‘Lisa effect’ boosts visits to Thailand’s Red Lotus Sea

2026-01-25 - 21:06

UDON THANI — Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) says visitor numbers to the Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani have risen sharply, driven by what it calls the “Lisa effect” and a wave of online memes that amplified global interest. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said she received a report from the agency’s Udon Thani office noting a steady increase in tourists visiting the Red Lotus Sea, formally known as Nong Han Kumphawapi. The surge followed the release of photographs of global pop star Lisa visiting the site, which later sparked viral memes online and broadened awareness. Tourist numbers were significantly higher than on 24 January, she said, with Japanese visitors in particular queuing to buy boat tickets from as early as 05:00. Thapanee said she had stressed to the Udon Thani governor the importance of effective on-site management, calling the period a “golden opportunity” for the attraction. She said demand must be matched with proper supply management, adding that provincial authorities and local residents were working together to provide a positive experience for visitors. TAT recommends visiting the Red Lotus Sea at its peak between mid-January and mid-February 2026, when red lotus flowers are in full bloom across more than 40 square kilometre. The period has brought a lively atmosphere, especially among foreign tourists travelling specifically in the wake of Lisa’s visit. Thapanee said TAT had previously promoted the destination through the Amazing Thailand x Lisa campaign, featuring images of the singer at the Red Lotus Sea. Many tourists have since followed in her footsteps, travelling to the actual location to recreate the photos. About 50,000 visitors so far Thapanee said many visitors told officials they had not known about the Red Lotus Sea before seeing the Amazing Thailand x Lisa promotion. Afterward, they decided to fly to Udon Thani and continue by van to the site, often seeking out the same photo angles and small wooden boats seen in the campaign images. According to TAT figures, visitor numbers since the start of the season have reached about 50,000, with foreign tourists accounting for more than half of the total. New lotus areas set to bloom Thapanee said that while weekday visitor numbers are usually lower, the Lisa-driven trend has led to at least 100 boat trips operating daily. Group bookings have increased for February, including requests for the same style of wooden boats featured in the promotional images. The main lotus area, covering more than 40 square kilometre, is expected to remain in bloom until mid-February 2026. A new 8 square kilometre section near Don Luang Island is forecast to bloom from mid-February through mid-March, allowing tourists to continue visiting the Red Lotus Sea before the start of the summer season.