Thailand what a country. What is the geographical location

What is there in Thailand is a rhetorical question. Without exaggeration - everything: pristine beaches on the islands and the frenzy of discos, ancient temples and a stunning underwater world. The nest of debauchery Pattaya and beautiful Phuket, cuisine and shopping - everything about Thailand: tours, hotels, weather, map.

• Tours for May to Thailand
• Last minute tours to Thailand

A fair amount of tourist experience and a well-deserved reputation as the most popular destination in Southeast Asia make themselves felt: almost everything that can be done or shown to tourists for money in Thailand is done and shown there. On the one hand, it’s cool: the country offers a variety of recreational options with benefit and pleasure, from sex tours and round-the-clock “frenzy” in local bars and discos to diving on the islands and the search for enlightenment in ancient temples. On the other hand, Thailand, where everything touristic has long been put on stream and on a solid commercial basis, can no longer be called exotic. However, despite the apparent mass character and openness of the destination, there is still exoticism in Thailand. It’s just not always available to those arriving on a voucher.

Time difference from Moscow

4 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

As of November 1, 2018, the import of plastic, including plastic bags and polystyrene foam, was banned on the island of Samet in Thailand. Before arrival, tourists will be forced to leave all plastic bags at the airport and, at first, if necessary, they will be given paper bags or bags made of environmentally friendly material. Violators will have to pay a fine of THB 1,500. It is expected that the same measures will soon be taken on Koh Samui and by 2021 throughout the country.

How to get to Thailand

If you do not take into account extreme travel with hitchhiking, complex trains and buses, as well as a bunch of borders, then the only sane way to get to Thailand from Russia is air travel. The country's largest airport, Suvarnabhumi, is located in Bangkok; planes fly here not only from Moscow, but also from a number of regional centers in Russia. Phuket airport is also popular, but there are direct flights to Pattaya only in high season. This issue is discussed in more detail in the article “How to get to Thailand”.

• How to navigate when transferring at Bangkok airport

Search for flights to Thailand

Transport

Car rental in Thailand

How to avoid problems

Before departure, it is recommended to be vaccinated against cholera, hepatitis A, yellow fever, diphtheria and typhoid fever. It is advisable to have a repellent in your first aid kit: mosquitoes that carry the infection are active both day and night. However, there is no need to worry too much: according to statistics, the risk of contracting a tropical disease or infection in Thailand is extremely low.

It is better not to buy food from street and beach cooks and vendors - poisoning is possible. Products here spoil very quickly, so it is wiser to avoid anything fermented milk. Drinking water - only from bottles, ice for drinks - only in case of emergency: it can be prepared from tap water.

Nudism in the country is completely prohibited, although toplessness on the beach is far from uncommon. Disparaging statements, and even more so insults to the monarch and the Buddhist faith - the pillars of Thai society - are considered a crime. Serious punishment awaits rowdies on board the plane: if you smoke in the toilet or violate any other prohibition, you can run into a hefty fine.

In 2018, Thai authorities tightened checks on foreigners to identify illegal immigrants. The Russian Embassy recommends that all tourists always carry a passport with them (not a copy or a driver’s license - this is important!). If you do not have your passport with you, or the tourist refuses to present it, the police have the right to detain him until he produces the original document. Checks take place mainly in crowded places: shopping centers, restaurants, bars and discos.

A bite from a seemingly harmless cone snail without a vaccine is fatal. If you feel a painful prick and numbness in the water, you need to run headlong to the first aid station: dangerous consequences will begin to develop within half an hour.

• How to behave if you are accused of an offense in Thailand

Beaches of Thailand

Cuisine and restaurants of Thailand

Thai cuisine is a real culinary magic, it combines the spicy fire of Indian spices, the sophistication of the dishes of the French royal court, the consistent quality of Chinese cooking, as well as traditions brought by settlers and tribes from Malaysia, Burma and Laos. Seafood, fresh and aromatic herbs, bright spices, unusual soups, even ordinary-looking rice turns into a real delight called “khau phat” in the most remote Thai cafe, and the simple fried noodles “pad thai” won’t drag European tourists away by the ears. Look for a pinch of history, a handful of useful tips and a couple of spoons of culinary secrets in the article “Thai Cuisine”.

Guides in Thailand

Entertainment and attractions

Thailand is a country of hot sun, gentle sea and incredible drive. Spacious, clean beaches, exotic vegetation and the smiles of local residents leave Russian tourists with excellent memories of their holidays in Thailand. There is a place on the coast for families with small children, party-goers, and lovers of attractions - there are resorts in Thailand for every taste.

Why go

Thailand is warm all year round, so many people prefer to spend the whole winter here, escaping the Russian frosts to the hot coast.

Thailand is very diverse: there are quiet deserted corners, noisy party resorts and cozy small beaches. Among the resorts in Thailand, you can easily find one that is suitable for a family with small children, one that will appeal to a group of young people, and a secluded area where monkeys are more common than people.

This country has long been loved by Russian tourists for its unique culture, affordable prices and active nightlife. There are nightclubs in almost every resort in Thailand; some islands (,) are famous for hosting noisy, unforgettable parties.

Tours to Thailand

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow are given.

Currency

The currency of Thailand is the Thai baht. There are 100 satangs in one baht. In January 2018, 1 baht was equal to approximately 1.8 rubles.

Weather

Thailand is the territory of eternal summer. When talking about weather, there is a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season lasts from November to March and is characterized by mostly clear weather. This time is considered the tourist season. The temperature stays around +30 °C, the water warms up to +27 °C. It rarely rains, the sea is clear, and there are no strong waves.

The rainy season in Thailand is from April to October. It gets hotter, there are frequent showers, the sea is stormy, although there are clear days. There are significantly fewer tourists at the resorts, and prices for hotels and food are lower. Surfers and windsurfers come at this time to catch waves.

The duration of the seasons and their features may vary slightly depending on the resort.

Hotels

Thailand has a large selection of hotels. In resort areas, hotels of the 2 or 3 star category are most often found. Hotel areas are small. The level of service is quite decent - the rooms have air conditioning, a bathroom, a refrigerator, a terrace or balcony (depending on the floor), a safe (can be located at the reception). On, and you can choose accommodation in a bungalow.

Most often, hotels offer only breakfast, or breakfast and dinner. The all-inclusive system is unpopular in Thailand and can only be found in five-star hotels of major global chains.

All hotels in Thailand (with rare exceptions) require a deposit. This is a fixed amount for each day of stay or for the entire vacation period. The deposit can be made either in cash (baht only) or frozen on a credit card. The deposit will be returned before departure.

Hotels often have swimming pools, spas, massage rooms, beauty salons, a tour desk and currency exchange.

Suitable for families, party-goers and lovers of secluded areas. Many clean beaches with clear sea.

Vibrant nightlife, many clubs and bars, shows for adults. For a clean beach you need to sail to the nearby islands. The most inexpensive tours.

Ideal for families with children or a romantic getaway thanks to its developed infrastructure and half-empty beaches.

It will be of interest to nature lovers and those who want to go rock climbing. From here it is convenient to get to Phi Phi.

An ideal place to relax in unity with nature and for night parties.

The visiting card of the island is clean beaches and untouched jungles and at the same time developed infrastructure. Suitable for all categories of tourists.

An ancient Thai resort town for wealthy travelers.

The capital of Thailand is a city of skyscrapers, Buddhist temples, shopping centers and nightlife. Bangkok is a must-visit to fully explore the country.

How to get there

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia on the Indochina and Malacca peninsulas. The state is surrounded on two sides by seas: from the west - the Andaman Sea, from the east - the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea. Resorts with magnificent beaches are located in the south, while in the north there is a lot of greenery and mountainous terrain.

Round-trip flights to Thailand

Prices for tickets per person departing from Berlin are shown.

Boat excursions to nearby islands are popular at all resorts - both one day and overnight. The program usually includes meals, snorkeling, and diving.

Entertainment

In Thailand, both adults and children will find a lot of activities to their liking. On most beaches you can go water skiing, parasailing, rent a kayak and dive with fish in the depths. Other popular activities include paintball, quad biking, and visiting a water park.

You can go shopping. Large resorts (,) have large shopping centers with European and Asian clothing brands. You can inexpensively update your summer wardrobe and buy souvenirs in the sales tents that can be found on every corner. You can and should bargain with sellers.

Nightlife lovers will also not be bored. Known for its nightly entertainment. As soon as a hot southern night descends on a Thai resort, multi-colored lights flash on, music thunders from bars and restaurants, and night markets open their stalls. One of the famous brands of Pattaya, and Thailand in general, is the transvestite show. (Alcazar Pattaya) and (Tiffany’s Show) can be visited with children, there is nothing indecent there, just all the roles in the show are performed by men - just like the legendary Japanese kabuki theater.

Good to know

• slightly different from Russian ones in appearance (sometimes they have three holes). However, Russian plugs and Thai sockets go well together. No adapter needed.
• Shopping lovers will be able to return up to 7% of the cost of purchases by applying for a VAT refund on the way back. To get a refund, buy in stores with the “VAT Refund for tourists” sign and ask for the necessary documents (you will need a passport). The purchase amount must be at least 2 thousand baht (in one store).
• Night markets in Thailand operate from approximately 16:00 to 23:00. Read about the legendary.
• Since February 1, 2018, smoking has been prohibited in Thailand on 24 beaches, including Patong (Phuket), Bophut (Samui), four Pattaya beaches, Hua Hin and Cha-Am beaches and others. Pay attention to warning signs near the beach. Smoking will be allowed in specially designated areas. The maximum penalty for violating the ban will be a year in prison and/or a fine of up to 100 thousand baht (almost $3 thousand)
• Vapes are completely banned in the kingdom: they cannot be imported, purchased or used. You should not take electronic cigarettes with you, so as not to get acquainted with a Thai prison.
• Do not leave valuables unattended, especially on the beach. Keep an eye out for signs posted by beach workers.

In every tourist country, the main visited places are tourist resorts. However, not all travelers are interested in the sea and the beach. Many people prefer to travel around cities and see the color and sights. What are the main cities in Thailand?

Bangkok - capital of Thailand

The Thais themselves call this city “Krung Thep” - the city of angels, these two words took their name from the full name of Bangkok. Therefore, if at the bus station the locals do not understand when you name your destination Bangkok, just try saying Krung Thep - they will certainly understand you.

Bangkok is a populous metropolis; according to recent estimates, more than 15 million people live here, an economic and political center. And, of course, there is something to see: the Royal Palace, numerous temples, overpasses, canals, museums, the elevated metro and much more...

Chiang Mai - the northern capital

If the above-described Bangkok is the official capital, then Chiang Mai is the recognized northern capital of the country. Chiang Mai is the largest northern city, a manufacturing and cultural center, as it is one of the oldest cities of ancient Thailand. There are many cultural monuments, old temples and museums left here. Here time does not flow as fast as in Bangkok, and life is quite measured. The cultural characteristics of the north and south of Thailand have their own differences, so if you are looking for contrast and want to experience the highlights of the northern part, Chiang Mai is your choice.

Ayutthaya - the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Thailand

Ayutthaya stood on the territory of modern Southeast Asia for more than 400 years (1350 - 1767), during which time it became famous as the capital of a strong and powerful state, but historically it happened that in 1767 it was destroyed and gave rise to a new Thai state. Modern Ayutthaya is the custodian of the heritage that remained after the burning. Rarely a temple or pagoda has survived to this day in its original condition, but nevertheless, the grandeur of Ayutthaya still amazes modern travelers.

Today, historical monuments of that period are scattered throughout the center of the modern city of the same name Ayutthaya. There are also klongs (canals) along which you can take a walk, the famous “Buddha’s head in the branches of a tree” and much more. And of course, there are now many hotels in Ayutthaya that accept tourists.

Sukhothai - guardian of ancient civilization

A 4-hour drive from Bangkok is a city that is another historical center of Thailand - Sukhothai - a keeper of ruins and legends. Sukhothai was the very first Thai state, founded in 1238. Thai culture and art were formed here, even the Thai language was invented by the first Sukhothai ruler. But over time, this state became a vassal of the new Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya, however, the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods differ from each other in cultural and historical heritage.

Modern Sukhothai is divided into 2 parts - a new city and a historical park. As a rule, tourists stay in the benefits of civilization in the new Sukhothai, but every day, using a transfer, they visit the ancient capital of the Thai kingdom of Sukhothai and enjoy the centuries-old heritage.

Pattaya - tourist hero city

It’s not for nothing that Pattaya is called that way, because it is the place where we receive the maximum number of visiting tourists every year. Pattaya is located very advantageously - on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand and just a 2-hour drive from the capital of Thailand. There are probably more hotels in Pattaya than ordinary buildings, and it is here that everything is provided for tourists - water activities on every beach, daily various excursions, all kinds of nightlife, restaurants and cafes of all cuisines of the world and much, much more. Coming to Pattaya, you come to the most developed and international resort in Thailand!

When traveling to the land of smiles, you can plan or order a combined tour, for example, Pattaya - Bangkok, or Bangkok with a flight to Chiang Mai, but if you would like to visit the historical centers of Thailand - Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, then upon arrival you can book an excursion for 1 day from Pattaya or Bangkok. Well, if you didn’t have time to see everything in one visit, don’t worry, next time you can choose a new travel route.

Welcome to Thailand!

Geography of Thailand

Thailand is an Asian country located in the western part of the Indochina Peninsula.

The area of ​​Thailand is 513,120 square meters. km. The territory of the state is divided into several geographical regions. In the north of Thailand lies the Thai Highlands region, where the highest point of the country is located - Mount Doi Ithanon of the Thanon Thong Chai mountain system, 2,565 m high. In the northeastern region of Isan there is the Khorat Plateau, in the eastern part of which the Mekon River flows. The central region of the country rises above the valley of the Chao Phraya River, which flows into the Gulf of Thailand. The Andaman Sea is considered the country's main natural resource; the famous resorts of Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phang Nga and Trang are located here.

Government of Thailand

Thailand is a unitary state that has faced different regimes of government throughout its history, from military dictatorship to electoral democracy, but has always been headed by a king.

Weather in Thailand

The climate of Thailand is tropical. The country is characterized by three climatic seasons: hot season (March - May), rainy season (June - October) and cool season (November - February). Continental Thailand receives most of its moisture from June to October. The air temperature in the country rarely drops below +13°C or exceeds +35°C.

In the northeast of the country, 1020 mm of precipitation falls annually, and on the Malacca Peninsula - more than 3800 mm. Average temperatures in Bangkok are + 28°C. In the southeast of the country, it rains from mid-May to September, but the weather is warm; from November to May, a dry and cool monsoon comes here.

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, during which time it rains less often and temperatures remain moderate.

You should come to the northern provinces of the country from March to May and at the very beginning of the rainy season (June, July). It is recommended to refrain from traveling to the northeast and central parts of Thailand in March, when the air temperature rises to + 40°C.

Language of Thailand

The official language of the country is Thai. Also widespread in the country is Lao, a dialect of the Isan region and the northeastern provinces. English is taught in many schools as a second language.

Religion of Thailand

The national religion of the country is Buddhism. According to the latest data, 94.6% of residents profess it. Muslims are the second largest religious community by number of believers - 4.6%, live mainly in Pattaya, Yala, Narathiwat. Christians make up 0.7% of the population.

Currency of Thailand

The monetary unit of Thailand is the baht. There are 100 satangs in one baht. The government issues coins in denominations of 25, 50 satang and 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht. Old coins featured exclusively Thai numerals. Nowadays, in addition to them, you can see Arabic numerals on coins. Banknotes in circulation include 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), 500 baht (magenta) and 1,000 baht (beige).

The most favorable exchange rates are offered by banks and exchange offices. US dollars are most readily accepted for exchange, followed by British pounds, followed by euros. Most banks charge a commission for cashing travel checks.

ATMs can be found in major and resort cities in Thailand.

Credit cards are accepted in large restaurants and hotels, but travelers will not be able to use them in family guest houses or small restaurants.

Customs restrictions

The following are allowed to be imported into the country duty free:

• 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250 g tobacco
• 1 liter of alcohol
• gifts and personal items up to 10,000 baht

It is prohibited to import into the country:

• narcotic substances
• weapon
• pornographic products

Duty-free import/export of local currency is allowed in the amount of up to 50,000 baht per person, 100,000 baht per family. The import/export of foreign currency is unlimited; amounts exceeding 20,000 US dollars are subject to declaration.

Tips

In Thailand, it is not customary to leave a tip on purpose. In gratitude for good service, you can give the waiters your change, for example, if the bill amounted to 488 baht, then it is enough to pay with a 500 baht bill and leave 12 baht. However, amounts less than 10 baht are usually not left. In many restaurants across the country, a 10% service charge is already included in the bill. Bangkok has its own tipping standards.

Purchases

When shopping in Thailand you need to remember the following:

• since prices in stores for the same goods may differ, advice - go and ask the price, you will probably be able to buy the thing you like cheaper
• always ask for a receipt for your purchase and check it immediately
• never follow the advice of local residents about which stores you should visit; most often, these advisors receive money from the owners of the outlets for customers.

Most shops in the country are open 5 days a week from 8 am to 9 pm, markets are open from morning until lunch.

Prices in stores are mostly fixed. But you can bargain in markets and tourist shops.

Souvenirs

Thailand is considered one of the world leaders in clothing production; here you can buy quality items at very reasonable prices. The country has developed the production of silk fabrics; tourists can choose products of a wide variety of colors.

Lovers of antiques will also be able to find goods to suit their tastes in Thailand. Many travelers bring ceramics and porcelain from Thailand.

Thai orchids are another souvenir that tourists love.

In Thailand, they produce excellent quality furniture to order, and stores provide services for sending it abroad.

Office hours

Banks in Thailand are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:30. Exchange points are open from morning to evening.

National characteristics of Thailand

Traditions

Thailand has a very interesting greeting tradition - wai. Thais, when greeting each other, fold their hands in a prayer gesture and bow slightly. The wai is accompanied by a smile expressing friendliness. That's why Thailand is called the "Land of Smiles."

In Thailand, it is not customary to publicly demonstrate affection, especially for lovers; while friends can hold hands while walking, lovers cannot.

It is considered rude to touch someone's head or point your toe at someone, as feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body in Thailand.

In Thailand, it is not customary to publicly express anger and speak in a raised voice. Thais resolve all conflict situations with a smile. And emerging problems are commented on with the phrase “may pen rai,” which translates as “doesn’t matter.”

Safety

In Thailand, tourists can easily become victims of scammers and pickpockets. Therefore, you should be careful when interacting with strangers and do not accept city tours offered by auto-rickshaws. Those who travel to Thailand for love affairs need to remember the threat of HIV infection.

Medicine

Mains voltage:

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And many more different things that you will never see at home make your holiday in this country unforgettable. Moreover, you can relax there all year round. But the best time for a vacation in this country is winter. However, the notorious rainy season in Thailand is nothing more than a formality. The rain here is like a light drizzle that quickly dries on the asphalt.

Types of tourism

Many travel companies are ready to offer potential buyers trips to Thailand. Of course, prices for tours to this country are higher than for trips to Turkey or Egypt. However, a holiday here is incomparably more interesting and will provide much more unforgettable experiences. The two southern seas with rich fauna and flora provide an opportunity to get acquainted with their diversity.

A trip to Thailand will provide an opportunity to visit the local pristine beaches, see unusual architectural monuments, water skiing, scuba diving and much more. It will allow you to get a lot of unusual and pleasant impressions, ranging from orchids, palm trees, lotuses and bananas, ending with unusual means of transport, unusual dishes. Trips to the famous picturesque islands are very interesting, especially for diving enthusiasts. Underwater landscapes will give you an unforgettable experience.

For many tourists who come here, the capital of Thailand - Bangkok - becomes a discovery. The word "Bangkok" is translated from Thai into Russian as "city of angels". It does not have a single architectural center, but consists of several, each of which is interesting in its own way and amazes with its contrasts.

The capital of Thailand will amaze any newcomer with its original methods of transportation. There is a regular underground metro here. And there is an above-ground one, located at a height of 3 to 7 floors. It, just like the underground one, connects all areas of Bangkok. The city operates a water taxi that floats along local canals. You can use it to get to the floating market - According to reviews, this is a very exciting spectacle.

The capital of Thailand is a city of temples. They are concentrated in the center of Bangkok, and are rightfully considered the best among similar structures in Asia. Here is the residence of the Thai kings, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and many other palaces, temples and museums. The world's largest crocodile farm, an elephant sanctuary, a snake farm and other exotic establishments will be shown here. And in the evening, night restaurants, bars and discos await everyone.

The capital of Thailand is buzzing until the morning. And although the law establishes the opening hours of entertainment establishments until one in the morning, they work until two, and there are those that do not close until seven in the morning.

A trip to Thailand, whose capital will provide holidays at an affordable price with a high level of service and a large number of interesting routes, will appeal to anyone, even a spoiled tourist.

The choice of hotels for accommodation is very wide - from inexpensive bungalows to luxury hotels for every taste and budget. Many hotels can offer tourists a variety of entertainment.