You’ve made it through the past 18 months. It’s time to get away abroad.
Yes, you read that right - abroad! Travel is back, baby. Phuket is now open to vaccinated travelers who can book a 14-day vacation on Thailand’s largest island with no need to quarantine.
That means fun, sun and sand are no longer just things to daydream about in Zoom meetings. Come on, you’ve earned this.
Welcome to the Phuket Sandbox
Photo credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-on-beach-5312137/
A must-go for any travel bucket list, Phuket is one of the greatest beach destinations in the world. Fine white sand? Check. Mesmerising seas? Of course. In fact, there’s more than 30 beaches to choose from - good luck seeing them all during your stay.
And if you ever need a break from taking a break at the beach, just head down to Phuket’s lively and colorful downtown for culture, markets and museums. But what really makes Phuket stand out as a destination is that you can actually go there.
Who can go to the Sandbox
Anyone who’s fully vaccinated and traveling from a list of 68 medium- or low-risk countries can travel to Phuket without quarantine. Find out if you’re eligible here.
Where to stay in Phuket: SHA Plus Hotels
Fishermen's Harbour Urban Resort
After you’ve arrived and taken your first COVID test at the airport, take an SHA Plus-certified airport transfer and get yourself quickly and safely to your hotel.
For safety, you’ll need to book accommodation with a SHA Plus certificate - these are hotels that meet the basic hygiene standards outlined by the authorities and with at least 70% of staff members vaccinated.
And of course, you can find your ideal SHA Plus hotel on Klook no matter if you’re looking for luxury beach resorts, private villas or affordable stays. Plus, you can get an extra 5% off your booking with the promo code HOTELS5OFF.
What you can do in Phuket
All right, after you’re tested and checked in, what’s there to do in Phuket? Well, a lot! And Klooks’ got all the best SHA Plus experiences. Here’s a handful of activities to get you started.
Self-care and downtime
Pullman Spa
If your work-from-home set up did a number on your back, try the Pullman Spa. A team of trained therapists will treat you how you deserve to be treated with replenishing natural products. Or there’s Kim's Massage with an hour-long aroma therapy session that will make you feel like you again.
Out of lockdown and looking for adventure
Hanuman World
But Phuket isn’t just Thai massages and relaxing beaches. For thrill-seekers with 18 months of pent-up energy, ride an ATV through Phuket’s countryside (don’t worry, you don’t need any driving experience) or glide through the air on a zipline. Ah, adrenaline, we meet again.
I'm just here for the food
Sears & Co.
You’re gonna work up a big appetite after all that adventure (or lazing around). There’s so many things to try in Phuket - too much to squeeze into this blog post - but the two places you must try are Sears & Co., for its pan-Asian and Western food and Roost Glamping Cafe & Bar for its all-day breakfast, healthy snacks and coffee.
After Phuket, what next?
Once you’ve done your 14 days in Phuket, you’re welcome to visit the county’s other amazing destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai - or any part of Thailand you want. After all, if you’re already there, so why not?
Make your Sandbox experience a safe one
When you’re trying all the different things to do and eat in Phuket, it’s easy to forget that we’re now traveling in the new normal.
So pack plenty of face masks, hand sanitizer and make sure you’re up to date with the latest safety measures.
Airlines with direct flights to Phuket
One more thing before you book - you’ll need to get a direct flight to Phuket to enter the Sandbox (at least there’s no layovers with pricey airport food, hey?).
Airlines with direct flights to Phuket (Updated July 14):
- Thai Airways
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- EVA Air
- British Airways
- Emirates
Ready to travel again?
So now you’ve got the lowdown on the Sandbox, where to start? We’ve got step-by-step instructions for applying for your COE (the document that will grant you entrance into Phuket).
Once you’ve got all of your travel documents together, make your hotel and transportation plans with our complete booking guide.
And remember, Klook’s always here to make your leap back into travel a safe and fun one.
