Asean Travel And Tours

Tourists dressed in traditional Thai costumes pose for pictures as they visit Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn. Photo by Reuters Thailand's Bangkok is the most searched Asian destination by Vietnam travelers for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday thanks to its cheap travel costs, according to online travel platform Agoda. Singapore came in second, followed by Japan's Tokyo, Hong Kong and Indonesia's Bali, based on searches made on Agoda between October and November 2025 for check-ins during Feb. 14–22. Bangkok has emerged as a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering everything from legendary street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants and panoramic 360-degree rooftop bars. Its cultural and heritage sites, including the iconic Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho temples, remain major attractions to tourists According to Agoda, Bangkok is favored by Vietnamese travelers thanks to its cheap travel costs. A five-day tour package to Thailand now costs from VND6 million (U...

Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines have relaxed visa policies to attract foreign tourists amid fierce regional competition. Vietnam Starting March 1 Vietnam waived visas for tourists from Poland, Czechia and Switzerland coming on package tours for up to 45 days. In mid-March the government also decided to extend visa exemptions until 2028 for citizens of 12 countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the U.K. The waiver had expired on March 15. Travelers from 13 other countries - Belarus, Chile, Panama, Kyrgystan and 9 Southeast Asian neighbors - are enjoying visa exemptions for between 14 and 90 days. Malaysia Malaysia recently announced that its visa exemption for Chinese travelers would be extended for another five years, with the option to extend it for an additional five years, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. This means Chinese citizens can visit Malaysia visa-free until Dec. 31, 2036. The p...

Tourists visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 7, 2023. Photo by Reuters Police in Thailand have arrested a Chinese man for illegally working as a tour guide, a profession strictly prohibited for foreigners in the Southeast Asian country. Yue Liu, 31, allegedly offered luxury sightseeing tours to tourists at Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew temple and the Grand Palace, Khaosod English news site reported. Customers reportedly booked his services through the WeChat messaging app, and he would drive them around the historic sites, as reported by Newsflare. Liu was apprehended on May 6 as authorities intensified their crackdown on illegal foreign workers in Thailand. He faces charges for "working without a work permit" and "operating a tour business without a license." According to Thailand's Ministry of Labor, the law prohibits foreigners from working as tour guides or bringing foreign tourists, either individually or in groups, to various locations withi...

Revelers play with water as they celebrate the Songkran holiday, which marks the Thai New Year, in Bangkok, Thailand, April 13, 2025. Photo by Reuters Revelers dressed in colorful shirts and goggles fired water guns at each other at the start of the Thai New Year on Sunday, a festival that is marked with water as a symbol of renewal, cleansing and a fresh start. Some sprayed water from the back of pickup trunks, and everyone expected to get soaked as the Songkran festival got underway. "Today I came well-prepared. I have my weapons – four (water) guns. I've got goggles and a hat for protection, and a waterproof phone pouch ready to go," said Teera Rachapol, 50. The celebrations are a bright spot for the country's tourism industry, with the government expecting an 8% increase in foreign visitors for the week. "This is totally different. And we didn't know what to expect, but it's very fun. I love it. I love the water," said Tinke Stockman, 20, from ...

Tourists play with water as they celebrate the Songkran holiday which marks the Thai New Year in Bangkok, Thailand, April 13, 2024. Photo by Reuters Many tourists have canceled visits to Bangkok during Songkran in mid-April in the Thai capital due to safety concerns after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar shook Southeast Asia. Adith Chairattananon, secretary general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said there is a 20% drop in Chinese tourist arrivals during the Thai New Year compared to last year, Nation Thailand reported. All charter flights from Chengdu City have been canceled, he added. The Thai government has said the Songkran celebrations, a week-long public water fight meant for ritual cleansing, starting in mid-April would go ahead as planned in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and other locations. Industry insiders have urged the government to quickly take action to head off public fears. Myanmar's strongest earthquake in 100 years on March 28 sent tremors across Bangkok ...

Tourists wait to check in for flights at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 4, 2023. Photo by Reuters Thailand plans to reduce the visa-free stay duration from 60 days to 30 days for travelers from eligible countries, aiming to curb misuse of the scheme by individuals involved in illegal businesses. Sorawong Thienthong, Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, said authorities have reached an agreement in principle to implement the reduction, as reported by the Bangkok Post. This measure targets citizens from 93 countries and territories currently allowed visa-exempt entry for tourism. According to the Khmer Times, despite the current allowance of up to 60 days, tourists typically spend at most 21 days in Thailand on average. The decision follows concerns expressed by the Association of Thai Travel Agents regarding an increasing trend of foreigners illegally taking up employment under the guise of tourism.

Women dressed in traditional Thai costumes eat ice creams shaped like tiles of the famous Wat Arun temple, or Temple of Dawn, in Bangkok, July 8, 2023. Photo by Reuters Thailand was the only Southeast Asian representative in a list of world's 10 best solo travel destinations this year, according to a new report by private guided luxury travel service Kensington. Countries like India and Thailand ranked highly because of the history and culture they have to offer, the report said. Thailand has long been famous for its golden pagodas, friendly locals and favorable visa policy. Known for its captivating culture, vibrant culinary landscape, and breathtaking natural beauty, Thailand stands out as a premier destination for solo travelers. India ranked No.1, followed by Italy and Japan. Rounding out the top 10 solo travel destinations were Egypt, Thailand, Australia, Spain, Iceland, France, and New Zealand. The report is based on insights from "affluent" travelers, drawing from ...

Tourists visit Maya bay at Krabi province, Thailand, Jan. 3, 2022. Photo by Reuters Thailand, the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, plans to introduce a 300-baht (US$8.78) tourism tax per visitor during the peak travel season later this year. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said the tax is expected to take effect in the final quarter, Bangkok Post reported. While details of the scheme remain unclear, Sorawong stated that foreign travelers arriving by air will be charged 300 baht per trip. Those entering the country by land or water will also be subject to the fee but will be allowed multiple entries over 30 to 60 days, according to The Nation. Sorawong dismissed concerns that the tax would deter foreign arrivals, arguing that the amount is relatively small. He added that several embassies support the initiative, as it would provide travelers with access to insurance. He also emphasized that the tourism tax system will function as a one-stop service to enhance co...

  Tourists on the Chao Praya River in Bangkok on Dec. 9, 2022. Photo by AFP Thailand's Cabinet recently introduced updates to the qualifications, criteria, and conditions of the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program, aiming to attract a broader range of experts, investors, and executives to strengthen the country's foreign talent pool. In a statement on Jan. 15, the Board of Investment (BOI) said the minimum annual income requirement for Wealthy Global Citizens category applicants has been removed to prioritize the cumulative wealth and investments in Thailand, which are the core requirements for this category, aligning with the goal of encouraging greater foreign investment activity in the country. Meanwhile, the corporate revenue requirement for overseas-based employers sponsoring an applicant has been lowered. The rights for dependents of the principal applicant, to any of the four LTR categories have been expanded without a limitation on the number of dependents. The rights...

Holidaying in the Land of Smiles during the low season isn’t just about avoiding the crowds – it’s about experiencing the country in a more intimate and authentic way, says James Draven Despite the occasional downpour, there are plenty of reasons to visit Thailand from May to October – so pack your mac and sense of adventure, and get ready to see this spectacular country in a whole new light. From rejuvenated landscapes to rich cultural experiences, the rainy season reveals a side of Thailand that is often overlooked. And who knows? The off-season might just become your favourite time to visit. Why you should visit Thailand in the low season 1. Go for the weather This might have high-season purists spitting out their cha yen (iced tea) in horror, itching to inculcate would-be visitors with the well-worn wisdom that “summer is the hot, humid, rainy season”. And it is, but let’s face it, Thailand is hot all year around, with temperatures remaining in the early-to-mid thirties from Januar...

The trip is on 26 March 2024, and bookings open on 25 February 2024 via D-Ticket mobile application or at SRT stations across Thailand. Bangkok, 24 February 2024 – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is organising a special excursion train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya with steam locomotive to celebrate its 127th anniversary on 26 March 2024. Travellers will get a chance to ride on a Pacific steam locomotive, numbers 824 and 850, from the World War II era. The special steam train ride will leave from Hua Lamphong. Train No. 901/902 will depart the station at 08.10 Hrs. and will arrive in Ayutthaya at 10.20 Hrs. Passengers will have six hours to tour the ancient capital, before the train leaves for Bangkok at 16.40 Hrs. and arrive in Bangkok at 18.50 Hrs. The train will stop at Sam Sen, Bang Sue, Don Mueang, and Rangsit stations, so passengers can board or disembark at any of these stations. Bookings open on 25 February 2024, from 08.30 Hrs. onwards via D-Ticket mobile application and websi...

A list of all 155 national parks in Thailand’s Central, Eastern, Northern, Northeastern (Isan), and Southern regions. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to advise tourists on the opening/closed status of Thailand’s national parks, to ensure they can best enjoy the picturesque natural beauty and abundant flora and fauna on offer around the country. The following list includes national parks in Thailand’s Central, Eastern, Northern, Northeastern (Isan), and Southern regions. The status of the national parks – whether they are open, closed or partially open – is based on the annual monsoon season and other annual factors, such as weather conditions. Visitors are kindly asked to abide by the guidelines and rules in place at the national parks, for the enjoyment, health, and safety of all. Please do note that the bringing into and use of single-use plastics and foam containers at any of the 155 national parks in Thailand is banned. Plastic food containers, plastic glasses, p...

Effective from 1 November 2021, Thailand is ready to reopen for fully vaccinated travellers from the 46 initially approved countries, including Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. Key Points of TEST & GO Travelling - Fully vaccinated travellers who completed the COVID-19 vaccines approved by WHO or the Thai Ministry of Public Health at least 14 days before their travel date. Those who had positive of COVID-19 must present a medical certificate of recovery with 1 dose of vaccine no later than 3 months. - Travel by air from the 46 approved countries. Currently, Thailand has approved quarantine-free entry for arrivals from Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slov...

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update that the quarantine time for fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in Thailand, including pilot reopening destinations through the Alternative Quarantine (AQ) system, will be reduced from 14 to 7 days, starting from tomorrow (1 October, 2021). 7-day Quarantine For travellers who have been fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or the World Health Organisation (WHO) no less than 14 days before their travel date, they are required to present the vaccine certificate (either the original or a printed copy) at the point of entry into Thailand. During the quarantine, they are required to undergo two RT-PCR tests – first upon arrival on Day 0-1, and the second before finishing the quarantine period on Day 6-7. 10-day Quarantine Travellers who have not been vaccinated, without a vaccine certificate, or partially vaccinated, and who arrive in Thailand by air will...

 If you’re anything like me, when it comes to travelling a new country there is nothing better than being able to enter a bar, ask for “2 beers please” in the local language and feel like an absolute boss in doing so…that is until I end up with 5 bottles of water Learning a bit of the local lingo or at least trying, can be a huge part of people’s travel experiences! Personally I think it deepens your appreciation for the country, builds connection with the local people, and Thai people especially, think it’s adorable hearing you try and pronounce those difficult sounds! At Feel Free Travel, connecting you with local people and experiences is something we very much believe in, so how about a few easy phases to give you a cheeky head start when you meet our local friends in Thailand. Whether it be a friendly welcome, haggling for those elephant pants or asking for the bill in a restaurant.. We’ve got you’ve covered! Before we get started, one golden rule of the Thai language is base...

It's easy to make a faux pas in Southeast Asia. Traveling to Thailand ? Read our etiquette tips. It's useful for you ... 1. Don't drop or stand on currency Ft are considered to be the lowest and least clean part of the body, so avoid directing your feet at anyone: don't cross your hip and legs, sit cross-legged or put your feet up. That is also rude to drop or stand on currency, as it could be considered disrespectful towards the royal family (Thailand's reigning monarch is published on the Thai Baht). 2. Never touch anyone's head Someone's head is considered almost holy in Thailand, so even giving someone a wally on the head or touching their head of hair could be frowned upon. Should you be volunteering or working with young children, be especially wary - really second nature for many westerners to ruffle youngsters' hair. Thai masseurs may ask permission to rub your face first, so carry in mind that they may be asking as an indication of resp...

As part of the celebrations for “Central 70th Anniversary”, a magnificent floral display has been created at Central Chidlom and nearby Central Embassy department stores in Bangkok. The highlight is a glass house decorated with thousands of flowers and a 19 meter long giant flower carpet. The floral display is at Central Chidlom until 19th November and at Central Embassy until 26 November. Source: Thaitravelblogs

Affable and frivolous, striking and sultry, historic and cultured, Thailand emits a golden radiance from its glitzy temples and tropical beaches to the ever soothing Thai smile. Adored all around the world for its generous, welcoming, relaxed and refreshing culture, Thailand is the most visited places every year. Thailand had recently won the “Best Asia-Pacific Destination Award” and the runner-up title for “Best Worldwide Sun Destination Award” at the Irish Trade Award 2014 held on November, 28th in Dublin. Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, the Governor of TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) declared that it was undoubtedly a great honor to achieve this position. These awards join with other numerous awards and accolades for world-class tourist destination and impeccable tourism services, strengthen an upbeat icon of the countries worldwide. Embellished with the longest coastline and jungle-topped islands secured in sapphire waters, Thailand is indeed a tropical getaway for everyone ex...