Thailand creates “wellness sandbox” at beach resort

The beach resort towns of Hua Hin and Cha-am, just east of Bangkok, are set to become Thailand’s first “wellness sandbox,” where tourists can avail themselves of the many spas and health-conscious activities in a controlled environment to prevent COVID-19.

“Much of Hua Hin is famous in this respect,” said Krod Rojanastien, President of Thai Spa Association. “Therefore, we have a plan to turn Hua Hin into a ‘City of Health.’ People around the world will be seeking special places like this.”

Thailand’s tourism sandboxes allow international visitors to enter those areas as long as they have already been vaccinated against COVID-19 and test negative for the virus. Phuket became the first sandbox in July last year and the experiment has proven successful.

The government recently added more tourism sandboxes, including the beach resort locations of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Krabi.

Hua Hin and Cha-am on the east coast of Thailand’s southern peninsula boast white sand beaches, golf courses, spas, and horseback riding on the beaches. They are popular destinations for locals as well as visitors from overseas.

Chiva-Som Resort has been the premier spa in Hua Hin for decades, having gained a global reputation for its services and ambience. In recent years, however, many other top-quality spas and wellness resorts have also opened in the area.

The government and tourism authorities intend to further develop a string of destinations on its eastern coast into luxurious region for visitors, branding the area as the “Thailand Riviera.”

“We can promote the districts (Hua Hin and Cha-am) as two of the world’s newest wellness destinations providing a high-quality tourism and wellness experience,” Krod said.

Photo courtesy of https://thainews.prd.go.th