2023 Public Holidays: How To Maximise Your Annual Leave

Looking to make the most of the Hong Kong public holidays in 2023? With travel finally back on the cards, you’ll want to know exactly when to book your annual leave!

We’ve picked our word of the year and it is TRAVEL! Gone are the days of quarantine and while we love this amazing city we are so ready to fly! So, to get set for the year of travel ahead, you’ll want to know how best to use your annual leave to maximise each and every weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for a health retreat to reset and refresh or a city break that’s an easy direct flight away, here’s how to maximise your holiday time in 2023.

Read on to discover our top tips for maximising your time off…

Read More: City Breaks In Asia — 5 Direct Flight Destinations From Hong Kong

Hong Kong Public Holidays 2023

The Hong Kong 2023 public holidays are set out by the government each year. Saturday is considered a work day for many in Hong Kong, so when a public holiday falls on a Saturday there is no extra weekday given. A shame for those of us working Monday to Friday as Hong Kong SAR Day and the day following Mid Autumn both fall on a Saturday this year! However, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be given as a day off.

• New Year’s Day: Monday, 2 January, 2023 (public holiday falls on a Sunday)
• Lunar New Year: Monday, 23 to Wednesday, 25 January, 2023 (public holiday falls on a Sunday)
• Ching Ming: Wednesday, 5 April, 2023
• Easter: Friday, 7 April to Monday, 10 April, 2023
• Labour Day: Monday, 1 May, 2023
• Buddha’s Birthday: Friday, 26 May, 2023
• Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat Festival): Thursday, 22 June, 2023
• Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day: Saturday, 1 July, 2023
• The Day Following Mid-Autumn: Saturday, 30 September, 2023
• National Day: Monday, 2 October, 2023 (public holiday falls on a Sunday)
• Cheung Yeung: Monday, 23 October, 2023
• Christmas Day: Monday, 25 and Tuesday, 26 December, 2023

Read More: 8 Lust-Worthy Luggage Picks For Your Next Getaway

Lunar New Year Public Holidays 2023

Chinese New Year is early in 2023. The streets are eerily quiet during Chinese Year, so make the most of fewer crowds, cooler weather and traditional festive happenings to get out and explore the city.

Travelling over the Chinese New Year public holiday in 2023

• Get your health back on track in 2023, by booking a health retreat in Asia.
• Oh, how we’ve longed for the white sand beaches of Thailand! Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta are all stunning at this time of year.
• Catch the Australian summer in all its glory.
• Snow bunnies should hop over to hit the slopes in Hokkaido.

2023 Public holiday: Monday, 23 to Wednesday, 25 January 2023
Book off: Thursday, 26 and Friday, 27 January
Annual leave days used: 2
Days holiday: 9

Read more: 6 Health & Wellness Retreats To Book Now

Ching Ming And Easter Public Holidays In 2023

With enough time to plan, we’re thinking April could be the perfect time to book a big overseas adventure!

Where to go for the Easter public holidays in 2023

• Channel Indiana Jones as you explore the ancient wonders of Jordan.
• Visit the New Zealand vineyards (just in time for the annual wine harvest!)
• The heat of the blazing summer has passed making April a great time to book a South African safari.

Sassy Tip: Check the public holiday opening hours at your destination because some tourist providers in western destinations may close for the holiday.

2023 Public holiday: Wednesday, 5 (Ching Ming), Friday, 7 and Monday, 10 April
Book off: Monday, 3, Tuesday, 4 and Thursday, 6 April
Annual leave days used: 3
Days holiday: 10

Read More: 12 Luxury Resorts In Asia To Put On Your 2023 Travel Bucket List

Labour Day Hong Kong Public Holiday 2023

Tack on a few extra days to turn your 2023 public holiday into a long weekend.

Long weekend destinations for the Labour Day public holiday

• In Penang, Malaysia you can lie on a golden sand beach in the morning, wander historic streets and take in fabulous murals in the afternoon and finish your day feasting on street snacks!
• Get your city fix by heading to bustling Busan, South Korea for some of the freshest seafood on the planet.
• With warm, sunny days and less crowds, May is one of the best times of year to visit Bali.

2023 Public holiday: Monday, May 1
Book off: Friday, 28 April and Tuesday, 2 May
Annual leave days used: 2
Days holiday: 5

Read More: Bali Resorts For Beginners – Where To Stay And What To Do

Buddha’s Birthday Public Holiday 2023

We’ll let you in on a little secret, May is one of the best months of the year to travel! You’ll beat the crowds of July and August (not to mention the inflated prices and blazing heat) and tour providers are excited for the upcoming season (read – not exhausted!). 

Where to go for Buddha’s Birthday public holiday

• Take in the dramatic cliffs and sparkling sea on a romantic coastal getaway to the Almafi Coast in Italy, before the summer crowds spoil your perfect Insta shots.
• Catch a Broadway show, shop ’til you drop and immerse yourself in the pumping atmosphere of New York City.
• If you’ve ever wondered about visiting outback Australia, May is the time to do it, the days are warm and not scorching, making it perfect to hike the desert dunes.

2023 Public holiday: Friday, 26 May
Book off: Monday, 22 to Thursday, 25 May
Annual leave days used: 4
Days holiday: 9

Read More: 5 Direct Flight Destinations From Hong Kong You Might Not Have Thought Of

Tuen Ng Festival Public Holiday 2023

Kickstart your summer with a well-deserved June vacation. These are our top picks to make the most of your June public holidays in 2023.

Where to travel for the Dragon Boat Festival public holiday

• Explore the lush jungles, see orangutans swinging from the trees and maybe even catch sea turtles hatching! It’s all within easy reach of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo.
• For a foodie adventure like no other book your tickets to Portugal and wine and dine your way through Porto and Lisbon.

2023 Public holiday: Thursday, 22 June
Book off: Monday, 19 to Wednesday, 21 and Friday, 23 June
Annual leave days used: 4
Days holiday: 9

Read More: 11 Unique Hotels In Asia To Book In 2023

The Day Following National Day Public Holiday 2023

The October public holidays come just as we’re all in need of a bit of respite! These are our travel picks if you’re looking for a bit of adventure.

Where to travel during the October public holidays 2023

• Catch the end of Oktoberfest in Munich which wraps up on Tuesday, 3 October.
• Head on over to Kerala, India and explore the canals by houseboat.

2023 Public holiday: Monday, 2 October
Book off: Tuesday, 3 to Friday, 6 October
Annual leave days used: 4
Days holiday: 9

Read More: 7 Beachside Weekend Getaways From Hong Kong

Chung Yeung Festival Public Holiday 2023

Only got a few days of leave left to spare? October brings with it some of the best weather we can hope for in Hong Kong so take some time for yourself Hong Kong staycation and explore the city as the weather is more comfortable. Still have leave days left for a holiday.

Quick getaways for the October public holidays in 2023

• Pop on over to Macau and explore our sister city.
• Singapore is always an easy destination full of fun.
• Catch the autumn foilage in Japan.

2023 Public holiday: Monday, 23 October
Book off: Friday, 20 October and Tuesday, 24 October
Annual leave days used: 2
Days holiday: 5

Read More: Your Guide To Taipa Village, Macau

Christmas 2023 And New Year 2024 Public Holidays

It’s hard to imagine what the world will look like 12 months from now, but safe to say the world is at your finger tips. Whatever destination you decide on, it’s sure to be fabulous!

2023 Public holiday: Monday, 25, Tuesday, 26 December and Monday, 1 January
Book off: Wednesday, 27 December to Friday, 29 December
Annual leave days used: 3
Days of leave: 10

Read More: Sassy’s Quick Guide To Macau

Hong Kong Public Holidays 2024

• New Year’s Day: Monday, 1 January, 2024
• Lunar New Year: Saturday, 10 to Tuesday, 13 February, 2024
• Easter: Friday, 29 March to Monday, 1 April, 2024
• Ching Ming Festival: Thursday, 4 April, 2024
• Labour Day: Wednesday, 1 May, 2024
• Buddha’s Birthday: Wednesday, 15 May, 2024
• Dragon Boat Festival: Monday, 10 June, 2024
• Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day: Monday, 1 July, 2024
• The Day Following Mid-Autumn Festival: Wednesday, 18 September, 2024
• National Day: Tuesday, 1 October, 2024
• Cheung Yeung Festival: Friday, 11 October, 2024
• Christmas: Wednesday, 25 December and Thursday, 26 December, 2024

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Editor’s Note: “Public Holidays In 2023: How to Maximise Your Annual Leave” was most recently updated in December 2022 by Jess Mizzi.