[UPDATED] Everything you need to know about SHA Plus Hotels in Thailand

You’ve probably heard that Thailand is opening its gates to visitors this year. And you’re right! Early 2021, The Land of Smiles started welcoming tourists once again to select locations after almost a year of closing its borders. If you’re planning to visit Thailand soon, there are some paperwork and procedures that you’ll need to take care of before actually stepping into the country. One of which is staying at a SHA+ hotel. Before booking your accommodation, read on and see what SHA is all about.

SHA stands for Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA). It’s a project by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Public Health, as well as government and private sectors involved in tourism to prepare Thailand for the new normal of travel. 

The group established the SHA criteria that various businesses, services, and tourism establishments must achieve to ensure that they are ready to serve the public in the new normal. They aim to boost confidence among local and foreign travelers that these businesses are certified to operate during the pandemic and are following the necessary safety and health protocols mandated by the Ministry of Public Health.

There are three different types of SHA certifications for accommodations in Thailand. 

The first and most basic of three is SHA. It includes the basic safety and health standards that establishments, in general, must practice to be able to provide service to the public. These include regularly cleaning various areas of the facility, posting safety signages, placement of sanitizers available for guests to use, among others. Read up about the complete list of SHA criteria for accommodations for more information.

SHA+ (SHA Plus) must follow the same SHA-established protocols, and at least 70% of their staff must be fully vaccinated. The rest of their unvaccinated workers are not allowed to have close contact with the guests. These staff members are also required to be prepared with COVID-19 emergency solutions. SHA+ hotels in Thailand are also the only establishments allowed to provide the SHABA certificate to visitors entering the country.

Finally, SHA++ (SHA Extra Plus) certification is granted to hotels that passed the SHA+ criteria and are also partnered with certified hospitals for the RT-PCR test.

NOTE: Starting 1 Apr 2022, visitors will no longer be required to present a pre-flight negative RT-PCR Test but they will still have to go through the required tests of the entry program they're using to enter the country. On 1 May 2022, the test that you have to take upon arrival will be switched from an RT-PCR Test to an Antigen Test Kit and it will be conducted by a professional)

If you’re a fully vaccinated tourist residing from ANY country or territory, you’ll need to book stay at a SHA++ accommodation while waiting for the result of your COVID-19 test. Your number of days are dependent on if you’re traveling under the TEST & GO or the Sandbox Program. If you are unvaccinated, you’re required to quarantine at Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities for 10 days.

Before booking your preferred accommodation, make sure that the SHA+ hotel you’re staying in can issue the SHABA certificate, which you’ll need for your COE application.

Here are a few zones in Thailand that you can choose to enter from and some top SHA+ hotels in the area to spend your first few days in the country

For many travelers eager to explore Thailand again, the country’s capital is a popular first stop. Bangkok is home to Thailand’s most renowned tourist attractions, from the jaw-dropping Grand Palace to the busy Chatuchak Market. You’ll really never run out of things to do here, whatever your interests may be. It’s also filled with incredible accommodations, so finding a SHA Plus hotel in Bangkok is easy. Here are some of the top choices in the area:

If you prefer to spend your first few days in Thailand basking in its beautiful beaches, you can also enter through Phuket. The Kingdom’s largest island has long been a favorite destination by many because of its kilometers-long shores and year-round tropical climate. Right after your mandatory quarantine, you can visit the Big Buddha, meet one of nature’s gentlest giants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, or get lost at A-Maze-in-Phuket. You can also start your holiday early at any of these gorgeous SHA Plus hotels in Phuket:

You may also check our platform for more SHA++ Phuket hotel choices as well as RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen tests!

Another option for beach lovers entering Thailand is the coastal town of Krabi. Located in the southern part of the country, Krabi is known for its natural beauty. From its lush forests, secret lagoons to internationally-acclaimed beaches, you’ll have a lot of things to see here after your government-mandated quarantine. But before heading to your epic adventure, here are the SHA Plus hotels in Krabi that you can stay at upon your arrival:

For travelers coming in from the eastern part of Thailand, another zone you can consider is Pattaya. Although it started out as a quaint fishing village, Pattaya now thrives as one of the country's top tourist destinations. Here, you can find gorgeous beaches filled with high-end resorts, magnificent temples like the Sanctuary of Truth, and the refreshing Nong Nooch Tropical Garden! Start your holiday on a high note and stay at any of these SHA Plus hotels in Pattaya:

Another great option for travelers entering Thailand is Chiang Mai. The historic city is well-known for its collection of century-old temples including Doi Suthep and Wat Phrathat Doi Kham. But more than its well-preserved treasures, Chiang Mai is also a great place for nature lovers! A visit here wouldn’t be complete without a day’s hike at Doi Inthanon National Park or a fun hike at the Sticky Waterfall at Bua Tong! But before filling up your itinerary, best to relax first at these SHA Plus hotels in Chiang Mai: