Thailand scoops second most popular destination for China’s Golden Week travelers

Over the past decade, Thailand has become one of China’s favorite international holiday destinations, with its bustling cities, idyllic beaches and off the beaten track retreats providing the perfect destination, whatever one’s travel needs. Once again, Thailand is set to be the second hottest destination, behind Japan, during China’s National Day Golden Week (1-7 October), one of its busiest travel periods, according to booking data from Agoda (https://www.agoda.com/?site_id=1811392), one of the world’s fastest growing digital travel companies and headquartered here in Asia. Bangkok retains its position as the number one Thai destination for the third consecutive year, with Phuket and Chiang Mai vying it out for the second and third spot, respectively.

In Bangkok, Chinese tourists can enjoy the diverse shopping scene that caters for all budgets and tastes, from high-end malls offering the latest fashions and accessories from international luxury brands, to bespoke boutiques offering latest Thai designed products and the markets in Pratunam area. If shopping isn’t their thing, travelers can explore the historical and regal architecture throughout the city, including a visit to the Royal Palace or the serene Wat Arun. The culinary delights of Bangkok will also keep Chinese travelers satisfied and ready to keep exploring.

Phuket, named the second most popular Thai destination for October’s Golden Week holiday offers plenty of entertainment for international and domestic travelers alike, with travelers taking advantage of Phuket’s sandy beaches, and nearby scuba diving islands, such as the famous Racha Yai Island.

In fact, it seems Chinese travelers can’t get enough of Thailand’s coastal beauty, with coastal cities and islands in Southern Thailand accounting for seven out of 10 of the most popular Thai destinations for Chinese visitors. Koh Samui (4), Pattaya (5), Krabi (6), Koh Lanta (7), Hua Hin / Cha-am (8), and Koh Lipe (9) are six other beach destinations accompanying Phuket on the list.

Third most popular spot Chiang Mai is the perfect place to chillax at the numerous hip cafés or enjoying the vista from the top of Doi Inthanon. Away from the coast, this Northern Thailand city surprises with its relaxed vibe, stunning landscapes, and trending tourist attractions. Pai, also in the north comes in at the 10^th spot.

Top 10 destinations in Thailand for the Chinese people during the Golden Week holiday 

One of the main factors that influences Chinese people to come to travel in Thailand is the country’s relatively low costs. As such, the Thai government has resolved to extend the period for free visas on arrival for Chinese people to until the end of April 2020 to attract more travelers.

‘National Day Golden Week’ is usually a 7- to 8-day holiday celebrated annually in China since 2000. This year the holiday takes seven days, from 1 October to 7 October. Throughout the period, Chinese people usually take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life to indulge themselves in various leisure activities, including traveling abroad to neighboring Asian countries.

In addition to Japan (1) and Thailand (2), Hong Kong (3), Taiwan (4) and the Philippines (5) make the top five countries or territories for Chinese travelers this Golden Week. Singapore leapt into the top 10 list this year in seventh spot, while Malaysia has been holding onto its eighth position since 2017. On the other hand, the Philippines (5) surpasses South Korea (6) and Vietnam has continued to descend from fifth place in 2017 to tenth place this year.

Top 10 countries or territories for Chinese travelers for National Day holidays