Beach tours in Thailand

On the beaches of Thailand warm sea you can relax all year round. When it’s raining and stormy in Phuket off the Andaman coast, it’s worth moving to sunny Samui on the Gulf of Thailand. Most often Russian tourists buy beach tours to the islands of Phuket, Chang, Koh Samui and Pattaya.

The best beaches in Phuket, where the dry season is from November to April, are Patong with bars and discos, beautiful and clean Karon, peaceful Kamala Beach and Kata Beach. Pattaya is most often spoken of as a resort with not the cleanest beaches and sea. But if you wish, you can sail from the Bali Hai pier to the nearest islands with clean, clear water. The sunniest time in Pattaya is from December to April. Just like on Koh Chang Island, where guests can enjoy a peaceful eco-friendly holiday on fabulous beaches, in the midst of pristine nature. Koh Samui is the coconut paradise of the Gulf of Thailand. The dry season here is from February to September. The best beaches are Chaweng Noi, Lamai, Ban Tai.

Traveling to Thailand with children

If a long flight is not an obstacle for a child, then Thailand will be an excellent option for a vacation. Cafes and restaurants have a children's menu or Russian and European cuisine. You can buy fruits in markets, and baby formula, cereals, purees and yoghurts in shopping centers. It’s rare, but there are all-inclusive tours to Thailand, which can be convenient for families with kids. The hotels have swimming pools with slides, animation, mini-clubs, cribs, high chairs, and babysitting services. Family tours It is better to spend it in Phuket (winter) or Koh Samui (summer). Phuket is the easiest to get to - there are direct flights here. On Koh Samui - with a transfer. Phuket is simply created for a fabulous holiday with children! They will like Kata Beach because of its gentle entrance to the sea. And Karon Beach will delight teenagers with water sports. You can visit water parks, a sea shell museum, an aquarium, a dolphinarium, Botanical Garden. On Samui is the best beaches for children, without sharp depths near the shore: Crystal Bay, Choeng Mon. Entertainment: Paradise Park Farm with beautiful animals, an aquarium and a tiger zoo, a monkey theater.

Excursion tours

Can't sit still and crave adventure? Thailand will fill them up to the top of Panama! The most interesting are crocodile farms, snake shows, Mini Siam miniature park, Bangkok with the Royal Palace and the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, Siam Ocean World. Trips to the Phi Phi Islands are wildly popular among tourists from all over the world. After all, the film “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed on one of them. And in Phang Nga Bay there are more than 40 emerald isles, including the famous James Bond Island. There are always crowds of onlookers here too. A tour to open zoo Khao Kheo, home to more than 8 thousand animals. Next door to Khao Kheo there is the Flight of the Gibbon excursion - an adrenaline-pumping ride through cable car through tall trees in the jungle. Two-day sightseeing tours On the River Kwai you are invited to visit a floating market, a coconut farm, an elephant village, a waterfall, radon hot springs and stay in a floating hotel.

Active and youth recreation in Thailand

Thailand - perfect place in order to get busy water sports and experience a storm of emotions! Diving is easy in Similan, Phi Phi, Ao Nang Beach and Pattaya. On Koh Samui - windsurfing and fishing. Kayak trips are available in Phang Nga Bay. The most popular place for surfing - Kata Beach in Phuket.

Thailand's nightlife needs no introduction. The famous Walking Street in Pattaya, sparkling with neon lights, is closed off from cars every evening and until the morning belongs to partygoers walking from club to club, from bar to bar. DJs play house, R'n'B, live music, fun and cocktails flow like a river. In addition to restaurants, bars and discos, people throughout Pattaya invite you to massage parlors and Muay Thai boxing matches. Youth tours to Phuket promise bright nights with cool dance parties. They are held in the central part of Patong Beach. The Full Moon Party takes place on Koh Phangan several times a month.

Where best vacation in Thailand? Details about the coolest resorts in the country that will appeal to any category of tourists!

Let's assume you've already carefully planned your vacation time. It's time to decide which resort is best to choose in Thailand. Islands, Pattaya, Krabi - where is the most atmospheric place to take photos for Instagram, and where can you immerse yourself in Thai culture? 🙂

Which resort to choose in Thailand

The list of resorts in Thailand is quite impressive. The country attracts with its well-maintained beaches, unique tropical nature, and a variety of nightlife entertainment. It is not surprising that for those planning a holiday in Thailand, the question of where to go will always be relevant.

The best resorts in the country:

• Pattaya is a fun, somewhat wild place for adventure lovers;
• Phuket is the most popular and most promoted island with developed infrastructure and beautiful scenery;
• Krabi– a vacation spot loved by Europeans for comfortable privacy;
• Bangkok– a colorful capital and center of shopping and attractions;
• Samui – best resort Thailand for a stay among pristine nature;
• Koh Phangan– a noisy, youth island, but, nevertheless, one of the budget ones;
• Koh Chang– a beach resort in Thailand for a calm and romantic pastime near the sea surface;
• Hua Hin– a very respectable place;
• Chiang Mai– the best resort in Thailand for cultural development;
• Koh Samet– for those who strive for nature that is relatively untouched by man.

Whichever resort in Thailand you choose, you are guaranteed an exciting holiday near the gentle waves of the ocean and among the splendor of exotic landscapes. You can look at it for a long time beautiful photos, but it’s better to see it all with your own eyes.

Holidays in Pattaya

Now it’s hard to believe that just a few decades ago Pattaya was a small fishing village. Today, life in the country's most cheerful resort is in full swing. People go to Pattaya at any time of the year, because it has the most favorable climate with little rainfall.

Pattaya and view of Central Beach
(photo from the Hilton hotel, we tried the buffet there)

While your compatriots are trying to stay warm in the bitter cold, you will enjoy all the benefits that a holiday in Pattaya gives in December. On the eve of the New Year, a lively atmosphere of eternal celebration reigns here. A wide variety of bars, night discos and even a decorated Christmas tree near the Central Festival - that one in the photo, see? 🙂 - attracts lovers of adventurous life.

Holidays in Pattaya in December are convenient for attractions such as the Big Buddha and the Temple of Truth, Mini Siam Park, Floating Market, Oceanarium, crocodile farm. But whether they are worth a visit is another question.

Hotels in Pattaya - for every taste: from luxury apartments to modest, but quite comfortable and affordable bungalows.

On a note independent tourists: It’s comfortable to get from Bangkok airport to Pattaya by transfer from – it costs around 3,000 rubles (up to 4 passengers), and the driver meets you with a sign :)

Reviews from tourists indicate that one of the main advantages of Pattaya is low prices for recreation and shopping. A word of caution should be given to those who primarily seek to soak up the beach. In Pattaya itself, the sea is quite dirty, so tourists prefer to go to nearby islands. Pattaya is also unattractive for diving and surfing. Families with children or elderly couples are better off staying away from the center, where most entertainment venues are located.

• Holidays in Pattaya in 2020 cost a minimum of 77,000 rubles for 10 days for two (in season)

Which is better: Phuket or Pattaya?

Which of these two popular resorts is preferable? There is no clear answer to this question. It all depends on the specific desires of the tourist.

If the primary thing is entertainment (well, you know, alcohol, go-go bars, crowds of young and not so young, but to a degree) or an excursion, and then only the beaches, the choice will be in favor of Pattaya. Phuket is a holiday destination in Thailand, famous for its sandy beaches and beautiful exotic views, although it also has its own “Pattaya”.

It’s surprising how much we don’t like parties, but would rather stay in Pattaya for the winter. Firstly, everything is cheaper: housing, transport (unlike Phuket, it is developed, we didn’t even take a bike), food. Secondly, Bangkok is nearby, where you can unwind from the resort atmosphere. Thirdly, the beaches of Koh Larn are more “paradise” than those in Phuket :) But, again, we are considering the prospect of a long stay.

Phuket: Nai Harn Bay and Beach / Rented a bike for 150 baht per day,
to explore the island on your own

Holidays in Phuket

Most big Island countries with a developed tourism infrastructure and all the conditions for a good holiday, holidays in Phuket 2020 are chosen by both youth groups and families with children. It is convenient to get to the island, since the airport located here accepts international flights.

Where is a more varied holiday, in Pattaya or Phuket? The island is not inferior to Pattaya in the number of shops and entertainment places. Holidays in Phuket 2020 are advantageous in that tourists have the opportunity to spend time on beaches with clean sand and calm seas.

I would like to immediately dispel the persistent myth that prices for holidays in Phuket are much higher than at other resorts in the country. More expensive hotels and restaurants are located on the first line; going a little deeper into the island you can find good accommodation at reasonable prices. Thus, packages with accommodation on Patong Beach are, on average, 5-10% cheaper than packages to neighboring Karon and Kathu - all due to more luxurious hotels.

After three trips, we can say that for the first time in Thailand, the best vacation is in Phuket. There is a little bit of everything here: the sea is turquoise, the nature is lush, there is something to see and it is more or less clean.

• Prices for tours are reasonable - from 80,000 rubles for 10 days for two

Good news. We agreed on a promotional code with a service for booking tours online. If the tour costs more than 100,000 rubles, a coupon AF2000Thowtrip will give a discount of 2000 rubles.

Kata Beach in Phuket (photo from our trip)

Holidays in Phuket with children

Holidays abroad with a child are always an additional responsibility. How justified is a seaside holiday with children in Phuket in 2020, and which beaches are suitable for little holidaymakers? Reviews from tourists point to the beaches of Karon, Kata, Kamala. These are sandy resting places with low waves and easy entry into the water. They are located away from noisy discos and large shopping centers, so parents and children are guaranteed a quiet holiday.

The best hotels in Phuket for families with children are Kata Beach, Kata Sea Brezze, Sunwing Ramala Beach. First line hotels have swimming pools, playrooms, and relaxation areas for kids. Together with your children, you can visit the zoo, national park, waterfalls, temples, and also try your hand at a master class on cooking Thai food.

National Park Angthong - near Koh Samui

This picturesque corner nature is simply created for a holiday in Thailand for two. If you look at Koh Samui on a map, you can note its distance from the mainland. Thanks to this geographical feature, the island managed to preserve the tropics in their original form.

The tourism boom of the 20th century could not but affect Samui. Now it is the second most popular destination after Phuket. Tours to Koh Samui are in demand, despite the fact that you can only get here by sea or by plane.

The price of a holiday on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand in its eastern part is slightly higher. The south of the island attracts those tourists who rent housing in the country for a long time. People come here to join Buddhist culture and for meditation. However, Samui is not always friendly and sunny. Sometimes there are such downpours and storms that the island “floats”. When to go? Read ↓

The best beaches of the island are located in its eastern part. There is excellent infrastructure with comfortable hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops. The northern coast is chosen by romantic couples and families with children. In this part of the island, resort life is more calm and measured. Here is located famous statue Buddha 12 m high.

• 10-day trips to Samui - already from 110,000 rubles for two

Photos from our trip to Krabi province

Holidays in Krabi province

Krabi province on the coast Andaman Sea offers all conditions for relaxation: a large number of well-groomed golden sand spits, crystal clear sea, cheap thai food and a significant share of attractions. Holidays in Krabi are an opportunity to combine a leisurely beach holiday with active excursions to beautiful waterfalls, mysterious caves and unusual temples.

From Krabi it is convenient and less time consuming to visit Phi Phi Island (or Phi Phi? :)), the same one where the film with the handsome DiCaprio was filmed. Although we never sailed there either from Phuket or Krabi - it was too touristy. There are crowds of people, but except organized excursion or scheduled boat transfer is not available.

However, your vacation in Krabi will not be complete without visiting the Tiger Temple, which is hidden among the lush rainforest at the base of the cliff. On the Internet you can read rave reviews from tourists about his cave, sculptures, and observation deck at the top of the mountain. Ours is also enthusiastic, but to climb 1237 steps, you will have to sweat :)

• Tours to Krabi - the same 10 days, 2 people - cost from 100,000 rubles. But personally, we, like several acquaintances “on the spot,” traveled independently. Still, package holidays in Krabi are not yet so developed

Koh Phangan Island

Bluerama hotel with an Infinity pool on the mountain, you can come in
anyone / Salad Beach

The island is located in the Gulf of Thailand. The tourism industry began to develop relatively recently, but the resort has already become popular among young people from European countries.

Holidays on Koh Phangan are ideal for lovers of fun evenings and hot parties. No less attractive are the beaches of Haad Rin in the southeast, Thong Nai Pan Yai and Thong Nai Pan Noi in the north. Haad Rin Beach is famous far beyond its borders for the parties that take place on the night of the full moon.

Tourists have an excellent opportunity not only to enjoy mountain scenery and tropical landscapes, but also to get acquainted with the beauty underwater world, including coral reefs.

Accommodation on the island of Koh Phangan includes both modern hotels and traditional wooden bungalows for the country. One of the most compromise housing options on Koh Phangan is renting a guesthouse equipped with all amenities.

When deciding which resort to choose, you can’t help but focus on the island’s attractions. They primarily include themselves natural beaches with tropical vegetation and waterfalls. Nature lovers and romantics will enjoy visiting Than Sadet National Park. You can come here at any time of the year to see the waterfalls and Laem Son Lake, surrounded by coconut palms.

Reviews from tourists destroy the myth that a holiday on Phangan means a constant stay among informal individuals and partying young people. The island is hospitable to all visitors, providing them with the beauty and benefits of modern civilization.

• Tours to Koh Phangan - from 145,000 rubles for 10 nights. Obviously, it is more profitable to fly on your own

The central part of Bangkok, we were in the city for 3 days

Holidays in Bangkok

Noisy, colorful, huge and a little crazy. This is how Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, appears before visitors. The city amazingly combines elements of oriental culture with the European traditions of a large metropolis.

Holidays in Bangkok are an opportunity to see luxurious Buddhist temples, relax and have fun in numerous entertainment venues, enjoy exotic shopping in local markets, and try masterpieces of street food.

One of the types of recreation in Bangkok is medical tourism. Tourists have excellent quality services and highly qualified specialists who have completed internships in leading clinics in the world.

It is a mistaken belief that Bangkok lacks beach holiday. Not far from the metropolis is Bang Saen Beach, which meets all the requirements of those who crave sun and sea. Holiday prices depend on the level of comfort and location of the hotel.

The island of Koh Chang in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand is a worthy competitor famous Phuket. Holidays on the island of Koh Chang in Thailand are chosen by tourists looking for a relaxing time alone with nature. Most of the island is occupied by impenetrable jungle and protected nature reserves. The rest of the territory is being actively developed by the tourism industry.

Every year the number of modern hotels and restaurants on Koh Chang is growing local cuisine, beaches. The most luxurious holiday on the island of Koh Chang in Thailand - on its west coast. Here, as in many other Thai resorts, it is customary to organize full moon parties.

Which resort to choose in Koh Chang? Wherever you come, the cleanest sea, the most Fresh air, excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

Holidays on Koh Samet

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle big city and strive for peace and solitude? Your choice is Samet Island in Thailand. Its advantages are obvious: proximity to Pattaya and Bangkok, convenient transport connection, places of nature untouched by man.

The most developed part of the island is its East Coast. For seven kilometers there are hotels, cafes, and bars. The beaches of Samet Island have convenient access to the water, which is very important for families with children. More secluded beaches are located in the northern and southern parts of the island. Koh Samet hotels provide a sufficient level of comfort, and fashionable stylish resort complex Paradee receives the most positive ratings and reviews.

If you buy a tour to Koh Samet, you are guaranteed good weather in any season. The island is one of the driest holiday destinations in Thailand. Even during the rainy season there is little rainfall and the prevailing weather is sunny.

Hua Hin Thailand

If most resorts in Thailand began to develop relatively recently, Hua resorts Chin were known at the beginning of the last century. It was not for nothing that King Rama, who reigned at that time, and his family preferred to relax in Hua Hin, spending time in their summer palace.

Today Hua beaches Hin is open to everyone who wants to relax on the clean sand by the gentle sea. The nearby hotels are built in elegant English style. A wealthy tourist usually comes here who wants to relax on best beaches Hua Hin.

Tours to the resort include visiting the royal palace and temple from the very big statue Buddha. Fans won't get bored either active rest, purchasing tours to Hua Hin from Moscow. They organize yachting, windsurfing, horseback riding, golf, fishing, and elephant rides.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Where to go in Thailand if you want something unusual? We recommend tours to Chiang Mai, the second largest city in the country. Here you will learn the most interesting facts about the history and culture of the country, and you will be able to feel closer to its traditions. The city serves as a starting point for expeditions into the jungle or distant settlements high in the mountains.

Chiang Mai is a regular square with bastions that have been preserved since the 17th century. It is interesting for its unique temples, unusual museums, a zoo where Chinese pandas live, and a large aquarium. One of the main attractions of Chiang Mai is the night market. Here you can buy souvenirs and products from local craftsmen that are not available in other resorts in the country.

When planning a vacation in Chiang Mai, include in your plans a visit to the mountains and original tribes living in remote places.

Prices for holidays in Thailand with flights. How to save money?

Every year Thailand attracts more and more tourists. How to save money on a trip without compromising the quality of your vacation? First of all, you need to carefully study the prices for holidays in Thailand with flights depending on the season.

As with every resort, costs may vary depending on the weather. Prices for trips to Thailand increase significantly during the period New Year's holidays and the high season in winter, when every European wants to be transported to summer. By planning your vacation for the beginning of autumn or the end of spring, you can save up to 30-40% on the tour.

Prices for holidays in Thailand with flights are lower if you follow 10 rules for searching for tours. Try it :)

Prices for all-inclusive holidays in Thailand are usually higher, but don't expect to see a second Turkey or Egypt here. This cost is not always justified. Eating in inexpensive restaurants, buying ready-made street food or groceries in supermarkets, you can save a good amount. In addition, Thailand is so rich in attractions and natural beauty that you are unlikely to want to spend much time at the hotel.

The cost of holidays is falling

Consent to the processing of personal data

I hereby, being the Customer of tourist services included in the tourism product, and the authorized representative of the persons (tourists) specified in the Application, give consent to the Agent and his authorized representatives to process my data and the data of persons (tourists) contained in the Application: last name, name, patronymic, date and place of birth, gender, citizenship, series, passport number, other passport data indicated in the passport; residence and registration address; home and mobile phone; address Email; as well as any other data relating to my identity and the identity of the persons specified in the Application, to the extent necessary for the implementation and provision of tourism services, including those included in the tourism product generated by the Tour Operator, for any action (operation) or set of actions ( operations) performed with my personal data and the data of the persons specified in the Application, including (without limitation) collection, recording, systematization, accumulation, storage, clarification (updating, changing), extraction, use, transfer (distribution, provision, access), depersonalization, blocking, deletion, destruction of personal data, as well as carrying out any other actions provided for by current legislation Russian Federation, using automation tools, including in information and telecommunication networks, or without the use of such tools, if the processing of personal data without the use of such tools corresponds to the nature of the actions (operations) performed with personal data using automation tools, that is, it allows for in accordance with a given algorithm, searching for personal data recorded on a tangible medium and contained in file cabinets or other systematized collections of personal data, and/or access to such personal data, as well as transfer (including cross-border) of this personal data to the Tour Operator and third parties - partners of the Agent and Tour Operator.

The processing of personal data is carried out by the Agent and his authorized representatives (Tour Operator and direct service providers) for the purpose of fulfilling this agreement (including, depending on the terms of the agreement, for the purpose of processing travel documents, booking rooms in accommodation facilities and with carriers, transferring data to the consulate of a foreign state, resolving claims issues when they arise, submitting information to authorized government bodies (including at the request of courts and internal affairs bodies)).

I hereby confirm that the personal data provided by me to the Agent is reliable and can be processed by the Agent and his authorized representatives.

I hereby give my consent to the Agent and Tour Operator to send me emails/information messages to the email address and/or mobile phone number I have provided.

I hereby confirm that I have the authority to provide personal data of the persons specified in the Application, and undertake the obligation to reimburse the Agent for any costs associated with my lack of appropriate authority, including losses associated with sanctions of inspection authorities.

I agree that the text of my consent to the processing of personal data, given by me of my own free will, in my interests and in the interests of the persons specified in the Application, is stored electronically in a database and/or on paper and confirms the fact of consent to process and transfer personal data in accordance with the above provisions and take responsibility for the accuracy of the provision of personal data.

This consent is given for an indefinite period and can be withdrawn by me at any time, and insofar as it concerns a specific person, the subject of personal data specified in the Application, by the specified person by sending a written notice to the Agent by mail.

I hereby confirm that my rights as a subject of personal data have been explained to me by the Agent and are clear to me.

I hereby confirm that the consequences of withdrawing this consent have been explained to me by the Agent and are clear to me.

This Consent is an annex to this Application.

There are three mobile operators in Thailand. They all offer users almost the same conditions. There is no internal roaming in the country. You can buy a SIM card immediately upon arrival at the airport, in 7/11 and Family Mart stores, in phone stores and at travel agencies. In the same chain stores you can easily top up your balance; usually on the receipt they simply write a number that needs to be dialed. They will ask for your passport at mandatory. Cost of services cellular communications inexpensive, one minute of conversation will cost only 1 baht, SMS - 2 baht. When calling to Russia, it is better to use Internet telephony; to do this, you need to dial the code used by a specific operator (003, 004 or 006, etc., without a plus) and the Russian code - 7. One minute of conversation in this case will cost no more 7 baht.

It is very convenient to immediately buy an Internet package with a SIM card; the cost for a week does not exceed 200 baht. All decent hotels in Thailand now have Wi-Fi, this is the norm. Usually the connection is stable in the rooms, and not just in the lobby or reception. The quality of both cellular communications and the Internet is improving every year, and most often does not cause any complaints.

Language and communication

The Thai language has a soft sound and, in the opinion of a European, extremely difficult writing. It is based on Sanskrit, does not provide spaces between words and overall looks very specific. A language with four tones, quite euphonious, without harshness or expressive expressions. But when Thais start speaking quickly, it is difficult to distinguish even the boundaries between words and sentences, however, this is probably true for any foreign speaker. Thais do not expect tourists to know their language. Therefore, they may not understand hesitantly pronounced phrases the first time.

They speak English in tourist areas, but not very well. There is even such an expression as “tayinglish”. The fact is that Thais soften and creatively rethink many sounds that are difficult for them. In Pattaya and Phuket, many sellers know certain words and phrases in Russian.

Word or phrase	Writing	Pronunciation and application features
Hello	สวัสดี	Savadi, men can add a cap, and women can add it (you just have to remember this)
Thank you	ขอบคุณ	Capun, similarly, men add capun, and women add
A little	นิดหน่อย	Nitnoy (useful to indicate the spiciness of a dish)
Yes	ใช่	Tea
No	ไม่	May (negative particle, also placed at the end of the question)
Not sharp	ไม่เผ็ด	Mi pet
Do you have...	คุณมี	Kung misam product can be called in English, for example, mango, banana, this phrase will be understood by most (you must also add the particle may at the end) it turns out: Kung mi... may
Tasty	อร่อย	Aroy, you also need to be able to thank
I don't want it, I don't need it	ไม่ต้องการ	My cap (useful for responding to annoying sellers)
Everything is alright, do not worry	ไม่เป็นไร	Mai pen rai is a phrase that reflects the Thai mentality, literally a formula for forgiveness “I’m not angry, don’t worry”

Features of mentality

The Thai mentality is well demonstrated by the well-known expressions: sabai-sabai and sanuk-sabai. They are translated as pleasure, comfort, while sabai means comfort of the body, and sanuk - the soul. Thais strive for this state in their present and future lives. They are mostly Buddhists, therefore, they believe that in future incarnations they will be credited for their good deeds. That’s why they strive to earn as many karma benefits as possible. This, of course, is very simplified and even rude.

They have one more point - the desire to “save face,” that is, their dignity. This is difficult for foreigners to fully understand, but for a Thai it can be difficult to say “no” or “I don’t know”, because it will be a loss of face. They are also rarely in a hurry, this is worth taking into account.

The fusion of religions in Thailand is very interesting. In addition to Buddhists, there are many Muslims in the south. In everyday life, images of Hindu gods, for example, the elephant Ganesha, are often found. And, of course, not a single structure is built without spirit houses, but this is a reflection of very ancient, pagan beliefs. It is better not to touch the houses of the spirits, and enter the temples only without shoes. When it comes to religion, Thais can be very sensitive and principled. And, of course, all Buddha statues are inviolable.

Shopping. What to bring from Thailand?

Shopping in Thailand is specific. Clothes and cosmetics from well-known companies are not brought from here. Although it is available in expensive stores in Bangkok. But why, if the suitcases are not enough for the riches that the generous Thai nature is ready to bestow. Now without pathos. Of course, you should buy in reputable pharmacies and stores, then the quality is guaranteed, but at the markets you can have so much fun looking at unusual products, price tags and bargaining with sellers.

So, what to bring from Thailand:
coconut oil is a very healthy and multifunctional product;
Thai cosmetics - here, of course, you should contact official representatives;
T-shirts with interesting inscriptions and pictures;
Thai medicines - the choice must be approached carefully;
cheap electronics - be careful, avoid scammers;
leather goods - if you can determine that it is not a fake;
blue tea - you can try other Thai teas, but blue is the most popular;
unusual soap;
Crystal deodorant;
fruits - you can’t bring durian, and you probably wouldn’t want to because of the smell.

Local kitchen. What to try?

According to various studies, Thai cuisine is among the top most delicious in the world. Here we must say right away: Thais eat very spicy food, but they understand that such spiciness does not bring pleasure to foreigners. However, from time to time they still get carried away with red pepper. Therefore, when ordering a dish, it would be a good idea to remind you of your preferences in two words - no spicy.

Top 5 Thai dishes.

1. Tom yam is, of course, the most popular, and this is justified. Spicy soup with lots of spices (you don’t need to eat them all), chicken broth with shrimp or other meat, tomatoes, onions, seasoned with Thai chili paste and coconut milk - it’s a pure taste delight.

2. Tom kha gai - also a mixed soup made with chicken broth, but less spicy, without chili paste and with a lot of coconut milk. Very delicate, rich taste. That's why I love Thai cuisine, it's the richness and brightness of flavors provided by many ingredients.

3. Pad Thai is fried rice noodles with shrimp, sauces, with the addition of peanuts when serving and various greens. In general, there are many types of pad thaya. They can also beat in an egg, serve with a wedge of lime, green onions, etc. A very tasty and unusual dish, it’s all about the nuances of preparation, noodles are found in every country, but Pad Thai is unique.

4. Som tam is a salad of green papaya grated into thin strips with the addition of sugar, fish sauce, tomatoes, lime, peanuts and a couple of other ingredients. Usually some kind of greens are served with the salad. Catfish also comes with raw crab, but this is not a pleasure for everyone.

5. Sticky rice with mango (the Thai name for this dish is very rarely used among tourists). Add sweet coconut milk sauce and juicy mango pulp to the boiled rice, and here you have the finished dish. In fact, it’s not that simple; you have to take a special kind of rice and cook it in a special way, just like the sauce. Thais make even the simplest things unusual, and they also serve them beautifully. In restaurants, this dish is usually unreasonably expensive (I personally saw it for 120 baht), but in the market you can buy it for 40.

And that's not all. Seafood, just fried rice with meat, grilled fish, chicken and duck, sweets and shakes, many more tasty things can be found in almost any establishment.

Holidays and Events

On the November full moon, Thais celebrate Loi Krathong in a very beautiful way. They lower compositions specially made for this into the sea - boats made of banana leaves and flowers. Nowadays they also launch burning balls or Chinese lanterns into the sky. The exact origin and original meaning of the holiday is unknown. It is probably associated with the worship of the spirit of Water, since it falls at the end of the rainy season. Now this is a beautiful tradition, a sign of respect for nature. Lowering the boat is a ritual of absolution, but they also do not forget to put a coin to appease the spirits.

The most fun and widely celebrated day is Songkran. This is Thai New Year, it is usually celebrated for a whole week, but is especially active on April 13-15. It looks like this: the entire population is actively pouring water on each other. Stores even sell special guns for these purposes. Once in Pattaya in the evening on main square A fire truck arrived and began spraying people with water from large hoses. If you don’t want to get wet to the skin these days, it’s better not to leave the house. Joke. Now let's get serious. You can show the Thais with signs or tell them that you don’t want to be doused. However, not everyone responds to such requests.

Safety

In general, life in Thailand is safe and quite comfortable for tourists. You can go for a walk in the evening or even late at night. But no one canceled reasonable caution. We keep our finger on the pulse, hide our wallet away, and don’t flash our expensive phone. Ladyboys are especially prone to theft; you need to be very vigilant about their nimble hands. You should also not provoke Thais; for most of the quiet and peaceful ones, there may be one with a violent temperament. Thais especially do not like disdain for their religion, culture and royal family.

You should be wary of various fraudulent schemes in tourist cities, especially Bangkok. Do not believe the statements “today Buddha Day, Wat Arun is not open”. Once we were told that Chinatown was closed because of a holiday, yes, the whole quarter was closed. This usually means that they want to lure you into a store or restaurant. And what kind of “divorce” there will be depends on the imagination of the trickster, but it will definitely happen.

3 tips that will definitely come in handy when traveling around Thailand

1. Don’t judge the whole country by tourist cities and everyone. The overwhelming majority of Thais are very modest and even shy people. They are always ready to help, guide, show the way, but the spirit of Pattaya is completely alien to them. They are not used to demonstrating their personal life and do not expect such manifestations from others at all.

2. Don't choose Pattaya for a beach holiday. Pattaya is definitely a very interesting city. There is something to do here - water parks, shopping, Nong Nooch flower garden, zoo, excursions. Yes, people sometimes swim here and even enjoy it, but you won’t find Bounty-type beaches here. But there are many of them in Thailand. Tours to Pattaya are cheaper, but you should be aware that it will still take at least an hour to get to the heavenly shores, for example, on Koh Lan. The sea in Pattaya can be relatively suitable for swimming, but the fact is that it is dirty.

3. It’s very rare, but it happens that traditional Thai dishes, even in expensive cafes, are not made very well. If you didn’t like it once, you shouldn’t give up on the whole kitchen, you should definitely give it another chance. I promise you will not regret it and will find something of your own. Tip: Adjust the spiciness by persistently asking the cook.

Photos from pixabay, unsplash and flickr, bangkok.com and tourismthailand were used in the material.

Thailand is a country of hot sun, gentle sea and incredible drive. Spacious clean beaches, exotic vegetation and smiles 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.

February

Currency

The currency of Thailand is the Thai baht. There are 100 satangs in one baht. One baht is equal to approximately 2 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 counts 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 and most often there are hotels of the 2 or 3 star category. 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 ride water skiing, fly with a parachute, 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. On major resorts( , ) there are big ones 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.

For lovers nightlife It won't be boring either. 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.

Safety

Thailand is a fairly calm country with a low crime rate. However, in tourist places There are a lot of pickpockets, so try to keep an eye on your belongings and not leave them unattended, especially on the beach.

In 2014, a coup took place in Thailand, as a result of which the composition of the government was changed and a new Constitution was adopted. Thailand's current position in the political arena is very stable - both externally and internally.

It is worth noting that even echoes of any political events rarely reach tourist destinations.

Customs regulations

Before going through customs, check your luggage for any prohibited items. You cannot export Buddha figurines over 12 cm in height, sand and soil, unprocessed corals and precious stones, gold bars and platinum jewelry, uncanceled postage stamps, and images of the country’s flag (except small ones) from the country. You can put the fragrant durian in your suitcase, but only in vacuum packaging. Other fruits can be taken from hand luggage- We advise you to purchase a special plastic basket for them at the market in advance.

You cannot bring drugs and electronic cigarettes, including vape liquid, into the kingdom. There is also a limit on regular cigarettes - no more than 200 pieces per person. It is better to leave pornographic and erotic materials, toys “for adults” at home - they will be confiscated at customs.

As for currency, without declaring you can enter and take out no more than $20 thousand or other currency in equivalent. You can take out of the country up to 50 thousand baht without filing a declaration.

Customs and traditions

The royal family is very popular in Thailand. Birthdays of family members are celebrated as public holidays. The death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej hit the Thais hard, and mourning for him lasted a whole year. Never say anything offensive to the royal family, even as a joke - it could result in imprisonment. The same applies to money - they have images of the king on them, so they need to be handled with care. Learn which will help you avoid unpleasant situations.

The state religion in Thailand is Buddhism, which is followed by the majority of the country's population; Islam and Christianity are also practiced. There are many beautiful Buddhist temples in Thailand that are worth visiting. When visiting them, you must follow certain rules.

When entering the temple, it is customary to take off your shoes. You cannot go inside wearing excessively revealing clothing. The attendants will offer you free or rent long clothes to cover your exposed body parts. Women are not allowed to touch or talk to Thai monks.

The Thais begin their chronology from the day of Buddha's death (543 BC), so now they have 2561 years. Don't be surprised if you see this year on signs or documents.

New Year

In Thailand, New Year is celebrated three times. European New Year is celebrated on December 31st. The establishments put up Christmas trees, offer festive dinners and show programs. If you fly to Thailand during this time, you will be able to experience the usual festive atmosphere.

Many Thais have Chinese roots and celebrate Chinese New Year in February. The holiday is a colorful spectacle with processions, dancing and fireworks.

New Year according to the Thai calendar is celebrated on April 13-15 and is called Songkran. This is a Buddhist holiday that Thais celebrate with their families. The celebration lasts several days and is accompanied by various rituals, the most famous being pouring water on each other.

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.

Currency- baht 1 baht is equal to approximately 2 rubles. You can take both dollars and euros with you. Exchangers work in hotels and on the street.	When to go- from October to April. The best time for vacation is from November to March.
Language- Thai. In tourist places they speak English well.	The most popular resorts - Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Chang Island. On excursions they go to Thai temples, waterfalls, and animal parks.
No visa required for a trip of less than 30 days.	Time ahead of Moscow by 4 hours.