Editor's note: We encourage readers to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (opens in new tab) for the latest information on how to travel safely during a COVID-19 pandemic.

With its ancient ruins, peaceful spiritual practices, friendly people, and tantalizing cuisine, Thailand (or "Land of Smiles") has long attracted visitors to this corner of Southeast Asia. It is one of the most visited countries in the world, but its status as a preferred tourist destination changed dramatically when its borders were closed for more than a year due to the COVID-19 epidemic. But in July, a cautious reopening program (open in new tab) debuted, allowing fully vaccinated tourists to travel to the country's most popular resort island, Phuket, without going through quarantine; since November 1, Thailand has again relaxed its rules, allowing 46 approved Vaccinated travelers from "low-risk" countries will be welcomed without quarantine or minimum stay.

Along with Phuket, the capital Bangkok and other top destinations like Krabi (whose Phi Phi Islands were made famous in the Leonardo DiCaprio movie "The Beach"), Phang Nga (where you can find those magnificent limestone sea cliffs), Chiang Mai will be reopened as part of the country's new "Test & Go" plan (opens in new tab). You will need to prove a negative pre-departure and post-arrival PCR test, purchase COVID-19 insurance covering at least $50,000, and download the easy-to-use Thailand Pass (opens in new tab).

Once you are familiar with the health and safety protocols, you can focus on the fun part. Phuket's beaches are surrounded by the turquoise Andaman Sea and bordered by palm trees. And you can immerse yourself in history, culture, fabulous food, and gorgeous sights, and before Thailand fully reopens its borders in January 2022, experience the charm of this beautiful island, once considered too crowded and uncomfortable for the pre-pandemic tourist numbers.

From tranquil spa rituals to lunch at an organic farm to ethical elephant encounters, the experience is a blend of the luxurious and the local.

If the sleek architecture and private pool of the Rosewood Phuket (opens in new tab), a suites and villas only hotel, doesn't conjure up heart emojis, then the secluded Emerald Bay, where the jungle meets the beautiful Phuket coastline Recommended. The Insta-worthy lily pond reflecting pool and giant temple-like doors in the lobby will make you say "Wow! upon arrival. Original artwork and Thai-inspired décor throughout the property give it an upscale residential feel. Highlights of the stay include a cooking class with local chef couple Uncle Nung and Aunt Yai, lunch at Takai Restaurant, treatments at Asaya Spa, and cocktails at the chic poolside bar Mai.

Thais shop for fruits, fish, meat, and seafood daily at morning markets like the Kathu Fresh Market in Phuket's Kathu district. It's an authentic way to experience local culture, discover local produce (such as mangosteen and rambutan), try classic street-style snacks, and take out a delicious curry and rice dish. After strolling through the market, walk down the street to Ketho Dim Sum (open in new tab) for a Phuket-style breakfast of fluffy pork buns (cha siu bao), congee (khao tom), refreshing southern Thai rice salad (khao yam pak dai), and other freshly steamed dim sum dishes. Please enjoy.

Phuket is famous for its beautiful beaches. Banana Beach, located on the northwest side of the island (between Bangtao and Nitong), is a quiet, private spot perfect for swimming and snorkeling. (Beware of the numerous black spiny sea urchins that dot the rocks near the shore.) ) The beach is best reached by land via a steep bamboo path, but for a special experience, rent a long-tail boat or charter a yacht cruise with Asia Marine (opens in new tab).

Wat Chalong (open in new tab), the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket, is visited daily by Thai locals who offer flowers and food to the saffron-robed monks to make merit and manifest good karma, Located on Chalong Bay, the magnificent chedi of this historic structure is said to house a small piece of the Buddha's own bones. A three-story staircase decorated with water dragons leads up to an intricate painting depicting the life of the Buddha and a series of golden statues of the enlightened one in various poses.

Collect fresh eggs, cuddle unusual chickens, and pick fresh herbs from the garden at an organic farm in northwest Phuket before lunching in the shade of a lakeside tree. Trisara Farm's "Hideaway by Jampa" (opens in new tab), a rustic fine dining restaurant built on the site of a former open-air tin mine, is one of the most luxurious 5-star resorts on the island and home to the only Michelin-starred restaurant, PRU (opens in new tab), Trisara (open in new tab) concept. Every Saturday afternoon, you can watch Chef Kla Prakobkit and his team create a seven-course tasting menu.

With its brightly painted Chinese-Portuguese shophouses, eclectic street art and galleries, ice cream and craft coffee shops, and souvenir boutiques, Old Phuket Town is worth a day off the beach. The town is a great place to get away from the beach for a day. Every Sunday until 4 p.m., historic Thalang Road transforms into Lard Yai, the Sunday Walking Street Market, bustling with food stalls and street vendors. Then head to Phuket's most famous and charming restaurant, Raya (open in new tab), for specialties such as crab meat curry and vermicelli style noodles (keang nua pu) and southern Thai dry roasted curry (kua kling). Finish the evening with a cocktail at the sophisticated DibukHouse (open in new tab) or the edgier CLUB No. 43 (open in new tab).

Admired for their strength, loyalty, and intelligence, elephants are a national symbol and an important part of Thai culture. Interacting with this majestic animal has been a major tourist attraction for decades, but thanks to places like the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary (open in new tab), tourists can now interact in a gentler way. since opening in 2016, the Sanctuary has pioneered ethical elephant tourism in Phuket, protecting, retiring, and rehabilitating elephants that have been abused for decades in the tourism and logging industries. step into the 30-acre jungle sanctuary and a herd of elephants (the first protected, Maddy and Kanika ) happily roam, feed, and enjoy bathing rituals in lagoons and mud pools. Half-day tours offer educational presentations, elephant interaction, and vegetarian meals, while full-day tours and week-long volunteer programs allow you to participate in all aspects of sanctuary operations, including food preparation, maintenance, cleaning, and working with the elephants.

If you've fallen in love with Phuket, book your trip here (opens in new tab).