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Welcome to the October 2021 edition of Golfasian’s “The Asian Golf Insider”, your source for the latest Asian Golf travel insider news and updates.

It is with great news last night, October 11, that Thailand’s’ Prime Minister announced on live TV that Thailand would open on November 1 to vaccinated travelers coming from at least 10 countries including UK, United States, China, Singapore, Germany and other countries to be announced later. Additional countries are planned to be added on December 1 and beyond. Watch for more details in the coming days as official announcements are forthcoming.

This comes after last week’s announcement that from 1st October Island quarantine has officially been reduced to 7 days for fully vaccinated travelers. Whilst the emphasis and hype is now fully fixated on reopening the country, the spirits are definitely elated and the unofficial announcements regarding the full opening of Thailand from 1st November is predominately the main focus now. Fingers crossed we are in the final stages of bringing tourism back indefinitely. We are also excited that Thailand has been removed from the UK red travel list and all nationalities including India are allowed to travel to Phuket if fully vaccinated.

It’s great to see that surrounding countries are also pressing ahead with their progress plans to reopen with Bali Indonesia, Langkawi, Malaysia and Phu Quoc, Vietnam under similar programs as the Phuket Sandbox.

Our 2021 Asia Golf Guide, with golf courses, destination information and things can be a great resource for planning your next golf holiday to Asia. You can get your free copy here.

Complete full-service itineraries created for your specific travel preferences, expectations, group size, and budgetary requirements are our specialty. Please contact us anytime for a competitive quote. Our team is standing by.

Stay safe and happy golfing,

Boyd Barker, Chief Operating Officer

THAILAND FULLY OPEN TO ALL COUNTRIES
From 1st October Thailand took a remarkable turn and removed all previous travel bans on international arrivals from those countries formerly listed on the incoming banned list. The Thai government is recognising the need to rebuild the country as fast as possible following the closure of many businesses, including the severely hit tourism industry. Covid-19 was first detected in Thailand in Janaury 2020 and has left many large cities devastated by the ongoing turmoil. This move is most definitely welcomed by all within Thailand. Please contact us today to start planning your next golf holiday.

LOY KRATONG & DIWALI
November hosts two unique annual celebrations enjoyed by all in Thailand. Loy Krathong festival and Diwali festival both commemorate The Festival of Lights. Loy Krathong is predominantly celebrated by Thais and can be seen in many neighboring countries whilst Diwali is principally an Indian celebration, enjoyed by several religions and countries. Throughout the festivities you will see Krathongs (floats) being released onto water, prayers will be made thanking the Water Goddess for the forture of having water along with releasing all negativity away. Diwali is India's most important festival of the year—a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. During Loy Krathong and Diwali the night sky will be filled with beautifully lite lanterns.
Golfasian have some exceptional offers taking place during this period so please contact us today and ensure we give you an experience to remember.

*5 ANANTARA LAYAN GOLF PACKAGE** 7 nights stay at the 5* Anantara Layan Phuket Resort at the luxurious Deluxe Layan Suite from US$ 1,170 per golfer. Enjoy 4 rounds of golf at Blue Canyon Country Club Lakes & Canyon Course, Laguna Golf Phuket & Red Mountain Golf Club. Click here for full itinerary and more information on this package.

GOLF IN SOUTHERN THAILAND DURING THE PANDEMIC - MARK SIEGEL
It has been two years since I used my golf travel cover and flew anywhere for a golf holiday, so when my family decided to return to Thailand through the Phuket Sandbox, I jumped at the chance to reunite with them and get in some much overdue golf. Our first stop was the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. It was my first time at the property, despite using it previously for many Phuket golfers and corporate travel groups. There is so much to like about the resort, from the awesome villa designs, an abundance of F&B outlets, a one-kilometer resort jogging track, and a direct beachfront location. Read all about it here.

GOLF & GASTRONOMY
Thailand is world famous for its mouth-watering cuisine and for good reason. Whether you wish to dine in Michelin stared restaurants, indulge in authentic local northern or southern legendry dishes, or simple eat Guay Teow (Noodle Soup) from a local street vendor you are sure have to your taste buds tantalised. Whilst in Bangkok you are spoilt for choice when it comes to world-renowned dining. Read all about it here.

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30 DAYS FREE ACCESS - ME AND MY GOLF 30 Days Free Access to the World's Most Effective Golf Coaching Platform Me And My Golf is the closest you can get to being taught one-on-one by world-famous PGA coaches Andy Proudman and Piers Ward. Click here to get your 30-day free access.

ASIA GOLF EVENT CALENDAR 2021/22
FORE Invitational at Amata Spring 26 Oct. 2021 Pattaya, Thailand
FORE Invitational Alpine Golf Club Bangkok 9 Nov. 2021, Bangkok, Thailand
Amari Hua Hin Skins Golf Week 2022 19 – 24 Mar. 2022 Hua Hin, Thailand
Centara World Masters 2022 8 – 14 May., 2022 Hua Hin, Thailand
AVANI Pattaya 2 Ball Golf Championship 2022 15 – 21 May., 2022 Pattaya, Thailand
Mercure Pattaya Men’s Open Golf Week 2022 4 – 10 Sep., 2022 Pattaya, Thailand
AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters 2022 11 – 17 Sep., 2022 Danang, Vietnam

SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL UPDATES

Thailand

Thailand has officially announced that they are welcoming tourists from ALL countries since 1st October. This push to ignite and restart tourism in the kingdom is very welcome. Fully vaccinated tourists can fly in The Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus scheme under the guidelines to complete 7 days on the island before moving to other destinations.

Vietnam

Whilst Veitnam continues to remain closed for tourism the initial plan to open Phu Quoc has also been delayed until the inoculation rates have increased to the desired target. Whilst internal restrictions are easing this is all a plan to monitor the next domestic stages in preparation to open to tourism once the local vaccination rates have increased.

Malaysia

Although Malaysia continues to close for tourism, news of a similar Tourism Recovery Plan set to take place in. On 9 September, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture officially announced that Langkawi will be launched as a pilot destination to be reopened to fully vaccinated local tourists beginning September 2021.

Indonesia

In September, officials representing Bali announced that the island will begin welcoming some international tourists from October 14 2021. The island’s limited reopening will start with a travel corridor from select countries. Arrivals must be fully vaccinated and quarantine for 8 days at their own expense.

COVID-19 SAFETY - SHA

Golfasian has been SHA (Safety & Health Administration) accredited by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. As Thailand is slowly preparing to re-open its borders for international golf travelers, an initiative by the Tourism Authority of Thailand has provided a selected number of tour operators and DMCs who underwent stringent safety & health checks with the SHA (Safety & Health Administration) accreditation.

Talk With Golfasian

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