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Fully vaxxed with your bags packed? Phuket Sandbox allows inter-city travel for vaccinated tourists

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As we eagerly await the easing of travel restrictions and safe reopening of tourism here in the Philippines, some of our neighbors are making strides in their programs – opening their doors wide open to fully vaccinated travelers. 

Thailand pioneered tourism reopening in Southeast Asia with its Phuket Sandbox launched on July 1. The program allows fully vaccinated visitors who test negative for COVID-19 before and after arriving to freely roam and enjoy the sights of Phuket without quarantining. 

The previous program, however, mandated tourists to stay for 14 days in Phuket. The new program, called Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension, slashes the number of days required to stay in Phuket from 14 to seven. 

TOURISTS WELCOME. Phuket in Thailand allows fully vaccinated visitors to explore the island and extension areas without quarantining, so long as they meet the Phuket Sandbox program’s requirements.
TOURISTS WELCOME. Phuket in Thailand allows fully vaccinated visitors to explore the island and extension areas without quarantining, so long as they meet the Phuket Sandbox program’s requirements.  

After the seventh night, the other seven can be spent in any of the extension areas: the provinces of  Krabi (Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai, or Railay), Phang-Nga (Khao Lak or Ko Yao), or Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, or Ko Tao).

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In the Phuket Sandbox, tourists can enjoy sea excursions such as yachting and cruising, enjoy traditional dance performances around the island, and enjoy the dining, shopping, and lodging establishments on the island as long as they are accredited by the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration Plus (SHA Plus).

Phuket is home to world-class beaches and crystal clear waters. 

The most remarkable part about the island is its selection of beaches fit for any vacationer’s lifestyle. There’s the bustling Patong Beach, the limitless stretch of Mai Khao Beach, and the relatively untouched Nai Harn and Nai Yang beaches. 

Get lost at the sight of sweeping ocean views melding seamlessly into grooves of tree-laden grounds, mountains at the far end, and a barrage of clouds from the Karon Viewpoint. Or book a scuba diving tour with one of the local tour agencies to witness life thriving in the Andaman Sea. Just as better, go on an island hopping excursion to discover the nooks and crannies of Phuket’s islands.

Wat Chalong Temple is Phuket’s biggest and most popular temple.
Wat Chalong Temple is Phuket’s biggest and most popular temple. 

After days under the sun, visitors can find peace at the Wat Chalong Temple – one of Phuket’s 29 temples, and its biggest and most popular.

Since its launch, the Phuket Sandbox has been well-received by tourists from Europe, the United States, Middle East, and Asia. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the country in July and August received 26,400 vaccinated visitors which generated tourism revenue of 1.6 billion Thai baht. 

Chiang Mai is next on the list of areas to reopen this October. Its reopening effort is dubbed “Charming Chiang Mai”, which aims to highlight the innate beauty and appeal of the Northern Thailand city.

More destinations in Thailand – including Bangkok, Hua Hin, and Pattaya –  are planned to welcome visitors.

Phuket is home to world-class beaches such as Patong’s three-kilometer golden sand beach (top) as well as the Karon Viewpoint, which is the only vantage point that offers the view of Kata Noi, Kata Yai, and Karon beaches (below).

Do note, however, that foreign travelers eligible for Phuket Sandbox should be those from the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s listed countries, which, as of Sept. 22, does not include the Philippines. 

Visit www.tatnews.org for more information on Phuket Sandbox.

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