Why Thailand is One of the Best Places to Visit During COVID-19

Almost as soon as the first cases were announced, public health officials in Thailand were urging everyone to wear a face mask at all times. This is a country where personal hygiene has been paramount during the virus, and the early adoption of face coverings are thought to be a key factor in the low transmission rate here.

It’s thought that Thailand is among the world's leading medical tourism destinations. Indeed, healthcare professionals in Thailand are well equipped when it comes to pandemics and contagious diseases, are were quick to treat coronavirus patients successfully when the virus first hit.

In Thailand, the general greeting is the ‘wai’ – a small bow with hands held in prayer position. This makes social distancing an absolute breeze. Using the wai will also help visitors feel more integrated into Thai culture during their visit.

With around 3,500 cases to date, most of which were recorded in Bangkok, the coronavirus impact in Thailand has been fairly modest – certainly when compared to the UK. The death rate is low (less than 60), and, at time of writing, there had been no reported cases of local transmission for seven weeks.

No need to stress about keeping 2m apart here – beyond the hustle and bustle of Bangkok there are plenty of offbeat (and quiet) locations to be explored. Think the lush greenery and natural wonders of Pai to the northeast, or the secluded yet paradisical island of Koh Chang in Eastern Thailand. Whether jungle trekking or sun soaking is your vibe, it’s easy to do that here without another soul in sight.

We may be in the midst of a pandemic, but responsible tourism is still as important as it’s ever been – if not more so. While we’ve all be stuck at home, not travelling as much, the planet has had a chance to breathe and recuperate. Wildlife and wilderness areas are thriving, something which has become hugely apparent Thailand. But then, the Land of Smiles has always placed a huge emphasis on travelling sustainably and, with a little bit of care and planning, we can continue to nurture nature when we explore this beautiful country. Check out our responsible wildlife experiences blog for more inspiration.