- An 18-Day Adventure Exploring Thailand’s Hidden Gems and Cultural Treasures
This year’s rally, which features 45 vehicles and 120 participants from the People’s Republic of China, began its journey on November 19, 2024, from China, making its way into Thailand through the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in Mukdahan on November 22. Over the next 18 days, the participants will visit a diverse range of destinations across Thailand, from well-known cities to off-the-beaten-path locales, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Ayutthaya, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, and Nong Khai.
This car rally is not just a thrilling journey across Thailand—it is an opportunity to discover local cultures, experience breathtaking landscapes, and contribute to local economies by promoting tourism in both major cities and lesser-known destinations.
A Warm Thai Welcome
On December 3, 2024, the rally was warmly received in Nakhon Ratchasima, where TAT hosted a special reception dinner. The event featured a traditional Bai Sri Su Kwan ceremony, where sacred threads were tied around the wrists of the guests, symbolizing blessings, protection, and the strengthening of friendships. Cultural performances, including an enchanting Isaan music show and lively folk-dancing, added to the festive atmosphere, offering the Chinese delegation a true taste of Thai hospitality and culture.
Mr. Chuwit Sirivachkul, Director of TAT’s East Asia Region, expressed the significance of the rally, stating, “The Chinese market, particularly car rally tourists, plays a vital role in enhancing Thailand’s tourism infrastructure and services. This initiative not only promotes travel to Thailand’s hidden-gem destinations but also provides an opportunity for our visitors to experience the country’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural diversity, and the warmth of the Thai people.”
A Symbol of Growing Bilateral Cooperation
The One Belt, One Road Colourful Yunnan Car Rally is an important event under the broader One Belt, One Road initiative, which seeks to enhance cooperation between China and countries along the historic trade routes. This rally embodies the spirit of mutual respect and cultural exchange, with the Chinese phrase “Zhong Tai Yi Jia Qin”—meaning “China and Thailand Are As Close As One Family”—serving as the rally’s guiding principle. It highlights the shared goals of economic cooperation, tourism exchange, and cultural understanding between the two nations.
The rally is also an integral part of Thailand’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. With millions of Chinese travellers visiting Thailand each year, promoting unique travel experiences, such as car rally tourism, helps to overcome challenges like limited flight availability while providing more opportunities for visitors to explore Thailand in a novel and immersive way.
Strengthening Ties with the Chinese Market
China remains the leading source of international visitors to Thailand. From January to December 2024, over 6.2 million Chinese nationals have visited the Kingdom, making them the largest group of foreign tourists. With Chinese arrivals continuing to grow, Thailand is on track to reach its goal of 7.3 million Chinese visitors by the end of the year. The rally is expected to contribute to this target by attracting more visitors to lesser-explored destinations, boosting tourism in both popular and hidden areas.
Thailand’s diverse offerings—from its picturesque beaches and lush jungles to its world-renowned cuisine and vibrant culture—make it an ideal destination for Chinese tourists. By offering experiences like the One Belt, One Road car rally, Thailand is able to further position itself as a must-visit destination for Chinese travellers, while also diversifying tourism opportunities beyond traditional air travel.
A Promising Future for Sino-Thai Tourism
The 7th One Belt, One Road Colourful Yunnan Car Rally highlights the growing importance of tourism as a vehicle for deepening the bond between Thailand and China. As Thailand prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with China in 2025, events like the rally pave the way for greater cooperation and cultural exchange.
By offering unique and immersive travel experiences, this rally not only contributes to the local economy but also strengthens the people-to-people connections between the two nations. As the rally moves from one province to the next, it serves as a reminder of the enduring friendship and shared values that unite Thailand and China.
For tourists seeking to explore the richness of Thailand beyond its bustling cities, the One Belt, One Road Colourful Yunnan Car Rally offers a unique opportunity to experience the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and communities—further solidifying Thailand’s position as a premier destination for Chinese travellers.
As the journey continues, TAT looks forward to more initiatives that will foster bilateral tourism, enrich cultural exchanges, and further strengthen the ties that bind Thailand and China.
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