Re-Discover Koh Samui
Covid-19 Tourism around Southern Thailand 2022 is drawing near with little sign of Tourism around Southern Thailand, improving.
If anything the Covid-19 Tourism around Southern Thailand appears to be heading backwards. Back to the early months in 2020, however the Covid-19 vaccines are starting to be rolled out throughout Thailand, in preparation to kick start the country.
Koh Samui has suffered immensely as far as tourism goes. As tourists numbers decreased, each month, locals packed up, shut shop and made there way back to their home villages.
Although ex-pats and Thais were exploring Thailand after restrictions where eased, Koh Samui still suffered due to the high prices Bangkok Airways flight prices, and the full day travelling from Bangkok, if choosing the Budget Airline Air Asia.
Travellers chose closer, cheaper destinations, Krabi, Phuket, Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe.
We saw a change in how tour operators started to operate tours. Pre Covid-19 much of the operators offered joining or group tours. Joining or group tours offered a per person pricing structure enabling tourists a variety of pricing options.
Covid-19 Tourism around Southern Thailand tour operators embarked on Private Boat Charters. This enabled tour operators to secure a little business, but most importantly safety being the key factor. No large groups onboard boats, only close friends or family reducing the risk of spreading Covid-19.
As business around Southern Thailand starting to improve very slightly with domestic visitors travelling, the 2nd Covid-19 wave hit. This again had a severe impact, but this time on the locals and foreign business owners. Most small shops, souvenir shops and Travel Agencies all closed their doors.
Bangrak Bay area Koh Samui, a highly populated British ex-pat community rallied around to support small businesses, resorts, and beach clubs. Bangrak bay became the place to be, even during restricted times.
Koh Samui has also gone through a huge face change – wider roads, footpaths, new drainage systems, and restructuring of operations.
The biggest challenge which one would have thought, never possible where the removal of thousands of redundant electrical cables which hung precociously along Chaweng Beach Road.
The Islands around Koh Samui, Koh Madsum ( Pig island) and Koh Tan became the popular Private Boat Charter tour destinations. The shorter distances from Koh Samui and competitive pricing ranges where more inviting than the Private Boat Charters to Koh Tao or Angthong National Marine Park.
Koh Rap a small island above Koh Taen and Koh Madsum opened up to visitors. A stunning Island, with crystal clear waters, powdery white sands and Island Deer. As beautiful Koh Rap may be, unfortunately it is not a snorkeling location. See images below:
The better Island for snorkeling is Koh Taen.
For additional information on Private Boat Charters, or Snorkeling around Koh Samui please see the links below:
Private Boat Charters around Koh Samui
Snorkeling Tours and Trips around Koh Samui
Currently in the 3rd Covid-19 wave businesses and locals who remain are holding onto hope that soon Thailand will re-open and a kick start to to Tourism around Southern Thailand can begin.
2021 Moving forward and into 2022 I believe the New Norm to Tourism around Southern Thailand will remain with Private Boat Charters: Private Speedboats, Luxury Yachts, Yachts, Catamarans, and Long-tail boats.
Tour Agencies – Online Tour Agencies will be a popular choice. Tour Agency shop closures and reducing the risk of spread of Covid-19.
Covid-19 Tourism around Southern Thailand once returned will surely be a fantastic destination for travellers who have not travelled to Thailand, to do so.
Covid-19 Tourism around Southern Thailand has been in many ways good for the country in way of the marine life, beaches, water clarity, maintenance in high tourist destinations and the re-opening of the small locals side street food stalls and family restaurants.
It is however such a shame that Covid-19 pandemic had to hit the World to make these positive changes in Thailand.
We look forward to seeing you all again soon. For updates on travel to Thailand is, or recommendation on hotels, tours, travel ect join our Facebook groups below.
Koh Samui Tourist Information
Southern Thailand Travel Guide
Alternatively send Michelle an email info@samuiislandexplorer.com
For Government Covid-19 English daily breifings:
Once you book your flights and hotels for Thailand, you are permitted to log into the Enter Thailand App, and register. If you do not register before leaving your home country, you will have a lengthy wait at the Bangkok International Airport (BKK) or Phuket International Airport (HKT), Thailand.
Please see link below with additional information and the link to register on the Enter Thailand App:
Entry Thailand” online information centre launched for vaccinated international visitors
I hope that you found my blog on Covid-19 Tourism around Southern Thailand helpful or interesting,
Be Safe out there people.
