Precious retreats
Banwa Private Island, the Philippines
Located in North-eastern Palawan in the Sulu Sea, Banwa Private Island promises absolute privacy, vast space and intense pampering with six contemporary beachfront pool villas. The island resort welcomes no more than 22 guests, and takes them into the embrace of a protected marine and nature reserve.
Banwa Private Island offers bubble travel for multi-generation family reunions, getaways with friends, and corporate events.
A Destination Dining option serves up various gourmet experiences on the island, through the help of private chefs.
Access: Ascent Flights Global charters direct flights to the island resort, via an eight-seat seaplane from Manila as well as helicopters for up to 10 passengers.
Buyout possibility: Yes
Activities: There are infinite opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Go on dive trips to Tubbataha Reef and Banwa’s surrounding areas, cruise around in the Wajer 38 Banwajer, or spend a night on the Lagoon 630 Catamaran.
Alternatively, land recreation comes in the form of stargazing, bird watching, hiking, tennis, golf on Banwa’s nine-hole course, spa retreats, or fitness work-outs in the Pilates studio or gym.
Sustainability bonus: The island’s owners established the Aquos Foundation to support, nurture and protect the island’s delicate ecosystems, including the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle.
Aquos’ Reef Balls programme helps stimulate reef regeneration off the South-western shores of the island, and has to date funded the deployment of over 200 structures, which are promoting significant coral growth in the area.
Aquos also pursues nationally-recognised research programmes, guided by world-leading experts, including studies into the native Tabon Bird and Mantanani Scops Owl, and preservation of the indigenous beach forests where they nest.
Makepeace Island, Australia
Makepeace Island is Australia’s answer to a proper celebrity-style escape. Known as Sir Richard Branson’s private hideaway, the heart-shaped island located on the Noosa River on Sunshine Coast in Queensland promises to be a sanctuary of seclusion, presumably from pesky paparazzi.
Three tropical-inspired luxury villas, four rooms in the Island House, and a unique Boathouse lets you host up to 20 guests at a time in an exclusive island rental. There’s an extensive range of onsite facilities including tennis courts, swimming pools, water sports and yoga.
Access: Get there by private boat transfer from Noosa Heads, which is just minutes away.
Buyout possibility: Yes. Island hire comes with your own restaurant and an executive chef who will co-create culinary adventures with the guest. Meals are sourced from local organic producers across the region, and the team can organise masterclass experiences.
Activities: For those feeling a little more adventurous, there are unique experiences and activities, such as walks through the World Heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island) and Great Sandy National Park, beach horse riding on North Shore’s white sand dunes, circumnavigating the island on board a Hobie cat, scenic flights or heli-rides.
Moturua Island, New Zealand
Designed by famous New Zealand architect Pete Bossley, this private retreat in Bay of Islands boasts a stunning beachside house that gives visitors access to walking tracks with scenes echoing from the Lord of the Rings movies.
Featuring a sprawling multi-split level living area, all four of the retreat’s beautifully appointed bedrooms open to a private terrace and ocean views. There’s also a separate guest house with two additional bedrooms, taking total guest capacity to 14.
Access: Only by boat or helicopter, with the option of keeping the helicopter and its pilot onsite during one’s stay.
Buyout possibility: Yes
Activities: Ocean lovers will enjoy exploring the property’s underground boat shed with a treasure trove of toys like fishing gear, paddle boards, sea kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
A helicopter can also be arranged to take guests to Moturua Island which has world-class golf courses and a day spa. Island cruises and deep sea fishing for adrenaline seekers are on offer too.
Sustainability bonus: The island is connected to New Zealand’s indigenous people and its maintenance is undertaken by the Department of Conservation.
Nikoi Island and Cempedak Island, Indonesia
Two private island resorts run by the same operator, both Nikoi Island and Cempedak Island offer a laidback luxury vibe. Nikoi Island was built with driftwood and alang alang grass roofs, while Cempedak Island used bamboo.
Each have found favour with different traveller segments; Nikoi Island is a hit with families, while Cempedak Island’s 16-year-old minimum age limit for all guests earns it loyalty among holidaymakers desiring greater privacy and exclusion.
Both islands are situated within a marine protected area that has a fascinating array of rare and endangered species.
Great pride is taken in serving guests delicious Indonesian dishes — both Nikoi Island and Cempedak Island use organic ingredients harvested from their own farm on nearby mainland Bintan.
Access: The islands are a 2.5-hour journey from Singapore via Bintan by ferry, car and speedboat, with the option for private boats that journey from Singapore right to the island.
Buyout possibility: Yes
Activities: A range of activities is available to keep guests busy, from snorkelling, diving, kayaking and windsurfing to rock climbing, mountain biking, guided nature walks and cooking classes. Young guests can enjoy fun programmes at the kids club on Nikoi Island.
Sustainability bonus: The island operators are committed to running a sustainable operation that has a positive impact on the local environment and community. Their efforts have earned the islands many awards.
The operators helped to establish and raise funds for three different local foundations. The Island Foundation was established over 10 years ago to help improve education standards on Bintan. Next is Yayasan Ecology, founded a couple of years ago to improve management of the Marine Protected Area that both islands are located within.
The most recent initiative is to support Seven Clean Seas in establishing a local NGO to do coastal clean-ups in the area. Through this effort, resort staff and Seven Clean Seas have collected over 200 tonnes of plastic waste over the last 18 months.
Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia
Pangkor Laut Resort in Perak is nestled in a two million year-old rainforest, on a private island fringed by white sandy beaches and emerald waters.
Guests looking for total relaxation amid nature will find bliss on this private island, which is also home to a variety of wildlife, ranging from the long tailed macaques, oriental pied hornbills, white-bellied sea eagles, and large monitor lizards. Should fortune shine, one might spot tiny black-tip reef sharks darting between the corals.
The resort offers 137 villas, three suites and eight estates.
Access: AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines flies from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor Island. From there, a 10-minute ferry ride takes guests to Marina Island Pangkor jetty for the check-in process and another 20-minute speedboat ride to the resort.
Buyout possibility: Yes
Activities: Unwind at the spa or on a sunset cruise that comes with tipples and canapes, or join a naturalist on a jungle trek to learn about the local flora and fauna. Not to be missed is the Chef’s Kitchen Experience, a memorable in-house local cooking activity that begins with guests catching their own fish from a floating fish farm.
Pangulasian Island, El Nido Resorts, the Philippines
Pangulasian Island, El Nido Resorts in Palawan’s Bacuit Bay boasts a 750m stretch of white sand beach set against a tropical forest backdrop. Sunrise and sunset views are stunning here. The resort’s 42 well-appointed villas feature contemporary Filipino and eco-friendly design.
Access: Airswift flies from Manila to Lio airport in El Nido. From there, Pangulasian Island is just a short car and boat ride away.
Buyout possibility: Yes
Activities: Resort guests take it slow and easy with low-impact nature-based activities that are also low in carbon footprint, such as island hopping, kayaking, lagoons tour, scuba diving, snorkelling in secret spots, and going around in coracle boats. There are no jet-skis and other motorised marine sports equipment.
A luxurious spa retreat awaits those wanting to untie stress knots. There are also options for guests to play a game of billiards and darts, or read in the library.
Sustainability bonus: As part of El Nido Resorts, Pangulasian Island is big on operating with the least impact on the environment while respecting local people and culture. The Be G.R.E.E.N. (Guard, Respect, Educate El Nido) programme trains all staff on ecological waste management, water, energy and biodiversity conservation, and environmental laws.
It has several nature conservation and protection projects running, such as the Marine Turtle Conservation Program and El Nido Biodiversity Online which tracks El Nido’s flora and fauna.
Only sustainable menus are available, with ingredients locally and organically produced or raised.
Guest amenities, such as bags and slippers, are produced by women in the local villages.
Rebak Island Resort & Marina, Malaysia
Recognised as Langkawi’s only exclusive resort located on a private island, the 94-key Rebak Island Resort & Marina overlooks the Andaman Sea and is surrounded by a 100 million year-old rainforest. Accommodation is spread out in chalet blocks, with spacious seaview rooms available for couples and generous suites for families.
Access: A 20-minute car ride takes guests from Langkawi International Airport to Port Cenang, and a seven-minute boat transfer onwards to the island.
Buyout possibility: Yes
Activities: The island resort is a dream-come-true for nature lovers. A guided nature trail runs from the resort lobby through the island. Adventurous guests may hike down a two-hour-long return trail adjacent to the marina and discover the red grotto beach.
There are also options for private yacht charters to explore the many uninhabited islands that surround Langkawi, and to pair that with a picnic and snorkelling.
Cook with Chef programmes are popular with travellers keen to learn about the local cuisine.
After a day of activities, a therapeutic spa treatment is a great way to unwind.
Sustainability bonus: The resort supports sustainable operations and is certified by Earth Check.
Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort, the Philippines
Nestled in the clear blue waters of Culion in Palawan is the Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort, one of the biggest single privately-owned island resorts in the region. Set across 18 hectares of lush forests, hills and gardens are 55 villas with 99 rooms as well as nine restaurants.
The resort is strategically designed to give guests a 360-degree view of the Calamian group of islands.
All villas are architecturally designed to offer guests views of the ocean, sunrise or sunset. Sirakan Villas, set over the water on stilts, offer a fun way to stay, with glass-bottom floors allowing guests to gaze at teeming marine life beneath.
Access: Sister company Sunlight Air operates hour-long flights from its private hangars in Manila and Clark to Busuanga airport in Palawan.
Commercial flights are also available to Busuanga from Manila, Cebu, Clark, El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Boracay via Manila.
From Busuanga, a private van and motorised speedboat take guests to the resort.
Buyout possibility: Yes
Activities: Within the resort, guests can enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as an infinity pool, spa, gym, and the Ocean Wave KTV karaoke room. Active folks can cycle around the resort, while those preferring sedentary pastimes have billiard, chess and games to while away their time.
Fun extends beyond resort grounds, as the waters surrounding the island can be explored by yacht. Diving and snorkelling in World War II shipwrecks, glass bottom rides, and water play on towables, hydrobobs, jetskis, banana boats, aquajets, and Molokini clear kayaks form the many options available to sunseekers.
Sustainability bonus: Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort was built with sustainable materials, while resort amenities such as beach baskets and espadrilles were handcrafted by local women in Samar and Liliw.
The resort conducts regular ocean and beaches clean-ups, and guests are obliged to follow the resort’s protocols in conserving and preserving the natural environment.
Coming up soon are an organic farm and butterfly sanctuary.
Longhaul markets lead tourism recovery for the Philippines
Having reopened to international tourists over two months ago, the Philippines is discovering that fewer travel restrictions in the west are helping to bring in the first wave of tourists.
Rajah Tour president Jojo Clemente has seen arrivals coming from the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and other longhaul markets.
“It’s easier for them to leave (for overseas trips) and return home,” he told TTG Asia.
In comparison, Asian markets “have been more conservative in terms of health and safety protocols compared to the west”, hence the reluctance to travel, he added.
While the Philippines used to benefit from top tourism source markets South Korea and Japan, both countries are still battling Covid surges, causing residents to be hesitant about travelling. China, the Philippines’ fastest growing and biggest source market, also has a tough zero Covid-19 policy that requires long quarantine period when citizens return from abroad, pointed out Arfel Travel and Tours’ president Fe Abling-Yu.
Abling-Yu and Clemente predicted that arrivals from South-east Asia and the rest of Asia will follow as travel requirements in their respective countries loosen up.
In better times, arrivals from Asia used to comprise at least 60 per cent of total foreign arrivals in the Philippines. That has declined to just 55.67 per cent in 2020.
Abling-Yu said that while the US is coming up, many of them are balikbayans or returning Filipinos while tourists from the UK, France and other parts of EU are trickling in.
The Philippines can look to other source markets like India, Israel, the Middle East, and Taiwan where travel freedom has returned.
Clemente revealed that there has been a “steady stream” of enquiries from India ever since the Philippines permitted visa-required nationalities to enter April 1.
“So, I see some pick up from that sooner than later.”
“Israel has also started to send enquiries, along with GCC countries like the UAE and Qatar,” Clemente added.
Emirates ramps up global operations
In a bid to rebuild its global network to meet growing travel demand, Emirates will restart operations to Bali, London Stansted, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires progressively from May 1, as well as boost the frequency of flights to Nigeria, Mauritius and Singapore.
Starting from May 1, Emirates will operate five weekly flights to Bali, utilising a two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and further scale that up to a weekly service.
From August 1, the airline will resume operations to London Stansted with five weekly flights, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that will come with First Class cabins. The route will be served daily from September 1.
Emirates will serve the UK with 110 weekly flights by October this year, to hubs such as London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Come November 2, Emirates will operate four weekly flights to Buenos Aires via Rio de Janeiro on the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and scale that up to a daily service.
Meanwhile, to cater to rising demand, services to Nigeria’s Lagos will be ramped up to 11 weekly flights from July 1 and double daily from September 1. Services to Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, will be operated five times weekly from May 1 and then daily from September 1.
Services to Mauritius will go from daily to nine weekly flights between April 9 and end-June, and then scaled up further to double daily from July.
The airline will also increase passenger services to Singapore from seven weekly flights, to 14 weekly flights, starting from June 23.
Go City appoints new SVP to lead commercial growth in APAC
Go City is planning a strategic expansion into new Asia-Pacific markets and has appointed Baidi Li as its new senior vice president of commercial, APAC.
She will focus on expanding Go City’s product footprint, building regional customer acquisition capabilities, and deepening localisation efforts.
Bringing deep industry experience to the Go City team, Li plans to build upon the existing success of Sydney, Singapore and Bangkok products, and grow the product offering in other key destinations, including Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Prior to joining Go City, Li held leadership positions with Viator, Tripadvisor, Magpie Travel and Intrepid Travel.
Oceania Cruises gets a new culinary director
Oceania Cruises has appointed chef Alexis Quaretti as director of culinary programmes and development. Previously senior executive chef for Oceania Cruises, Quaretti will now oversee all aspects of the development, introduction, and implementation of new concepts across the line’s seven ships and 12 restaurant brands.
Quaretti first joined Oceania Cruises in 2004 and was soon promoted to executive chef at the young age of 27.
“We welcome Chef Alexis, one of the most influential chefs in hospitality, back to the Oceania Cruises family with open arms,” said Howard Sherman, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “He brings a unique perspective to the role, having been an integral part of our growth and prowess over the last 20 years helping build our reputation for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea.
New hotels: Radisson Resort Phan Thiet, Māua Nusa Penida, and more
Radisson Resort Phan Thiet, Vietnam
On Vietnam’s serene south-east coast stands Radisson Resort Phan Thiet. A short drive from Ho Chi Minh City and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, this 76-key Mediterranean-style resort is nestled on a secluded stretch of sandy beach close to the coastal town of Phan Thiet.
Accommodation choices range from contemporary rooms, suites and bungalows, to family units for larger groups – all integrated with modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi.
Savour fresh seafood and indulge in global and local flavours at ULIVO, the elegant all-day dining restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating. Or simply chill by the pool bar Citrino where there are poolside loungers, seafront seats and cabañas.
Guests can work out at the fitness centre, restore balance to the body and mind at the yoga pavilion, or relax at The Spa at Radisson which offers soothing Asian-inspired therapies.
Bicycle hire is available for exploring the local countryside, coasts and fishing communities. Attractions like the ancient Po Sah Inu Cham Tower, Ta Cu Mountain cable bar, and the iconic Red and White Sand Dunes are just a short drive away.
Māua Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Swiss-Belhotel International’s Māua Nusa Penida is located on a small island south-east of Bali and features 25 villas with sitting rooms, large windows and direct access to the private swimming pool. All villas boast a view of the Gamat Bay.
The eco-friendly resort contains recycled ironwood furniture and rooftop gardens that provide a habitat for birds and insects.
Kōwhai Restaurant and Aroha Bar serves organic food and drinks. Guest recreational options include snorkelling and diving, cooking class, yoga and spa.
Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi, India
Located adjacent to the Janakpuri West Metro and the District Center, Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi provides a launchpad for leisure and business guests to explore popular hotspots, with direct metro connectivity to the airport.
Featuring 224 newly refurbished rooms, Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi features designs and collaborations based on a shared vision of sustainable living and the advancement of local artisans. Each guestroom includes The Maati care products which are locally-made and organic.
The all-day dining restaurant, Kitchen District, serves gourmet dishes with a unique twist on cuisines from the Indian subcontinent. Guests can also relax in the café with a book, snack, or enjoy a cup of chai. The hotel has flexible meeting spaces for any event.
Hotel guests can tour the city with Unzip Delhi – the hotel’s guided walking vendor. Walks with Unzip Delhi will allow guests to discover the beauty of the city while providing a deeper insight into life in Delhi.
voco Doha West Bay Suites, Qatar
Qatar’s first voco hotel is situated in Doha’s most popular spot, West Bay.
The rebranded voco Doha West Bay Suites has 396 spacious rooms and suites, with popular restaurants and lounges like The Social, Serenitea, Sky Lounge on the 35th floor. There’s even an exclusive helipad.
Onsite facilities include a pool deck, a 24-hour gym with steam, sauna and jacuzzi, a spa and a kids’ wading pool and five meeting rooms.
There is a selection of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom fully serviced suites spread over 46 floors. All suites come with complimentary Wi-Fi, 24/7 reception, and concierge services.
voco Doha West Bay Suites is minutes away from Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, as well as luxury malls and cultural attractions.
Assam powers up tourism angle
Assam, gateway to India’s north-eastern states, has been gaining popularity among travellers over recent years.
Kaziranga National Park and Kamakhaya Temple are major tourist magnets, but tourism experts say the destination is still very much a diamond in the rough, with huge potential for further development.
The good news is, the Assam government is stepping up investments in infrastructure, which industry players say will raise the state’s tourism profile.
It approved 20 billion rupees (US$ 262 million) in February 2022 for rural infrastructure upgrades, which will include vital road improvements. An additional 1.5 billion rupees have been set aside to acquire land to facilitate the expansion of Jorhat Airport.
Sanjay Thakur, founder, East India Travel, keeps faith that Assam’s improved infrastructure, particularly in connectivity, will help to raise tourist arrivals in the coming years.
For now, Assam will continue to benefit most from domestic travellers, Thakur opined.
“Travellers from many of our key markets like the US and Europe may prefer shorthaul travel for now. However, we expect some international demand to kick in beginning of October 2022,” he added.
Tourism-specific developments include tea tourism promotion. The Assam government recently proposed a move to support 40 tea gardens and develop resorts.
Shreya Barbara, CEO, Landscape Safari Tours & Travels, said tea tourism could benefit from Assam’s many vibrant villages where festivals take place throughout the year.
Staying in tea bungalows elevates the experience, as the architecture comes with a sense of colonial charm and luxury. While there in North Guwahati, travellers could visit many archaeological sites from the British era, she added.
The state tourism department is also looking to promote lesser-known experiences such as village tours and golfing in Assam’s scenic tea estates.
Rituparna Baruah, chairman, Assam Tourism Development Corporation, told TTG Asia: “We want tourists to discover unexplored locations. Keeping this in mind, we are developing places like Deepor Bheel, a freshwater lake, for tourism.
“Village tours that showcase the richness of Assamese culture is another product we want to promote in both domestic and international markets.
“The new vistadome coaches on the train route between Guwahati and Haflong will also help us to promote Dima Hasao – home to Haflong, the only hill station in Assam, as well as Bendao Baiglai Waterfalls.”
The North East Festival, which took place from January 7 to 9 at Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati, was a critical platform to highlight
Assam’s existing and upcoming tourism projects. It showcased the rich culture and heritage of the state, as well as promoted river cruise tourism potential in Assam.
Daniel D’souza, president & country head, SOTC Travel, said: “While Kaziranga National Park and Kamakhaya Temple remain the highlights of Assam, the state has so much more potential waiting to be unlocked.”
He pointed to Majuli, an eco-friendly fresh water island in the Brahmaputra river; Haajo, an ancient pilgrim centre for spiritual travellers of all faiths; and Mayong, popularly known as the land of black magic.
“The pandemic has changed our outlook towards travel. Supporting local communities and going local are key drivers of the tourism industry in the Covid-era. Experiential stays have gained immense popularity among travellers, while unique experiences and eclectic accommodation away from mainstream crowded destinations have become compulsory. The vast tea estates of Assam tick all the requirements of an experiential traveller. They also make the perfect choice for multigenerational families and group of friends to spend quality time over a game of golf,” opined D’souza.
Besides leisure tourism, Assam is also banking on investment campaigns, such as Make in Northeast, to grow corporate travel arrivals.
Sarbendra Sarkar, founder and managing director, Cygnett Hotels and Resorts, said corporate travel would ensure year-round arrivals for Assam, compared to leisure travel that peaks only October to April.
Meanwhile, industry players are urging Assam authorities to further the tourism push by improving connectivity with South-east Asia.
“The region offers Assam a great opportunity to attract both leisure and corporate travellers,” said Thakur. He shared that India’s ministry of civil aviation had recently proposed connecting Assam with Bangkok, Hanoi, Dhaka, Kathmandu and Yangon.
Waldorf Astoria to debut in Sydney come 2025
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will plant its first Australian flag in Sydney early in 2025, following a signing last week for the Waldorf Astoria Sydney within the One Circular Quay mixed-use development.
Construction has commenced on the 28-floor, 220-key luxury hotel, which will enjoy a prime location in the city and offer guests unrivalled views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Room inventory will comprise 179 guestrooms and 41 suites, while other facilities onsite include the Waldorf Astoria Spa on level one, two original restaurant concepts, a rooftop bar, and Peacock Alley, a signature central gathering place.
“As the first Waldorf Astoria property to debut in Australia, Waldorf Astoria Sydney signals Hilton’s commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio to the world’s most sought-after destinations,” said Nils-Arne Schroeder, vice president, luxury & lifestyle, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
Qantas, Jetstar expand Sydney gateway with new direct services from Asia
Qantas and Jetstar will grow their international network out of Sydney, with new direct routes to India and South Korea taking off this year, accelerating New South Wales’ post-Covid tourism recovery.
The flag carrier’s new direct Sydney-Bengaluru service will be offered four times weekly from September 14, using the Airbus A330 aircraft.
These will be the first non-stop flights between Australia and southern India by any airline, and will cut almost three hours off the current fastest travel time from Sydney to Bengaluru.
Qantas will continue to operate up to five flights a week between Melbourne and Delhi, making it the only airline offering direct flights between Australia and both northern and southern India.
At the same time, Qantas intends to enter into a codeshare agreement with Indian domestic carrier, IndiGo, which will make flights to and from Sydney more accessible to Indian travellers from more than 50 Indian cities.
The partnership will extend to Jetstar customers who will be able to book connecting flights on IndiGo services from late April.
Meanwhile, Qantas and Jetstar will both commence direct flights to South Korea’s Incheon International Airport later this year.
Jetstar will become the only low-cost carrier to fly direct on the Sydney-Incheon route. It will begin thrice-weekly operations from November 2, 2022.
Qantas will begin direct Sydney-Incheon service from December 10, marking the first Qantas scheduled service to Seoul since January 2008.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the new routes would help New South Wales’ tourism sector recover from Covid.
“Sydney is one of the world’s truly global cities and these new direct flights to India and (South) Korea will make it easier for millions of people to come here,” Joyce said, adding that demand for international flights has rebounded since borders reopened.
“It’s clear that Australia is back on the map for international travellers,” he remarked.
Thailand is further lowering entry barriers for international travellers, with on-arrival PCR tests being scrapped and minimum Covid insurance coverage being cut from US$20,000 to US$10,000.
The latest round of changes will come into effect on May 1.
However, international travellers will still be required to register for a Thailand Pass with a Certificate of Covid-19 Vaccination and proof of insurance coverage. With this, they will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the Kingdom.
International travellers who are unvaccinated or are not fully vaccinated will also no longer need to show proof of a pre-arrival negative PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.
They are required to register for a Thailand Pass with a five-day hotel booking and an insurance policy with coverage of no less than US$10,000
– reduced from US$20,000.
Upon arrival in Thailand, they must be quarantined for five days and take a PCR test on the fifth day of their stay.
Exception is made for unvaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system. With this, they will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in Thailand.
The latest measures follow the removal in March of a pre-departure test requirement.