Updated 02/10/2020 Views 127523 Comments 338

Foreword

I have lived in Phuket and Koh Samui, Krabi and Hua Hin, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Was in Pattaya, Koh Phangan, Koh Chang, Lanta and other cities in the south and north of the country. I traveled by all means of transport: planes, trains, buses, cars, tuk-tuks, and even tried hitchhiking. Rented various housing, ranging from a villa with a pool, ending with thatched bungalows. Ate various Thai food including grasshoppers :)

I am sure that my Thailand guide will help travelers and give them an answer to the question of how to relax in Thailand on their own and what needs to be done for this. In my opinion, Tai is a unique combination of advantages, and there is simply no alternative for him now in terms of rest and wintering.

It is also great for those who just want to get to know Asia, you can go to Thailand in the first place. In Thailand, everything is geared towards tourists, from ordinary travelers to winterers. A stable climate that makes it possible to plan a trip, it is easy to rent housing for a short period of time (even apartments and houses), just move between cities, as transport links are developed and the roads are very good, you can eat normally on every corner. A kind of paradise of domestic comfort, where all pressing issues are resolved.

Preparing for the trip

It makes sense to think about many things while preparing for a trip, I have them all set out here. For example, you should definitely do it, take the right bank card, choose a resort so as not to fall into the rainy season, stock up on the necessary things, but, on the contrary, do not take something with you.

Where to go, weather and seasons

At the very beginning, you need to decide where you will go depending on the current weather. Not everyone wants to go on their vacation during the rainy season. It’s one thing when you spend the winter in Thailand and it’s not so critical, it’s another thing if you come for 1-2 weeks on vacation and every sunny day is important.

I described the weather in detail by season, read it. From May to October, you should not go to Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta, and from October to January you should not go to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Hua Hin. In principle, you can go to Pattaya, Koh Chang and Bangkok all year round, but the best time to relax there is from November to February, from March the tides begin to flow to the sea, it becomes dirtier, and in September-October the peak season in this region rain.

Now let's talk about how the resorts differ from each other. If you are not yet an advanced fan of Thailand and have not visited the main resorts, then it does not make much sense to go to a little-known and not very popular place among foreigners, there are few people who speak English and are less and less geared towards foreigners. Therefore, first of all, you need to choose between Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Chang, as well as Krabi, Koh Phangan, Khao Lak and Hua Hin. The first 4 are the most basic, in my opinion. Also, if you do not need the sea, then you can go to Chiang Mai. I will try to describe the main criteria for choosing between them.

Phuket

The most popular resort and the choice of the majority, because there are beautiful island beaches, developed infrastructure and an international airport where you can fly a direct flight from Russia. For those who go on vacation, I recommend choosing, first of all, between the beaches of Patong, Karon, Surin, Kata (and Kata Noi), Nai Harn - approximately in descending order of people. Patong is the dirtiest, but it has the largest concentration of nightlife and shops. Kata is a good combination of civilization and the number of people. The beaches of Bang Tao, Kamala and Nai Harn make sense to consider for winterers or those who are looking for housing on a monthly basis, there is the largest selection of it. Also on Bang Tao, Kamala and Kat there are supermarkets within walking distance. I really like Nai Harn Beach, but there are very few hotels, cafes and shops near it, I will have to live in the distance in Rawai and travel by sea by transport. From relatively quiet beaches, I advise you to look at Naithon and Nai Yang, but there is a minimum of infrastructure. Be sure to go to Phi Phi.

Pattaya

Most often people come here on a cheap tour and for nightlife. But due to the large amount of infrastructure and entertainment, vacationers with children and independent travelers purposefully come here. Bangkok airport can be reached in 3 hours. It is here that the famous Walking Street is located, although Patong in Phuket is not much inferior to Pattaya in this regard. The resort is one of the most inexpensive in Thailand, so during the season there are a lot of tourists, and in particular Russian ones. The beaches are not very beautiful and dirty, so it is best to go swimming to the small island of Koh Lan (30 minutes by ferry to it) or out of town, for example, to the Military Beach. Some winterers also prefer to live in Pattaya, because of prices, a large social circle, infrastructure concentrated in one city (Russian gardens, Russian cafes, etc.). You can live on the outskirts of the city (end of Jomtien beach, Na-jomtien beach, behind Sukhumvit), then the noise and a large number of people will not bother you.

Koh Samui

My favorite resort, which combines the beauty of island beaches (for me they are better than Phuket ones) and all the necessary infrastructure. If you need nightlife, then you need to settle in Chaweng, although it is very far from Pattaya or Patong in this regard. If you want a quieter place, then Maenam Beach and Choeng Mon, the latter is considered by many to be the best for children. And something between them and with a supermarket within walking distance is Lamai Beach. Koh Samui is much smaller than Phuket, so no matter which beach you stay on, shopping centers and hangouts in Chaweng can be reached in 20-30 minutes, and the entire island is driven in a circle in an hour. There is monthly housing for winterers on every beach, the choice is large. The main disadvantage of the island is, only with a transfer, and they are even more expensive than direct ones to Phuket. By land, getting there is quite a long time, given the 2-hour ferry crossing.

Koh Phangan

The island is located near Koh Samui and it takes even longer to get to it, since there is no airport. Therefore, either from Koh Samui by ferry, or from the mainland. Koh Phangan became famous thanks to the large-scale open-air Full Moon Party, which attracts young people from all over the world. And also it is the Mecca of various kinds of yogis, raw foodists and other spiritual practitioners. If you do not need a party or an informal get-together, then you can just enjoy great beaches, where there are almost bounty and few people. And since several supermarkets were built, it has become nice to spend the winter here. True, housing that is rented out on a monthly basis is for the most part simple, of a bungalow type. Another disadvantage is that there is no normal hospital.

Koh Chang

This island is beautiful with its tropical beaches and it is easier to get to it than to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The journey overland from Bangkok takes about 5-6 hours, plus a 30-minute ferry. The island is quite small, swimming beaches are on its western side, and you can drive this part in less than an hour. The beaches with the most infrastructure are White Sand and Kai Bay. And the whole party is on Lonli beach. There is a supermarket on Koh Chang, but there is no normal hospital.

Krabi

Not everyone knows, but Krabi is not an island, but a province with stunning sheer cliffs on the mainland near Phuket. All tourists and winterers stop in the small town of Ao Nang (Ao Nang and Nopparat Tara beaches), which is located right on the coast. The place is known primarily for the fact that it serves as a transit point for those who go to the Railay Peninsula, whose beaches are among the tops of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. But you can also swim in Ao Nang, you just need to track the tides according to the table from the Internet, because at low tide, not only to the depth, you can not reach the water itself. But shallow water is good for children. Ao Nang has a Tesco supermarket within walking distance and, more recently, Makro, but large shopping centers will have to go to Krabi Town, 30 km away. Krabi is 2.5 hours drive from Phuket and has its own airport. From Ao Nang, they also swim to Phi Phi.

Khao Lak

I really enjoyed this resort on my last trip. It is suitable only for those who do not need nightlife at all and the main purpose of the trip is a relaxing holiday on the beach. Despite the fact that this is the mainland, the beaches here are almost better and more beautiful than those in Phuket. But there are very few people even in the season, and the main contingent is European pensioners. Unlike Koh Samui / Koh Phangan, it is very easy to get here from Phuket Airport, it takes literally 1 hour by taxi, but the resort is quite small, the infrastructure is only for recreation, there are no supermarkets or hospitals.

Hua Hin

It is probably the last place to go here when it comes to vacation, despite the fact that the city is only a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. The fact is that the beaches here are not for everyone, almost everywhere is shallow and you need to go to the depth, a very strong wind, sand of a dirty gray color. The beaches on the islands are a hundred times prettier. Mostly people who do not like the sea or kiters winter in Hua Hin, or those who know exactly why they are coming here (the place is pleasant, even a little European, as it were).

Bangkok

People rarely go to Bangkok on purpose, usually it's just a transit point if the tickets were bought exactly to Bangkok. However, for everyone who wants to taste real Asia, I recommend staying here for 2-3 days to walk around the city, see the top temples, look at Bangkok from one of the observation decks (60-85 floor).

chiangmai

Personally, I really love the north of Thailand because of the mountains, the abundance of national parks and sincere people. There is no package tourism here, because there is no sea, therefore the city is not a resort with all the ensuing consequences. Prices are also pleasing here, life is cheaper than in Pattaya. But you need to go here on purpose, for example, for a week, to drive through the north, making a circle. For independent travelers who love mountains, landscapes, waterfalls and coolness.

When you have decided on the resort where you will go, then you need to choose a beach / area for living. I tried to make reviews of all the beaches in the main resorts, I hope this will help you in choosing. Follow the links and read. Or you can use and read about each specific beach. Also, the beaches (with links to their descriptions) are presented on the map below.

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Visa issues

Thailand has a visa-free regime for Russian citizens. This means that if you are traveling for up to 30 days, then you no visa needed. So for most travelers it comes down to a few options.

I covered this issue in great detail in my post - read it. And now the gist of it.

• Upon entry at the border, your passport will be stamped for 30 days. Also, this stamp can then be at the immigration office (available at every resort) for another 7 days for 1900 baht. Thus, you can stay in Thailand without a visa for 37 days. A frequent case, when the period of stay is about 31-32 days, in this case, you can not extend the stamp, but simply leave the country with an overstay. For each day of overstay you will pay 500 baht per person. But I wouldn't recommend leaving with an overstay for more than 3 days.
• For a longer trip, you will need to issue. It is given for 60 days with the right to extend it on the spot at the immigration office for another 30 days for 1900 baht. In total we have 90 days of stay. You can apply for such a visa at the Thai consulate in Moscow or St. Petersburg. If you are from another city, then the easiest way is to fly in with a stamp, live for 30 days, and then go / fly to a neighboring country and get a single entry visa there. Usually they go to or from Penang (Malaysia).
• In case you need to spend even more time in Thailand, then you will need to go to the so-called visarans. This is a trip to the border for a new stamp (,) or to a major city in a neighboring country to the embassy for a new visa. Previously, it was possible to make stamp after stamp many times, now with this difficulty, a bribe is required or knowing which land border crossing is the least of all problems. Therefore, it is easiest to go for visas, you can make about 3 of them in a row, and then, as a rule, border guards start to have questions. You can also get a student visa and study English or Thai.

Tickets to Thailand

The most popular question is about flying to Thailand. Unfortunately, there are no special secrets on how to buy tickets 10 times cheaper. The basic rules work: tickets are monitored and booked in advance, and flights with transfers are almost always cheaper than direct ones. You can also buy a ticket for a charter flight, especially last minute can be inexpensive. But after Transaero left us, there were fewer good offers. How and where to look for tickets, what prices are, I outlined in the post -. Now it makes sense to count on average from 25 thousand rubles for a round-trip flight for a flight with a transfer. It takes 9-10 hours to fly to Tai on a direct flight, from 12 hours to a day on a transit flight.

Do not forget also about the need or a ticket to a third country. If you are flying on vacation, then you will definitely have it, but for those who are going on an independent and long journey and fly with a one-way ticket, I recommend that you study this issue in advance.

For those who are looking for flights to Thailand, I advise you to look through and, we ourselves have been using them for many years now. In one search engine it is convenient to look at one thing, in another another, the prices differ slightly.

Medical travel insurance

You need to know that the first insurance you come across may not work, especially for insurances that come with tours. Asia is a loss-making region for insurance companies (many applications), so some unscrupulous insurance companies will try to find a reason to refuse you. I constantly monitor changes in insurance and all my recommendations are set out in my rating. If you don’t know what assistance is, what kind of insurance to choose, how to properly use insurance on the spot, then you definitely need to carefully read my post.

Travel health insurance is one of the most important purchases. No, it is optional, as in the case of a Schengen visa, but it must be done. Medicine in Thailand is expensive and if problems arise, you can seriously get into money, bills can amount to hundreds of thousands of rubles. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about, I have already encountered, unfortunately. To choose insurance, there is a super service, one of a kind in its approach to insurance. They even help with insurance claims.

There you can compare prices for several insurance companies at once and choose something suitable. This service has excellent technical support, they will always answer your questions and advise (you need to write in the chat) what to take in your particular situation.

Hotel reservation

I'll start right away with a life hack. We find a hotel on the usual Booking, read reviews, choose. Then we go to the cool RoomGuru service and drive in the name of the hotel we found. As a result, we get all the discounts for this hotel that are available at this moment. In different booking systems, the price will be different. We book where it's cheaper. Profit.

But you can also initially search for hotels in RoomGuru, this is convenient. Few people know that in Asia (including Thailand), it is better to use not Booking, but Agoda, since this particular booking service is designed for Asia, it has the largest database of hotels. But at the same time, Agoda sometimes does not have hotels with Booking, and vice versa. Thus, you can either look directly at Rumguru, which takes into account these 2 bases and a couple of dozen others, or sort through the sites one by one.

Renting a house or apartment

It is best to book a house or apartment in advance, then the choice of housing will be wider and the prices more adequate. During the peak season (December-February), housing becomes tight. If you come for a period of less than a month, then I would rather look for a hotel, the rest will turn out much better.

You have only 2 options on how to rent a house / apartment in Thailand: through a realtor in advance or on your own on the spot. In the case of a realtor, housing will be waiting for you upon arrival, no hassle on vacation. But remember, now there are a lot of scammers, transfer money only to trusted realtors.

If you decide to search on your own, then be prepared to comb the area for 2-5 days in a row in 30-degree heat. And to the fact that everything is busy.

Budget travelers and winterers most often rent a house or rent an apartment for a long period (several months). I have already lived in cheap houses, you can follow the links and see how they look: , ( , .

To be honest, I lived in houses for a long time and now I prefer to live only in apartments. They are much closer to the European understanding of housing. This applies to furniture, kitchens and renovations in general. Yes, they are more expensive, but they are more comfortable. Plus, it's always nice to have a pool and gym in the building.

If you still decide to look for housing on your own, then you have my instructions:
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When I lived on Koh Samui and in Krabi, I made 2 catalogs of houses: and. They will be useful to you for self-renting, use. There is a map, photos, contacts. Several reviews of a smaller scale were also made for apartments:, and.

What things to take with you, USD / EUR or cards

Currency and rate

The currency in Thailand is baht (THB). You cannot pay with dollars or euros on the street, only baht. You don’t need to carry rubles either, you can exchange them in rare exchange offices and at a bad rate. A few years ago, the exchange rate of the baht to the ruble was 1 to 1, which was very convenient (and cheap), but now the rate is about 1 to 2 not in favor of the ruble (1 THB = 1.8 RUB as of January 2018), that is, all prices in Thailand you can safely multiply by two to get the amount in rubles.

Money and bank cards

I am not a fan of carrying cash with me and I do not advise you. If you lose money (or have it stolen from you), then this will happen irrevocably. In the case of cards, you will not lose anything, or only a small part, you just need to set transaction limits in advance and know how to block the card. Yes, in Thailand, cards are accepted only in supermarkets, shopping centers, when renting a car at the airport, but it is better to withdraw cash from the card at an ATM than to carry a large amount with you at once.

Take $300-500 in cash, enough for you in case of emergency, and a few bank cards. Just a few, not just one! So that in case one is lost or blocked, the second one works. What cards to take? Read, I constantly update the information.

Things

Separately, I note that if you are going to go north and generally travel around the country, then you will need a set of warm clothes (pants, sweatshirt, socks). It can be very cold in buses and trains, just like in the north of Thailand, it reaches zero in the mountains. Here is my backpack for solo trips. When I go with my family for the winter, we have much more things in the suitcase.

How much money do you need to take with you

Vacation or travel

Finance is one of the most interesting topics for people. But the problem is that it is impossible to give everyone an answer how much they will spend. Too everything is individual and depends on the specific needs of the person. You can come to Thailand both for an inexpensive vacation and for a luxurious one. You can only focus on and independently estimate your spending.

Wintering and spending monthly

Please note that your needs/approaches may not coincide at all with me or with any other blogger, which is why your spending in Thailand can be very different in both directions. I wrote a post with where I told why I would rent a house for 15 thousand baht, and you could hardly find it for 30 thousand baht on New Year's Eve, and the housing would be about the same. In general, we can say that living in Thailand can be inexpensive if there is such a desire and need. You just need to understand a number of things, for example, that just living is not at all the same as coming to rest to the fullest. With a long stay, there is much less spending on all sorts of entertainment / excursions / bars, plus renting a house or car will cost less if you rent on a monthly basis.

On average, it is believed that an ordinary family of 3 people needs about $ 1,000 per month (about 35,000 baht), a kind of average budget. We somehow lived together and quite modestly in Phuket on. And then they lived not really saving the three of us with a child on Koh Samui. I can also say that the very first wintering in Chiang Mai took 16,000 baht in general, and the last in Phuket 80,000-100,000 baht. There is always a choice of how much to spend.

Vaccinations, insects and safety

Vaccinations

Many people are wondering if they should be vaccinated. So, there are no mandatory vaccinations for Thailand, this is not Africa, where it is necessary to be vaccinated against yellow fever. There is no vaccination against diseases like malaria, so you (including children) only need the standard vaccinations you get at home. Malaria is uncommon and Dengue is more to be feared. Many of my friends have been ill with her. It is carried like the flu, usually with two temperature waves. It is important to remember that you need to bring down the temperature with Dengue with paracetamol, and not with ibuprofen (nurofen) and aspirin, so it makes sense to take paracetamol with you () and bring it down first until you contact the hospital for insurance and you are not diagnosed.

Insects

Security

Thailand is a safe country when it comes to robberies. Yes, as soon as something like this happens, the media inflates it to high-profile stories. But if you look at the statistics, you will understand how few serious crimes there are. In Tai, it’s not at all scary to walk through deserted and unfamiliar back streets at night, it’s safe to spend the night on the highway in a car, a forgotten thing that was accidentally forgotten somewhere will most likely wait for you. But you shouldn’t relax completely either, elementary safety rules must always be observed.

The main problems are accidents (especially on bikes) and theft from rented houses. They usually steal at night and the presence of the owners in the house does not interfere, so check the locked windows and doors (it is advisable to have bars on the windows) and do not settle in detached houses without neighbors. Also, sometimes they steal from a hotel room, but I myself and my friends have not yet encountered this. If you are very afraid, book a hotel where there is a safe in the room, or, at least, do not leave money and equipment in sight.

The language barrier

It's good if you know English at least at the school level. But his ignorance is not a problem, especially if you are going to Pattaya / Phuket, where signs and menus in Russian are often found. Among tourists, I constantly see those who know just a couple of words in English and this is not a problem for them. A lot can be explained with gestures, and you can understand the answer simply by guessing the meaning (). Therefore, if you are not a complete introvert, then you can handle it without any problems, you don’t discuss politics and philosophy with the Thais, but replace towels in a hotel or eat in a cafe. Here's my advice to you - install the Google Translate application on your phone and download English, Russian and Thai dictionaries in advance, then the translation will be available without mobile Internet. Or remember.

Transportation of animals abroad

I wouldn't take a cat or dog with me for a couple of weeks of vacation, it's much easier to find some friends or family to leave them with. It's different if you're traveling for a long time. However, it is not so difficult to take the animal with you -.

On site upon arrival

How to get from the Thai airport to the hotel

Tickets to Phuket are usually more expensive than to Bangkok. But if you are going to rest in Phuket, Khao Lak or Krabi, then it is very doubtful to fly to Bangkok first. With Koh Samui, the situation is slightly different, there are simply no direct flights there and in any case there will be a transfer in Bangkok. But I already wrote about this in choosing a resort.

How to get to the hotel from the airport, and you will learn from the links. It describes all the ways, including public transport, transfers and taxis. But looking ahead, I’ll say that the easiest and most comfortable way is to book a transfer in advance via the Internet, then upon arrival you will be met with a sign with your name and taken to the desired hotel. Zero freezes.

Transit in Bangkok, how to get to the resort

If you are going to Pattaya, Koh Chang, Hua Hin, as well as Chiang Mai or Bangkok itself, then you will arrive in Bangkok. Usually it is to Bangkok that tickets are the cheapest, both for flights with transfers and direct. And from there you will get to the resort you need by plane, bus or train.

Bangkok has two international airports: and. From Russia, you will fly to Suvarnabhumi, and if you transfer to an AirAsia or NokAir plane, then you will need to go to Don Muang. People often fly to Don Muang from other Asian countries, for example, from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. By following the links you can read all the information on airports, how to move between them, and how to get to the city. Looking ahead, I’ll say that the easiest and fastest ride is cheap in Bangkok.

If you are not going to linger in Bangkok, then below are links to detailed descriptions of all the ways to get to the nearest resorts.

If you bought tickets to Bangkok because of their price, but are actually going much further, then I have instructions for you too.

Mobile 4G internet and WiFi

Buy a local Thai SIM card in advance via the Internet and get mobile Internet for 8 days for 144 baht instead of 299 baht. Your Sim will be waiting for you right at the airport at the Klook/Dtac kiosk. This is just a gift, there are no such prices anywhere else. The tariff is more than enough for instant messengers, browsing sites, google maps, etc. Here's just in case.

You can also buy SIM cards later at 7-eleven or Family Mart mini-markets, at operators' offices and at stores that sell phones and accessories. But it’s better to take it right away at the airport so that you don’t look for it later, since the necessary SIM cards are not always available, and small merchants also sell them more expensively.

Food in Thailand

I really liked Thai cuisine, and I didn’t get bored at all for all times. But I know that there are those who consider it monotonous / tasteless and prefer to eat in European cafes or cook at home. The latter is relevant in the case of a long stay in Thailand and renting a home with a kitchen. In hotels, if they are not apart-hotels, there is usually no kitchen.

First of all, you should know that Tai is one big cafe (). There are cafes and macaroons on almost every corner, it’s hard to stay hungry. Macashnitsa is essentially a mobile kitchen (on a bike), all the food is prepared in front of you and often there are no tables or chairs. It is believed that it is in macaroons, as well as in inexpensive Thai cafes, that the most delicious food is sold, because they do not have refrigerators and everything purchased in the morning must be sold in a day, which is why everything is fresh. There are no less presentable cafes and restaurants, but there food is more adapted for Europeans, as well as a larger assortment of dishes, including European cuisine. Poisoning is rare, especially when it comes to inexpensive cafes.

The second thing you should know is that in Thailand there are no supermarkets within walking distance that we are used to. There are either those found on every street, where the main products are water, chips, nuts, several ready-made meals, as well as household items, such as shampoo and a toothbrush. Or large Tesco, Big C, Makro, Tops Market, Villa Market with a full range of products and other goods (furniture, appliances, etc.), and where you need to go by transport. They are similar to our Ashans. There is also a place where vegetables, fruits, meat and seafood are sold.

If you go for a long time, then the post will be relevant to you -. And separately he also wrote on the topic -. At first, in supermarkets it is not clear where everything is, but almost everything is sold, well, or a lot. But it should be understood that imported goods, as well as the fact that Thais do not eat much, will cost more.

Movements around the country

Instructions on how to get between cities

The fastest way is by plane. And in principle, it is not very expensive. For example, a Bangkok-Phuket flight costs an average of 1,500 baht. As a rule, everything will come down to buying a ticket from AirAsia.com or NokAir.com. The first flies in Asia, the second mainly in Thailand. Prices are about the same, I like NokAir more in terms of service.

Between cities, a lot of people move on. Bus service is very developed in Thailand, the buses are new and comfortable. If you can easily endure many hours of travel (especially at night), then this option is for you. Unfortunately, there are no sleeping buses in Thailand yet (when you can lie down straight), but maybe someday there will be. The ticket is inexpensive and depends on the class (Vip, 1, 2), for example, 800 km - 500-1000 baht.

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Scooter and car rental

The easiest way to move around the place and for short distances is on a scooter, which is most often simply called a bike. It can be rented without any problems, there are plenty of rental points at any resort and the prices are reasonable. The most popular bikes here have a volume of 100-150 cubic meters, that is, they are quite suitable for transporting two people. At the box office, they won’t ask you for a license, but according to the law they are needed and if the police stop you, you will pay a fine, and there may also be problems in an accident. There are some peculiarities, and, of course, there is also a danger, we must be more careful.

For those who are afraid to ride a bike for one reason or another, or are simply not confident in their abilities, it is better to take a car. It is also good for long distances and for company trips. If you still doubt and do not know, then look at my comparison.

I personally do not take risks and never put a child on a bike, so when I move with my family I always rent a car, which I advise you to do. And recently, I generally moved to a car for moving between cities, but I take a bike only locally, for short local trips.

You need to rent through brokers and, through them, it comes out 2 times cheaper than directly. This is such a hack. I have repeatedly booked through both, everything is excellent. All cars will be only from trusted international distributors, with insurance, contracts, no problems and divorces.

What to see in Thailand

The main attractions are Thai and Chinese temples, beaches, national parks with waterfalls, zoos and amusement parks. From the active - rope parks with trolleys, ATVs and all kinds of water activities: diving, jet skis, bananas. Of course, in every resort there are also boat trips to the islands with white sand beaches and snorkeling.

During the first trip to Asia, many things will be outlandish, even dishes in local cafes and fruits, they can also be considered an attraction. The set of entertainment plus or minus is the same everywhere, the scale depends only on how large the resort is. It also makes sense for avid travelers to drive through the north of Thailand, where there are mountains, waterfalls of normal height, and stunning views.

Life hack #1 - how to buy good insurance

Choosing insurance is now unrealistically difficult, so to help all travelers. To do this, I constantly monitor forums, study insurance contracts and use insurance myself.

You need to understand how it is customary to behave here, what can be done and what cannot be done. Some believe that they can get away with anything and that their desires as a tourist should be satisfied in any case. Delicate Thais are more likely to "not notice" the oversight of your behavior or manners. However, it will not be so for an arbitrarily long time and not in all cases.

It should be remembered that by the behavior of even one person in any country, all his compatriots are judged. Therefore, you should not put yourself above others, even if you pay them money in order to create comfort for you. Many laws in have a very tough effect on foreigners in particular. That's why it is not necessary to bring to a conflict with law enforcement agencies or their individual representatives.

I will try to give some rules, which will not hurt anyone who would like to come to Thailand to behave in accordance with local traditions and not look ignorant in the eyes of local residents.

What is not allowed in Thailand

It is forbidden walking around not completely naked, but almost naked! In Thailand, locals even bathe in clothes, although they are not Muslims! In your own country, you hardly go to the supermarket in swimming trunks, do you? So don't go to Thailand.

It is forbidden touch the head of a Thai. They consider the head a sacred part of the body. This is how the spirit lives, and if you touch your head, you can disturb this spirit. And the spirits of anxiety do not tolerate. So do not even try to ruffle the hair of a Thai.

It is forbidden use your feet to do things you would normally do with your hands, such as opening a door or turning something on. The fact is that the feet in Thailand are considered "unclean". They walk the earth and collect everything in a row. If you are sitting, try not to let your legs stick out all the way. Moreover, do not direct them towards someone, and even more so towards the image of the Buddha or the portrait of the king.

It is forbidden it is disrespectful to speak of the king or the religion of that country. Do not allow dismissive gestures or facial expressions. You can pay a real prison sentence.

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It is forbidden to take and even more so to give something with the left hand. Even if you are left-handed, try to control with your right hand or both hands. They don't respect the left.

It is forbidden yelling, yelling in a public place (it is difficult for many of our people to cope with this point - a broad Slavic soul). This is extremely indecent. Thais are used to hiding their emotions in public. For the same reason, you are unlikely to see a Thai couple kissing on the street, they can’t even hold hands! The open expression of feelings and emotions is not only forbidden, but not accepted.

It is forbidden to enter the house, and even more so the temple in shoes - take off your shoes. It's warm in Thailand, the floor is usually warm too.

It is forbidden touching Thai women without their consent may be perceived as an insult.

It is forbidden make out with the locals, whether it be in gratitude or as an expression of a very good attitude. Usually good words are enough.

It is forbidden refuse food. Even if you don't want to, find a way to do it not explicitly and not categorically.

It is forbidden write people's names in red ink. For them, this color is intended for the dead and can be perceived as a death wish for a person.

It is forbidden to take sand out of the country - it is the property of the king. With the images of the Buddha, there may also be difficulties at customs, but a separate post should be written about customs rules and I will not go into the topic now.

How to behave in Thailand in different situations

The monarchy and religion, as already mentioned in Thailand, are taken more than seriously. Any image of the king is met with the greatest reverence, including newspapers and banknotes. That's why:

Try to learn a few words in Thai. Phrasebooks can be found for free in 7 Eleven or Fameli market stores. The locals react very well in this case, although your pronunciation will probably not be clear. Nothing, their singers at concerts do not sing Russian songs in pure Russian either.

Learn the word Sanuk, but use it wisely or refrain from pronouncing it. Sanuk means "to have fun, to rejoice, to have fun." For Thais, this is a very important concept: the work must be "sanuk", otherwise they simply will not do it. So rejoice, have fun and have fun together. No need to be selfish - seeks to have fun yourself, and let the Thais manage!

Do not climb to ordinary performers with all sorts of moralizing and advice on how to work. Thais do not like criticism (and everyone does not like it), but Thais will not understand how constructive you are. If you want to express an opinion or suggest - try to find a senior or your curator at the hotel or a guide.

If it so happened that you were bowed with your head as a sign of greeting, answer the same. No need to fall down. Bow to the same degree of lowering the head. Equal, so to speak.

Do not sit anywhere and on the aisle. It's not decent in any country. In Thailand, stepping over someone's feet is also considered indecent.

Thais sometimes laugh out of place. In general, they have twelve types of smile, depending on the situation and the status of the interlocutor. But sometimes they do it to hide confusion. You don't have to take the laughter personally - they're not laughing at you.

Don't neglect your personal hygiene. It is hot in Thailand and it is not surprising to get sweaty, but Thais do not like bad body odor. Another thing is that they can smell like sewage on the street - but this is different. The human body must be clean.

And remember one more thing. The rules of conduct in Thailand for tourists are not so few. But perhaps it was precisely this attitude towards traditions, its people, rulers and history that allowed Thailand to be one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that were not colonized and retained not only their identity, but also dynamically developing in different directions of life and economy ....

And to come to Thailand, despite such conventions, I want more and more ...

Thailand is not the world's most popular place to visit, and in vain. From the north to the south of the country, there are countless things to do, see and experience. Whether it's relaxing in the modern city of Bangkok, hitting the beach, or trekking through the mountains, Thailand offers a little slice of paradise for everyone.

Today I will talk about the top 10 things to do in Thailand, what to do in Thailand, what to see in Thailand. And before that, how to get to Thailand cheaply:

Try food and shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok is the mega capital and commercial center of Thailand. Whether shopping, nightlife, or Thai food is what you're looking for, Bangkok has endless things to do and see in Thailand.

Khao San road in Bangkok is the most famous tourist street, which is definitely worth a visit. Our .

Take a historic trip to Ayutthaya

If you are thinking about what to do in Thailand, then literally a couple of hours drive from the modern skyscrapers of Bangkok is the ancient capital of Thailand - Ayutthaya. Thanks to its convenient location, you can go on an exciting trip in just one day.

The once prosperous center of the Kingdom of Siam today is a city where you can see the ruins of ancient temples and structures. The ruins of Ayutthaya are now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the southern islands of Thailand

What to see in Thailand? The southern islands and beaches of Thailand are known as some of the most beautiful in the world. Jagged limestone cliffs, tropical vegetation and turquoise ocean water will make you fall in love with southern Thailand forever. There are so many islands in Thailand that it's hard to visit them all. However, we advise you to sail the islands from Phi Phi to Railay Bay, where you can experience real relaxation, snorkeling, kayaking or just walking and watching other people.

Hang out at the Full Moon Party

What else to do in Thailand? Of course, have fun! Koh Phangan hosts the world-famous Full Moon Party. A giant party on the island, taking place during the full moon, begins immediately at dusk.

During the party, the entire beach on Koh Phangan is filled to capacity with people ready to party all night long. It's full of bars and clubs and DJs play all kinds of music.

Learn to dive in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is known as one of the best dive and dive training destinations in Thailand. The most affordable dive training companies are located on Koh Tao. Although in other parts of Thailand you will find such companies. There is also a vibrant nightlife and many restaurants for foreigners.

Relax in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a small pleasant town in the north of Thailand, which is of interest to culture lovers, lovers of Thai temples and other real Thai life. One of the most famous temples is , decorated with white and silver trim.

Walking through the flower gardens, going hiking, swimming in waterfalls, or in hot springs, you can fall in love with the city of Chiang Rai once and for all. View of Chiang Rai:

Relax outdoors in Chiang Mai

Visit the floating market

Bangkok was formerly known as the Venice of the East. The channels of the Chao Phraya River are still in use today. True, most of them work as entertainment for tourists.

Pet a tiger in Kanchanaburi

What to see in Thailand? Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi, also known as Wat Pa, is a temple that looks more like a wildlife sanctuary. The tiger first came to the temple in 1999 after being attacked by poachers and needed shelter. Since then, the resident monks have taken care of many tigers for the conservation of the animals in the area. You can also pet tigers in the tiger kingdom (more like a zoo) in Chiang Mai. Entrance costs 600 baht.

Attend the Songkran Festival

Ask any Thai what their favorite season is and they will almost always answer about the Songkran festival, or the Thai New Year. The festival is celebrated every year from 13 to 15 April. Songkran is known as the water festival when water pours and falls from everywhere in Thailand.

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A well-known proverb says: do not go to a strange monastery with your charter. It is more relevant than ever for travelers going to Asia. After all, Asian countries and, in particular, the Kingdom of Thailand have an ancient culture, well-established strict traditions and rules, ignorance of which does not justify their violation, even if you are a foreigner. Someone will object: "After all, Thailand is famous for its tolerance towards tourists!" Yes, this is true, but you should not test it for strength. If you are going to visit this beautiful country, remember a few simple rules of conduct.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 1. One should not speak disrespectfully of the Buddha and Buddhism or in any way offend religious feelings and desecrate places of worship. When you are going to the temple, remember about clothing: shoulders and knees must be covered. In fairness, it must be said that in many temples that are especially popular with tourists, they will give a cape to cover up excessive nudity, but, nevertheless, when going on an excursion to visit religious shrines, try to dress modestly and decently. Also remember not to enter the temple with shoes on. As well as in the house - Thais always take off their shoes at the entrance. And one more thing: it is forbidden to export images of the Buddha from the country.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 2. Women are forbidden to touch Buddhist monks. In general, monks should be treated with due respect. In the presence of monks, you cannot keep your legs crossed, whether you are sitting on a chair or on the floor.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 3. You can not speak disrespectfully of His Majesty the King of Thailand (current and all previous ones) and members of the royal family. Thais love their king very much, and for good reason. The punishment for disobedience can be very, very unpleasant, up to imprisonment.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 4. You can’t point at people or objects with your foot (we understand that it sounds at least strange, but our tourists can show not only with your foot) - this is considered offensive, and while sitting in the temple, try not to point your toes at the Buddha statue. And pointing a finger is also not accepted here.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 5. Don't touch a Thai's head, even if it's a child and you want to stroke it. If you accidentally touched - apologize. The head here is considered the most important part of the body, and even foreigners cannot touch it.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 6. You should not try to hug Thais as a sign of sympathy or approval - verbal gratitude will be quite enough.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 7. Thais often bow by folding their hands in a specific way. This gesture is called wai. So, it’s not worth it, even with the best of intentions, to copy it and bow in the same way in response. There are a lot of wai options, and using it incorrectly can have unpleasant consequences. If you nevertheless prepared yourself and learned how to wai correctly, remember: Europeans should not bow first. The first should not bow also when you buy and pay for any product or service.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 8. You can't write a person's name in red ink. Usually the names of the deceased are written in red, but if the person is alive, it is believed that in this way you wish him death.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 9. It is considered very impolite to call the waiter by raising your finger. Just raise your hand up, gathering your fingers into a fist.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 10. Contrary to our understanding of Southeast Asian countries, Thais rarely use chopsticks - as a rule, only for noodles, often thick Thai soups with noodles are eaten with a spoon and chopsticks. If you want to eat it in a local way, do not leave chopsticks in your plate after eating - this is considered a very bad omen.

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1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 11. If you are treated to refuse - it means to deeply offend a person. Even if you're not hungry, at least try.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 12. If you are dining with Thais in a restaurant, don't order meals for yourself alone - at the table, Thais always share food between everyone.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 13. Couples should not openly express their feelings and emotions in public. Contrary to existing stereotypes, it must be said that outside the tourist zone, Thailand is a country of fairly strict morals. Don't touch Thai women without their consent. According to statistics, about 1% of Thai women are employed in the sex industry, respectively, 99% do not relate to it in any way, and attempts at frank flirting can be perceived as an insult and lead to family proceedings, especially if the girl turns out to be married.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 14. It is not customary to sunbathe on the beach topless or without clothes at all.

1. What not to do in Thailand - rule number 15. Do not raise your voice in public places, do not show your impatience and irritation, even if you have to wait or stand in line.

With its dazzling white beaches, incredible tropical jungle and fascinating cultural attractions, Thailand remains one of the world's most mysterious countries. Good THERE presents a list of the most beautiful places in Thailand.

1. Pai

Located 100 km from Thailand's largest city, Chiang Mai, Pai is one of the most quirky villages in the country and is very popular with tourists. With its natural ambiance, superb location, and wide range of resorts, there is hardly a better place than the Pai Highlands. A string of waterfalls and hot springs in the immediate area await your visit. The best way to do this is to go hiking or cycling. In the local culture, there are Burmese influences and many tribes still live in small mountain villages close to Pai. This place of the best vegetarian and traditional food, also Pai, is a very popular place for yoga and meditation lovers, with numerous schools. Despite being very popular with tourists, Pai retains its miraculous essence and can still offer secluded places where the guest can fully enjoy their journey.

Pai, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand

2. Koh Jum (Koh Jum)

Koh Jum is one of the last secluded islands in Thailand, located between Krabi and Koh Lanta. Koh Jum has a laid-back atmosphere and is home to only 3,000 people. Going out to sea is difficult, as surrounded by the dazzling blue waters of the ocean, the coast of the island is mostly rocky, but there are several beaches where you can sunbathe and splash in the warm sea. There are only a few restaurants and bars on the island and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed. This place, a kind of respite from the hackneyed tourist destinations, immediately captivates its visitors who have finally found their shores of peace and quiet. The starry sky and the sound of the waves, that's what really enchants and delights.

Koh jum, thailand

3. Koh Tao (Ko Tao)

Being among the popular tourist destinations, Koh Tao is still one of the quietest and most beautiful places in Thailand. While most tourists head to the larger neighboring islands of Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, Koh Tao attracts divers and people looking for a more relaxing holiday. You will hardly find more beautiful landscapes, superb white beaches and beautiful turquoise waters around the island. The beauty of sunsets on the island is such that it is impossible to describe in words. Diving here is a pleasure, as there is a magnificent, diverse underwater world. Koh Tao Island, an ideal place for diving in warm waters, is also possible to obtain a diver's license. Travelers can explore the coastal jungle and marvel at the beauty of the island.

Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan, Surat Thani, Thailand

4. Railay (Reilly)

The Railay Peninsula offers not only gorgeous beaches, first of all it is a real paradise for mountaineering, and with different levels of experience. Located close to the island of Krabi in the Andaman Sea, Railay or Rai Leh has a quieter, more relaxed feel than most places in the region. Cozy beach huts and numerous reggae bars attract groups of tourists or solo travelers who want to spend time on the white sandy beaches or explore the coastal jungle. Railay's dazzling mountain panorama makes it one of the most attractive islands in Thailand and can only be reached by boat or ferry. The island also has a large number of caves and lagoons.

5. Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya)

70 kilometers from the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is Ayutthaya, once considered the most amazing city in the world. The historical part of the city, or rather the ruins that remained of it, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they amaze with their power. Ayutthaya was built on an island between the Chao Phraya, Pasak and Lopburi rivers. The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was significant for 417 years and achieved its military, financial and cultural growth during the 16th century. As the capital of the Thai empire, the city was home to 400 temples and other architectural sites. It was conquered and destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. With great efforts, the remains of the city have been restored and to some extent help visitors to create an impression of its former grandeur and beauty.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand

6. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the most important cultural centers in Thailand with many sights and ancient temples. Being the capital of the former kingdom of Lanna, it has its own charms, especially popular for outdoor activities such as rafting, trekking or elephant camping. Recently, Chiang Mai has become a place for a large gathering of yoga and healthy lifestyle communities, there are also many vegetarian cafes where you can eat deliciously. A wide range of traditional and international restaurants offer the best culinary list in the country, from traditional Khao Soi to first class French cuisine. A huge number of markets sell handicrafts and tourist souvenirs, and the smell wafting from street stalls around every corner gives you a taste of authentic Thai cuisine. It is worth climbing the mountain to get an unforgettable experience from the city's most amazing temple - Doi Suthep, enjoy the panorama and walk around the ancient city and the Ping River. You will definitely be fascinated by Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

7. Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is considered one of the most amazing northern cities in Thailand and is home to many natural attractions and cultural sites. Chiang Rai is the first capital of the Lana kingdom, the city was founded in the seventh century. It is located close to the Golden Triangle on the Mekong River, where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet, once this place was famous for the opium trade. Travelers can look at the numerous ruins and shrines or go hiking in the mountains in search of outlying villages. The most famous attraction in Chiang Rai is the White Temple, to be more precise - Wat Rong Khun. Built in a modern, non-traditional Buddhist style by architect Chalermch Kositpipat, the temple is one of the whitest in the country. For those who want to learn more about the heritage of the Lana Kingdom and the lifestyle of northern Thailand, just visit Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai, Thailand

8. Phanom Rung (Phanom Rung)

Phanom Rung is the most stunning and sacred Khmer temple to be found in Thailand. The temple was restored over the course of seventeen years, so that it acquired its original splendor. Built of laterite and sandstone, it was built in the Angkor style, like a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Built on top of an extinct volcano during the reign of King Suryavarman II, it is considered a symbol of Angkor architecture. Many tourists climb up the mountain to meet the sunrise here. Resorts and restaurants, so it is ideal for relaxation. Nearby there is a marine park that invites its visitors to explore the surrounding marine life, as well as the opportunity to go windsurfing. If a beach holiday isn't enough for you, go hiking in the tropical jungle or explore the island on a bike. Koh Mak is considered the most secluded place in Thailand.

Ko Mak, Trat, Thailand

10. Phetchaburi

Phetburi is considered one of the oldest places in Thailand and is easily accessible from Bangkok. This settlement was mentioned in the 7th century, it is one of the cultural centers of Thailand, but it is very rare to see crowds of people passing by here. The city is famous for its many historical buildings from the 12th century, from stunning temples to Khao Vang ("kingdom on the mountain"), the royal palace. Phetburi thrives on agriculture, which can be seen in the many traditional markets selling local products and spices. Few travelers get to this town, but only here you can really understand the Thai culture and way of life. For nature lovers, the province offers luxurious, tropical jungle areas and fabulous cave shrines. Phetburi survived the fall of the Asian empire unlike other areas and has remained virtually untouched to this day. Often referred to as "Living Ayutthaya", you can still see ancient relics here.

Phetchaburi, Thailand