Traveling in 2021 has its challenges due to restrictions, especially when heading to exotic places, and Thailand is no exception. However, since July 2021, Thailand has become more accessible to tourists through the Phuket Sandbox program.
Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is situated in the Andaman Sea in the southern part of the country and attracts visitors from all over the globe for its sun and sea. But Phuket is much more than its stunning beaches. The island boasts beautiful temples, delicious and spicy Thai cuisine, breathtaking surrounding islands, and numerous viewpoints.
Before you plan your trip to Phuket in 2021, there are a few essential things to keep in mind. Tourists currently cannot fly into Bangkok and then travel to other parts of Thailand freely. Phuket is one of the limited areas open to tourists.
To visit Phuket under the Phuket Sandbox program, you must fly directly to the island. You cannot fly to another destination in Thailand, such as Bangkok, and then take a domestic flight to Phuket. Thai Airways offers flights to Phuket from Europe, as do a few other international airlines.
Once in Phuket, you can enjoy various tourism activities and excursions during the first 14 days. You can dine at restaurants, visit markets, and use local transportation and taxis. Though the Thai government recommends using SHA+ approved services (such as taxis, excursions, and travel agents), non-certified services are also permitted.
After seven days, you can leave Phuket and travel to nearby destinations, including Khao Lak, Ko Yao islands, Ko Phi Phi, Railay, Ko Samui, and Ko Ngai, using government-approved routes and transport modes. You’ll need a “Transfer Form” from your hotel and a negative test result. After 14 days, provided you test negative for COVID-19, you are free to travel to other parts of Thailand with a “Release Form” from your hotel.
Wondering what the best places to visit in Phuket are? Here are some top picks for tourists:
Phuket Town, the island’s main hub, is rich with colonial architecture, including colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings. Don’t miss the Weekend Night Market from Friday to Sunday, where hundreds of vendors sell local food, fresh fruit, smoothies, cakes, and other delicacies. Monkey Hill is another attraction, featuring a forested hilltop home to roaming monkeys and offering panoramic views.
Phuket Big Buddha is one of the must-visit sites. This magnificent statue stands 45 meters tall on Nakkerd Hill and is made of concrete covered in white marble. The hill provides spectacular 360-degree views, and you can either drive up or hike to the top.
Kata and Karon beaches, quieter alternatives to the bustling Patong Beach, are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Kata Beach, in particular, is great for snorkeling with spots at both ends of the beach. Nearby, Kata Noi Beach offers a quieter setting and beautiful views from Karon Viewpoint.
Wat Chalong, the most important temple in Phuket, features multiple buildings, golden Buddha statues, gardens, and a pagoda containing a fragment of Buddha’s bone. The pagoda spans three stories and is adorned with paintings depicting Buddha’s life.
Island hopping is another fantastic activity in Phuket. Popular excursions include trips to the Phi Phi islands, Ko Yao islands, and Phang Nga Bay. Phi Phi islands are famous for their lively party scene and sandy beaches, including Maya Bay, known from the movie “The Beach.” The lesser-known Ko Yao islands offer tranquility, beautiful beaches, mangroves, and small fishing villages, ideal if you’re seeking a peaceful retreat. Phang Nga Bay is renowned for its stunning islands and limestone cliffs emerging from blue waters, with attractions like the Floating Muslim Village (Koh Panyee) and James Bond Island, featured in “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
After spending seven days in Phuket and testing negative, you can enjoy island hopping tours to these beautiful nearby locations.