Thailand expects 250,000 Chinese visitors during 2026 Golden Week, with direct flights to Phuket

Thailand expects about 250,000 Chinese visitors during the 2026 Golden Week period, generating an estimated B11.5 billion in tourism revenue, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the agency is focusing on September 25 to October 7, 2026, when China’s Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday combine into a 13-day travel period. Visitor numbers are projected to rise 24% from the same period last year, while estimated revenue is expected to increase 37%.

TAT said direct flights from China to Thailand have increased, including services to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Chongqing are among the leading departure cities.

Advance bookings for travel to Thailand in October have risen 16%, while searches for flights from China to Thailand are up 24%, TAT said. The average trip is expected to extend from about eight days to 13 days as travellers combine the two holidays.

The baht has weakened by about 9.8% against the yuan to approximately B4.93 per yuan, improving Thailand’s price competitiveness, according to the report.

TAT plans to promote the Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn (Nihao Month) 2026 campaign through familiarisation trips for Chinese key opinion leaders, Thai cultural experiences, special privileges and cooperation with market partners. The campaign is intended to encourage longer stays and higher spending through to Chinese New Year 2027.