Best Destinations 2020 Pt. 7 - Bangkok Thailand | Thailand Reopening for Tourism

Bangkok is a city that never goes to sleep.

It has become overwhelmingly busy and congested over the past few decades with high-rise commercial buildings and an increased traffic. Rapidly growing numbers of foreign visitors, more Thais moving from remote provinces and expats living and working have contributed to the chaos of Bangkok today.

Thailand’s economy depends heavily on the revenue from tourism, which has been suffering due to the current situation.

On November 2nd, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that the country is now open for tourism under the recently launched Special Tourist Visa (STV). STV allows for a 90-day-stay in Thailand and the cost is 2000 baht (about $66 USD). There are other requirements to obtain STV, one of them is a health insurance with COVID-19 coverage. Tourists are required to be quarantined for fourteen days in Bangkok and be tested for COVID -19 three times before they can travel in Thailand. Rules and restrictions can change rapidly in Thailand; For an updated and detailed information, visit The Tourism Authority of Thailand website.

So why should you visit Bangkok? It’s a city filled with excitement. There are mega shopping malls, street food vendors, night markets….. There is always something happening: car racing and shows, tech exhibitions, and festivities. There are still some remnants of the old days (boat noodle alley and Chinatown for examples) in some parts of the city and at the end of the day, you can relax in the green oasis at Lumpini Park or have drinks at one of the roof top bars while watching the sunset.