China's National Day Golden Week runs from 1 to 7 October 2026, and it is the largest single travel week in our region. Even if you never sell to Chinese clients, your groups share hotels, flights, coaches and viewpoints with it. The question for an agent is not whether Golden Week affects a programme in early October, but which of our four destinations it affects most this year.
The Shape of This Year's Holiday
Chinese travellers are stretching the holiday. By taking a few days of annual leave, many turn the official week into a break of up to thirteen days. Trip.com Group reported that more than half of outbound flight bookings were for departures before 1 October, with the busiest departure days on 25 and 30 September, and that hotel bookings of seven nights or more rose 123% year on year.
For planning, treat the whole period from late September to around 8 October as the peak, not only the official seven days.
Where the Demand Is Going
Seoul was the most booked overseas destination for the holiday, with flight bookings up 91% year on year, according to Trip.com Group. Phuket bookings rose 78%, and Bali and Jeju were among the top ten flight destinations. A separate survey reported in Korea put South Korea's share of Chinese travellers' destination preferences at 20.1%, well ahead of Singapore at 6.6% and Japan at 6.0%.
Japan is the exception. Chinese arrivals there fell 59% in August after a government travel advisory, and reluctance to travel to Japan is reported to be pushing holiday demand towards Korea.
What It Means in Each Destination
In Korea, expect the heaviest pressure: Seoul's shopping districts, palaces and hotels, and Jeju, will be busier than usual in the first week of October. Book coaches and guides early, and schedule the busiest sights for early morning.
In Thailand, Phuket and Bangkok will see a clear Golden Week lift. Island boat transfers and popular day trips fill quickly, so confirm them in writing well before arrival.
In Indonesia, Bali's main attractions and airport will be busier. Build extra time into transfers around Ngurah Rai.
In Japan, Chinese demand is much lower this year, but Japan's own domestic travel and other international markets still fill popular hotels. Do not assume early October is quiet.
Planning Around It
Golden Week falls on the same dates every year, so it belongs in your planning calendar alongside Chuseok, Songkran and Japan's own spring holidays. If a client's dates are flexible, moving a Korea or Phuket programme to mid-October often gives better availability. If they are fixed, commit early and brief the group to expect crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is China's October Golden Week?
The National Day holiday runs from 1 to 7 October. Many travellers add leave, so demand builds from late September.
Which destination is busiest this year?
Korea. Seoul led holiday flight bookings, and Jeju was also in the top ten.
Does Golden Week still affect Japan?
Less than usual from China this year, but domestic and other international travel still fill popular hotels.
How should agents plan early-October groups?
Book hotels, coaches and guides early, schedule major sights for early morning, and allow extra time at airports.
Where Explera Fits
We tell you which dates and sights will be crowded before you quote, and plan the timing around them.
Write to b2b@expleradmc.com or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341).
