Agoda Reveals Flexible Work Is Reshaping Travel, Fuelling Interest in Extended Overseas Stays Among Thai Travelers

SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Thai travelers are increasingly embracing extended overseas stays, according to accommodation search data from digital travel platform Agoda. For stays of 30 nights or longer, Da Nang, Bali, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Seoul ranked among the most-searched overseas destinations.

The findings highlight how flexible working arrangements are reshaping travel habits, giving people greater freedom to choose when and where they work. As a result, travelers are no longer viewing travel as an escape from work, but instead are integrating work into the lifestyles they want, fueling the growth of longer stays and the rise of "bleisure" travel. These destinations are increasingly attracting month-long stays thanks to their combination of affordability, quality infrastructure, and appealing lifestyle offerings. For Thai travelers exploring the possibility of longer stays abroad, affordability, lifestyle, and reliable infrastructure appear to be just as important as traditional sightseeing attractions. Based on Agoda accommodation searches for stays of 30 nights or longer, Da Nang leads travel interest, reflecting its appeal as a destination that combines low living costs, modern amenities, and easy access to both beaches and city life. Bali remains a perennial favourite among digital nomads, thanks to its established co-working ecosystem and wellness-driven lifestyle, while Tokyo continues to attract strong interest for its world-class infrastructure and seamless connectivity. Kuala Lumpur is also gaining momentum, offering value for money alongside modern urban conveniences. Ho Chi Minh City and Seoul complete the top six, highlighting growing interest in destinations that balance affordability, culture, and quality of life.

The trend is equally evident in searches for long stays in Thailand. Accommodation search data for stays of 30 nights or more shows coastal and island destinations amongst the most popular rankings, reflecting strong interest in places that offer a better work-life balance alongside natural surroundings. Pattaya ranks first, with its combination of beachfront living, urban conveniences, and proximity to Bangkok making it an appealing option for extended stays. Phuket and Koh Samui follow closely behind, supported by strong international connectivity, established expatriate communities, and a broad range of accommodation options, from hotel to villas. Meanwhile, Hua Hin and Cha-am continue to attract attention from travelers seeking a more relaxed seaside lifestyle within easy reach of the capital.

Thailand's southern islands also feature prominently in long-stay accommodation searches. Krabi, Koh Pha-ngan, Koh Tao, and Koh Lanta all rank among the most searched destinations, underscoring growing interest in locations that combine lifestyle appeal with the flexibility to work remotely. Koh Pha-ngan has evolved beyond its Full Moon Party reputation to become increasingly associated with wellness and digital nomad communities, while Koh Tao has climbed the rankings year-on-year, buoyed by its renowned diving scene and laid-back atmosphere.

Beyond the south, Koh Chang's jungle-covered landscapes and slower pace of life have helped it emerge as an appealing alternative to Thailand's more developed island destinations. Khao Lak and Rayong round out the top 15 most-searched destinations, reinforcing a broader trend in long-stay accommodation searches: travelers are increasingly drawn to locales that offer coastal living, lifestyle quality, and the flexibility to blend work and leisure from one location.

Akaporn Rodkong, Country Director, Thailand and Indochina at Agoda said: "The line between work and travel is becoming increasingly blurred as flexible working arrangements give people more freedom over when and where they work. Our data shows Thai travelers searching for longer stays in overseas cities that offer a compelling mix of lifestyle, affordability, and infrastructure, while international travelers exploring extended stays in Thailand continue to gravitate toward the country's islands and coastal destinations. At Agoda, we're committed to making it easy for travelers to discover the right stay for this evolving way of traveling, whether they're working remotely, taking an extended break, or blending both."

For those looking to reimagine their next trip through a bleisure lens, offers over 6 million holiday properties worldwide, alongside more than 300,000 experiences and over 130,000 flight routes. Whether working remotely for a month or simply extending a stay to experience a destination more deeply, travelers can find everything they need to plan their next extended trip at www.agoda.com or the Agoda app.

SOURCE Agoda