Thailand Joins Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam in Embracing Chinese Outbound Tourism Surge as New Year Kicks Off Unmatched Travel Boom Across Southeast Asia

As the 2026 Chinese New Year ushers in the Year of the Horse, Thailand joins Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam in seizing the opportunity presented by the unprecedented surge in Chinese outbound tourism. With an exceptionally long Spring Festival holiday, Chinese travelers are flocking to Southeast Asia in record numbers, drawn by the region’s proximity, rich cultural offerings, and visa-free conveniences. This surge is not only boosting visitor numbers but also fueling significant growth in local economies, as these countries enhance their tourism campaigns, offering tailored experiences and festivities that resonate with Chinese holiday traditions. The booming travel demand is set to transform the tourism landscape, as these nations strategically position themselves as top destinations during this peak holiday period.

As 2026 Chinese New Year Approaches, Southeast Asia and Australia Prepare for Surge in Chinese Outbound Tourism Amid Longest Spring Festival Holiday

As the 2026 Chinese New Year draws near, marking the Year of the Horse, the outbound tourism market in China is set for a significant boost. This year’s Spring Festival promises to be one of the longest in recent history, fueling an unprecedented surge in cross-border travel. With a nine-day holiday period stretching from Sunday, the National Immigration Administration of China predicts that the number of inbound and outbound travelers will exceed 2.05 million daily, reflecting a 14.1% increase compared to last year.

Key Drivers of the Surge in Chinese Outbound Tourism

The increased demand for outbound travel can be attributed to several factors, chief among them being the extended holiday period. This year’s festival is unique in that Chinese workers are taking an additional five days off, creating a 15-day break that many are using to travel abroad. According to a travel trend report from Tongcheng Travel, this strategic leave-taking is one of the primary reasons behind the surge in outbound travel.

This year’s “longest Spring Festival holiday ever” has provided ample time for Chinese citizens to take extended vacations, leading to higher demand for international travel, particularly to nearby destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. The growth is also reflected in visa data. VFS Global, a leading visa services provider, reported a substantial double-digit increase in Chinese outbound visa applications from December 2025 to January 2026, reinforcing the robustness of the country’s travel market.

Southeast Asia: A Top Choice for Chinese Travelers

Southeast Asia is emerging as the go-to region for Chinese tourists, owing to its geographical proximity, rich cultural ties, and enhanced travel convenience. Southeast Asian destinations offer moderate flight distances, vibrant holiday atmospheres, and visa-free travel, making them ideal options for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of China’s cities. According to Tongcheng Travel’s report, half of the top 10 destinations for Chinese outbound tourism this Spring Festival are in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

These countries are witnessing substantial increases in Chinese visitors, driven by both their proximity and the festive spirit that blends well with Chinese New Year traditions. The influx of Chinese tourists is proving to be a major economic driver in these countries, offering significant boosts to their aviation and hospitality industries.

Top Southeast Asian destinations include:

Bangkok: Ranked second overall for Chinese tourists, known for its vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations and rich cultural experiences.
Singapore: Famous for its diverse cultural offerings, including Chinese festivals, food, and traditional performances.
Kuala Lumpur: A top pick for Chinese tourists seeking a mix of modernity and tradition, with grand shopping experiences and cultural celebrations.
Ho Chi Minh City: As Vietnamese cities increasingly adopt Chinese New Year customs, Ho Chi Minh City stands out with its festive ambiance and cultural exchanges.
Bali: A tropical favorite, offering a laid-back atmosphere, beaches, and holiday-friendly resorts that cater to the influx of international visitors.

The Role of South Korea and Other Countries in the Asia-Pacific

South Korea is also among the top destinations for Chinese travelers during this period, with Seoul ranked first in popularity. The country’s appeal lies in its harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, and it remains one of the most cost-effective destinations for Chinese tourists. Other countries in the region are similarly benefiting from the surge in outbound Chinese tourism.

South Korea: Known for its high-tech culture, unique shopping, and festive events, South Korea tops the list for Chinese tourists seeking a mix of adventure and culture during the Spring Festival.
Malaysia: This country continues to be a popular destination, with increased flight volumes confirming its status as a preferred vacation spot during the holiday period.

Cultural Celebrations Across the Region

In the wake of the increasing number of Chinese tourists, countries across the Asia-Pacific are embracing the Spring Festival with elaborate cultural events, blending local traditions with Chinese customs to create a festive atmosphere. These celebrations help foster cultural exchange and provide Chinese tourists with a more immersive experience during their holiday.

Vietnam: The Year of the Horse is making its mark across Vietnam, where horse imagery adorns streets, art galleries, and public spaces. The country has embraced Chinese traditions, intertwining them with Vietnamese customs, making it a fascinating destination for Chinese tourists during the New Year period.
Laos: The China-Laos Railway has become a unique platform for cultural exchange, with trains transformed into “mobile stages” for storytelling, traditional performances, and cultural activities that bring Chinese New Year celebrations directly to passengers. This cross-border event serves as a testament to the growing tourism connections between China and Laos.
Cambodia: Cambodia is not far behind in embracing the Spring Festival. The country hosted a three-day China-Cambodia cultural exhibition in Phnom Penh, bringing together Chinese and Cambodian artists and performers to showcase their shared cultural heritage, offering Chinese tourists an immersive and enriching experience.

Australia and Beyond: The Appeal of Sun-Kissed Shores

Further afield, Australia remains a favored destination for Chinese travelers looking to escape the cold winter months. Australia’s stunning beaches, bustling cities, and cultural landmarks continue to attract a steady stream of tourists. From the beaches of Queensland to the lively streets of Sydney, Chinese tourists are flocking to Australia, drawn by the promise of sun-soaked shores and cosmopolitan experiences.

The Booming Tourism Sector

This confluence of factors—extended holidays, cultural affinities, and increasing travel convenience—has contributed to the remarkable growth of the Asia-Pacific region’s tourism sector. The impact of Chinese tourists during the Spring Festival is a boon for local economies, particularly in aviation, hospitality, and retail industries, which are set to experience a strong boost in arrivals and activity.

As China’s outbound tourism continues to surge, countries across the Asia-Pacific are gearing up for an influx of travelers seeking cultural connections, festive celebrations, and unforgettable holiday experiences. From Southeast Asia to Australia, the tourism industry stands ready to welcome the millions of Chinese tourists eager to make the most of the longest Spring Festival holiday in history.

As the 2026 Chinese New Year sparks an unprecedented surge in outbound travel, Thailand joins Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam in capitalizing on the influx of Chinese tourists. With extended holidays and tailored experiences, Southeast Asia is poised to see remarkable growth in tourism as Chinese travelers flock to the region.

The 2026 Chinese New Year is set to be a pivotal moment for the Asia-Pacific tourism industry. With a record number of Chinese travelers expected to head abroad, the region’s hospitality and aviation sectors are poised for a strong recovery and growth, buoyed by the demand for cultural experiences, festive celebrations, and sun-soaked holidays. As the Year of the Horse kicks off, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, and South Korea are sure to enjoy the fruits of this travel boom.

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