Tips for Staying Relaxed on Vacation

Between getting to the airport, trying to find the hotel and cramming in time to see all the sights, vacations can be stressful. And there’s nothing worse than being stressed when you’re supposed to kick back and relax.

The good thing is there are ways to counter the pressures of vacation, including planning downtime and turning off notifications. Keep reading below for travel relaxation tips to your next vacation truly feel like one.

1. Loosen up your itinerary

Let go of the idea that you have to have a perfect itinerary. Sure, there are some must-dos when traveling, such as seeing the Taj Mahal or eating crepes in France. But a vacation won’t be fun if it feels like checking items off a list. Instead, try to space out activities with plenty of time to rest in between. And accept that you don’t have to see it all in one visit.

2. Plan for the big travel day

Start preparing for the big travel day in advance. If you’re going out of the country, keep all required passports and documents together. Pack your bags the day or night before. Plan your travel to and from the airport, and research the gate location for the flight. And arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

3. Leave work at work

The hardest struggle of vacation for most people is leaving work behind. It is hard to resist checking emails, and some workplaces expect employees to be on call 24/7. Avoid this by turning off all work-related notifications, and letting people know in advance that you are unavailable. If checking in is necessary, then set time to respond to emails and then turn work off for the rest of the day (and stick to it).

4. Set your schedule to avoid crowds

Tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building and the Vatican see more than 3 million people each year. That translates to a lot of standing in crowds and waiting in lines. Avoid this by scheduling your visits to spots early in the day or later in the evening.

Tip: Try to get tickets for an attraction in advance so you don’t have to spend time at the ticket counter. Another option is scheduling a tour during the week when the crowds aren’t as dense as weekends.

5. Squeeze in some exercise

Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Finding time to get active may be hard during vacation, but even a little bit helps. According to the ADAA, just five minutes of aerobic exercise can signal the brain to release anxiety-fighting endorphins. Consider hitting up the hotel gym, going on a walk or enrolling in a local workout class.

6. Practice meditation

Meditation is a great way to de-stress and clear your mind. Just like exercise, even just a short time spent meditating can make a difference. There are many forms of meditation, from concentrating on a single activity or object to deep breathing exercises.

Try doing yoga on vacation, which helps both clear the mind and reduce body tension. Some destinations offer unique yoga experiences, such as paddleboard yoga in Hawaii and rooftop yoga in Los Angeles.

7. Put social media on pause

It’s hard not to want to post all the food you’re trying and all of the places you are seeing. But a vacation should be spent in the moment as much as possible. Put a pause on social media by logging out of all accounts and not checking apps.

Some phones have features that limit the amount of screen time on apps. If you still can’t resist checking social media, then consider deleting an app completely.

8. Treat yourself to a spa day

Pamper yourself on vacation with a massage or spa treatment. Massages are especially great after a long flight or hours spent in traffic on a road trip.

Try a Swedish massage if you like a lighter touch, or go for a deep tissue massage to work out the knots. Some travel destinations offer unique takes on relaxing, from the Turkish baths in Istanbul to the hot springs in Iceland.

9. Get enough sleep

Traveling across different time zones can wreck your sleep schedule, which also affects your mood. Workaround this by setting a time to go to bed, and sticking to it. If you’re driving, plan stops where you can sleep and recharge.

Pack an eye mask, earplugs and consider melatonin supplements to make it easier to sleep on an overnight flight. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for extra bedding or pillows at the hotel to help you sleep comfortably.

 

Credited : guidester.com

ตื่นตาไปกับไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริง ในดินแดนไดโนเสาร์ “Dino Fest 2022” ที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในไทย

เซ็นทรัลพัฒนา ชวนผจญภัยดินแดนไดโนเสาร์ “Dino Fest 2022” ใหญ่ที่สุดในไทย ตื่นตาตื่นใจไปกับฝูงไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริง

บริษัท เซ็นทรัลพัฒนา จำกัด (มหาชน) พาเหล่าสัตว์โลกล้านปีบุกเปิดจินตนาการเด็ก ๆ และครอบครัวใน “Dino Fest 2022” ผจญภัยดินแดนไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริงใหญ่ที่สุดในไทย พบกับไดโนเสาร์ 24 สายพันธุ์ จำนวน 36 ตัวที่สามารถเคลื่อนไหวและส่งเสียงร้องได้จริงตามหลักชีววิทยา ตั้งแต่ยุคแรกเริ่มไปจนถึงยุคสูญพันธุ์ ได้แก่ ยุคครีเทเชียส ยุคจูราสสิก และยุคไทรแอสสิก ชุบชีวิตให้เหล่าสัตว์โลกล้านปีกลับมามีชีวิตอีกครั้ง

 นอกจากนี้เซ็นทรัลพัฒนาขอมอบความสุข เติมรอยยิ้มและความสดใส เปิดรอบพิเศษในการเข้าชมเหล่าไดโนเสาร์ฟรีแก่บ้านเด็กกำพร้า หรือเด็กพิเศษในท้องถิ่นอีกด้วย มาร่วมตื่นตาตื่นใจไปกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริงได้ที่ศูนย์การค้าเซ็นทรัล ภูเก็ต วันที่ 04 – 20 มี.ค. 2022.

ดร. ณัฐกิตติ์ ตั้งพูลสินธนา ผู้ช่วยกรรมการผู้จัดการใหญ่ สายงานการตลาด บมจ.เซ็นทรัลพัฒนา กล่าวว่า เรามีศูนย์การค้าเซ็นทรัลอยู่ทั่วประเทศ และเราไม่เคยหยุดนิ่งที่จะนำ Magnet Event ใหม่ ๆ ไปยังสาขาต่าง ๆ ของเรา เพื่อให้ลูกค้ารู้สึกว่าศูนย์การค้าเซ็นทรัล เป็นศูนย์กลางการใช้ชีวิตที่พวกเขาจะได้สัมผัสกับไลฟ์สไตล์และประสบการณ์ใหม่ ๆ อยู่เสมอ สำหรับครั้งนี้ เราเตรียมงาน “Dino Fest 2022” ยกขบวนไดโนเสาร์และสัตว์โลกล้านปีไปบุกที่ศูนย์การค้า 4เพื่อให้เด็ก ๆ และกลุ่มครอบครัวได้เติมเต็มจินตนาการกันอย่างใกล้ชิดกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์หลากหลายสายพันธุ์ โดยมีไฮไลท์พิเศษคือ เราได้ใช้เทคโนโลยีให้ไดโนเสาร์สามารถเคลื่อนไหวและส่งเสียงร้องได้จริง เสมือนว่ามีชีวิต โดยแต่ละตัวจะมีเอกลักษณ์ที่ โดดเด่นไม่เหมือนกัน ทั้งรูปร่าง ท่าทางและเสียง มีตั้งแต่ไดโนเสาร์กินเนื้อ ไดโนเสาร์กินพืช สัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ หรือแม้กระทั่งปลา เด็ก ๆ จะได้เติมเต็มจินตนาการ ได้ความรู้ ฝึกทักษะการสังเกตและจดจำ และผู้ใหญ่เองก็จะได้รับความสนุกสนานไม่แพ้กัน เหมือนได้หลุดไปอยู่ในโลกล้านปี

ทะลุมิติไปผจญภัยในอาณาจักรไดโนเสาร์ ท่องยุคครีเทเชียส ยุคจูราสสิก และยุคไทรแอสสิก เผชิญหน้ากับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริงหลากหลายสายพันธุ์ ตื่นตาไปกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์นักล่าตัวฉกาจ อาทิ Spinosaurus (สไปโนซอรัส) ไดโนเสาร์กินเนื้อที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในโลกมีกระโดง ยาวกว่า 12 เมตร, Giganotosaurus (จิกาโนโตซอรัส) กิ้งก่ายักษ์แห่งอเมริกาใต้ และ Tyrannosaurus (ไทรันโนซอรัส) ไดโนเสาร์กินเนื้อขนาดใหญ่และทรงพลัง สนุกสนานไปกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์กินพืช อาทิ Parasaurolophus (พาราซอโรโลฟัส) โดดเด่นด้วยหงอนที่มีลักษณะเหมือนท่อกลวงยาว, Ouranosaurus (อูราโนซอรัส) กิ้งก่าผู้กล้าหาญ และ Triceratops (ไทรเซอราทอปส์) หรือที่รู้จักกันในนามยักษ์ 3 เขา โลดแล่นไปกับสัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ อาทิ Questzalcoatlus (เควทซาลโคท์ลุส) สัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ที่มีขนาดใหญ่เท่าเครื่องบิน, Pterodaustro (เทอโรดอสโตร) สัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ที่มีลักษณะคล้ายกับนก Flamingo คือปากยาวโค้งที่มาพร้อมกับซี่กรองที่ใช้กรองกินสัตว์เล็กๆ เป็นอาหาร และ Pteranodon (เทอราโนดอน) สัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ที่เป็นที่รู้จัก ดำดิ่งลงใต้น้ำไปพบกับปลาโบราณเลื่องชื่ออย่าง Mawsonia และอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย

ผจญภัยท่องโลกล้านปี สัมผัสกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์ขนาดมหึมาอย่างใกล้ชิด ที่ต้องบอกว่า ยิ่งใหญ่ สมจริง และ ไม่ควรพลาด กับ “Dino Fest 2022” ที่ศูนย์การค้าเซ็นทรัล ภูเก็ต วันที่ 04 – 20 มี.ค. 2022.

Thailand now accepting applications for permanent residency

Thailand is now taking applications for permanent residency from now until December 30, 2020. The number of expats who can apply is capped at 100 per nationality plus 50 stateless individuals. But permanent residency isn’t easy to get in Thailand and applicants need to speak Thai. Local blogger and Samut Prakan school employee Richard Barrow posted on Facebook saying he tried applying a few years ago, but he wasn’t accepted. He says he will apply again this year and could use some advice on how to get accepted.

Richard recommends visiting the website Thai Citizenship, which is run by Chris Larkin, a citizen in both Thailand and Australia.

Here’s the main qualifications for permanent residency:

  • Hold a Thai work permit for at least 3 consecutive years.
  • Work for the current company for at least 1 year.
  • Earn an annual income of at least 80,000 baht per month for at least 2 years, or have filed a tax return for an annual income of 100,000 baht for at least 2 consecutive years.

Applicants will also need the proper documents to file an application. The Thai Immigration has copies of the documents on its website, click HERE to visit. He’s the documents applicants need:

  • TM.9 application form
  • Form of personal information sheet
  • Health certificate from a government hospital
  • Map of residence and place of work form
  • Salary certificate
  • Letter of employment to the Department of Labour

It costs 7,600 baht to file an application. If it’s approved, the residency permit costs 191,400 baht. The permit costs 95,700 baht for spouses and children of those with a residence or who are Thai citizens.

If the application goes through, the applicant will then go through an interview at immigration with a panel of around 7 to 10 officials. Chris calls it a 5 to 10 minute “semi-formal chit-chat” were the applicants talks (in Thai) about themselves and why they want to remain in Thailand (The Thaiger was doing ok up to that part).

If immigration accepts the application, then it goes through what Chris describes as the Ministry of Interior “Black Hole.” He says the process is more “obscure” and approval is at the discretion of the Minister of Interior. In the past, the process took years, but he says recently it has been a lot faster.

Here are the benefits of permanent residency…

  • You are granted to stay permanently. In other way, you don’t need to apply for an extension of stay anymore
  • You will receive a certificate of alien registration
  • You will be able to have your name in a House Book (Ta Bian Ban) not a yellow one, a blue one
  • You can enter in the same counter as Thai citizens for immigration passport control for arrival or departure
  • A child whose both parents are permanent residents in Thailand must be granted Thai citizenship
  • You will be able to buy a condominium in Thailand without transferring money from abroad
  • You will be able to apply for citizenship 5 years after your name is registered in a blue ta bian ban
  • Able to become director of a Public Thai company
  • And you will be exempted of notification of your address every 90 days

Thailand Updated Entry Rules from 1 March 2022

23rd of February 2022, The Thailand CCSA (Center for COVID situation Administration) has announced the Updated Entry Rules for coming to Thailand which Are going to be applied starting from 1 March 2022 onwards.

Updated Entry Rules

Fully Vaccinated Travelers arriving in Thailand can enter through the Updated Test and Go Model, which States that the Traveler Must undergo 1 PCR Test On day 1 upon arrival, and Quarantine in the Hotel room until the Result of the Test Appears. The PCR Test On Day 5 is not Required anymore for all arrivals entering the Kingdom from 1 March onwards. In Addition to that, The Required COVID 19 insurance coverage has been reduced from 50,000 USD to 20,000 USD.

Thailand updated entry rules

Refund for PCR Test Day 5

For Our Valued Guests Who Have already booked a 2nd PCR Test on Day 5 and arriving 1 March onwards, you can request a refund of The Second Test in case of arriving 1 March onwards and the refund Process will Start accordingly.

New Quarantine Packages

You can check our 1 Day Quarantine Packages in Thailand through the below links:

If the Test result is Negative, the traveler will be able to Travel freely around Thailand, and if the PCR Test is Positive, The Guest will need to be Isolated in Either Quarantine Hotel, or Hospital Depending on the Symptoms and how severe the Illness is.

Phuket Nightlife

Where to party and what to do in Patong at Night?

Patong Nightlife in Phuket is famous the world around for being colorful and carefree. It has evolved a lot to reach every traveler type and is not as rowdy as Pattaya or Bangkok. During the high season (November to May), the nightlife is vibrant in most beach towns. Patong Beach is lively and colorful until 2 am (officially), but often past 4 am.

Nightlife in Patong features great nightclubs hosting international DJs, a few rooftop bars, more live bands than you need, and ladyboy shows that defy your imagination. You might even be tempted to have a look inside those notorious go-go bars at least once.

Rooftop Bars


Kee Sky Lounge

KEE Sky Lounge Rooftop at the Kee Resort

Andaman Sky Lounge

Andaman Sky Lounge in Phuket

Wassa Bar

Wassa Homemade Bar in Patong

Where to Party in Patong?

Past sunset, Patong Beach turns itself into a gigantic party town. And since not everyone enjoys the same type of party, there are many ways to enjoy the night, from rooftop bars to international nightclubs. Below are some of the best-known places, but walk around, and you will find an incredible array of bars and clubs.

Bangla Walking Street

Bangla Walking Street in Patong Beach, Phuket

Bangla Walking Street, also called Soi Bangla or Bangla Road is the heart of all Phuket Nightlife, and the battle for night supremacy is raging between Soi Seadragon and the new Tiger complex. Over the years, the centre of interest has been moving up and down Bangla road depending on seasons and popularity, but the ever-changing face of Patong nightlife is worth a look. Of course, wherever you go in Bangla, friendly ladies will call you with a big smile and encourage you to have a drink and play a few silly bar games; everyone is welcome.


Illuzion Night Club

Illuzion Night Club

White Room

White Room Disco Phuket


Kudo Beach Club


Shows and Live Bands

Live bands are everywhere in Patong, and thankfully, the sound and skills have improved a lot in recent years. It’s a fierce competition, but not everyone can afford a great band, and some venues would do better concentrating on their food. The best live bars are, without a doubt, New York Music Bar and the famous Hard Rock Cafe.


New York Live Music Bar

New York Live Band Phuket

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe Phuket

Hooters

Hooters Phuket

Simon Cabaret Show

Simon Cabaret Show

Shopping and Night Markets


Jungceylon

Jungceylon Shopping Mall Phuket

Malin Plaza Night Market

Malin Plaza Night Market Patong

Otop Market

Otop Market Patong

Go-Go Bars of Phuket

The concept of Go-Go Bars in Soi Bangla doesn’t vary much between places. It always rotates around a few standard features. So what happens in there? At the centre of the room is an elevated stage with stainless poles, surrounded by stools. Sofas and small tables are lined up around the room, sometimes on two levels, and they play loud music with flashing colourful lights.


Suzy Wong’s A Go Go

The famous Suzy Wong's Go Go bar on soi Bangla in Patong Beach

Suzy Wong’s is already an icon of Soi Bangla nightlife, and you can’t go to Patong without visiting them. They gave a great deal of effort to the new bar facade with its bright red Chinese decoration and massive door. Despite being the last bar in the Soi Seadragon, you won’t walk by without being intrigued. But go-go bars are not only about beautiful facades, so you’ll ask what makes this one any different from any other go-go bar?

Harem Bar

Harem A Go Go Phuket

Harem Lounge is the most luxurious bar in Phuket, with plush red velvet sofas and curtains all around, two main stages with four smaller platforms on each side. The place feels cosy and intimate, and the staffs are beautiful. Just like this wasn’t enough to make you want to visit, Harem is also the most extensive bar since it occupies the space that used to be Playschool and Candy Club.

Other Nightlife Stories


Paradise Complex Gay Street

gay-phuket-

For almost twenty years, the Phuket Gay party zone’s heart has been beating in the Paradise complex in Patong Beach. I don’t know if the fancy name had any influence on the choice of location, but it’s effortless to find, right at the foot of the ‘Paradise Hotel’, a 24-floor tower standing in the centre of Patong like a lighthouse, well you get the picture. There used to be an impressive gay festival, but it stopped in 2017.


10 Tips to Spot a Ladyboy in Phuket

Phuket Ladyboys

Did you know that in Bangla Walking Street, those tall, slim, pretty and sexy ladies dancing with colourful outfits and feathers are what is locally called a ladyboy? A ladyboy is a transvestite that is considered here a woman. They look very feminine and get a lot of attention. On Bangla road where they perform their little act of “look at me! I’m more feminine than your wife”. Just keep in mind that while they encourage you to take their photos, payment is always requested once the photo is taken.


10 Fun Ways to PARTY in Patong

10 Ways to Party in Phuket

Where to Party in Phuket? Everyone expects something different from his holiday, but everyone wants to see the best of it in a minimum amount of time and (almost) everyone wants to PARTY! Here are 10 fun ways to party wild in Phuket, don’t take it too seriously. This is not a Top 10 that would suit everyone, just 10 Fun Party Tips we would recommend to my visiting friends. The list could go on and on, but these are a good start.


Party and Hangover Drinks

Energy drinks are part of the daily landscape of Thailand. Convenience stores always dedicate several fridge shelves to those tiny bottles. Do they work? That might depend on which brand, but mostly that will rely on you. If you are an Italian espresso drinker like us, that might give you a mild boost; for some, it’s an all night long kerosene. If you don’t know what these tiny bottles are, you might want to memorise some of the names! ‘Energy Drinks’ are used as mixers to help you party through the whole night, while ‘Hangover Drinks’ make the next day less miserable. Better safe than sorry!

Phuket Sandbox Updated 18 Jun 21

PHUKET SANDBOX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

As of 1st July, 2021, Phuket, Thailand will be open to international travelers.
There will be no quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers who are tested negative seventy-two <72> hours before arrival in Phuket.
You must spend at least fourteen <14> nights in Phuket before being able to travel freely in the rest of Amazing Thailand.
You may stay for less than fourteen <14> nights and return to your home country directly from Phuket.
◉ Children aged six <6> or above must get a COVID test before departure from their home country.
◉ In case parents are found to have Covid-19 during their stay in Phuket, the children will be required to be put into isolation for fourteen <14> days thereon.
 Every traveler must obtain a ‘Certificate of Entry’ (COE) before being eligible to fly into Phuket International Airport.
 Check the website https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ for the required documents and the four easy <4> steps to apply before arriving in Phuket.
 The Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General takes three <3> working days to process steps one <1> and step three <3> respectively so please leave enough time to apply.
 Applicants must continually check the result of their application on the website after submitting each step.
◉ Every traveler must obtain a ‘Certificate of Entry’ (COE) before being eligible to fly into Phuket International Airport.
◉ Check the website https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ for the required documents and the four easy <4> steps to apply before arriving in Phuket.
◉ The Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General takes three <3> working days to process steps one <1> and step three <3> respectively so please leave enough time to apply.
◉ Applicants must continually check the result of their application on the website after submitting each step.
 Foreign travelers must have insurance covering the treatment and medical expenses for COVID-19, with a minimum coverage of One Hundred Thousand US Dollars <100,000 USD>.
 The insurance must cover the total duration of your stay in Thailand.
 Please print out one copy (with receipt) as you will need to show at Phuket International Airport upon arrival.
◉ International travelers with the following vaccines are able to enter Phuket.

◉ Thai FDA approved vaccines:

      ◉  AstraZeneca
      ◉  Moderna
      ◉  Johnson & Johnson
      ◉  Sinovac Biotech
      ◉  Sinopharm
◉ You must be vaccinated more than fourteen <14> days but within one <1> year before entering Thailand.
◉  A proof of vaccination must be submitted when applying for your ‘Certificate of Entry (COE)’.
◉  Airlines that announced direct flights to Phuket are:
    ◉  THAI Airways International
    ◉  Singapore Airlines
    ◉  Emirates
    ◉  Qatar Airways
    ◉  Hongkong airlines
    ◉  EVA Air
    ◉  Korean Air
    ◉  Jinair
    ◉  Cathay Pacific
    ◉  KLM
◉  Please check airline flight schedules on their websites as this list might change.
◉  Please be aware that some airlines might not be able to operate to your home country when returning due to their current regulations. Please check carefully.
◉  You are responsible to check their requirements for returning to your home country.
◉  You must get an ‘RT-PCR’ Covid test issued no more than seventy-two <72> hours before traveling and submit as per the requirements of the ‘Certificate of Entry’ (COE) – Step four <4>.
◉  Ensure that you have printed out:
◉  Your approved ‘Certificate of Entry’ (COE)
◉  Your ‘SHA Plus’ hotel reservation(s) showing at least fourteen <14> nights stay with the ‘SHABA’ confirmation (please see ‘Accommodation’ section below).
◉  Your Insurance policy summary showing the required coverage and receipt
Your RT-PCR test result
◉  You must download the ‘Mor Chana’ mobile application as soon as possible after landing.
Upon arrival at Immigration, you are required to:
        ◉  Your passport
        ◉  Completed a ‘™.6’ immigrational arrival card
        ◉  Provide your printed ‘COE’
        ◉  Provide your Visa (if applicable)
        ◉  Your “SHA Plus” hotel booking with the ‘SHABA’ confirmation (please see ‘Accommodation’ section below).
        ◉  Your travel insurance
        ◉  The ‘Mor Chana’ application loaded in your mobile telephone and ‘Check In’ at Phuket International Airport
        ◉  Your return flight confirmation from Phuket International Airport in the event you are staying in Phuket for less than fourteen <14> nights.
◉  ‘Mor Chana’ is an application that is simple and easy to use as it helps to track and trace where Thai residents, nationals and visitors alike in the case a Covid-19 case has been identified and contact needs to be made.
◉  In the application, there are four <4> points of information to be made accessible, which are ‘Camera’, ‘Location’, ‘Pictures’ and ‘Store’.
‘Mor Chana’ will notify users when they are at risk of being near or contacting a COVID-19 infected person.
Wristbands will be used ONLY in cases where tourists don’t have a mobile telephone or have an older telephone which won’t allow the sharing of their location.
◉  ‘SHA’ is a certification for businesses who meet the basic standards of hygiene and health safety for their products and services in accordance with the nationwide measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
◉  ‘SHA Plus’ is a certification for companies/individuals who have received their ‘SHA’ certification ‘PLUS’ at least 70% of their workforce has been fully vaccinated.
◉  The ‘SHA Plus’ list is constantly updated as and when businesses are certified.

◉  Follow this link: https://www.thailandsha.com/shalists/m/ to keep updated of ‘SHA Plus’ businesses.

◉  You can go anywhere within the Phuket province, BUT you must strictly follow the ‘DMHTTA’ precautions:
         ◉  D – Distancing
         ◉  M – Mask wearing
         ◉  H – Handwashing
         ◉  T – Temperature check
         ◉  T – Testing for COVID-19
         ◉  A – contact tracing application (‘Mor Chana’).
◉  Masks must be worn at all times in public areas. Fines are in place if you fail to adhere to this.
◉  A COVID-19 rapid test is required on day five <5>.
◉  You are required to scan ‘Mor Chana’ application and do a temperature check at your ‘SHA Plus’ hotel every day during your first fourteen <14> days stay.
◉  It is mandatory that you book a ‘SHA Plus’ hotel for the first fourteen <14> nights in Phuket.
◉  Residing in a private residence is not allowed on the first fourteen <14> nights for COVID-19 control purposes
The first seven <7> nights reservation must be at one hotel and after their PCR test is negative on day eight <8>, you can move to another hotel. After the next test on the thirtheen <13> night proves to be negative, you can then move to another SHA Plus+ hotel.
Once you have made your ‘SHA Plus’ hotel reservation(s), you must advise the hotel(s)/tour operator(s) or OTA(s) that you are joining the “Phuket Sandbox” project so that the hotel(s) can enter your booking details into the ‘SHABA’ (SHA Plus Booking Authentication) system and you will then receive a QR code and Reference number as required by the ‘Certificate of Entry’ application. No other forms of confirmation of reservation will be accepted.
◉  All ‘SHA Plus’ hotel bookings must be fully pre-paid for the first fourteen <14> nights or less if you are planning to stay in Phuket for less than fourteen <14> nights.
◉  Upon arrival at the airport, the PCR tests results will be issued within twelve <12> hours. During this time, you must remain in their hotel room until you have received a negative result.
◉  ‘RT-PCR’ tests on day six <6> and day twelve <12> are mandatory.
◉  RT-PCR Covid-19 test
◉  Every hospital in Phuket can provide an ‘RT-PCR’ test.
◉  The cost of an RT-PCR covid test ranges from two thousand five hundred <2,500> to four thousand <4,000> Thai Baht per person.
◉  Covid-19 testing is at your own expense.
◉  IF your covid-19 test is positive, you will be immediately admitted to a hospital for treatment.
◉  The Department of Health, Phuket will investigate your movements and notify and isolate those who have been in direct contact with you since your arrival.
◉  We recommend that you only book an excursion with ‘SHA Plus’ certified companies for your safety.
◉  The following marinas are open for service: Ao Por, Grand Marina, Ratsada Pier, Chalong Pier. From these ports you may travel by ‘SHA Plus+’ certified boats only to Phuket provincial islands.
◉  On the first fourteen <14> nights, you are allowed to visit islands in Phuket Province which include Koh Naka Yai, Koh Naka Noi, Koh Rang Yai, Koh Maprao (Coconut island), Koh Tapao Noi, Koh Tapao Yai, Koh Lone, Koh Mai Thon, Koh He (Coral island), Koh Bon, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi.
Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao and Phang Nga Bay are NOT a part of Phuket province. You are not allowed to visit these places in the first fourteen <14> nights stay.
◉  We recommend that you only use ‘SHA Plus’ certified restaurants for your safety
◉  The consumption of alcohol in restaurants, bars and other places forms part of the provincial Covid-19 restrictions which are updated regularly by Provincial Governors. Compliance is mandatory under the ‘Disease Control Act’ when restrictions are in place.
◉  We recommend that you use only ‘SHA Plus’ certified taxis, minibuses and limousines.
◉  If more than two <2> persons are in a vehicle, masks must be worn at all times.
◉  Visitors who wish to drive themselves are able to rent a car during the first fourteen <14> night stay in Phuket.
◉  What’s open?
              ◉  The Central Floresta – the largest department store on the island and Porto do Phuket in Cherng Talay
              ◉  Many locally owned and managed restaurants are open across the island
              ◉  The beaches are all open, but please watch the flag warning system
              ◉  Surfing on many of the top beaches is in season
              ◉  The vibrant and in trend Phuket down small coffee shops, eateries and markets are open
              ◉  Some marine companies offering trips around Phuket island and island hopping within the province
              ◉  Dive shops and schools in some areas
              ◉  We expect more and more businesses will very slowly re-open as the year moves ahead
  • ◉  In the case you have a relative or friend who is already resident in Thailand, they are allowed to visit and stay with you during your fourteen <14> ‘SHA Plus’ hotel night stays.
  • ◉  Your friend or relative is responsible to comply with the current domestic travel requirements when traveling to see you.
  • ◉  At the time of press (and please be reminded that these regulations can/may change by individual Provincial Governors) the following regulations are required:
    •        ◉  Fully vaccinated (two <2> vaccinations) OR one vaccination of the AstraZeneca vaccine
OR
  •        ◉  Show a Negative Covid-19 test within the past seven <7> before traveling to Phuket
OR
  •        ◉  Show evidence that they have fully recovered from Covid-19 in the previous ninety <90> days.

  • ◉  If you show any Covid-19 symptoms it is your legal responsibility to immediately get a test.
  • ◉  IF you are shown to be ‘positive’ for Covid-19 and traveling with a group or family, everybody in the group or family must undergo a test and stay in an Alternative Hotel Quarantine (AHQ) covered by your expense. The remaining nights in the SHA Plus+ hotel will be cancelled automatically and the guests will be refunded in order to pay for the ALQ accommodation.
  • ◉  In all cases, if you are tested positive whilst in Thailand, you will be responsible for all medical expenses which must be covered by your ‘Covid-19’ insurance sum. In the case your medical insurance does not cover certain items, then you will be personally responsible to settle any outstanding before being discharged from hospital.
  • After spending fourteen <14> nights in Phuket, you are free to go anywhere in Thailand but you must follow each province’s restrictions which can change.
  • You must follow your home country’s entry requirements and Thailand is not responsible or able to assist with such updates by individual countries.

Proposed Phuket Sandbox Program in July: Here’s what you need to know

Good news for vaccinated travellers, you may travel to Thailand without the need to quarantine under the proposed Phuket Sandbox Program starting July 1st.

The Thai government and Tourism Authority of Thailand encourage all travellers to get inoculated prior to their travel to Thailand. Those who were not vaccinated can still travel to Phuket but must stay in Alternative Local Quarantine (ALQ) for 2 weeks.

Planning to travel to Thailand in July? Here are some of the things you need to know. However, it is important to note that the plan is not yet official and may be subjected to changes depending on the COVID situation in Thailand.

Who can travel to Phuket?

Basically, everyone is welcome, including foreign travellers and their children. However, under the Phuket Sandbox Program, visitors must stay in Phuket for at least 7 days, after which they are free to travel.

Vaccinated travellers from low and medium risk countries must have received their vaccines at least 14 days prior to their travel to Thailand. Travellers must present a vaccine certificate as part of the requirements. Minors do not need to show vaccine certificates, but travellers ages between 12 and 18 must undergo rapid antigen test at their own expense, which cost around THB1,200 to THB1,500.

I got vaccinated; do I have to undergo testing and quarantine?

Protocols differ for international and domestic travellers:

For international travellers:

  • Vaccinated travellers (over 18 years old) must do an RT PCR test on day 5 of their stay.
  • Non-vaccinated travellers (over 18 years old) will need to do an RT PCR test upon arrival and stay at ALQ (Alternative Local Quarantine) Hotel for 14 days.
  • International travellers between 12 and 18 years old will need to undergo a rapid antigen test at Phuket International Airport upon arrival. However, children under 12 years old can travel to Phuket with their parents and do not need to undergo any test.

For domestic travellers:

  • Vaccinated travellers (over 18 years old) can enter Phuket without the need of doing any test.
  • Non-vaccinated travellers, including minors ages between 12 and 18 years old, will need to do a rapid antigen test at the checkpoint. Meanwhile, children under 12 years old, can enter Phuket with their parents and no need for tests.

I passed the immigration, what now?

All travellers must download the Thailand Plus Mobile App for contact tracing during their entire stay. It uses GPS and Bluetooth to detect locations of mobile phone combined with check-in records via QR code scanning in locations during the travellers’ journey.

From the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Transfer and hotel must be SHA-approved (Safety and Health Administration).

Can I go on island tours?

Vaccinated travellers are allowed to do activities within Phuket, but they must observe standard protocols of DMHTT (distancing, mask-wearing, hand washing, testing, Thailand Plus). On day 5, guests will undergo an RT PCR test. If they test positive, they will be transferred to the hospital. If they tested negative, they can visit other islands around Phuket (Phi Phi Islands, Koh Yao, Phang Nga Bay) for a one-day tour.

Can I go to other provinces?

Guests must stay at least 7 nights in Phuket before travelling to any other Province around the Country. They will need to do an RT PCR test 72 hours prior to their departure. In addition, they must present it with the COVID 19 Vaccination certificate at the checkpoint of their destination.

Tourists are allowed to stay less than 7 days in Phuket and travel back home or to another country. However, they are not allowed to travel to another province in Thailand before finishing 7 nights in Phuket. This is to help revive the flailing tourism industry in Phuket.

Source: Royal Vacation, Thai Embassy

James Bond Island Cruise

Take a spectacular cruise around the James Bond island of Phang Nga Bay, and marvel at the limestone karst formations of Khao Phing Kan. Get some free time to go for a swim in the glorious tropical marine environment.

Highlights

  • Take a spectacular cruise to James Bond Island
  • Explore the mangrove forests of Ao Phang Nga National Park
  • Enjoy a buffet lunch of Thai food aboard a beautiful sailing boat

Full description

Benefit from pickup at your hotel in Phuket, and then travel in air-conditioned comfort to board a beautiful sailing boat at Yacht Haven Marina.

Cruise through the enchanting Phang Nga Bay to marvel at the breathtaking limestone karst formations. Drop anchor at Khao Phing Kan, popularly known as James Bond Island after it was featured in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun in 1974. Continue your journey by long tail boat and navigate the mangrove delta to visit the Grotto Cave and Sea Gypsy village.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch of food from Thailand back on board the boat. Then, get the afternoon free to relax, sunbathe, and swim in the Andaman Sea. Cruise back to Phuket, and get dropped off at your hotel on arrival. 

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Phuket Airport
  • National park entrance fee
  • Guide
  • Meals, water, and soft drink
  • Lunch, with tea and coffee
  • Soft drinks and bottled water
  • Fruits and nuts
  • Long tail boat ride
What’s Not Included
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages

When you get there

  • Please bring a swimsuit, comfortable clothing, beach shoes, beach towels, sunscreen, camera and sunglasses.
  • This trip is not recommended for participants with heart complications, who are pregnant or who have any other serious medical conditions.
  • This trip is subjected to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
  • Maya Bay is closed for restoration until further notice. The tour will not stop or access the beach during this period.
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James Bond Island Tour by Big Boat & Sea Canoe

Explore magical Phang-Nga Bay and the limestone karst islands of Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan. Work up an appetite with a full day of canoeing in the Andaman Sea before lunch, and then enjoy a leisurely cruise back to port.

Highlights

  • Cruise through beautiful Phang-Nga Bay
  • Explore the limestone caves by canoe
  • Enjoy lunch on board the boat and soak up the amazing views

Full description

Start your journey from Ao Po Pier and climb aboard a 2-storey fishing boat and experience the beauty of Phang-Nga Bay and its many limestone islets. Enter the Bat Cave by canoe, and avail of the services of a paddle-man on every vessel.

Continue to Koh Hong and explore a room-like lagoon. Marvel at the limestone rock formations in different shapes before relaxing with a buffet lunch on board the boat.

End with a visit to the islands of Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan and discover the beach where the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was shot. Cruise back to Phuket and keep a look out for the large flock of sea hawks that live on the nearby mountain. 

Includes

  • Sightseeing cruise with commentary
  • Sea canoe session
  • Buffet lunch and light refreshments
  • Hotel pickup (selected hotels in Phuket only)
What’s Not Included
  • Personal expenses and tips

When you get there

  • Please note that pick-up from your hotel will be about 45 to 90 minutes before the boat departure
  • This tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately
  • Bring sunscreen, your sunglasses, a camera and personal items
  • This tour is also suitable for rainy days as the boat is covered
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Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island by Longtail Boat

Cruise the amazing Phang Nga Bay by traditional longtail boat on a full-day tour from Khao Lak. Discover the unique karst formations and green mangrove forests, and visit James Bond Island and Suwan Khuha Cave Temple.

Highlights

  • Cruise the tropical waters of Phang Nga Bay by traditional longtail boat
  • Canoe up close to the limestone rocks
  • Stop at the floating village of Koh Panyi and visit the local Muslim community
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant in Koh Panyi
  • Visit the sacred Buddha Cave Temple at Wat Tham Suwanakhuha

Full description

Following pick-up from your hotel in Khao Lak, board a traditional longtail boat and experience the mangrove forests and karst formations from a different perspective. Get up close to the limestone rocks on a short canoe trip before heading to Khao Phing Kan.

Marvel at rock formations such as Tapu Island and James Bond Island, used as a film location in the movie “The Man With The Golden Gun.” Continue to the floating Muslim village of Koh Panyi, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch.

Next, go to Suwan Khuha Cave Temple to see the statue of the reclining Golden Buddha. Get some time to feed the resident monkeys before the return trip to Khao Lak.

Includes

  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • English-speaking guide
  • Entry fee at Wat Suwannakhuha
  • Longtail boat cruise at Phang Nga Bay
  • Lunch at a restaurant in Koh Panyi
  • Full insurance
What’s Not Included
  • Tips and gratuities

When you get there

  • The local tour operator will confirm your exact pick-up time after booking
  • Please note that the itinerary may change due to bad weather or other unforeseeable events
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