Floyd Cowan photos and words. Top Photo - Being welcomed to Koh Samui at the airport

In July 2021 the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) sponsored journalists from around the world to visit Koh Samui - one of its more popular tourists destinations pre-pandemic. The Samui Sandbox + programme, officially launched on our arrival, was suppose to attract international tourists. It did not have the success that the similar Phuket Sandbox did. Why? I can't say definitively but my feeling is that there were too many restrictions and requirements that put people off from going to the island. With the help of the local TAT staff in Singapore it was the most difficult preparation for a trip - just getting all the documents together - that I've ever experienced. But there are brighter days ahead for those who want to travel as restrictions are easing at countries around the world.

Below is a glimpse of the new look of the print magazine and some pictures we haven't published before.

If you would like to advertise in that edition please be in touch at fcowanmedia@gmail.com

In the following two print issues of Asian Journeys there will be stories on Ko Phangan and Koh Tao which I also visited on this trip.

Here are the links to the previous stories posted on this site.

https://asianjourneys.com.sg/16-Jul-2021/travelling-during-a-pandemic

https://asianjourneys.com.sg/21-Jul-2021/travelling-during-a-pandemic-koh-samui

https://asianjourneys.com.sg/17-Jul-2021/travelling-during-a-pandemic-day-2

https://asianjourneys.com.sg/16-Jul-2021/samui-ko-pha-ngan-and-ko-tao-reopen-today-with-the-launch-of-samui-plus-programme

Empty Changi Airport - Terminal 3

Even with just a handful of passengers the staff of Bangkok Airways still remained focussed and professional.

Pool Villa, Lamai Samui 

Lamai Samui - The Plate Restaurant

Lamai Beach in front of Lamai Samui

Ang Thong National Marine Park (above and below)

Thong Krut Pier

Big Buddha Temple

ORDER HERE:  fcowanmedia@gmail.com : Or go to Amazon: The Orange Sofa: Unicorn Eyes: Walking Home: Singapore Circuit Breaker  or Zero Visibility - US$9.00 on line