For those who despise the cold but live in snow-covered winter lands, consider doing yourself a little favour and escape the wintertide to sun-drenched countries during the holiday season.
After two winters into the pandemic, some countries in Asia are starting to open up for tourists, easing their Covid-19 restrictions in hopes to pick up growth in the tourism sector. Here’s our list of countries in Asia that will be the best answer for your Christmas getaway this year.
Thailand
Starting 1 November this year, Thailand officially reopens,with fully vaccinated travellers (at least 14 days before departure) from 63 approved countries and territories under exemption from quarantine. Every traveler must register for a Thailand Pass and must present a negative PCR test issued within 72 hours before travelling and although quarantines are not required for approved countries, visitor must go through another RT-PCR test upon arrival, followed by a mandatory 1-night stay at a SHA++, AQ, OQ or AHQ hotel as part of the Test & Go Program. Fully vaccinated visitors from high-risk, non-approved countries must go through a 7-night quarantine at SHA+ Hotels at one of the 17 Blue Zone Sandbox Destinations: Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Those without vaccination can go through a 10-night quarantine at AQ Hotels. For more details, click https://www.tatnews.org/category/thailand-visitor-info/
Notes: Travel requirements are constantly changing. Regularly check with your local embassy to make sure you stay updated with new requirements.
Top Three Hotels On Our Radar:
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Kamalaya Koh Samui
Bali
Reopened on 14 October, Bali now welcomes vaccinated tourists from 19 approved countries, including France, Italy, UAE, Japan, New Zealand and more. All travelers must present a negative PCR test issued within 72 hours before travelling and receive another PCR test upon arrival, followed by 3-day hotel quarantine. For more details and requirements for entering Bali, click https://www.indonesia.travel/th/en/news/latest-travel-regulations-to-enter-bali
Notes: Travel requirements are constantly changing. Regularly check with your local embassy to make sure you stay updated with new requirements.
Top Three Hotels On Our Radar:
The edge Luxury Villa Resort
Skai Joglo Ubud
Basecamp Bali
Maldives
Christmas in the Maldives? Sounds bizarre but here’s one of the best times to visit this little gem in the Indian Ocean. Hotels are offering great Christmas deals and really, what’s not to love about celebrating the coming of 2022 in the sun-kissed islands enveloped by unbelievably-blue water?
Reopened back in July 2020, Maldives welcomes all visitors from every country as long as you have a negative PCR test issued within 96 hours before departure. All travelers must also submit a Traveler Health Declaration form before arrival. For more information, click: https://www.tourism.gov.mv/covid19
Notes: Travel requirements are constantly changing. Regularly check with your local embassy to make sure you stay updated with new requirements.
Top Three Hotels On Our Radar:
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort
Soneva Jani