Sheltered from the shell shock

Chinese tourists leave after visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Aug 21. [Photo/Agencies]

Hotels and airlines haven't announced cancellation policies. Costs have remained steady since the bombings.

Ctrip charges 5,600-5,900 yuan ($873-920) for most September trips.

Prices surge to 7,600-8,800 yuan at the month's end and start of the National Day holiday week.

Chinese travel to Thailand surged over the summer. It has become the top destination for Ctrip bookings.

But the swell is partly relative to cancelations following last May's coup.

About 4 million Chinese visited over the first six months of 2015, up 110 percent over the same period in 2014, Thai tourism authority data show.

Chinese tourists spent 1.9 billion baht ($53.5 million) during the period－a 140 percent increase.

Chinese love Thailand for its tourism offerings and proximity.

Office workers can visit over long weekends, Li explains.

"It's a typical Southeast Asian country with exotic elements. And Thailand is a cost-competitive destination for Chinese."

Tourists from every corner of the globe have long been drawn to Thailand's beaches, elephants and "ladyboy" shows.

Zhang paid 4,100 yuan for all flights and hotel costs during the trip and plans to visit Pattaya, Koh Samet and Chiang Mai.

He didn't feel the explosions' shock waves.

"I've seen lots of Chinese tourists in Bangkok," Zhang said on Aug 24.

"Siam Square's shopping plazas around are still very crowded."

Erik Nilsson contributed to the story.

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