Buzz
Embark on a journey filled with inspiration to the paradise of 'azure seas, golden sun, and white sands' with the launch of Phuket Sandbox - also known as the Phuket Sandbox. Bid farewell to the four suffocating walls and dive into international travel (specifically Thailand) today!
After more than 18 months of closure, Phuket - the buzzing tourist spot of the Golden Land - officially reopens, welcoming international visitors fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and NO MANDATORY QUARANTINE. Boasting over 30 picturesque beaches, vibrant local life, historical museums, rich culture, and a diverse culinary map, Phuket is an all-in-one destination for solo travelers or groups of any size.
Before planning your specific adventure with family and friends, read this article to better understand Phuket Sandbox - Thailand's project to reopen international tourism in Phuket - and make the appropriate preparations, #teamKlook.
What is Phuket Sandbox?
In the technical field, a Sandbox is a term referring to isolating a separate area to test software, avoiding harm to the entire system. Phuket Sandbox is Thailand's initiative to restart international tourism, creating a closed process for welcoming international guests, promoting the development of the tourism industry while still ensuring COVID-19 prevention principles, minimizing community transmission. With the Phuket Sandbox project, Thailand has become a pioneer in opening international tourism in the region, shedding light on the hope for a 'new normal' in global travel. The project, launched on 01/07/2021, attracted more than 32,000 international tourists from the United States, the Middle East, and many European countries by 14/09/2021.
Who Can Participate in the Phuket Sandbox Program?
- While there's no mandatory quarantine for travel to Thailand, participants in the Phuket Sandbox program must meet strict conditions set by the Thai Embassy. Specifically:
- Foreign visitors must come from countries or regions with a COVID-19 risk level from low to medium, according to the continuous updates by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). They must also have stayed in the approved countries or regions for at least 21 days before their departure.
- Thai citizens and foreign expatriates must travel from countries or regions with a COVID-19 risk level from low to medium, according to the continuous updates by the MoPH. They must also have stayed in the mentioned countries or regions for at least 21 days before their travel.
- Thai travelers and foreign residents returning from government-approved countries.
- Foreign and Thai travelers must be fully vaccinated with the registered COVID-19 vaccine with the MoPH or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) at least 14 days before the trip and not more than a year. They must carry a vaccination certificate or vaccine card for verification during the journey.
- Foreign and Thai visitors must have health insurance covering COVID-19 treatment, with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000.
- Foreign and Thai individuals must have a negative COVID-19 test result by RT-PCR within 72 hours BEFORE boarding at the departure point.
- Evidence of fully paying for a minimum of 14 nights' stay at SHA Plus locations and 3 PCR tests.
- Non-vaccinated children aged 1-5 must travel with fully vaccinated parents or guardians.
- Non-vaccinated children aged 6-18 must travel with fully vaccinated parents or guardians. This group must also undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, at their own expense.
Domestic travelers through Phuket, entering through Tha Chatchai Gate, Marinas, Piers, and Phuket Domestic Airport, must also comply with the conditions below:
- Travelers must be fully vaccinated with the registered vaccine with the MoPH or approved by the WHO or receive an AstraZeneca vaccine dose.
- Travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 within 90 days or received a negative COVID-19 test result by RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test within 7 days before travel.
After Phuket Sandbox, What Awaits You?
After 14 days in Phuket, travelers can continue their journey to other fantastic destinations in Thailand, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and more. A long journey of exploring culture, nature, history... is waiting. Why wait? Let's go!
List of Countries Eligible for Phuket Sandbox
As mentioned earlier, foreign travelers must come from countries evaluated by the Thai government as having a COVID-19 risk from low to medium. Below is the list of approved countries meeting the requirements for the Phuket Sandbox program. Good news, Vietnam is also on this list, so #teamKlook can confidently plan your travels.
For those who do not meet the criteria for the Phuket Sandbox program, don't worry! You can still travel to Thailand, but with certain conditions. Foreign visitors from countries or regions not eligible for Phuket Sandbox can still explore Thailand; however, you must quarantine for 14 nights in Phuket or Bangkok at approved ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine) hotels.
Choosing a Hotel for Traveling to Thailand Under the Phuket Sandbox Program
After arriving and completing the COVID-19 test at the airport, choose a SHA Plus-certified airport transfer service and swiftly move to your hotel. For safety reasons, opt for a SHA Plus-certified hotel - these accommodations meet basic hygiene standards set by the authorities and have at least 70% of staff vaccinated.
Of course, #teamKlook can easily find SHA Plus-certified accommodations in Thailand right on the Klook website and app - from private resorts, luxury villas to more budget-friendly options. Remember to use the promo code BETTERONAPP to get a discount of up to 230,000 VND.
Must-Not-Miss Safe Travel Tips for Phuket
Did you know? Klook is offering a variety of Phuket tours with SHA Plus standards, ensuring an exciting yet absolutely safe experience amidst the complex situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some exciting, safe, and budget-friendly travel suggestions exclusively for #teamKlook.
1. Pamper Yourself with First-Class Spa Services
A trip to Phuket without experiencing Thai-style massage is a major miss. Quickly visit Kim's Massage or Pullman Spa to enjoy top-notch health and beauty care services in a chill environment. After long days of work, study, and exploration, your body will greatly appreciate these moments of tranquility. Book the service on Klook for the best prices.
2. Explore Nature with Exciting New Activities
One of the reasons travelers can't help but love Phuket is its diverse ecosystem, with nature's colors changing throughout the day. What could be better than getting up close to this travel paradise through ATV off-road tours in the countryside, trying out the hanging bridge, or challenging yourself with zipline adventures? This is an ideal Phuket travel suggestion for groups and families with children aged 8 and above.
3. Eat, Eat Again & Keep Eating
The list of delicious Thai dishes in Phuket can turn any #teamKlook member into a certified foodie. Not an exaggeration at all! There are countless top-notch eateries in Phuket, but one place you can't overlook is Naughty Nuri's In The Forest - with a menu of flavorful, spice-infused ribs, adorned with a hint of Bali but still distinctly Thai. Grab a voucher now to savor and review these exquisite dishes with your close friends.
Airlines with Direct Flights to Phuket (Updated 14/07)
To participate in the Phuket Sandbox program, you need to book flights from airlines with direct flights to the 'sandbox.' Here are some names for #teamKlook to consider.
- Thai Airways
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- EVA Air
- British Airways
- Emirates
- … (continuously updated)
Phuket Sandbox - or Phuket Sandbox - opens up new opportunities for travel enthusiasts to continue the story of exploring the world that has been on hold since early 2020. Don't forget to follow Klook Vietnam's Blog for the latest updates on Phuket Sandbox as well as hot domestic and international travel information.
What are your thoughts on the Phuket Sandbox program? Share it with Klook!
