Experience Asia News Update May 2022 - Experience Travel Asia

Welcome to our ‘Experience Asia’ News Update for May 2022

Apologies for the lateness of sending the newsletter out but we were waiting for news about the cancellation of the ‘Thailand Pass’ to enter Thailand, which we expected to happen by June 01st

Unfortunately, this did not happen but the ‘Thailand Pass’ has been amended by the Thai Government, with much easier conditions to apply. Please see the details below

THAILAND

Thailand Pass

As of 1 June 2022 new, simplified ‘Thailand Pass’ registration and entry rules for international arrivals come into effect. Travellers are still required to apply for a ‘Thailand Pass’, but will only need to provide passport details, vaccination proof, and a US$10,000 health insurance policy. The system will then automatically issue a Thailand Pass QR code for the applicants and there is no more pre-arrival PCR test required for fully vaccinated travellers.

Southern Thai Islands

Several islands off the Krabi coastline in Thailand will be closed to tourism temporarily for rehabilitation. The ‘Mu Ko Lanta’ National Park islands of ‘Rok Nai Island’, ‘Rok Nok Island’, ‘Hngai Island’, ‘Hah Island’, ‘Hin Daeng Hin Muang’, and ‘Khao Mai Kaew Caves’ will stay closed until October 14, 2022.

It follows news that ‘Maya Bay’ (famous from the movie ‘The Beach’) will close again from August to September, 2022. ‘Maya Bay’ only reopened in January after a three-year closure to allow its marine and land habitat to grow after years of over-tourism.

Hotels (our choice) – The Capella Bangkok

‘The Capella Bangkok’, one of the latest in the Capella family of hotels, is sleek, chic and minimalist. This is a true hotel for the 21st Century and one of our favorites in Bangkok

‘Capella’, is in the same complex as the ‘Four Seasons Bangkok’, the ‘Capella Bangkok’ has only 101 rooms, all of them overlooking the beautiful Chao Phraya River.

Hotels – Kamalaya Koh Sami

‘Kamalaya Samui’, has been recognized as one of most highly regarded wellness resorts in Asia.

At the 2022 ‘World Spa & Wellness Awards’, hosted in London on 3rd April 2022, ‘Kamalaya’ received (for the fourth time) the honor of being named ‘Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year'.

Products – Mega Water Park in Phuket

Phuket’s newest water theme park ‘Andamanda Phuket’, opened on 21 May at a site between the main tourism hubs of Phuket Town and Patong Beach

This will be a Thai heritage-themed water park with more than 12 water slides and 36 activities are the core attractions plus entertainment spaces and retail outlets. A 300-room internationally-branded hotel is planned for phase two.

Thailand Nightlife

Thailand’s government is allowing bars, pubs and karaoke clubs to restart regular operations. Entertainment venues can stay open serving alcohol until midnight as from June 1.

Thai nightlife is a major draw for tourists in our major destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Samui

VIETNAM

Entry Conditions

Vietnam has removed Covid-19 test requirements pre-flight and on arrival into the country for all travelers after infection rates and Covid-19 fatalities fell significantly.

Government channels announced the suspension of tests for arriving visitors on 13 May, but the rule came into effect for travelers entering the country at 0001 on 15 May.

Golf in Vietnam

Despite not yet being a ‘pro’ golf destination, Vietnam still makes an amazing option for your customers’ next golf holiday thanks to its diverse landscape, weather, and golf courses that come with exceptional service. Regardless of what time of year you travel to Vietnam, customers will always come away with an unforgettable golf experience.

Vietnam is so rich in culture across its three main geographical regions: North Central and South

The cultural differences are reflected through each region’s cuisines, lifestyles, and even religious practices, making Vietnam perfect for all golf and non-golf travelers

INDONESIA

Entry Conditions

Indonesia is set to ease its pandemic rules by making mask wearing outdoors optional and scrapping the testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers, according to a Bloomberg report.

When that mandate takes place, which could be as soon as 01 June, Indonesia will be on a par with the travel entry regulations currently in place across other major destinations in Southeast Asia.

Travelers must show physical or digital evidence in English that the visitor is fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure

Flight News

Emirates landed again in Denpasar this month, as demand grows in line with eased travel restrictions.

A water cannon salute inaugurated the airline’s return followed by a cake cutting ceremony.

The resumption of Emirates’ services to Bali, comes as the carrier ramps up global operations.

The airline is currently operating five-weekly services, and will scale up to daily service starting from 1 July 2022.

LAOS

Entry Conditions

Laos has dropped Covid-19 entry restrictions for fully vaccinated tourists after the country reported falling coronavirus cases and deaths.

Proof of vaccination is required and all travelers are encouraged to purchase insurance

Cycling Tour Around Laos

For adventurers with a reasonable level of fitness, we recommend an ‘8 day cycling tour around Laos’

Our partners operate an exciting program taking in ‘Vientiane’, ‘Muang Xai’, ‘Pak Beng’’ and Luang Prabang’. The scenery along the way is lush and un-spoilt with some of the finest temples in South East Asia. Please contact us for more details

With the removal of strict entry regulations, there has never been a better time to holiday in South-East Asia, and we look forward to welcoming your travelers back to our idyllic destinations

Wishing you all Happy Travels