Ask question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Test and Go vs Sandbox programs for traveling to Phuket?

Test and Go Sandbox Thailand travel regulations Phuket Covid-19 travel guidelines PCR testing in Thailand Insurance for Covid-19 coverage

Feb 6, 2022

3 years ago

Bob ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

So I'm planning to fly into Phuket for 7 days, before heading off to ChiangMai. Am I correct in thinking that I could either ' Test and Go' or Sandbox' if so what are the advantages and disadvantages of either. Thanks.

445

views

1

likes

18

all likes

15

replies

0

images

5

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

When planning a trip to Phuket, travelers have the option to choose between the 'Test and Go' and 'Sandbox' programs. 'Test and Go' allows for a stay of one night in an approved hotel, requiring two PCR tests—one on arrival and another on day 5, which can be conducted in a different province. In contrast, the 'Sandbox' program mandates a 7-night stay in the same hotel in Phuket, with the ability to explore the local area after the initial negative test. The main differences are location flexibility and duration of stay limitations.

Mary ***********

Has anyone recommendations for insurance that would cover Covid in a private hospital in the event of a positive test? Have read that many policies don’t actually cover what is needed

Like

Reply

Matty ********

@Mary **********

we went with our bank. Give them a ring see what they offer.

Like

Reply

Bob ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

some of the airline companies are giving the covid cover free with flight. Emirates included

Like

Reply

Mary ***********

thanks!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Mary ***********

Reply

Luc ************

Same same here. Took Sandbox. No stress.

Like

Reply

Matty ********

The only difference between the two are if you choose test and go you can do your day 5 PCR test in a different location. Sandbox you just stay in same location/Hotel for the first 7 days. For you if your planning on being in Phuket for 7 days sandbox will work exactly the same as test and go

Like

Reply

Bob ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

is their any difference in the paperwork required.

Like

Reply

Bob ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Not yet but I understand that I'll need the insurance and a print out if my vaccination certificate. As well as transport to the hotel..

Like

Reply

Lynnette *******

@Bob **************

and stay in same hotel every night for the 7 day sandbox.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Lynnette *******

Reply

Matty ********

@Bob **************

no exact same documents needed. Are you fully vaccinated? And have insurance that covers Covid over $

*****

?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Matty ********

Reply

Stuart *********

You can do either. Test and go requires a booking for day 1 and day 5 in an approved hotel. Not necessarily in the same province. Sandbox is 7 days at a hotel in the same province. After the first negative result you can roam the sandbox area but must sleep in the hotel at night.

Like

Reply

Bob ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Do you know how the must sleep in the hotel is working out if interest, one night is my friend's birthday and wasn't planning to sleep!

Like

Reply

Suzz *****

@Bob **************

just do your log in in the morning

Like

Reply

Bob ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

strange somewhere was just saying that to me at the same time

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bob ***************

Reply

Stuart *********

@Bob **************

most hotels have an SHA manager that logs guest stays. Sometimes that’s when they return for the evening, sometimes that’s at breakfast. I do not know the consequences if you’re not logged in.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stuart *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Should I reapply for the Thai Pass after my initial application for the Sandbox program?

8 comments

3 years ago

Can I participate in the Test and Go or Sandbox program in Phuket if I'm flying from Canada and transiting through Bangkok?

12 comments

3 years ago

Do I need to stay in the same hotel for 5 days under the Test & Go program in Thailand?

19 comments

3 years ago

Can I do Test and Go in Phuket and travel to Bangkok after the first test?

11 comments

3 years ago

Can I apply for Thailand's Phuket Test and Go with only 4 nights stay and 1 PCR test?

3 comments

3 years ago

Is the Test and Go scheme valid for all of Thailand or only for designated areas?

7 comments

3 years ago

What are the check-in times for the hotel on day 5 of the Test and Go program in Thailand, and can we travel to Phuket during this period?

6 comments

3 years ago

How can I travel from Bangkok to Phuket on February 18th without a Thai Pass?

8 comments

3 years ago

What are the current requirements for the Test and Go scheme in Phuket, and are there differences between SHA+ and SHA++ hotels?

3 comments

3 years ago

Is the Test&Go program officially approved, and can I switch from Phuket Sandbox to Test&Go in Bangkok?

41 comments

3 years ago

Can I land in Phuket and fly to Bangkok on the same day under the Test and Go scheme?

10 comments

3 years ago

Can I fly into Bangkok despite changes in quarantine regulations and what is the current process?

10 comments

3 years ago

What are the criteria for applying to Thailand's Sandbox program?

17 comments

3 years ago

How can I travel to the Sandbox programs after arriving in Bangkok if I'm not allowed to fly directly?

27 comments

3 years ago

Is it acceptable to stay at a SHA Plus hotel for the Sandbox program after Test and Go was canceled?

7 comments

3 years ago

Is the 1-day Test & Go scheme currently available at Bangkok's airport?

88 comments

3 years ago

What are the new Test & Go rules for entering Thailand from December 24 onward?

38 comments

3 years ago

What are the current requirements and experiences for the Phuket Sandbox program?

15 comments

3 years ago

Do I need to apply for the Phuket Sandbox instead of Test & Go if I'm arriving in January?

10 comments

3 years ago

What are the current rules for the Phuket Sandbox program?

20 comments

3 years ago

What are the current updates on Thailand's Test & Go and Sandbox programs for travelers?

0 comments

3 years ago

Can I fly to Phuket from Bangkok for the SHA+ Hotel stay after booking a direct flight to Bangkok?

8 comments

3 years ago

What are the updated guidelines for the Test & Go and Sandbox programs in Thailand regarding the Day 6-7 rapid test?

13 comments

3 years ago

Is the Test & Go program available in Chiang Mai or is it only part of the Sandbox initiative?

18 comments

3 years ago

What requirements and testing options are needed for the Phuket Sandbox program in Thailand?

18 comments

3 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.