Firstly, we wish you all a Happy Lunar New Year for the start of ‘The Year of the Tiger’ on February 01st, 2022
We truly hope that the year ahead will bring you Peace, Good Health and Happiness
THAILAND
Test and Go Program (returning)
We are expecting very good news soon as Thailand is considering bringing back the ‘Test and Go’ program for tourists. This would mean that fully vaccinated tourists would not have to quarantine on entering the Kingdom. We expect this to be officially announced to start on 01st February 2022
‘Test and Go’ was suspended late in December over concerns about the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, which has not caused many problems in Thailand
Sandbox Program
From January 11th fully vaccinated travelers can now enter Phuket, Krabi, Phan-Nga, and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Phan-Ngan, and Ko Tao) under the sandbox program. This means no quarantine, but a minimum of 7 nights must be booked at approved hotels
Tourism Fee
Thailand is planning to collect a THB300 (USD9) fee from all foreign tourists from April to develop attractions and cover accident insurance for foreigners
The new fee will be priced in with airline tickets and is part of the government’s sustainable tourism plans
Maya Bay
Thailand’s famed Maya Bay is again welcoming tourists. The beauty spot on Phi Phi Lay in the Andaman Sea has been closed to visitors for over three years.
The break from tourists has helped Maya Bay heal naturally with coral regrowth and the return of sharks
There is a strict limit of only 375 visitors allowed at any one time in the bay
Pandaw Cruise
Historic river cruise company, Pandaw’ has announces a re-launching of their operations in Asia
Pandaw had been badly hurt by the closure of destinations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and India as well as the political and humanitarian crises in Myanmar.
However, Pandaw is reopening its 2022-23 season with Thailand, India and Cambodia. The cruises will be available to fully vaccinated travelers.
Avani+ Koh Lanta
The newly opened five-star ‘Avani+ Koh Lanta Resort’ offers guests a hilltop hideaway overlooking the Andaman Sea
Inspiration from the heritage of Lanta Old Town has been incorporated into the design of the resort’s 92 guest rooms, suites and private pool villas
Lanta island is located 70km south of Krabi International Airport, accessible via a 15-minute ferry ride
Banyan Tree New brand in Phuket
Banyan Tree Group debuts its newest HOMM brand with a 71-key contemporary beachfront property located on Patong beach in Phuket Island
The newly opened HOMM Bliss South-beach Patong features stylish, affordable accommodations.
Jetstar
Jetstar’s first flight to Phuket since borders reopened recently departing from Sydney and Melbourne
This is the first time Jetstar has flown to Thailand since March 26th 2020.
Lunar New Year
Thailand holidays for the Lunar New Year will be from 01-03 February
VIETNAM
When entering Vietnam through the border gate of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, travelers entering the country must register a personal QR code by installing and using the PC-COVID application, or by accessing the COVID-19 Safety Portal at https://antoan-covid.tphcm.gov.vn
All travelers must be fully-vaccinated and upon arrival to Vietnam, there will be a compulsory Covid PCR test
If the test result is negative, travelers will be transferred to their accommodation for 3 day quarantine with a 2nd test on day 3
If the test result is positive, the individual will be immediately isolated and transferred to a hospital for treatment and 14-day quarantine
Best Western Hotels
Best Western Hotels & Resorts has signed two new projects in Vietnam
Ho Tram, a beachfront resort town just 110 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
Charm Resort Ho Tram, BW Premier Collection by Best Western and Charm Resort Ho Tram, offering more than 1,000 rooms, suites and villas across the two properties.
Charm Resort Ho Tram, BW Premier Collection by Best Western, will offer 458 rooms and suites plus 90 villas
Vietjet
From January 2022, Vietjet has resumed regular international flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo Narita International Airport, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore and Bangkok
Flight schedules are available on Vietjet’s website, official mobile app and Facebook page, and at booking offices and official agencies
TET Holidays
Holidays in Vietnam for the ‘Tet’ Festival (Lunar New Year) will be from 29 Jan-5 Feb
LAOS
From 1st January 2022, tourists from selected countries will be able to visit the major Laos tourist destinations of Vientiane and Luang Prabang
The entry rules are as follows:
-Travelers are required to have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no less than 14 days prior to arrival.
-Negative RT-PCR test taken within the last 72 hours
-Health insurance policy with coverage no less than USD 50,000
-Travelers are required to download and register via the ‘Lao KYC’ and the ‘LaoStaySafe’ mobile applications prior to arriving in the country, as well as uploading their relevant vaccination certification and Covid-19 test results.
-Upon arrival travelers are required to be tested for Covid-19 and placed in a 24-hour quarantine in their hotel while waiting for the results.
CAMBODIA
In celebration of Cambodia reopening to vaccinated international travelers without quarantine from January 01, 2022, Accor has launched it’s ‘For the Love of Captivating Cambodia’ campaign in hopes of inspiring travelers to explore the country’s renowned heritage sites, such as ‘Angor Wat’ and an extensive array of experiences around the Kingdom
Under the campaign, guests staying at any of the Accor properties across Cambodia will be rewarded with USD 50 in-hotel credits per night, that can be used on meals, beverages or spa treatments.
INDONESIA
Indonesia has updated their entry requirements from January 12th as follows:
-Entry must be through Airport Entry points in Bali and Kepulauan Riau and tourists must:
-Follow the requirements on PCR Test and Showing COVID-19 Vaccination proof as required
-Must be able to show appropriate visa based on regulation
-Proof of having Health Insurance with coverage minimum USD100,000
-Proof of accommodation booking while staying in Indonesia from the accommodation provider
Our pricing tariffs are now available for 2022, so if you wish to receive a password to access our products, please contact me at stephen@experiencetravel.asia
Wishing you all a Safe and Happy ‘Year of the Tiger’
Stephen McEvoy / Managing Director
EXPERIENCE ASIA
Travel adventures in Thailand, Indochina and Indonesia
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