We have been in Phuket for two weeks in a SHA+ approved hotel; therefore, we can now go anywhere in Thailand if we desire. I have seen many comments on Facebook regarding travel to Phuket during COVID restrictions. I hope this post might help people decide if holidaying in Phuket is worth it at the moment with the current restrictions.
If your reason to visit Phuket is to party through the night, hit the clubs and bars; unfortunately, Phuket is currently not the place for you. However, if you want to enjoy resort life in the tropics or experience local culture, swim, snorkel or dive, Phuket still has it all.
What to expect when entering Phuket during the Sandbox Scheme.
Read about arriving at Phuket airport and the documentation you need here.
Once you have passed through immigration and the COVID related checkpoints, including a COVID swab test, you will be taken directly to your hotel. Once at the hotel, you must stay in your room until you get the result of your COVID swab. If you return a negative result, you are then free to roam Phuket at your leisure.
What to expect during your stay.
- For the first 14 days at your SHA+ approved hotel/resort, you are expected to check in once a day with hotel staff using the Morchana App. You will also have your temperature taken.
- You are required to wear a face mask at all times in public areas, inside and out. Those who do not wear masks can be fined.
- Most shops, restaurants, etc., have check-in stations, requiring you to check in with a QR code using the ThaiPlus app or manually filling in required data on a sheet.
- Many shopping centres, convenience stores and restaurants have the gadget to take your temperature when you enter.
- Everything closes at 2300 hours.
So what CAN you do in Phuket?
Zip-around Phuket on a day trip
There are plenty of day trips available. Go snorkelling, diving, fishing, touring the city, and so much more.
- Snorkelling and Diving
- Fishing Charters
- Sailing
- Sea Cave Kayaking
- Visit James Bond Island
- City tours
- Zipline Adventure Tours
- ATV riding
Relax with a massage
Get yourself a massage. Actually, at these prices, get a massage every day! We got a full body oil massage in Nai Yang for ฿350.
Swim at the beach
The beaches are not packed with tourist like they usually are, so enjoy nature at its best while you can.
Channel Your Inner Serenity
Now is the time to get those beautiful temple and buddha photos without that pesky tourist photo bombing! The most famous temple is Wat Chalong, and the Big Buddha is nearby.
Visit Markets
Although many tourist markets are currently closed, it is still possible to visit many local markets and some tourist markets (the ones popular with locals are still operating).
Chillva Market
Where – 141/2 Yaowarat Road Ratsada, Phuket Town
When – Open Wednesday to Saturday, from 17:00 to 23:00.
What to buy – Clothing, jewellery, sports shoes, accessories and gadgets.
Nai Yang Fresh Market
Where – 48 Thep Krasat Tri-Nai Yang Road, Tambon Sa Khu, Nai yang
When – Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 1500 to 1900
What to buy – Food – fried chicken, fish cakes, curries, papaya salad etc. Fruit and vegetables, plus clothes and accessories (primarily targeting local people).
Not sure what street food to try? Check out 13 Delicious Thai Street Foods You must Try!
Book a resort full of fun things to do
For a laze-by-the-pool type of holiday, book into a resort with an exciting pool. If you are travelling with kids, look for accommodation with lots of children’s activities.
We stayed at the Marriott Nai Yang. It has a good pool with sunbeds and shade, shallow pools for children, and a food and drinks service. Moreover, you can purchase picnic lunches, so why not have a picnic on the beach. Furthermore, the Marriott has many activities to amuse the children, including t-shirt painting and pizza making, clay, origami, and so much more. There are heaps of activities for teenagers and adults, including yoga Muay Thai Boxing and beach volleyball.
Stroll Phuket Town
Old Town is has a street full of colourful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings. Moreover, you will find street art, funky cafes and huge mansions to ogle at.
Visit Baan Chinpracha Museum
The mansion was built in 1903 by Pratipak Chinpracha during the height of the tin mining boom. The house has featured in movies including Heaven & Earth and TV such as The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.
Baan Chinpracha Museum
Location: 98 Krabi Rd, Talat Nuea, Muang, Phuket Town
Open: Daily from 9am to 4.30pm
Phone: +66 (0)76 211 281
Price 150 THB
Indulge in Thai Cuisine
There are many restaurants open, including two of our favourites. In our first two weeks here, we have visited them both twice!
Peang-Prai Restaurant
Try the lemongrass salad, rhoom, and hor muk!
Where – Namtok Bang Toei, Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket
When – every day from 10:00 – 20:00
Phone – +66 85 832 7439
Kin Dee Restaurant
Try the Kin Dee Signature Fish, hor muk and the mango salad!
Where – 1 6Tambon, Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket
When – every day from 10:30-22:30
Phone – +66 76 328 293
Eat at PRU
Phuket’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant. PRU is part of the luxury Phuket resort Trisara, and as you can imagine, it is not cheap eats! Five-course “experiences” start at ฿4000++. To find out more, visit PRU Restaurant.
Have a Sneaky Beverage!
Technically, bars are not allowed to open, and restaurants are not allowed to serve alcohol. Nonetheless, you can still get a sneaky beer/spirit/wine at some bars and restaurants. However, remember that there is a ban on restaurants serving alcohol or allowing alcohol to be consumed on the premises, so behave discreetly. Be aware that these vendors are putting their livelihoods at risk to provide you with this service.
More Information
Currency
Thai Baht (THB) written here as ฿
Accommodation
We typically book our accommodation through booking.com. We like the convenience of booking online, and we are usually able to pay for our accommodation on arrival at the hotel/resort or room. Additionally, booking.com advertise many different accommodation styles on the island of Phuket, so you are sure to find the perfect place. We stayed at the Phuket Marriott Resort.
Phuket Marriott Resort Nai Yang
Cost – ฿32,998 (about AUD1330) for 14 nights
Pros – Two double beds (great for a good night sleep after travelling all day!) There is a seating area, good TV, kettle, coffee plunger, fridge, safe, iron and iron board, and a large bathroom with a bath and separate shower. Large room. Good wifi, efficient room service, welcoming staff and a delicious breakfast. Lush grounds, a large swimming pool and a fitness centre.
Cons – There are some midges (gnats) around this time of year. The staff warned us about them and suggested some products to protect ourselves. Families watch stuff on their phoned and tablets during breakfast and do not use headphones. Very annoying having to listen to that noise.
Verdict – Lovely. The staff are very accommodating, and the location is perfect for us (we have a scooter).
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