With Covid-19 becoming less deadly with each new variant and vaccinations becoming more widespread, more and more countries are opening up borders and lifting travel restrictions. After two solid years of being cooped up and putting plans on hold, tons of people are eager to start booking vacations. And while most articles are talking about Mexico and the Caribbean, there are some stellar Asian countries that shouldn’t be overlooked!
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1. Vietnam
Thanks to recent changes in its border policies, Vietnam is one of the easiest places to travel to. The country no longer requires international travelers to get tested before arriving, nor is quarantining necessary. And since there haven’t been any flight restrictions in place for months, booking tickets is easy.
The only requirement currently in place is to make sure you have travel insurance that covers Covid treatment. Frankly, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance even without the pandemic. You never know if an emergency is going to come up that will force you to cancel your vacation plans.
Just make sure to check whether you need an e-visa before taking off. (If you’re from the U.S., that includes you.) If you are, you can check out Vietnam’s official government website to get that visa taken care of.
2. Thailand
Much like Vietnam, Thailand has greatly eased its travel restrictions since May. PCR testing is no longer required and vaccinated travelers won’t have to quarantine at all. Even for those who haven’t gotten the shot, all you have to do to get out of the 5-day quarantine is present a negative PCR test.
Like Vietnam, they also require travel insurance that covers Covid treatment (up to US$10,000). Other than that, all you need is a Thai Pass in order to get into the country.
It’s a great option for other reasons as well. Thailand is a country rich in both culture and great food. For a small taste of what it has to offer, check out this 3-day itinerary for a Thai food tour in Bangkok.
3. Cambodia
Cambodia is another place where international travelers are welcome – all you need is to be vaccinated. There’s not even a requirement for travel insurance like the previous two countries (though, as previously mentioned, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance regardless).
If you’re not vaccinated, you’ll need to either show a negative antigen test or put up with a 7-day quarantine. For the latter, you’ll also have to have US$2,000 cash for your quarantine hotel if you don’t have any insurance. So, uh, make sure you get your test done before departure.
As for what Cambodia has to offer, the above-pictured Angkor Wat is just one example of many. Sun-soaked beaches, bustling cities, and natural reserves provide endless possibilities for adventure. I’d recommend checking out this list for a place to get started on where to go and what to see.
4. The Philippines
As long as you’re vaccinated, all you’ll need to get into the Philippines is a negative PCR test. If you haven’t been vaccinated, you’ll need to quarantine for 14 days, but that’s to be expected at this point. (No matter how much we might want to complain about the inconvenience of it all!) Masks are also required in public spaces, but businesses are open as usual aside from that.
Since a negative PCR test is required, getting into the Philippines is a little bit more bothersome than the previous three countries on this list. On the bright side, such precautions make it less likely for you, as a traveler, to get infected.
In any case, this archipelago of 7,641 islands is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. You can hop from island to island, learning about unique cultural practices like the hanging coffins of Sagada, or visit a huge range of stunning sites, from subterranean rivers to volcanos.
5. Japan
Unlike the other countries on this list, Japan’s entry requirements are a bit more stringent. In addition to a PCR test, travelers need to apply for a visa in advance. And, depending on the country you’re from, you may need to go through a 3- or 7-day quarantine (though no quarantine is needed for travelers from the U.S. or other “blue” countries, as noted on this website).
Despite all that, the very travel restrictions that make getting here a pain also clear out the crowds for a lot of popular destinations.
Personally, I loathe crowds – to the point where I’ll get up early before everywhere’s too busy. I may even reconsider going somewhere if there are too many people. Right now you can experience Japan without getting crushed like a sardine amidst camera-wielding tourists. Residents of Kyoto, for example, have noted that the city is more peaceful now than it has been in over twenty years.
So, yes, while travel may be a bit inconvenient, it’s worthwhile to get an authentic taste of this beautiful country. So, if you’ve ever wanted to visit one of Kyoto’s famous temples or other sightseeing spots, now’s the time to book that trip.
How Necessary Are Travel Restrictions, Really?
While the travel restrictions were definitely a good idea at the beginning of the pandemic, the question is – are they really that necessary now? I would argue, “not really.” Or at least, not that much.
Personal opinion time: you should absolutely get vaccinated for the original Covid-19 virus. However, as the virus mutates, evidence suggests it’s weakening. Just look at Omicron: it spreads like wildfire, but almost everyone who’s caught it has said that it’s more like the common cold than anything else.
At this point, countries should feel safer about loosening their borders, and vaccinated individuals without pre-existing conditions should feel more at ease traveling. We can’t let fear of the virus hang over our heads forever, after all.
That Being Said… Looking to Plan a Summer Vacation? (Wink, wink.)
If you want suggestions for places to visit this upcoming summer, check out some of my other posts. You can also contact me directly if you’re interested in building a custom itinerary for your trip!
