Thailand expects 250,000 Chinese tourists during Golden Week

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates approximately 250,000 Chinese tourists will visit the country during the upcoming Golden Week holiday period, spanning September 25 to October 7. This 13-day window, which combines the Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Day, is expected to generate roughly 11.5 billion baht (approximately US$348 million) in tourism revenue.

If these projections are met, they would represent a 24% increase in visitor numbers and a 37% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that the extended holiday period is expected to encourage longer stays and higher per-trip spending. Early indicators support this outlook, with October bookings up 16% and flight searches from China increasing by 24%.

Key demand is originating from major Chinese cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Chongqing, with increased direct flights to destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Udon Thani. To capitalize on this trend, the TAT is launching the ‘Amazing Thailand Mid-Autumn (Nihao Month) 2026’ campaign, utilizing key opinion leaders and cultural experiences to promote Thailand as a high-quality travel destination.