A Message from our Thailand office:
Hello from Bangkok!
We’re now officially in the middle of Thailand’s summer season, which typically runs from March to June. This time of year is known for its hot and humid weather (temperatures can soar to 38°C or higher), which can be a challenge for some travellers. However, with the right preparation and planning, you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable summer vacation. In this month’s message, I’d like to provide a few handy tips for travellers in Thailand, so they can beat the heat and get the most out of their trip.
First, to deal with the heat and humidity, it’s best to dress in lightweight and breathable clothing, such as cotton or linen. Sunscreen with a high SPF is a must, as is insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other biting insects. It’s also a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. During summer, traffic and crowds can be a problem, particularly in major cities like Bangkok. It’s best to avoid travelling during rush hour and book transportation in advance to avoid waiting in long lines during peak hours.
In terms of where your clients should visit at this time of year, I’d recommend beach breaks. Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. During the summer months, our beaches offer a variety of activities and experiences for travellers to enjoy. Some of my top recommendations are as follows:
- Phuket
Phuket is one of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand, known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters around Phuket Island. It offers a range of activities including water sports, snorkelling, and diving.
- Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand. The island boasts stunning beaches, lush greenery and vibrant nightlife. Some of the top beaches on Koh Samui include Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach and Maenam Beach.
- Krabi
Krabi is a coastal province in southern Thailand, known for its limestone cliffs, crystal clear waters and stunning beaches. Some of the best beaches in Krabi include Railay Beach, Ao Nang Beach and Phra Nang Beach.
- Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a group of islands located in the Andaman Sea, known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches. The islands offer a range of activities, including snorkelling, diving and island hopping. Some of the best beaches on Koh Phi Phi include Maya Bay, Long Beach and Loh Bagao Bay.
- Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a popular beach destination located on the Gulf of Thailand, known for its long, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It is a great place for water sports, golfing and exploring the local culture. Some of the best beaches in Hua Hin include Khao Takiab Beach, Suan Son Beach and Hua Hin Beach.
- Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its tropical waters and stunning coral reefs. It is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving, and also offers a range of other water sports activities. Some of the best beaches on Koh Tao include Sai Nuan Beach, Sairee Beach and Shark Bay.
Turning to industry updates, ChildSafe Thailand has been piloting a new CBT programme in Chiang Mai and Chonburi Provinces, with the support of UNICEF and the local administrations. The aim of this programme is to empower the community to mitigate risks and to enjoy tourism as a boost to the prosperity of the local economy in a child-safe environment. Panorama Destination has been getting involved with this initiative, by providing official ChildSafe training to all full-time employees, guides and tour leaders.
Finally, there are two important public holidays coming up in May: first, the Coronation Day of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, held on 6 May; and second, Visakha Bucha Day, scheduled for 22 May. Please note the Panorama Destination Thailand office will be closed on both dates. I’m also pleased to announce that we will be attending TTM+ 2024 (Thailand Travel Mart Plus) from 5-7 June at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa. If you’re attending too, we hope to see you there!
Pat Pattaranan Sappattarabune
General Manager, Panorama Destination Thailand.
Destination digest: Thailand news in brief
A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently:
Phuket expects roadshow will lure million extra Chinese
Phuket is preparing for an extra one million tourists from China this year, expected after a tourism promotion in three Chinese cities. Anupab Vejwanichsanong, vice president of the Phuket Administration Organisation, said on Monday (22/4) the organisers of the roadshow hoped it would attract an additional one million holidaymakers from China to the resort island by the end of this year. It was expected the additional arrivals would inject about 40 billion baht in tourism-related revenue into the local economy, he said.
(source: Bangkok Post)
Visa-free Stay for Russian Tourists Extended to 60 Days
Russian passport-holders who arrive in Thailand between May and July can stay up to 60 days per trip under the new measure, according to deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri. The new rule will kick in after the current arrangement that allows Russians to stay up to 90 days lapses at the end of this month, she told a briefing after a weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
(source: Hindustan Times)
TAT Encourages Eco-Friendly Stays with CF-Hotels Network
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging hotel operators and tourists to participate in its ‘CF-Hotels’ initiative, aimed at mitigating climate change effects. The initiative includes the www.cf-hotels.com online platform, designed for hotel and lodging operators to compile an environmental inventory (including data on energy, water, waste, and greenhouse gases) and assess their carbon footprint. This analysis helps illustrate the environmental impact of hotel operations and the effectiveness of their sustainable management practices. Additionally, the data collected can be used to identify strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enabling hotels to make decisions that potentially increase profits and lower energy costs.
(source: TTW)
Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement between China, Thailand Boosts Tourism Recovery
The facilitated exchanges between the two peoples will drive growth in tourism revenue, promote cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, culture and education, help deepen understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and lay a solid people-to-people foundation for the long-term development of the two countries’ bilateral relations.
(source: Al Widha)
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