A landmark of the last ten years

Samui Plus reopening to vaccinated tourists (July 2021)

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao opened to vaccinated foreign tourists on 15 July 2021 under the 'Samui Plus' scheme, after Phuket's sandbox.

When
15 July 2021
Where
Koh Samui
A breathtaking view of floating lanterns illuminating the night sky during a vibrant festival.
A general photo of this kind of event, not a photo of this event. Photo: R. Swafford, Pexels License

About this event

Samui Plus was the reopening scheme for the Surat Thani islands. It opened two weeks after the Phuket Sandbox and covered Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao for travel between July and December 2021. Unlike Phuket, which offered fully vaccinated visitors an exemption from quarantine, Samui Plus asked for a short and flexible period of isolation.

The scheme worked in stages. After the first three days visitors could travel on 'sealed routes' and with operators approved under the programme. A third test on day 12 or 13 allowed travel on to other provinces after the 14-day programme. The Bangkok Post and the PATA newsletter described the launch. Officials expected around 1,000 tourists in the first month, yet only 33 airline seats were booked early on. The scheme belongs to the reopening period before the return of the Full Moon Party and the island festivals in 2022.

The facts

  1. 1 Arrivals had to stay at an approved Samui hotel for a week and could leave their accommodation from day four.
  2. 2 A negative Covid-19 test was needed before going on to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.
  3. 3 Early uptake was reported as slower than expected.

Why it matters

The first reopening of the Samui archipelago to foreign tourists since the COVID-19 closures.

Festivals and culture on Koh Samui

Samui's cultural calendar follows the Thai lunar and Buddhist year. Songkran, on 13 to 15 April, is a water fight on the east coast, in Chaweng and Lamai, while west-coast villages keep a calmer, temple-centred version with blessings and merit-making. Loy Krathong falls on the November full moon, when people float small baskets on lakes and ponds. Chinese New Year brings feasting and temple visits. The Samui Festival has held a parade ending at Pru Chaweng Park. Expect restricted alcohol sales on holy days, and check dates a few weeks ahead.

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