In the list of "hot" destinations in Southeast Asia, Thailand is always a country that is quick to recover the tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Sputnik. The Thai government has resumed the Test & Go program to stimulate tourism demand.
Accordingly, from the beginning of February 2022, the " Test & Go" program for international tourists will be resumed with some additional measures.
According to the new regulation, instead of having a one-time test on arrival, visitors will have to take 2 PCR tests, the first on the first day of arrival and the second on the 5th day after arrival.
Therefore, Vietnamese tourists entering Thailand under the Test & Go program must undergo PCR testing on the first and fifth days of their trip. Visitors must install a mobile application so that the government can monitor and ensure a second COVID-19 test.
Customers must pay in advance for two tests and COVID-19 treatment if their travel insurance when coming to Thailand does not include it.
On the first and fifth nights waiting for results, guests must stay in a hotel designated by the government, not need to stay in the same place, or at two different locations, as long as they are on the approved list. Tourists are allowed to travel freely across the country between two tests, if they are negative at first.
The Thai government has affirmed that with a fully equipped public health system, the country can cope with new developments in the epidemic after the " Test & Go" program is resumed.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out 2 years ago, tourism between Laos and Vietnam has also been severely affected. Vietnam is also a country that provides aid to Laos with COVID-19 vaccines as well as many medical supplies to help the "country of a million elephants" overcome the pandemic and recover the economy.
Since the beginning of 2022, the Lao Government has allowed green areas including the capital Vientiane, Luang Prabang city and Vang Vieng town to open to visitors. According to the plan, Laos plans to open in 3 phases.
Specifically, phase 1 from January 1; phase 2 from April 1 and phase 3 from July 1. During phase 1, international visitors from 17 countries, including Vietnam, are allowed to enter. In phase 2, the Lao government will open more destinations.
Vietnamese and international tourists should note that they must have purchased health insurance with a compensation level of at least 50,000 USD, along with a negative test result. When arriving, visitors must take a second test.
Cambodia is the first ASEAN country to open tourism in ASEAN after the pandemic. Since November 2021, the Cambodian government has allowed international tourists to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including Vietnam, to enter the country.
This is a result achieved after the majority of people in this country were vaccinated and created community immunity.
Vietnamese tourists traveling to Cambodia need to present a vaccine passport, negative test results and take a quick test, waiting at the airport. Currently, tourism to Cambodia by road from Vietnam is exploited by travel companies in the form of tours, ensuring regulations on epidemic prevention.
In tourist cities such as Siem Reap, most of the attractions are open, including Angkor Wat. Hospitals, restaurants, and museums are all open, but visitors are required to wear masks in public places. Many businesses closed early.
Bali Paradise, Indonesia
Indonesia is the country with the highest rate of COVID-19 infections in Southeast Asia. Therefore, except for Bali, which has welcomed international visitors since February 4, most other areas in the archipelago are still closed.
However, those who have been vaccinated with two doses and have a COVID-19 negative certificate still have to be quarantined for 5 days in a hotel regulated by the government and pay their own fees. The accommodation locations are often resorts, or 5-star hotels in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur or Ubud - tourist-friendly places.
International tourists, including Vietnamese tourists, must present their vaccine passports as well as negative test results upon entry. Authorities have asked tourists to get tested upon arrival at the airport. People who have not been vaccinated are quarantined for 7 days. All tourists must buy COVID-19 insurance before arriving.
In addition, visitors are also required to wear masks, install the Peduli Lindungi health tracking application to check-in restaurants, bars and even beaches. Scenic attractions are still open, but with limited time.
Although Indonesia has opened the border, there will be no international direct flights here before February 16. Singapore International Airport will be the first unit to return to Bali. Tourists can fly to Jakarta but have to be quarantined before arriving in Bali.
The Philippines will be the latest Southeast Asian country to welcome tourists from 157 countries and territories, including Vietnam, from February 10.
Tourists who have been fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and have a negative test certificate are allowed to enter the country without quarantine. This country does not limit destinations, but tourists need to note that the epidemic prevention measures of each locality will be different.
