Thailand is now visa-free! Ctrip flight tickets are directly discounted, should you rush now?

🔥 Thailand currently implements a **visa-free policy** for Chinese tourists (stay not exceeding 30 days), and recently platforms like Ctrip have **flight ticket promotions**, making it a great time to travel! Here is a summary of key information to help you decide whether to "rush":

**1. Thailand Visa-Free Policy (Latest for 2025)**
✅ **30-day visa-free stay**: From March 2025, Thailand will shorten the visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days, but it still meets the needs of most tourists.
✅ **Electronic Arrival Card (TDAC)**: Must be filled online 72 hours in advance to speed up immigration clearance.
⚠️ **Note**:
- Visa-free is only for **tourism purposes**, not for work or long-term residence.
- Land border entry is limited to twice per year; frequent visa-free entries may be denied (it is recommended to apply for a long-term visa such as the **Digital Nomad Visa DTV**).

**2. Ctrip Flight Ticket Promotions**
🔹 **Recent promotions**: Some routes have round-trip prices including tax as low as **¥1000+** (e.g., Shanghai-Bangkok, Guangzhou-Phuket).
🔹 **Early bird tickets are cheaper**: Booking 1-2 months in advance saves 30%-50% compared to last-minute purchases.
🔹 **Budget airline options**: AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, etc., often have special fares, such as a **1 peso (about ¥0.15) base fare** (taxes and fees extra).

**3. Is it worth going to Thailand now?**
✔️ **Peak season (November-April)**: Cool weather but hotel prices are higher.
✔️ **Off-season (May-October)**: Some islands close during the rainy season (e.g., Similan Islands), but **hotels and flights are cheaper**, and fewer tourists mean a better experience.
💰 **Budget reference**:
- **5 days 4 nights independent travel**: Around ¥2000-5000 per person (including flights, hotels, meals, attractions).
- **Group tours (6 days 5 nights)**: About ¥5000-8000 (including flights, hotels, some meals).

**4. Recommended Itineraries (30-day visa-free is enough)**
📍 **Bangkok + Chiang Mai + Phuket** (7-10 days):
- Bangkok (Grand Palace, night markets) → Chiang Mai (Old City, elephant camp) → Phuket (island hopping, night markets).
📍 **Pure island trip (5-7 days)**:
- Phuket (Phang Nga Bay, Coral Island) → Phi Phi Islands (snorkeling) → Similan Islands (open November-April).

**5. Pros and Cons of "Rushing" Now**
👍 **Pros**:
- Cheap flights, visa-free saves time and effort.
- Fewer people during rainy season, high hotel cost-performance.
👎 **Cons**:
- Some islands close during rainy season (e.g., Similan).
- Occasional heavy rain requires flexible itinerary adjustments.

**Conclusion**: If you have **a limited budget + flexible time**, rushing now is very cost-effective! It is recommended to check the weather in advance, avoid consecutive rainy days, and keep an eye on **limited-time promotions** on platforms like Ctrip and AirAsia.