Tourism

Visiting Thailand after the Pandemic: Where to Go and What to See

If you’re planning to visit Thailand after the pandemic, there are a few things you should cross off your ‘To Do’ list while you’re there. Whether you’re a fan of big cities and busy streets, or you just want to relax by the beach with a fancy cocktail in your hand, Thailand has it all!

This guide will go through the places and activities that are a must when it comes to what you should visit and what to do while visiting this flavorful country.

Bangkok

It is only appropriate to start with the capital, Bangkok. Being the largest city in Thailand, Bangkok managed to keep all of its historical values intact, while also allowing modern times to sprinkle some architectural wonders all around the city – yes, I’m talking about the numerous and impressive skyscrapers spread all around.

Surely one day around town will not be enough for you to visit everything, so make sure you plan your trip in such a way that you spend at least a few days in the capital.

Floating Markets are a big thing here. They are specific to Southeast Asia, so if you’ve never been around, you’ll be surprised by this concept. Just as their name suggests, they are basically markets on water. Filled with the freshest and most colorful fruit and vegetables you’ve ever seen, this special market filled with tiny boats is really a unique sight to see!

According to Google, the most common floating markets in Bangkok are Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa Market and Taling Chan.

Jeremy Hastings is one of the best writers at a top essay writing company, according to writing services reviews, and he states that floating markets are one of the most unique features of the city. ‘I’ve never tasted so many different flavors in such a short amount of time’, he says.

Temples are also a huge thing here. There are hundreds of majestic temples that you can visit during your stay.

Wat Phra Kawe, Wat Pho, Wat Arun are just a few of the most impressive and recognizable ones. However, make sure you check the dress code before you go, if you’re not familiar with it.

Wat Pho, for example, is the home of a very special Buddha statue. This one is a golden statue of Buddha laying down, a very impressive 15 meters tall and 46 meters long monument.

Wat Mahathat’s Buddha Head

A few miles away from the capital, Ayutthaya is located. This was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and tourists also choose to spend one or two days visiting it, as it does offer a large variety of sights to see.

One of the most famous landmarks here is represented by a Buddha statue, but this one is located in a rather unusual spot – the statue of Buddha’s head is placed in between the roots of a banyan tree! This is one of the most well-known places around Bangkok, too.

Gulf of Thailand

If you count amongst the adventurous ones out there, the Gulf of Thailand is the place for you. This is the home of the most exotic islands in Thailand. Some of the most famous ones to visit are Ko Pha-Ngan, Ko Samui, Ko Chang and Ko Mak.

The most common method to visit the islands is by going on a guided tour, and the prices are very convenient.

You can even take the kayak and navigate in between islands if you feel up to it!

Diving

You’ve never actually visited Thailand until you take a tour of the breathtaking underwater habitat. Diving is really cheap, you can find more than plenty of courses and instructors, and the views are really nothing like you’ve ever seen before.

The places that are known as the best ones to go diving include Koh Tao, Phi Phi, and Krabi. These are not only seen as the most spectacular diving spots from Thailand, but from the entire world.

So, if you’re not afraid of deep waters, grab your scuba costume and jump right in!

Albert Glen, a writer at essay writer for you, says that there is no better way to spend your days in Thailand, than to discover all of the wonders of scuba and the underwater world.

Beaches

If diving is not really your cup of tea, you’ll still get to enjoy Thailand’s deep blue waters. You’ll be glad to hear that Thailand is the home of the most exotic looking beaches in the world.

The crystal blue water and a fine, almost immaculate looking sand will have you spend the entire day relaxing by a palm tree, drinking Pina Coladas straight from raw coconuts.

The most impressive beaches here include Kata Beach (Phuket), Phra Nang Beach (Krabi) and Phi Phi Don (Koh Phi Phi).

So, no matter what your plans end up being, make sure you spend enough time to do most of the things from this list, you won’t regret it!

Author Bio:

Susanna Balashova is a creative magician in a world of (mostly) boring Marketing. She turns dreary work things to be interesting and effective, as well as likes creating her own world within some fanfic sketches. Her other talents include writing abilities, as she is a writer at a thesis writing service. Reach out to her on Twitter or Linkedin

Tourism

Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

You have to be 20 years of age or older
You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
Instruction and conferences
Sports medicine therapy
International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

Tourism

Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

Tourism

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.