From1st October traveling in the Land of Smiles becomes easier: they have been removed all restrictions related to Covid. The wonderful state in question is Thailand which, in addition to abandoning the rules introduced due to the virus, is also preparing to launch a tourism incentive plan.
The new rules for traveling to Thailand starting from 1 October
From the beginning of the tenth month of the year, it is no longer necessary to present proof of vaccination as well as a negative result from a swab to enter Thailand. A very important step for one of the countries which, more than others, kept its guard very high during the pandemic and which now leaves only China as an eastern destination with high restrictions.
To travel to Thailand it is currently necessary to have a passport with at least six months of residual validity and two free pages for affixing the stamp. Tourists, by law, are required to always carry their original passport with them.
As for the visa, however, there is great news: up to March 31, 2023 its validity will be extended to 45 days instead of 30, even for Italian citizens. A decisive move in order to encourage tourism, an essential resource for a country like Thailand.
What to see absolutely in Thailand
But now let’s get down to business: what to see absolutely in Thailand? The reasons for choosing this country as a travel destination are really many. After all, it is a destination that is still quite cheap, where, albeit with very different flavors from ours, you eat divinely, a place where it is summer practically all year round, a welcoming country and where the inhabitants offer lots of smiles, with beaches and sea that are a dream come true, a culture where you can discover your own spirituality and a territory that preserves a fantastic nature in which to let yourself go to a thousand different adventures.
After all these premises, it is clear that it is not easy to choose what to visit in Thailand. But there are some attractions that, more than others, must absolutely be discovered.
First of all Bangkok which by the Thais is called “Krung Thep”, or City of Angels. The capital of Thailand, in fact, stands out for being a metropolis full of charm that is reflected on the Chao Phraya River. Visiting it means discovering a perfect coexistence between ancient and modern, but also an atmosphere that is really difficult to resist. Among the beauties of Bangkok can be included the treasures contained in the Old City, such as the Grand Palace and its Temple, Wat Phra Kaew, where the famous Emerald Buddha is kept.
Don’t miss the Wat Phothe oldest and most prestigious place of worship in the whole city where a reclining Buddha covered with gold is protected and is 46 meters long and 15 meters wide.
Also worth a visit many and particular markets of Thailand like those that take place along waterways. Yes, you got it right: they are floating markets where you can move around on characteristic boats. The most famous is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, but certainly more authentic is the Amphawa floating market, both just a few kilometers away from the capital. The more curious, however, will not be able to resist the call of Maeklong Railway Market which is by far one of the most particular markets in the world: it comes to life on the track of a still active railway line. In fact, when the train is about to pass, the traders hurry to collect the tents and the goods displayed on the platform. Once the passage is over, everything returns as before, but only until the moment when it is ready to pass the next train.
In the north of the country, Chiang Mai is certainly not to be missed, a city that is everything you could wish for when you are on vacation. In fact, you will be greeted by a cheerful and hospitable atmosphere, excellent food, more than affordable prices and many extraordinary things to visit.
Among its most interesting attractions there is certainly the Old City with its defensive walls, ancient gateways and numerous temples. Choosing which ones to discover, given that there are about a hundred, is really difficult, but the most interesting deserve a mention Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phan Tao. The city of Chiang Rai is also very particular, where not to be missed is the Wat Rong Khun, also known as the “White Temple”, one of the most bizarre sacred places in all of Thailand (and beyond).
The north of the country is also the perfect area to have an eco-friendly experience with elephants. These fascinating animals, in fact, are considered sacred to the local culture. Unfortunately, on some occasions they are exploited for tourism, but near Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai you can get to know them thanks to the numerous specialized centers that protect them.
They are real “Elephant Sanctuaries” where eco-tourism programs are carried out in full respect of these mammals, the environment and local communities. No elephant rides or humiliating shows for pachyderms: the aim is to promote the well-being, protection and care of these endangered animals.
And then the dream beaches. After all, the Thai islands are paradises on earth, the perfect way to end a trip to the Land of Smiles.
Among the most famous places there are certainly Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samuthe. But they are also not without charm Phi Phi Islands, where lush nature and smooth rocks peek out from an emerald green water. The best known of the archipelago is Koh Phi Phi Lehlocation of the famous DiCaprio film The Beachwhere there is a beach that has recently reopened after being closed to the public for several years: Maya Beach.
Backpackers, on the other hand, can find their perfect island in Koh Phangana patch of land in which the bungalows are arranged on the beach, almost on the seashore, while an infinite number of palm trees and coconuts come to life all around.
This is also the place to participate in the Full Moon Party, a large party held on the occasion of each full moon on the large Haad Rin beach.
In short, a trip to Thailand it is a dream come true and without restrictions Covid everything is more beautiful and easier.
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