Lunar New Year Travel Surge Sees Hong Kong Residents Flocking to Popular Asian Destinations for a Festive Holiday Escape - Travel And Tour World
Home » Hong Kong News » Lunar New Year Travel Surge Sees Hong Kong Residents Flocking to Popular Asian Destinations for a Festive Holiday Escape Image generated with AiAs the Lunar New Year celebrations unfold, Hong Kong residents are heading to familiar and exotic destinations across Asia in numbers that have surprised travel experts. Leading the pack are Vietnam, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Japan, and Mainland China, all emerging as the top picks for those seeking a quick holiday getaway. Travel agencies report a significant surge in bookings, with these regions enjoying the highest demand among Hong Kong travelers looking to make the most of the extended holiday break.Unprecedented Surge in Outbound TravelThe year of the Lunar New Year, which spans a nine-day public holiday, has paved the way for one of the most notable spikes in outbound travel from Hong Kong. The combination of cultural holidays and easy access to neighboring countries has made this period especially lucrative for international tourism across the region. This year, Vietnam has garnered significant attention as a top destination for Hong Kong residents, driven by the country’s proximity, rich culture, and a range of travel options, including both urban and coastal escapes.Travel agencies have confirmed that the demand for flights to Vietnam’s beach resorts and historic towns such as Hoi An and Da Nang has been strong. There has also been an uptick in interest toward destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, which offer a tropical getaway just a short flight away from Hong Kong. Flight capacities to these locations are near full capacity, illustrating the increasing appeal of Vietnamese destinations.South Korea Captures the Imagination of Hong Kong TravelersEqually popular this year is the Republic of Korea (South Korea), where Seoul continues to draw large numbers of Hong Kong visitors eager to explore Korean culture and shopping districts. South Korea’s vibrant pop culture, delicious cuisine, and scenic mountain retreats make it an ideal choice for a quick trip during the Lunar New Year. Travelers looking for K-pop experiences, historical sites, or skiing opportunities in Gangwon-do have contributed to the increase in demand for flights between Hong Kong and South Korea.Advertisement AdvertisementThe Lunar New Year surge is also reflected in the increase in tour group bookings, with many travelers seeking a more organised experience through travel operators offering packaged deals. According to tourism boards and major travel operators, direct flights from Hong Kong to Seoul and other South Korean cities are seeing near full bookings across the entire holiday period. The popularity of South Korea has remained high, driven in part by the continued appeal of cultural exchanges and the seamless travel experiences offered between the two nations.Japan’s Timeless AppealJapan remains an ever-popular choice, and Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka continue to be among the most requested cities for Hong Kong travelers. As international borders have fully reopened and global travel has regained momentum, Hong Kong residents have returned to one of their favorite holiday destinations in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan’s unique combination of traditional culture, modern attractions, and proximity has ensured its place as a primary Lunar New Year destination.AdvertisementAdvertisementWith easy access from Hong Kong to Japan’s major cities, it’s no wonder that Japan ranks high in the Lunar New Year travel stats. This year, discounted travel packages and a favorable exchange rate have also encouraged even more travelers to choose Japan as their ideal getaway for the holidays. According to industry data, Tokyo Disneyland, Kyoto’s ancient temples, and Osaka’s culinary offerings are key attractions for Hong Kong visitors this time of year.Mainland China Still Dominates the Holiday Travel LandscapeWhile many Hong Kong residents are choosing to head abroad for the Lunar New Year, Mainland China continues to be a dominant destination for travelers. Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing have all seen a notable uptick in Hong Kong visitors, and tourism statistics show that demand for these cities is expected to remain high throughout the holiday period.Travel authorities report that China’s domestic tourism is booming, with cross-border travelers from Hong Kong particularly eager to visit cultural and historical sites. Thanks to easier travel regulations and relatively lower costs, Mainland China remains a top domestic destination for those wishing to connect with their heritage or simply enjoy the conveniences of familiar infrastructure.Key Travel Insights and TrendsAccording to recent findings from major travel industry sources, the Lunar New Year period has seen a sharp rise in outbound tourism, with short-haul destinations proving to be more popular than long-haul trips. The increase in disposable income, coupled with advances in travel infrastructure, has allowed travelers to explore nearby destinations without spending a fortune.What is also noteworthy is the diversification of travel preferences. While beach resorts and urban escapes continue to capture attention, cultural tourism and heritage travel are seeing a spike, particularly with Vietnam, South Korea, and China being prominent choices for those seeking more than just a typical vacation experience. The rise of regional travel has been widely acknowledged by tour operators and local tourism boards as a key trend in 2026.A Bright Future for Travel in AsiaThis Lunar New Year has revealed the increasing importance of short-haul destinations in the post-pandemic travel era. As travelers seek to make the most of their extended holidays, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and Mainland China offer the perfect blend of accessibility, affordability, and diversity. As the tourism market in Asia recovers, these destinations are expected to continue leading the charge, attracting even more travelers in the years to come.
