Booking.com: 2026 Chinese New Year travel demand; Phú Quốc, Đà Lạt, Hà Nội and more
Search data released by online travel platform Booking.com shows that the Chinese New Year travel season in 2026 presents a clearly segmented picture, with travel demand varying noticeably across different periods.
Rather than focusing solely on the peak holiday days, many travelers are flexibly arranging their schedules, choosing to travel before, during, and after the Chinese New Year, with a wide range of domestic and international destinations. Most trips are oriented toward beach resorts or destinations with cooler, more pleasant climates.
Before the Chinese Holiday
The period before the Chinese Holiday sees the rise of familiar destinations that are easy to reach and well-suited for short breaks. Phú Quốc stands out by consistently topping search rankings, highlighting the enduring appeal of the island with its turquoise waters, warm sunshine, and high-end resort system. Following closely are Đà Nẵng, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Đà Lạt—popular choices that cater well to multi-generational family travel.
Meanwhile, Côn Đảo recorded a notable surge in searches ahead of the Chinese New Year, climbing six positions to rank 12th. Beyond favorable early-year weather, the island also attracts spiritual tourism, linked to memorial activities marking the 74th anniversary of the death of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Võ Thị Sáu, held in late January.
During the Holiday
The 9-day Chinese New Year break represents the hottest travel period of the year. As rest and rejuvenation take priority, destinations with cooler weather or strong resort appeal come into sharp focus.
Đà Lạt rises to the top of Booking.com’s search rankings, followed by Phú Quốc and Nha Trang. Destinations such as Phan Thiết, Đà Nẵng, Vũng Tàu, and Mũi Né see strong growth, reflecting the appeal of warm beaches and refreshing mountain air at the start of the year.
Sa Pa, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi also remain in the top 10, rounding out the list of most-searched destinations during the Chinese New Year period.
Notably, Mũi Né leads the list of global travel trends for 2026, as announced by the OTA platform.
After the Chinese New Year
As daily life gradually returns to normal, many travelers choose to take trips after the Chinese New Year as a way to avoid crowds. During this period, destinations associated with culture, festivals, and deeper experiential travel gain prominence.
Domestically, Đà Nẵng, Phú Quốc, and Ho Chi Minh City continue to perform strongly, while Hanoi, Đà Lạt, and Nha Trang attract interest thanks to early-year festival seasons.
According to Mr. Branavan Aruljothi, Country Manager of Booking.com Vietnam, the 2026 Chinese New Year season reflects a clear diversification in traveler behavior—from early departures to avoid peak crowds to short international trips—demonstrating that Vietnamese travelers are becoming increasingly proactive and intentional in how they enjoy extended holiday breaks.
