Public holidays in popular travel destinations
It’s almost the end of the year, which means everyone is either planning their next weekend getaway or already forecasting their annual leave for next year. But before you lock in that flight, it’s worth checking if your destination is having a major public holiday. Because while you’re there for a chill break, everyone else might be on holiday too.
To save you from spending your vacation in long queues instead of sightseeing, here’s a quick guide to the major public holidays in popular travel destinations for 2026 – so you can decide whether to join the festivities or plan your trip around them.
Table of Contents
- Public holidays in popular travel destinations
- Breakdown of major public holidays in popular travel destinations
- Public holidays to avoid overseas
- 1. February – Tet
- 2. March – Nyepi
- 3. April – Good Friday & Easter
- 4. April – Songkran
- 5. April & May – Golden Week
- 6. September – Silver Week
- 7. September – Chuseok
- 8. October – China National Day
- How can I plan around public holidays when booking my trip?
Breakdown of major public holidays in popular travel destinations
| Destination | Public holiday | Dates |
| Vietnam | Tet | 17th Feb 2026 |
| Bali | Nyepi | 19th & 20th Mar 2026 |
| Australia | Good Friday & Easter | 3rd-6th Apr 2026 |
| Thailand | Songkran | 13th-15th Apr 2026 |
| Japan | Golden Week | 29th Apr-6th May 2026 |
| Japan | Silver Week | 21st-23rd Sep 2026 |
| Korea | Chuseok | 24th-26th Sep 2026 |
| China | China National Day | 1st-7th Oct 2026 |
Public holidays to avoid overseas
We’ve left Malaysia out of this list since our neighbour shares similar public holidays as Singapore, such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya. Those planning a quick escape across the Causeway just need to be mindful of long weekends to avoid being stuck in a jam to JB.
1. February – Tet
One of the biggest holidays in Vietnam
Image credit: @sarthanaputra via Instagram
Tet is one of Vietnam’s biggest and most important holidays – think of it as their version of CNY, marking the arrival of spring and a fresh start with family and friends. The celebration typically lasts about a week, and during this time, most locals return to their hometowns.
That means major cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are quieter with many shops, cafes, and attractions closed. Travelling within the country also gets a little chaotic thanks to limited flights and spiked prices.
Screenshot from: Reddit
But think on the bright side, like what some Redditors have shared – this could be a great time to visit Vietnam if you’re after a calmer experience, as you’ll get to stroll through usually bustling streets and landmarks without the crowds.
Dates: 16th-21st Feb 2026
2. March – Nyepi
When bustling Bali comes to a halt
Image credit: Traveloka
Bali is every Singaporean’s favourite short getaway destination – beach clubs, atas villas, and cheap massages – you name it, the island has it. But if you’re planning a trip in March, don’t overlook the Nyepi public holiday, AKA the Balinese Day of Silence.
For 24 hours, the entire island comes to a halt – lights, work, entertainment, and travelling are not allowed. Locals spend the day indoors for self-reflection and meditation, and travellers are expected to respect the rules.
That’s not to say there’s nothing to do in Bali before Nyepi. You’ll see elaborate parades, with sacred objects carried to the sea for cleansing, and locals clanging pots and pans at night to chase away evil spirits.
Screenshot from: Reddit
For tourists, Nyepi can feel surreal, but it’s not all bad news; most hotels turn it into a mini wellness retreat, complete with spa sessions, quiet activities, and candlelit dinners. So if your trip happens to fall over Nyepi, just stock up on snacks, load up a few shows, and enjoy this rare moment when Bali truly takes a breather.
Dates: 19th & 20th Mar 2026
3. April – Good Friday & Easter
Back-to-back holidays in Australia
Image credit: Freepik
Over in Australia, Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays that lead to an extended break for locals. And in 2026, the back-to-back holidays will stretch from 3rd to 6th April for Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, respectively.
Take note that most shops, including supermarkets, close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. You’ll still find plenty of places open on the other days, but do expect crowds everywhere as locals make the most of the extended weekend.
It might be worth planning your Aussie trip just before or after Easter – unless, of course, you don’t mind joining the locals for some festive vibes and chocolate egg hunts.
Dates: 3rd-6th Apr 2026
4. April – Songkran
Water fight over 3 days in Thailand
Image adapted from: @bakchijay via Instagram
April in Thailand means one thing: Songkran, the Thai New Year and the world’s biggest water fight. Streets turn into splash zones, with locals and tourists armed with buckets, water guns, and anything that can hold water for 3 days straight.
Screenshot from: Reddit
Many tourists travel to Thailand to join in on the fun, but it can also get chaotic, and not to mention, expensive, as hotel prices tend to surge.
Screenshot from: Reddit
That said, Songkran is also a chance to soak in Thai culture. Just remember to pack a waterproof bag and embrace the chaos.
Dates: 13th-15th Apr 2026
5. April & May – Golden Week
4 national holidays within 7 days in Japan
Image credit: @luoerX via RED
You’re probably already planning your next Japan trip while reading this. But if you can, try to avoid Golden Week, which usually falls between late April and early May. It’s a stretch of 4 national holidays within 7 days – Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day – and when paired with weekends, it becomes one of Japan’s 3 busiest holiday seasons.
Trains, airports, and sightseeing spots are known for being super crowded during this period, and hotels in popular areas get snapped up months in advance.
However, some Redditors say travelling during Golden Week can still be enjoyable – after all, it’s springtime with cherry blossoms to admire. Our advice is to have realistic expectations and some patience, because you’ll be sharing that scenic view with a few million others.
Dates: 29th Apr-6th May 2026
6. September – Silver Week
Rare holiday in Japan
Image credit: @全日咨询 via RED
Come September, you’ll want to avoid Silver Week – a rare stretch of public holidays in Japan. It doesn’t happen every year like Golden Week, but when it does, it’s just as busy.
Silver Week only occurs when Respect for the Aged Day and Autumnal Equinox Day fall close together, creating a mini holiday season. In 2026, Respect for the Aged Day falls on 21st September and Autumnal Equinox Day falls on 23rd September, which means 22nd September becomes an extra holiday – creating a long weekend for locals.
Expect heavy traffic, crowded trains, and packed tourist spots, as many Japanese head back to their hometowns or take short trips around the country. If you’re not a fan of elbowing through crowds, it’s a good idea to plan your Japan trip either before or after this rare holiday period.
Dates: 21st-23rd Sep 2026
7. September – Chuseok
3-day Korean Thanksgiving holiday
Image credit: ClipartKorea
Chuseok, Korea’s version of Thanksgiving, is one of the country’s biggest holidays. During this 3-day celebration, most locals head back to their hometowns to spend time with family, which means KTX train and domestic flight tickets sell out fast – you’ll want to book weeks in advance if you’re planning to travel.
Meanwhile, in Seoul, Redditors have shared that most shops, restaurants, and attractions stay open, but the streets feel a bit emptier than usual. Some travellers actually love this quieter vibe, as it’s a rare chance to enjoy the city without the usual hustle and bustle. A tip is to check what’s open before you go, or you might end up window-shopping through empty streets.
Dates: 24th-26th Sep 2026
8. October – China National Day
Week-long holiday in China
Image adapted from: @伊凡伊里奇 & @Wayne via RED
Every October, China hits pause for Golden Week, a massive nationwide holiday that starts on 1st October in celebration of China’s National Day. For 7 days straight, it feels like the entire country is on the move, with major tourist attractions like the Great Wall of China packed tighter than a can of sardines.
Flights and hotels also get booked out months ahead, and prices surge across the board. So if your itinerary includes the Pop Mart theme park in Beijing or the world’s largest indoor ski resort in Shenzhen, you might want to hold off for a week. Unless you enjoy the thrill of sharing your holiday with, well, a billion others – though something tells us you probably don’t.
Dates: 1st-7th Oct 2026
How can I plan around public holidays when booking my trip?
Screenshot from: Skyscanner
Start by checking websites like TimeAndDate that list national holidays for countries all over the world. A quick search could save you from a lot of headaches.
If you notice a major holiday falling during your travel period, try shifting your trip by a few days before or after. Not only will you avoid jostling with locals, but you’ll most likely score cheaper flights and hotel rates.
Pro tip: when searching for flights, turn on the “flexible dates” option on sites like Skyscanner. This feature helps you to spot sudden price jumps that usually line up with local holidays, then adjust your plans accordingly so your wallet doesn’t take the hit.
Plan smart by avoiding these major public holidays on your next trip
At the end of the day, timing can make or break your holiday. A little bit of pre-trip research can save you from being stuck in crowds or overpaying for hotels.
But if you do find yourself caught in the middle of a local celebration, the next best thing is to roll with it. You might just stumble into a street parade or festival you’ll remember forever.
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Cover image adapted from: @全日咨询 via RED, @bakchijay via Instagram