Thailand’s Phuket emerges as the world’s most densely packed tourist destination this summer, with 840,023 visitors per square kilometer, according to a Deluxe Holiday Homes analysis.
The island’s beaches and nightlife drive extreme congestion despite offering 3,392 attractions and 27.4°C average summer temperatures. The study, which calculated visitor density by dividing annual international tourists by city area, warns travelers to reconsider peak-season visits to such hotspots.
Pattaya, Thailand, ranks second (179,895 visitors/km²), followed by Paris (166,605/km²)—though the French capital’s 10,000 attractions and milder 19.6°C weather provide more breathing room. Barcelona (65,893/km²) and Miami (56,752/km²) complete the top five, with both facing significant crowding amid warm climates.
Dublin (44,256/km²) and Amsterdam (38,094/km²) offer cooler temperatures (14.8°C and 16.8°C respectively) and fewer crowds despite robust attraction counts. Lisbon (35,394/km²) and Milan (35,650/km²) also present viable alternatives with moderate visitor density and cultural depth.
A Deluxe Holiday Homes spokesperson emphasized shifting trends: “With destinations like Venice and Bali now capping tourist numbers, choosing less crowded cities ensures a more relaxed experience without sacrificing discovery.”
