Enhancing Visitor Experiences at Religious Tourism Sites in Thailand

A study on Thai tourists' experiences at religious tourism sites, including Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, reveals four key dimensions shaping visitor satisfaction: enjoyment, learning, aesthetics, and escape. Enjoyment arises from activities like sightseeing and merit-making festivals, while learning is fostered through historical narratives and hands-on experiences such as meditation. Aesthetic value is tied to architectural beauty, and escape offers mental rejuvenation in serene surroundings. These dimensions highlight the interplay of emotional, spiritual, and cultural elements in creating meaningful experiences. The research used thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 23 Thai tourists at three Buddhist temples in Phitsanulok Province, providing actionable insights for tourism planners to balance visitor engagement with cultural preservation.

Chanapal, P., Kerdpin, K., & Dabphet, S. (2025). Enhancing Visitor Experiences at Religious Tourism Sites in Thailand. Journal of Community Development Research (Humanities and Social Sciences), 18(2), 62–75. https://doi.org/10.69650/jcdrhs.2025.853