Catch up on our virtual reader event: Thailand is back!

Missed our Thailand virtual reader event? You can see a full recording and all the highlights here...

4 mins

The Thailand virtual reader event transported us all from our living rooms to the sugary-white sands, elephant-stomped forests, clear waters and smiley faces of this beautiful country. We found out the winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards and learned what we can expect from a rejuvenated, rested, cleaner, less crowded and more beautiful Thailand. If you missed the event or had to leave early, you can watch the full recording here...

Watch the full recording

Your questions answered

 

Is Thailand open?
Thailand’s reopening started back in July with Phuket and then it was extended to a few more destinations, and in November all places in Thailand were opened up. Thailand reopened in a very slow and responsible way. This is a sign of Thailand’s commitment of wanting to do things in the right and safe way. You need a negative PCR test on arrival and you need to be fully vaccinated. Once you have arrived, you will wait at your hotel room for one night until you get your negative test result from a test taken on arrival. After that you are free to go where you want. 

Are there strict Covid restrictions in place?
Thailand has been on an amazing trajectory of reducing cases and deaths from Covid, so cases are very low at the moment. I would definitely rather be in and would feel safer in Thailand right now.

What was it like when Mark visit two months ago?
A lot of places such as bars and nightclubs were closed and there seemed to be more travellers there wanting a cultural experience rather than just a beach holiday. I felt like there was a new energy around all the places I visited and there was a real excitement about seeing people back. Now is a great time to visit because you have a chance to get there before the crowds get there and have the main sites almost to yourself. In 2022, you will be able to see Thailand in a way that you wouldn’t have been able to for such a long time.

What is the minimum time needed in Thailand?
Around 10 –12 nights is the minimum time you need if you want to move around and see the islands as well as Bangkok, and also the north of the country. However it's an amazing country and it is worth slowing down and spending longer if you can.

Where would you recommend travelling with children in Thailand?
Chiang Mai is a great option as there are a wealth of activities for children. Chiang Rai is also a good choice as you have the forest where you can see elephants at an elephant sanctuary. If you stay at the Antara hotel, then you can book one of their experiences to spend a night in one of their ‘Jungle Bubbles’, which allows you to wake up right next to the elephants. You have to be staying at the hotel to be able to book these and they need to be booked well in advance.

We're heading to Thailand for a month. How would you recommend splitting the time? We are particularly interested in island recommendations as there are so many!

One amazing place is Koh Yao Noi, which is an island just off Phuket that’s really beautiful with great landscapes behind it. The trick, however, is to produce a brief of what kind of islands you want and you can find somewhere perfectly suited to you. You can reach out to Abercrombie and Kent who will be able to tailor-make an itinerary for you as Thailand is blessed with so many options. 

What is the best island for snorkelling and unspoilt coral reefs?
For snorkelling head to the Similan Islands. Koh Tao is a mecca for people who are learning to dive.

What is Thailand like for vegetarians?
It is very easy to be a vegetarian in Thailand because rather than being offered substitute products, you actually get incredible Thai cookery that is vegetarian anyway. Expect beautifully spiced and flavoured food with protein such as tofu and beancurd. The one thing to watch out for is the fish sauce which is used in a lot of the dishes.

What would you recommend as an ideal itinerary?
Neill recommends spending  time in Bangkok, Chiang Rai (staying at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort), Chiang Mai and then heading to the beach. Which beach to go to will depend on the time of year you are travelling and whether you are after a quiet area or an island with some local life. The Abercrombie & Kent Classic Thailand itinerary has some great ideas on how to spend your time in Thailand.  

What do our experts recommend? 

Neill: Make sure you see a bit of daily life, local culture and see how people live. A great way to do that is by visiting the markets, especially in Bangkok where there is a hive of activity. If you go with a guide then they can help you to meet and talk with local people.

Mark: Go on a back-road cycling tour in Bangkok with ABC Cycling. They will take you down the canals, past un-touristy floating markets, and it’s an amazing way to see the inner guts of Bangkok. My ultimate dream, however is to go up to Elephant Nature Park where they have over 100 elephants that have been rescued throughout the pandemic. They also have three extremely cute babies!

Chris: You have to see the national parks. They are stunning and they are even better now than they have ever been before. Also, the oceans are in a great state compared to what they were just a few years ago. One great example is Maya Bay, which was closed a couple of years ago. The life has come back in an amazing way, and it is something Thailand is determined to keep hold of and look after.

See the winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards

What did you have to say? 

Another inspirational  travel webinar. Thanks all.

As always, a great session. Enjoyable and informative. Thanks everyone.

I've never been to Thailand but it's been on my list of places to go visit, especially trekking in the NE. This was useful and as usual a lovely presentation to introduce us all.

Great virtual event thanks.

Thanks very much, very interesting.

Some great ideas, thank you everyone.

Very informative night.  Thanks everyone.

Great session ... thanks to everyone!

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