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Is the Phuket Sandbox the best option to avoid quarantine when traveling to Thailand?

Sep 1, 2021
5 years ago
Bogue ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello! I know that planning ahead for travel to Thailand these days is a nearly useless endeavor, yet I seek some travel advice for this fall. My parents (both fully vaccinated US citizens) intend to travel to Thailand from the US in late October. I will fly in from Seoul, South Korea in late December with my wife, both fully vaccinated by then. My brother and his wife live in Chiang Mai, and ideally we would all like to fly in there and avoid quarantine. However, the proposed Sept 1st Chiang Mai opening isn't looking great. Perhaps the mid-October 🇹🇭 opening isn't looking great either 😬, or is it? If we want to avoid a 2 week hotel quarantine in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, are we all better off entering via the Phuket Sandbox, and moving on after our two weeks there? What might you do in this situation? Thanks so much! I understand that no one has the answers and we need to wait and see, just curious as to the thoughts some might have, or if others are contemplating similar choices. Khap 🙏!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses travel plans to Thailand amidst ongoing uncertainties due to COVID-19. The original poster is seeking advice for their family’s trip in late October, expressing concern about potential quarantine requirements in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Comments suggest that the Phuket Sandbox might be the best option to avoid quarantine, advising to keep an eye on travel updates and not to make concrete plans too early due to the changing situation.
Charles ********
Phuket the best option, it cheaper than hotel quarantine. Likely when other areas open up it won't be quarantine free.. It will be like the sandbox with restrictions like still 2 weeks in a hotel.

You are planning too far out. I am going to becoming back to Thailand in about 2 weeks, have not even started COE or booked anything yet. Things change fast so planning in October should be done around the 1st of October.
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Bernie ********
With the way things are going here I would not come until all restrictions are lifted, the restrictions change not just daily but also hourly. WAIT
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Andrew ********
Don't spend any money yet wait a month or two and re access the situation.
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Brett **********
I'd say it's a bit too far in advance to for concrete plans. Just keep an eye on the TAT website for updates on various changes. A lot can change between now and then. I'd maybe start trying to make plans about a month before
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Garrett ***********
Don't count on not quarantining anything this year. Your best option is to fly into Phuket, spend 2 weeks down there, and then fly or drive up to Chiang Mai.
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Garrett ***********
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