Vietnam Joins Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, South Korea, Thailand, Mainland China, and More as Top Lunar New Year Travel Destinations for Hong Kongers Seeking Exotic Escapes

Vietnam Joins Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, South Korea, Thailand, Mainland China, and More as Top Lunar New Year Travel Destinations for Hong Kongers Seeking Exotic Escapes

Vietnam Joins Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, South Korea, Thailand, Mainland China, and More as Top Lunar New Year Travel Destinations for Hong Kongers Seeking Exotic Escapes

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Vietnam has emerged as one of the top travel destinations for Hong Kongers, joining a list of sought-after locations including Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, South Korea, Thailand, and Mainland China. This surge in interest is driven by the extended nine-day holiday window, which allows residents to enjoy an exotic escape without taking extensive leave. Vietnam, with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and affordable travel options, offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, making it a standout choice for those seeking a unique travel experience. Alongside the well-loved destinations of South Korea and Thailand, Vietnam’s allure continues to grow, especially as travelers look for new, less conventional places to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

This year, several countries across Asia and beyond are seeing a surge in popularity among Hong Kong residents who are taking advantage of a unique calendar arrangement during the Lunar New Year holiday. South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and mainland China are emerging as top destinations, as Hong Kong residents capitalize on the opportunity to enjoy a nine-day vacation by taking only two days of annual leave.

In 2026, the Lunar New Year is falling in mid-February, and with the holiday falling between February 14 and 22, it creates a rare window for workers to enjoy an extended break. By taking just two days off on February 19 and 20, employees can link these days to the three-day public holiday, giving them a nine-day holiday, making it an ideal time for international travel. This convenient calendar arrangement has made it easier for residents to explore new destinations and maximize their travel time.

Travel industry experts report that this extended break has significantly boosted demand for trips, and bookings are surging across various destinations. The outbound travel trend is expected to peak on February 14, just before the holiday officially begins, with many residents looking to escape for a longer vacation to make the most of the extended time off.

The Hong Kong government has not released a detailed breakdown of outbound and inbound travelers during this time, but it has estimated that a total of 9.52 million trips will be made via land boundary crossings during the Lunar New Year period. This figure represents a noticeable increase from the 7.34 million trips recorded over the same period last year, indicating a strong upward trend in travel. As Hong Kong residents seek to take advantage of their long break, this substantial rise in travel volumes is also indicative of the growing trend of cross-border and international movement during the holiday season.

For Hong Kongers traveling overseas, the list of popular destinations for the Lunar New Year includes not only traditional regional favorites, but also far-reaching international locales. South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and mainland China top the list for those heading to Asia, with countries like Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt seeing considerable interest as well. However, it is clear that Asia remains the dominant region of interest for Hong Kong travelers.

South Korea, in particular, is seeing a sharp rise in bookings from group travelers. The popularity of K-pop culture, along with favorable exchange rates, has made South Korea an attractive destination for many. The country’s vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful landscapes are all contributing factors to its appeal. It ranks as the top destination for group travelers, with many opting for organized tours that take them across popular cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. South Korea’s well-established tourism infrastructure, combined with the global influence of K-pop, continues to make it the go-to place for group tours during the holiday period.

Following closely behind South Korea are Taiwan and Thailand, which are also enjoying increased demand from Hong Kong visitors. Taiwan is often seen as a convenient and culturally rich option for travelers seeking a relatively short flight, while Thailand continues to captivate tourists with its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and renowned cuisine. Both destinations remain firm favorites, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

For independent travelers seeking more flexibility, Japan remains a particularly attractive destination, bolstered by the weak yen. The affordability of travel in Japan, particularly in comparison to other international destinations, makes it an appealing choice for those who want to explore on their own terms. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples in Kyoto, Japan’s mix of modern innovation and traditional beauty is irresistible to travelers seeking a memorable vacation.

Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam continues to be the most popular destination for Hong Kong travelers, particularly in cities like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. These coastal cities, known for their beautiful beaches, rich culture, and affordable prices, are seeing significant tourist arrivals during the Lunar New Year. As the Vietnamese tourism sector grows in popularity, it offers visitors a unique blend of traditional charm and modern attractions.

In contrast to previous holidays, fewer travelers are opting for rail-based tours during this Lunar New Year compared to the Christmas season. While rail tours were popular in the past, many travelers have shifted their preferences towards flights or cross-border coaches, making air and coach travel the dominant modes of transport for this year’s holiday season. Despite this trend, some new high-speed rail routes to neighboring regions have still seen a high demand, with tickets for these routes selling out quickly as the holiday draws closer.

Looking ahead, the optimism surrounding inbound travel during the Lunar New Year period is also palpable. As mainland China celebrates its own nine-day holiday, many mainland tourists are expected to travel to Hong Kong to enjoy the festive atmosphere and major events planned in the city. Hong Kong’s thriving tourism industry is set to benefit from a boost in both domestic and international visitors, with the holiday season providing an important opportunity for cultural and economic exchange between Hong Kong and mainland China.

Vietnam joins Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, South Korea, Thailand, and Mainland China as a top Lunar New Year destination for Hong Kongers, thanks to its unique cultural offerings, stunning landscapes, and affordable travel options, making it a perfect escape during the extended holiday.

The Lunar New Year holiday is not only a time for people to relax and unwind but also a period that stimulates tourism and enhances global connectivity. With Hong Kong residents traveling to various destinations around Asia and beyond, the rise in travel demand highlights the importance of the extended break and the convenience it offers. Whether it’s the cultural allure of South Korea, the scenic beauty of Japan, the tropical paradise of Vietnam, or the cultural heritage of China, this year’s Lunar New Year is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods yet, reflecting the continued growth of tourism in the region and beyond.

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