Chinese Travel Surge Expected for Golden Week 2026

According to a report from Trip.com Group, Thailand remains a top destination for Chinese travelers as they prepare for the 2026 Golden Week holiday. Data shows that tourists are planning longer stays, with bookings for hotel stays of seven nights or more growing by 123%.

Phuket has emerged as a standout destination, recording a 78% increase in flight bookings compared to the previous year. This trend aligns with a broader preference for coastal and nature-based tourism. Additionally, Chiang Mai is gaining significant popularity among Gen Z travelers.

Travelers are increasingly extending their trips by utilizing leave days to bridge the Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week, potentially creating a 13-day holiday window. International travel is expected to accelerate starting September 25, with more than half of international flight bookings scheduled to depart before the official start of Golden Week on October 1.

For residents and travelers, this surge suggests that popular tourist hubs like Phuket and Chiang Mai will likely experience higher foot traffic and increased demand for services during this period. While these booking trends provide a clear outlook on travel volume, the actual impact on local infrastructure and the final number of arrivals remain to be confirmed as the holiday period approaches.