The Labour Day holiday on Thursday, 1 May, continues to be a significant peak travel period for many destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, with extended breaks allowing holiday-makers from Japan, Vietnam, and mainland China to enjoy both domestic and overseas getaways. Here’s a look at how different countries are embracing this holiday and the latest travel trends:
China: Labour Day is one of the most important holidays in China, and in 2025, the holiday will be observed for five days from 1 to 5 May. The break is extended by adjusting working days before and after, encouraging both domestic and international travel. With a long holiday period, many Chinese holiday-makers are expected to travel within China or explore nearby regions.
Vietnam: In 2025, Vietnam will enjoy a five-day holiday from Wednesday, 30 April to Sunday, 4 May, combining Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day. This extended break is perfect for families and solo travelers alike, with many choosing to explore both domestic destinations and international getaways.
South Korea: South Koreans can enjoy a six-day break by utilizing two days of annual leave around the Labour Day holiday. With such a long break, South Korean travelers are expected to embark on both domestic and international trips, with a surge in demand for flights, especially to popular regional destinations.
Japan: Japan’s Golden Week, running from 29 April to 6 May, is one of the country’s most significant holiday periods. With a full week off for many workers, domestic and international travel are both highly popular. Japanese travelers often head to both local scenic spots and further international destinations during this time.
Thailand: Thailand does not have an official holiday bridging Friday to create a long weekend. However, savvy office workers take leave on Friday, resulting in a four-day break. Domestic travel will take the lead during this period, with many Thais opting to explore local attractions and resorts.
Travel Trends
According to Trip.com Group’s latest booking data, Asia-Pacific travelers are showing a preference for traveling closer to home during the Labour Day holiday. Domestic and regional travel are seeing higher booking rates compared to long-haul international trips.
In countries like China and Vietnam, where extended breaks are common, many holiday-makers are taking advantage of the long weekend to explore neighboring countries or enjoy local sights. In South Korea and Japan, regional travel to destinations within Asia is also on the rise, as travelers look for easy, nearby getaways.
This trend suggests that short-haul trips are gaining popularity as travelers prioritize convenience, cost-effectiveness, and safety when planning their holidays.
