(First: Apologies that this audio isn’t as good as normal: we were testing new microphones!) What is proper etiquette around monks? What is appropriate clothing when visiting temples and otherwise? Why are the needs so great in northern Thailand near Myanmar? Is it safe? What do I pack? Is the water safe to drink? What can I do with my free time? How much money should I bring? Is it safe? Tell me about the wifi and power situation. What is the controversy about regarding elephants in Thailand? Join us for all this and more in preparing for either your Globe Aware trip near Chiang Dao or for your own Northern Thailand travels. https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/thailand-hill-tribes
Thailand
Thailand Reimposes COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Globe Aware volunteers should know that Thailand has just reinstated some entry requirements for inbound international travelers. Requirements begin on January 9th, read more to find out.
Thailand Reimposes COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
LAURIE BARATTI
JANUARY 08, 2023
TRAVEL PULSE
Thailand today took a step backward in the evolution of its COVID-related border policies, having just released new updates to its travel restrictions on inbound international visitors.
It is reinstating some entry requirements, starting Monday, January 9.
China opens borders to quarantine-free travel
After nearly three years this is great news right before the Chinese New Year! We will update our Globe Aware volunteers as China hopefully lifts more rules and regulations, allowing us to resume our volunteer vacation there.
Excitement as China opens borders to quarantine-free travel
China lifts quarantine rules for inbound travellers, ending nearly three years of self-imposed isolation.
8 Jan 2023
AL JAZEERA
China has lifted pandemic restrictions on foreign travel, ending quarantine requirements for inbound travellers and with it, nearly three years of self-imposed isolation.
The first passengers to arrive under the new rules landed at airports in the southern cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen just after midnight on Sunday, according to the state-owned China Global Television Network (CGTN)
The Top 7 Trending Asian Travel Destinations for 2023
Globe Aware volunteers are ready and eager to explore Asia once again. We are delighted to offer open volunteer vacation programs in the trending destinations of Vietnam and Thailand!
Travelers Are Heading Back To Asia In 2023: These Are The Top 7 Trending Destinations
DECEMBER 25, 2022
BY: VINICIUS COSTA
Travel off Path
Travelers are eager to return to Asia and explore its natural wonders and colossal Buddhist temples now that it’s slowly reopening for tourism following nearly three years of closure. In fact, demand for country-hopping experiences in the continent is so high it now accounts for 7 out of the top 10 trending destinations for 2023.
The friendliest countries in the world
Our planet is home to some seriously friendly countries, and our Globe Aware volunteers will delighted to see some of our own program locations on the list. Get ready for warm welcomes in locations like the Philippines, Peru and more!
The friendliest countries in the world: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards
The most welcoming destinations from all four corners of the globe, as voted for by you.
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER
October 4, 2022
They say you can travel the world and you’ll never find anywhere as welcoming as home, but we don’t quite think that’s true. From the ever-beaming people of Sri Lanka to the famously open-armed population of New Zealand, our planet is home to some seriously friendly countries, ready to share the love they feel for their country with you. So, once again, we asked our readers to vote for the countries they consider to be home to the friendliest people in our 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. This is how you voted – counting backwards from 10 to one.
What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?
The mid-autumn festival lands on September 10th 2022, and is celebrated throughout Asia. Globe Aware volunteers in Vietnam during this month will be lucky enough to experience this special harvest celebration, also known as the “children’s festival.”
What is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and how is it celebrated around Asia?
29 Jul 2022
PYUSHA CHATTERJEE
Lifestyle Asia
The Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival is celebrated across East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, especially those with Chinese communities, but what does it really entail?
Falling on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month (as per the Chinese lunar calendar), it is observed for a few days (mostly three) around the main day, wherein the city streets are decorated with bright and colourful lanterns and dazzling lights. During this period, people typically celebrate by savouring delectable mooncakes — which, as their name suggest, represent the full moon. The snack also symbolises happiness and family reunions.
This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 10 September. Mooncakes aside, not everyone might know what the event is all about.
Thailand To Start Treating Covid Like The Flu From October
From October, Thailand will downgrade Covid to the same category as the flu virus. Thailand is re-asserting itself as a friendly destination for tourists and our Globe Aware volunteers.
Thailand To Start Treating Covid Like The Flu From October
By VINICIUS COSTA
Travel Off Path
August 13 2022
In a new development even the most optimistic didn’t see coming, Thailand will outpace the vast majority of Asia, and even the Western Hemisphere, in treating Covid as an endemic disease. From October, the once ultra-strict country will downgrade the pathogen to the same category as the flu virus, effectively treating both the same.
Thailand ends COVID registration for visitors, outdoor mask rule
Thailand is lifting a pre-arrival registration requirement for foreign visitors and it’s current outdoor mask mandate would be dropped as of July 1 except in crowded venues. Globe Aware volunteers should still pack masks for their volunteer vacation in case of changes in regulations.
Thailand drops registration for visitors, outdoor mask rule
Thailand is lifting a pre-arrival registration requirement for foreign visitors that was seen as onerous and a drag on the recovery for a tourism industry battered by the coronavirus pandemic
By The Associated Press
June 17, 2022
BANGKOK — Thailand is lifting a pre-arrival registration requirement for foreign visitors that was seen as onerous and a drag on the recovery for its ailing tourism industry.
The government’s COVID-19 center also said Friday that an outdoor mask mandate would be dropped as of July 1 except in crowded venues. The mask mandate was not controversial in Thailand and generally obeyed.
Thailand To Launch New Vaccine Passport For Entry
Thailand has removed all testing requirements for vaccinated tourists, which includes Globe Aware volunteers. Entry procedures have been simplified and the country is planning to launch a new vaccine passport soon.
Thailand Plans To Launch New Vaccine Passport For Entry
Here we go again. After Thailand removed all testing requirements for vaccinated tourists, many believed it was finally prepared to abandon its infamously strict Covid policies. Although entry procedures have been simplified, those who had been expecting a full reopening to follow will be surprised to learn the country is, in fact, planning to launch a new vaccine passport soon.
Globe Aware Makes Volunteering Easy, Safe and Fun
By Hyeyeun Jeon
The University Network
For students in high school and college, volunteering is beneficial in many ways.
Through volunteering, not only can you make meaningful impacts and learn to live as a part of a wider community, but also network with people from various career paths and improve your school applications.