Travel Industry, News and Analytics

Thailand Upgrades the List of Destinations for Vaccinated Travelers

Earlier this month, we were mentioning Thailand’s Sandbox program that allowed fully vaccinated international travelers to enjoy their vacation in Phuket without being forced to stay at a Phuket hotel for quarantine. As the initiative has proven itself to be successful, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) decided to upgrade the program and offer more destinations for international guests. This has become possible once the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) gave a green light to the upgrade.

The main target of the Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension program is to gradually open the entire country for international travelers. Phuket Sandbox was the first one to open – it launched on 1 July. Koh Samui hotels started offering no-quarantine services for vaccinated travelers a bit later, on 15 July. The Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension came into force on 16 August. This initiative will lead to opening even more destinations across the country.

Starting from 16 August 2021, eligible international travelers arriving in Phuket are not required to spend 14 days there. Instead, they can reduce their stay to 7 days and spend the remaining 7 days in one of the destinations of their choice. Tourists can choose from Krabi (Ko Ngai, Ko Phi Phi, and Railay), Surat Thani (Ko Tao, Samui Plus – Ko Samui, and Ko Pha-ngan), or Phang-Nga (Khao Lak or Ko Yao).

The entry and eligibility rules of the Sandbox program haven’t changed. Travelers should note that they now need to obtain a “Transfer Form” from their hotel in Phuket to be able to move. This form proves that travelers stayed in Phuket for 7 nights. The Transfer Form and two COVID-19 tests (one test performed upon arrival and one more test made on Day 6 or 7 in Phuket) are required to move to a new resort in Thailand.

There is also a limitation regarding the modes of transport that tourists can use to get to Surat Thani, Krabi, or Phang-Nga. For example, tourists can reach Krabi (Ko Ngai, Ko Phi Phi, and Railay) only by using a SHA Plus-certified boat and ferry services from approved piers. Bangkok Airways have a domestic flight that connects Phuket and Ko Samui, and this is the only way to reach Surat Thani (Ko Tao, Samui Plus – Ko Samui, and Ko Pha-ngan). Finally, Phang-Nga can be reached by either of two routes – a SHA Plus-certified car transfer from Phuket or a SHA-certified boat transfer from approved piers.

Individual City Guides

Puebla travel guide

Nestled among four volcanoes, Puebla is a large city in east-central Mexico. Puebla is widely recognized as the “baroque cradle of Mexico”. This title is easy to understand once you arrive in the city – there are many architectural and historic landmarks of different epochs in Puebla. Without a doubt, they are incredibly popular with tourists. Scenic nature is another treasure of this Mexican city. Beautiful landscapes harmoniously frame the enchanting look of Puebla. Mexicans often call … Read further

Cuisine of Quebec City

Quebec will delight gourmets with plenty of interesting national dishes and a wide selection of restaurants. Locally made cheese remains one of the most popular national treats. By the way, the cheese produced in this region is very popular and is considered the best in North America. Tourists can easily buy local cheese in any food market or supermarket. Local restaurants also offer their guests delicious cheese platters. Québecoise tourtière pie is another typical national dish. The pie is … Read further

Traditions and festivals in Celle

A wide range of travelers know Celle because of its annual national holidays and festivals that never cease to attract the attention of foreign visitors. One of such event is the Horse Parade held annually in September; this festival features unique atmosphere of solemnity. The first stud-farm in Celle has been opened in 1735, since then local stallions have being among the best in the region. Saxon stud is known far beyond the borders of Germany; now its territory has about a hundred stallions. … Read further

Genoa cultural sights

Genoa will certainly please fans of captivating excursions. The city is famous for its exquisite palaces, interesting museums and symbolic monuments. San Giorgio Palace has become the symbol of the city for many years. All travellers, who visit Genoa, tend to visit it. The design of the building is elegant and rigorous, and its inner decoration is truly fantastic in even slightest details. The halls of the palace are decorated with frescoes, which depict one of the most important historical … Read further

Ingolstadt attractions and entertainment

The former resident of the Dukes of Bavaria is a fantastic place for all tourists who want to see gorgeous historical landmarks and cultural sights, and, of course, enjoy active recreation. Kleinzoo Wasserstern is one of the must-visit destinations in Ingolstadt. As it is clear from the name, this zoo is not big. However, it is ultimately pleasant to watch how animals happily live there with comfort and all the care they get. At Kleinzoo Wasserstern, visitors can see storks, turtles, monkeys, … Read further

Agios Nikolaos for families and kids

The small resort Agios Nikolaos is famous for its picturesque beaches and quiet historical streets. However, you should really not restrict your vacation here with children to only beaches and walking. In the city, there is a very interesting old farm which is engaged in the production of olive oil. It will be interesting to visit by the whole family. In this farm, old equipments are fully preserved. One of the main “workers” here are the donkeys, which set in motion the pressing mechanism. … Read further

Shopping in Salvador

If you are going to go to local stores, remember that the best type of payment is cashless here. You will find terminals even in small shops. Of course, you can pay for the purchase in cash. However, be ready for the fact that you will definitely lose one or two coins from the change. Salvador is not the best place to find branded items. There aren't too many of them here. Their prices are not much different from the European ones. There are no outlets at all here. This is due to the fact that … Read further

Extreme and fun in Lemnos

Conquer the Waves on Keros Beach . The wind blows almost constantly on the coast of Lemnos. Therefore, if you come to Keros Beach between May and September you will not only bask in the sand and swim in the clear waters of the Aegean Sea but also ride the waves while standing on the board. You will choose its type. It can be classic, with a sail, or with a kite. If you are an experienced conqueror of the water element you should prefer the southern part of the beach. If you are a beginner you … Read further