui’s unique weather pattern (its monsoon comes later in the year than Phuket’s) allows it to capture tourists in months when the Andaman side is off-season.
  • The late-year monsoon: Samui’s rainy season typically hits October and November (sometimes early December). During this period, the island can be quite wet and sees a downturn in arrivals. September is actually not bad (many visitors come in early fall), but by mid-October, it slows. STR occupancy falls and many resorts do annual maintenance. However, because this monsoon is a bit shorter (often clear by mid-Dec), Samui doesn’t experience as prolonged a low as Phuket. Come Christmas, demand roars back.
  • Luxury and high spending travelers: Samui’s STR market is known for luxury villas and upscale beachfront properties. The average daily rate is the highest in Thailand – around ฿5,400 (roughly $150) per night on average – buoyed by these luxury listings. Many celebrities and high-net-worth individuals choose Samui for vacations, often renting multi-bedroom villas with staff. Thus, while arrival numbers to Samui are smaller than Phuket, the spending per visitor tends to be higher. STR hosts catering to this segment see high yields, especially if they offer concierge-like services. On the flip side, there are budget bungalows and condos too, but the high-end is where Samui stands out.
  • Special events – Full Moon and more: Nearby Koh Phangan hosts the famous Full Moon Party monthly, and Samui often benefits as spillover; some party-goers stay on Samui and ferry to Phangan for the event, or they come to Samui after. Additionally, Samui has an international triathlon, sailing regattas, and music festivals which create demand spikes. Koh Phangan itself has a growing scene of wellness and yoga tourism, meaning a steady flow of long-stay visitors (who might split time between Phangan and Samui). These niches mean Samui-area STR demand isn’t just beach vacationers – it’s also ravers, athletes, spiritual retreats, etc.
  • Expat and remote worker presence: Samui has a smaller expat community than Phuket or Chiang Mai, but it’s there – some retirees and an increasing number of remote workers charmed by island life. This translates to some long-term rental demand; for example, someone might rent an Airbnb for a 2-3 month stay during the European winter. It’s a secondary factor but does provide a baseline occupancy for certain properties, especially those not right on the beach (which are more affordable for long stays).

In essence, STR hosts in Samui deal with a feast-and-famine pattern similar to other resorts, but with the twist of two high seasons. The strategies involve maximizing the mid-summer and holiday periods, navigating the late fall rain slump (perhaps by targeting Australian or Asian travelers who might still come during that time), and offering premium experiences to tap into the high-spending market. Because Samui is an island accessed mainly by flight (or ferry), demand can also be influenced by flight availability and costs – when more flights are added, more tourists come. The trajectory as of 2025 shows strong recovery of tourism, so Samui’s STR demand is trending up, especially in luxury segments.

What drives STR demand in Hua Hin?

Hua Hin is a coastal town on the Gulf of Thailand, distinct from the others in that it’s quieter and has a significant resident population of retirees and weekenders. Its STR demand characteristics include:

  • Thai weekenders and holidays: Being only about 2.5 hours from Bangkok by car (and now accessible by train), Hua Hin is a classic weekend escape for Thais and expats living in Thailand. On almost any long weekend or public holiday, Hua Hin’s condos and pool villas get booked up by Bangkok families and groups. This means STR hosts see dramatic occupancy spikes corresponding to the Thai calendar – e.g., Songkran in April, Labor Day in May, Mother’s Day in August, etc. Conversely, mid-week in non-holiday periods can be very quiet. Many Hua Hin hosts price lower for weekdays to attract remote workers or retired folks for short stints.
  • Long stay retirees/snowbirds: Hua Hin has long been a retirement haven, especially for Europeans. Many foreigners who might not permanently relocate still spend a few months of the year in Hua Hin for the warm climate. These folks often rent condos or houses on a monthly basis during the winter months of their home countries (roughly Nov–Feb or Mar). As a result, some STRs in Hua Hin effectively operate as seasonal long-term rentals – a European might book a condo for 3 months in the high season every year. This provides consistent demand for that period, albeit at lower monthly rates versus nightly.
  • Seasonality and climate: Hua Hin’s weather patterns are similar to Bangkok – a hot season, a rainy season (though not as heavy as the tropics), and a cooler season. It doesn’t have the pronounced monsoon issues of the islands. Thus, international tourists come in the cooler months mostly (Nov–Feb). Domestic travel to Hua Hin is actually year-round on weekends, even in the hotter months, since it’s convenient and the beach is an attraction anytime. Overall occupancy in Hua Hin STRs averages around 59% – which is a bit lower than bigger markets, reflecting its more slow-paced demand. Many properties might sit empty except for the bursts of weekends and snowbird season.
  • Inventory characteristics: Hua Hin has fewer STR listings (around 1,600 in the district) compared to the big cities, but a lot of condominiums and resort-style homes are in the mix. The average daily rate is roughly ฿2,300, indicating that while generally cheaper than Phuket or Samui, Hua Hin has quite a number of upscale properties (some private pool villas, etc., catering to luxury domestic travelers). There are also many mid-range condos that are affordable for middle-class Thai families. Because supply isn’t huge, during peak times those who book late may find very few options, which can push last-minute prices up.
  • Mid-week corporate and golf tourism: An interesting niche for Hua Hin is golf and corporate retreats. The area is known for golf courses, and sometimes you have mid-week demand from golf tour groups or companies doing off-site training who rent several pool villas. It’s not massive, but it adds a layer such that not all weekday demand is zero. Additionally, Hua Hin hosts events like the Hua Hin Jazz Festival or tennis exhibitions which can draw visitors outside typical vacation periods.

For Hua Hin STR hosts, it’s a game of managing the peaks (ensuring you’re listed and visible for all those key Thai holidays) and attracting some guests in between. Flexibility with length of stay – perhaps accepting 1-night weekend bookings since many just come for Saturday night – can maximize occupancy. Also, catering to the retiree market with monthly rates for the winter can fill your place for a solid block. Marketing might differ too: to reach Thai weekenders, being listed on Thai-language platforms or Facebook groups can help, not just relying on Airbnb’s global audience.

Market structure · Demand concentration
Demand Engine by Market (Swipe)
One snapshot per market. The bars are a visual shorthand for how each market typically behaves: booking volume, revenue per listing, and stability.
Market card
Demand engine
Bangkok
Label: Volume + diversified demand
Booking volume
Revenue per listing
Stability
Steady year-round demand from tourism, business, events, and medical travel. The pressure is competitive density: you win on conversion and reviews, not “high season miracles.”
Market card
Demand engine
Phuket
Label: Yield + strong seasonality
Booking volume
Revenue per listing
Stability
Demand concentrates in Nov–Apr; low season requires rate compression or longer-stay capture. ADR supports premium revenue, but cashflow is seasonal by design.
Market card
Demand engine
Pattaya
Label: Weekend compression + price sensitivity
Booking volume
Revenue per listing
Stability
Strong short-break patterns and weekend spikes. Supply is heavy and ADR is pressured; performance often depends on last-minute capture and differentiation.
Market card
Demand engine
Chiang Mai
Label: Winter peak + mid-stay floor
Booking volume
Revenue per listing
Stability
High winter tourism and festival demand, sharp dip in smoke season. A meaningful mid-stay segment supports a floor outside peaks.
Market card
Demand engine
Ko Samui
Label: Premium yield + two-peak season
Booking volume
Revenue per listing
Stability
Fewer listings but very high ADR and strong revenue per listing. Two-peak demand profile; shoulder periods require deliberate pricing and positioning.
Market card
Demand engine
Hua Hin
Label: Holiday + weekend calendar market
Booking volume
Revenue per listing
Stability
Demand spikes on long weekends and holidays; mid-week softness is structural. Pricing strategy must protect peaks while keeping weekdays bookable.
Note: Bar lengths are a visual shorthand based on your reported market characteristics (not a forecast). Keep them consistent across the series for visual coherence.

FAQ

Q1: Which city in Thailand has the highest year-round occupancy for STRs? A1: Bangkok tends to have the most stable, high occupancy on a year-round basis, simply because it has constant demand from various sources (tourists, business travelers, etc.) and doesn’t have a true “off-season”. Other cities like Chiang Mai or Phuket might have higher peaks at certain times, but they also have much lower troughs. So if “year-round occupancy” is the criterion, Bangkok is generally the leader. That said, within each market, well-managed properties in prime locations can outperform averages. For example, a top-notch beachfront condo in Phuket might achieve 70-80% annual occupancy by optimizing pricing, but the market average will still show more seasonality.

Q2: How much do occupancy rates drop in Phuket during low season? A2: They drop significantly. In Phuket’s wet season (especially Jul–Oct), many STRs see occupancy fall to perhaps 30-50%, whereas in high season they might be 80-90% full. The average across the year smooths out to around 65%, but that masks the swing. Revenue-wise, an STR might earn 70% of its income in the 5-month high season and only 30% in the other 7 months. To cope, hosts often slash prices in low season to attract the limited demand, or target longer stays. Low season guests might be budget travelers or people who prefer to avoid crowds and don’t mind the rain (or they might be coming for reasons like surfing which is actually better in monsoon waves).

Q3: Is Chiang Mai really empty during the burning season? A3: In March and April, Chiang Mai’s tourism drops dramatically. “Empty” is an exaggeration – there are still some tourists and certainly locals – but many expats and frequent visitors plan to be away during those months. Hotels and STRs report much lower occupancy. Some cafés and businesses even temporarily close because so many people leave. If you’re a host, you’ll find far fewer bookings; you might pivot to renting to someone long-term at a discount or just block the calendar and take a break. Once the air clears around May and the rains come, tourism gradually picks up again. If you’re considering a trip to Chiang Mai, most would avoid March–April unless necessary (or plan to stay indoors with air purifiers).

Q4: Do big events like festivals really impact STR bookings in these places? A4: Absolutely. Festivals and events can create booking spikes. For example, during Loy Krathong/Yi Peng in Chiang Mai (usually Nov), the city is packed and prices for Airbnbs can double compared to a week prior. In Koh Phangan, the Full Moon Party dates see virtually every bungalow and Airbnb on the island booked, and Samui benefits too. Bangkok sees huge demand around New Year’s Eve (fireworks at the river, etc.) and during major international concerts or sports events. If you’re a host, it’s wise to be aware of event calendars – you can adjust pricing or minimum stays accordingly. As a guest, if you plan to visit during an event, book early. The smaller the locale (like a Koh Tao or a Pai in the north) the more pronounced the effect – there are fewer accommodations, so events can truly sell out a place.

Q5: Which market is better for STR – a very seasonal one like Phuket/Samui or a steadier one like Bangkok/Hua Hin? A5: It depends on your goals. Seasonal markets like Phuket or Samui can be very lucrative in peak season – if you have a property that rents for $300 a night and is full 5 months a year, you can still make a great annual return. But you have to manage the off-season and accept the volatility. Steadier markets like Bangkok or Hua Hin provide more consistent income and possibly less stress about occupancy, but their peak rates are lower (Bangkok’s rates are generally lower than island villas). Also consider personal use: some owners choose a seasonal market because they want to use the property in off-season for themselves. If you’re purely investment-minded and want predictability, something like Bangkok or even Pattaya (which doesn’t swing as wildly as the islands) might be safer. If you’re okay with seasonal strategy and perhaps higher management overhead (adjusting prices, etc.), the resort markets can yield higher highs. A diversified approach is also an option – some investors have a mix (e.g., one city condo and one beach villa) to balance the portfolio.

For insight into how to evaluate profits given these demand patterns, see Unit Economics & Underwriting, which weighs how occupancy and rates translate to revenue.

To explore where these demand dynamics might signal real investment opportunities or pitfalls, check Investment Opportunity Patterns, which discusses how market demand ties into STR investment success or illusion.

STRA – Short-Term Rentals Asia
STRA 2026 — Gather · Connect · Grow
Bangkok • 11–12 February 2026 — Asia’s STR operator community meets
Two days. One room. The people actually running STR portfolios across Asia. Operator playbooks, distribution reality, regulation updates, and dealflow — compressed into a single calendar slot.
Date: 11–12 February 2026
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
If you’re building, buying, managing, or enabling STRs in Asia, this is the fastest way to calibrate your model against what’s working (and what’s quietly breaking) in the region.
Prefer to book direct? Use STRA’s ticketing page: shorttermrentalsasia.com/ticketing


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David Chen

David Chen

David Chen is a tech columnist based in Bangkok’s startup scene. He analyzes emerging technologies, startup news, and future-of-work trends, translating cutting-edge developments into insights for expats and investors eyeing Thailand’s future.

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