The Kingdom of Thailand is located in the southwest of the Indochina peninsula. It is washed by 2 seas: Andaman and South China. The country is quite small: it occupies only 513,120 sq. km, which brings it to the 50th place on the planet. It ranks 20th in terms of population. 70,500,000 people live here. The territory of the state is strongly stretched from north to south. Most of the country is occupied by fertile plains. Mountainous terrain is present in the north, northwest of the country. The main part of the population are Thais and Laotians. There is also a small proportion of South Asian peoples. Although Thailand is a popular tourist destination, it is still an agro-industrial country. Most of the population is engaged in agriculture. Vast areas have been given over to rice fields. Thailand is the main supplier of rice and seafood, as well as rubber. There are very few large settlements here, which are fairly evenly distributed throughout the kingdom. A somewhat higher concentration is observed on the northern coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

Top 5 cities in Thailand with a large area

1. Bangkok: 1,568 sq. km.
2. Nonthaburi: 77 sq. km.
3. Pattaya: 138 sq. km.
4. Suratthani: 68 sq. km.
5. Lampang: 12 square meters km.

Bangkok is the largest Thai metropolis

Bangkok is the capital of the kingdom, the largest metropolis in terms of population and area. 5,600,000 people live here. The territory of Bangkok occupies more than 1.5 thousand square meters. km. Together with the suburbs, it makes up the Greater Bangkok agglomeration. This is an economically very strong region of Thailand, which is the center of culture, finance, and tourism. The metropolis is located on the Chao Phraya River. It is also a major trading port. It was originally a small village surrounded by olive groves. Then it grew due to its favorable location (at the crossroads of trade routes). Interesting fact: the official name of the city consists of 20 words in Thai. It entered the Guinness Book of Records as the longest name of the settlement.

Bangkok's economy is based on the production of electronics, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, and oil refining. A large share of exports is occupied by rice and seafood. Tourism is of great importance (although not the main one). It accounts for about 10% of income. Bangkok is very urbanized, with some of the tallest and most modern buildings. Despite this, there are many park areas. The largest of them:

• lumpini park;
• Suan Luang Rama;
• Chatuchak, including Queen Sirikit Park, Wachirabenchathat Park.

Lumpini Park covers 57 hectares. It is located in the middle of business districts. The park has 2 lakes surrounded by green groves. On its territory there are tennis courts, treadmills, gyms, a large library. There is also a garden with a collection of palm trees. The historical center of the city includes the island of Rattanakosin, lying in the middle of the Chao Phraya River. It is surrounded by fortress walls with towers that were erected to protect the inhabitants. The main attraction of the island is the Grand Palace - a huge complex consisting of the main building, various pavilions, temples, pagodas.

It has been the residence of the King of Thailand since the 18th century. The territory of the complex covers 218,400 sq. m. The architecture of the palace and the exterior decoration are striking in their splendor. Now the royal family uses the complex for various ceremonies and receptions. It is also open to tourists. Other interesting temples nearby are Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (Dawn), Wat Ratchanadda. From modern cultural institutions it will be interesting to visit:

• the Bank of Thailand Museum;
• planetarium;
• art center of Bangkok.

An interesting feature of the city is the presence of a large number of channels. Because of this, it is often called the Venice of the East. Boats are a common mode of transport, as are river trams. There are routes with speed boats.

Pattaya is a popular resort

Pattaya is the most popular destination for Russian tourists. This is a resort town located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. It is not very large - 115,000 citizens are registered here. However, the number of tourists significantly exceeds the number of local residents. Between 2,000,000 and 5,000,000 people visit Pattaya annually. Its area is 138 sq. km. The settlement is not industrial, the main income comes from tourism. In the vicinity of the city there are many interesting things for tourists. These are crocodiles, elephants, snake farms, where entertaining shows are arranged. You can also visit zoos, water parks, aquariums.

A popular attraction is Nong Nooch Tropical Park. This is a unique complex containing many different themed gardens and playgrounds. Its infrastructure is focused on tourist groups. There are many bars, bungalows, swimming pools. The entire area is divided into areas with a specific theme. The most interesting of them:

• cactus garden;
• butterfly hill;
• garden of aquatic plants;
• blue garden;
• Stonehenge;
• car park with collectible cars.

In Pattaya itself, at every step, tourists will find nightclubs, discos, restaurants. Nightlife is in full swing here, everything is created for relaxation and entertainment. Dirty beaches are considered a big disadvantage for vacationers. The water is quite muddy, you can often see debris, spots on the surface of the sea. Therefore, it is better to swim in other places, on the islands or nearby beaches. The closest of the islands is called Koh Lan. There is good infrastructure, clean water. Here you can go diving, swimming, and other types of beach activities. Pattaya has few historical sights. This is the temple of the Big Buddha, the temple of Destiny, the Ban Sukhawadi park complex. There are also rock bas-reliefs carved into a rock near the city.

Nonthaburi - city on the water

Nonthaburi is a fairly large Thai city with a population of 257,000. It covers an area of ​​77 sq. km. It is located not far from Bangkok and is part of the Greater Bangkok agglomeration. Nonthaburi lies on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It, like Bangkok, is heavily flooded and swampy. A lot of canals and streams pass through its area, among which there are houses and other buildings. The settlement is surrounded by beautiful orchards, parks with exotic plants.

Nonthaburi has a well-developed tourist service. There are many entertainment venues, bars, clubs, hotels. Shopping lovers can visit shopping centers, city markets, brand stores. Various festivals and fruit fairs are often held. A popular means of transport are boats, on which tourists are taken to see cultural sites. Nonthaburi is replete with various historical sites of interest to travelers. Popular tourist routes run through a small island in the middle of Chao Phrayai. There is a village where you can see the life of local residents, watch the artisans involved in the manufacture of pottery. You can also visit Buddhist temples built in different time periods.

Pattaya

Rayong

Rayong is located in the eastern part of the country. Here you can bask on the beach and admire the beauty of the sea, or you can visit the sights, of which there are at least three dozen in this city. Here are some of them:
City temple. This is a small temple in the historical part of the city, which was first built of wood. Later, when the structure was restored, it was decided to rebuild the concrete walls, but to keep the original architecture. The temple was built by the Chinese, and is dedicated to the deity who is the patron of the city of Rayong. The territory of the temple is not very large, but the historical architecture is impressive.
The Rayong Caves are located near the city. There are 86 of them in total, and almost every cave has a unique waterfall or karst lake. The caves themselves are of limestone origin, and on their walls you can find carved panels with images of animals, birds and plants, made by the ancestors of the Thais.
Arboretum Sofa. This is an incredibly beautiful garden, which is over a hundred years old. The entire garden is planted in the traditional Thai style and is rich in variety of plants and trees. Flowers also grow here, many of which are considered rare or endangered species. The territory of the garden is large, you can even spend the whole day here, just walking and enjoying Thai nature.

A separate and most popular part of the arboretum is the rose garden. This garden is famous for the fact that there are more than 70 different varieties of roses, while many species were brought from different parts of the world. Therefore, the garden is unique - nowhere in the world there are such plantings in the open air.

• Suphattraland orchard. This garden is located in the suburb of Rayong a and is one of the largest botanical gardens in the country. It is unique not only for the fruits growing in it, but also for the fact that they can be plucked and eaten throughout the tour of the gardens (however, it is strictly forbidden to take them out). By the way, a tour of the garden can be not only on foot, but also by tram, which runs very slowly and stops at various plantations. At the end of the tour, you can relax and eat traditional Thai dishes in the cafe, many of which are prepared with fruits grown in Suphattraland.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is an ancient city that was founded at the end of the 14th century. Once it was the capital, and in total 36 kings ruled in the city at different times. Ayutthaya is rich in historical monuments, primarily architectural. But not only them. What sights are worth visiting here:

• Temple Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This is a temple that can be called the largest in the city of Ayutthaya, or rather, its ruins. The first thing that catches your eye when approaching the temple is three chedis arranged in a row. Previously, they were destroyed during the war, but not very long ago they were restored. But not only thanks to the chedi, this temple has become a substitute, on its territory there are many more various historical buildings and ruins that have not yet been restored, which are also worth a visit.
• Wat Phra Maha That temple. This temple can be called a visiting card and the main attraction of the city of Ayutthaya. He became famous for the fact that on its territory is the head of the Buddha, carved from stone. It is located just above ground level and is intertwined with the roots of a huge tree. Access to this statue is not limited, and there are always many tourists around it who want to take pictures with this monument.
• Wat Borom Phuttharam temple. This temple was built in the 18th century, but now you can admire only its ruins, which, by the way, are very well preserved. Here you can not enter any building and see everything from the inside, but you can enjoy the architecture of the complex from the outside. This temple is popular because the entrance to its territory is free for everyone, and the complex itself is quite extensive.
• Bung Phra Ram Park. The park contains ancient ruins and several ponds. This is a great place to take a walk and relax in the fresh air. You can have a bite to eat in the park, or you can just wander around the territory. This is a good place for leisure if you come to the city of Ayutthaya for a long time, for example, for a week. Then here you can unwind and take a walk without an excursion. If time is limited, it is better to visit more significant sights.
• Phet Fortress. This fortress was built in the 15th century, and then it served as a defensive structure. The fortress was the guard of the city of Ayutthaya and its main fortification. Now it is a historical monument, which is quite interesting to visit. Entrance to the territory is free, and besides, this place is also famous as the confluence of two Thai rivers - Pasak and Chao Phrayai.

Phuket

Phuket is famous for its beauty. Beautiful as the city and its surroundings. In addition, there are many interesting places and sights worth seeing:

• Phra Nang Sang Temple. This is the oldest temple of all that are located on the territory of Phuket. This complex is over 250 years old. It is located in the suburbs of Phuket, and getting there is not difficult.
• The 3 largest Buddha statues are also located in Phuket territory. They are located close to each other, and there are many legends about these statues. According to some of them, it can be argued that these statues are the oldest in Thailand.
• Kathu waterfall. This is a 130-meter waterfall with many bends and cascades. The area here is very beautiful, and the waterfall itself is located near the Phuket beaches. On the territory of the waterfall complex there is a small restaurant with different cuisines of the world, but mostly Thai.
• Orchid garden. The orchid is one of the most common types of flowers that grow in Thailand. But the orchid garden in Phuket is famous for the fact that almost all varieties of this flower known in the world are collected and planted in it. In addition, they do not grow on plantations, but on flower beds, which looks incredibly beautiful. If garden visitors like any of the flower varieties, they have the opportunity to purchase it in the form of seedlings, but they are quite difficult to transport because special documents are needed. In any case, the garden is worth a visit, because it is very beautiful here, and the cost of the tour is relatively inexpensive.
• Thalang National Museum. This is a huge museum with various historical layouts and expositions. An excursion to this museum will interest everyone who is fond of the history of different cultures. The main expositions of the museum illustrate the culture, history and traditions of three Asian countries - Thailand, China and India. Also in the museum there are many different historical monuments, antique materials and various things found by historians and archaeologists of the country.

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia. Thailand's neighbors are Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. The climate is tropical, so in Thailand you can relax at any time of the year. The capital is Bangkok (Bangkok), it is one of the most densely populated cities in the country and naturally ranks 1st in terms of population. The number of inhabitants reaches 8 million people(not including agglomeration). The main holiday of the country is the New Year, it begins on April 13 and lasts almost 5 days. At this time, the largest festival is held - Songkran. And now let's continue our TOP 10 most populated cities in Thailand

The most populated cities in Thailand - Nonthaburi

2. Nonthaburi(Nonthaburi) is located near the capital at 20 km and is the agglomeration of Bangkok. The city is also located along the river Chaya Praya. In terms of the number of inhabitants of the city, there are approximately 266 930 people, ranks second, after Bangkok. The city has many canals along which tourists and locals swim in boats. The city is famous for the temples of Wat Khemaphirataram, Wat Prasat, Wat Chotikaram, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat - each of them captivates with its uniqueness. There is an interesting Museum of Horns, it houses a collection of animal horns. Nonthaburi Fruits Fair is held from April to June.

The most populated cities in Thailand are Pakkret in Nonthaburi province.

3rd place, also the agglomeration of the capital, the city - the district of "New Bangkok" Pakkret(Pak Kret) total area is 90 sq.m. km, located in the province of Nonthaburi. Lives around 166 522 residents. The Chao Phraya River divides the city into two parts. Pakkret is home to the Mueang Thong Thani Stadium, built in the 13th century. Accommodates 12,000 fans.

The most populated cities in Thailand are Hat Yai, Songkla

4. Hatyay(Hat Yai) is an entertainment center, a business center, and shopping is also popular here - all the entertainment here is done mainly by local residents, of which 95% are Muslims. Hat Yai is located in the province of Songkla, 950 km from the capital of Thailand, almost on the border with Malaysia. Lives in the city 156 414 Human. Children will be interested in the 15 meter Bhasawang Big Splash water slide. Adults can look at the statue of the reclining Buddha Wat Hat Yai Nai, Tone Nga Chang waterfall.

5. The fifth place in terms of population in the cities of Thailand is - Chiang Mai(Chiang Mai). It is the northern capital of Thailand. Located 700 km from Bangkok. The number of inhabitants is 149 261 . Chiang Mai, unlike Bangkok, is not very popular among our tourists, as there are no beaches in it, but there are many other interesting places worth visiting. These are the Buddhist temple of Doi Suthep and the temple of Wat Chiang Man (it contains a mini figure of the crystal Buddha). Take a walk along the central street of the city - Ratchadamnoen (on Sundays, at 16:00, the Sunday Market opens here, you can buy wonderful souvenirs for friends), take a ride on the Chiang Mai Tuk-tuk taxi. Mostly Europeans, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, Australians go to Chiang Mai.

6. Surat Thani(Surat Thani) is located in the southern part of the country. Number of inhabitants 125943 . Tourists will be interested in visiting a park with waterfalls, lakes, jungles - Khao Sok and Mu Ko Ang Thong park, in Wat Mathurotsatiyaram temple. Learn to cook at My Wok And Me Cooking School.

7th among the most populated cities is Khon Kaen. Khon Kaen is a very beautiful city located 380 km from the capital. Lives there 120857 Human. There is an international airport and good transport interchange. City attractions: Wat Ahong and Wat Nong Wang Temple (has 9 floors), go to the Khong Kut Wai Fish Sanctuary lake, in the Hong Mun Mang Khon Kaen City museum you can get acquainted with the culture of Khon Kaen, get a dose of adrenaline in the cave with Tham bats Khangkhao.

8. Pattaya(Pattaya). The most popular resort town in the kingdom. It is located near the capital, 140 km. resides 104318 Human. In Pattaya, you should take a walk along Walking Street, Sukhumvit Road. Visit the Bottle Museum, the Mike Shopping Mall, the Sanctuary of Truth, the Sutin Fine Art Gallery. To see Tiffany's Show with your own eyes is a show of transvestites.

The most populated cities in Thailand - Lampang

9. Lampang(Lampang) is located 600 km from Bangkok. The city was built in the 7th century, although only one octagonal tower remained from the ancient city. Today lives there 60591 residents. The most popular places among tourists are: the temples of Wat Chai Mongkhon, Wat Phra That Chom Ping, Wat Don Kaeo (distinguished by the presence of multilayer roofs that resemble cones in shape), Tham Pha Tha and Wiang Ko Sai national parks, and try all the secrets of Thai treatment at Lampang Herbal Conservation.

10. Rayong(Rayong) is one of the ancient cities of Thailand. Quantity inhabitants 55170. Temples: Somdet Kromluang Chumphon, Wat Pa Pradu. You can relax on the beautiful sandy beach of Laem Mae Phim, go with the children to the Rayong Aquarium.

And Bonus old capital of thailand Ayutthaya(Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) is also considered a densely populated city and belongs to the historical center of Thailand. Number of inhabitants 55025. The city resembles an oval. In 1991, Ayutthaya was included in the UNESCO list. What to watch? These are the temples of Wat Na Phra Men, Wat Phra Ram, the fortress of Wat Na Phra Men, to visit the Chankasem or Front Palace, in the Suan Somdet park.

Hello, dear readers - seekers of knowledge and truth!

Thailand is a beautiful oriental country that has been attracting travelers from all over the world for decades. It has everything for an unforgettable and active holiday - a hot climate, warm sea, developed infrastructure, unique cuisine, historical monuments and, of course, numerous Buddhist temples, which are called "vats" here.

Let's mentally move to the Land of Smiles today and visit the major cities of Thailand. In this article, we have collected for you the most interesting and rich in cultural sights of the city. We hope you get some ideas for your next vacation.

City classification

Administratively, settlements in Thailand, as elsewhere, are divided into cities and rural areas. In turn, there are three types of cities:

• large - there are more than fifty thousand citizens;
• medium - more than ten thousand inhabitants;
• small, or urban-type settlement - the population exceeds five thousand people, but less than ten thousand.

At the same time, the classification takes place not only by population, but also by its density, the level of the budget. There are also cities with an independent type of management - this is the capital Bangkok and the well-known resort Pattaya. However, by the number of inhabitants they are also classified as large cities.

Here is a list of cities that are among the ten largest in Thailand (in brackets is the population, in thousands of people):

1. Bangkok - 9,000;
2. Nonthaburi - 270;
3. Korat - 175;
4. Chiang Mai - 175;
5. Hat Yai - 158;
6. Udon Thani - 156;
7. Pak Kret - 153;
8. Chao Phraya Surasak - 133;
9. Khon Kaen - 130;
10. Pattaya - 108.

Let's talk about the three most interesting, spectacular and therefore visited of them and add to them another large city with a population of over 75,000 people, which is located on the largest island of the country with the same name - Phuket.

Metropolitan

The Thai capital is Bangkok. Many come here simply as a transit point before further travel, lingering for only a couple of days. However, there are many places here that can take at least a week to explore.

Bangkok is a city of contrasts. First you are amazed at the unsurpassed beauty of the royal palace, and then you notice the shacks where some of the locals live. Next to an adult travesty show hall, there may be a Buddhist shrine, and state-of-the-art business centers give way to historic buildings a few blocks away.

The capital is located on the Chao Phraya River, which then merges with the Gulf of Thailand. Initially, it was a small village, where people were mainly engaged in fishing, but from the end of the 18th century it began to gain significant weight, and then became the capital.

The official name of Bangkok consists of twenty words - according to the Guinness Book of Records, this is the longest toponym in the world.

The city consists of fifty districts - khets, and each, in turn, is divided into several more parts - kvengs, of which there are three times as many. The most interesting in terms of attractions is the center, namely, the bulk island of Rattanokosin, because it is here that the King's Palace, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and the National Museum are located.

In total, there are almost a hundred large and small temples in the region. The most famous of them is, of course, near the Royal Palace. Its name is Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

It looks like a small figure of the Teacher with a height of just over 65 centimeters. However, in reality it is of great historical value. Made entirely of jade, she changes her wardrobe three times a year, and this is a big holiday, which used to be always attended by the king and his family.

In Wat Pho, it is worth taking a look at the statue of the reclining Golden Buddha. Its length is as much as 46 meters. Also noteworthy is the white marble shrine of Bemchanabophit and Wat Arun.

Wat Arun with a poetic translation “Temple of the Dawn” with its appearance and characteristic facade is somewhat reminiscent of a pyramid belonging to the Mayans or the Aztecs, however, the interior and exterior decoration is decorated with porcelain tiles. To climb up, you have to overcome a steep staircase with several hundred steps.

Also worth seeing in Bangkok is the Golden Mountain and Wat Saket near it with golden spiers, Chinatown with inexpensive souvenirs, the National Museum and the famous Taling Chan floating market. From the theaters you can go to the National, Royal and Siam Niramit.

Resort

The next major city, which is also the most popular resort, is located 165 kilometers from the capital, on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. Pattaya lives almost entirely on tourism, as there are no large industries here.

Pattaya received the status of the main resort area of ​​​​Thailand thanks to American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Their headquarters was a few kilometers south of this area, and they went to the coast to rest. Even after the end of the war, the Americans returned to Thai soil again and again, and Europeans arrived after them.

The resort has entertainment for every taste and budget: bars, clubs and travesty shows for adults, parks, a water park, a dolphinarium, an aquarium for children, parasailing, diving and fishing in the open sea for active tourists, as well as various interesting museums, for example, Ripley's Wax Museum and Mirror Labyrinths.

Travelers especially like the Nong Nooch Garden, a farm where crocodiles are kept, an elephant village and Mini Siam Park, where you can see all Thai Buddhist temples in miniature and small copies of European buildings.

Mini Siam Park in Pattaya

But separately it is worth talking about Buddhist buildings. One of the most unusual structures is the Temple of Truth. The peculiarity of this graceful wooden temple is that it was built without a single nail, as its creators say.

But this judgment is not entirely correct - the fact is that the temple has been under construction for more than thirty years, and the construction has not yet been completed. When building a shrine, nails are used, but they are only half-hammered. The builders expect that at the end of construction they will be able to remove all the nails, and the structure will remain firmly standing. Read more about this unique temple.

Temple of Truth

Another wonderful place for Buddhist pilgrimage is the Temple of the Big Buddha, which looks at the whole city and the Gulf of Thailand from a hill near Mount Pratumnak. To go upstairs, you need to overcome 120 steps, and then you will see a large statue of the Buddha, and next to it are statues of a more modest size.

Temple of the Big Buddha in Pattaya

If you go down lower, you can get to the Confucian temple, where there is a monument to the Chinese philosophers Confucius and, as well as other figures of Chinese culture.

Island

It's not so much about the southern island of Phuket, but about the city of the same name, which in English is called Phuket Town. Previously, the town of Thalang was located here, but in the middle of the 19th century it was decided to build a new port, and with it a new city.

A lot of immigrants from China arrived in the city - this is evidenced by the unusual architecture: neat multi-colored buildings on two floors with roofs covered with tiles, and at the entrance there are traditional Chinese red lanterns.

Phuket town

There is also a picturesque Chinese shrine called Put Cho. It was erected in honor of the goddess Guanyin, the patroness of the entire Celestial Empire, the deity of compassion. A century-old Portuguese building, where the local administration is now located, can be called a very unusual architectural complex: the facade is decorated with columns, stucco and bas-reliefs.

The city lives its own life and loves the crowd. Every day people gather here in the markets, the main of which is located on Rasada Street and is open in the morning from 5 to 11. Every year, the Songkran festival is traditionally held here in honor of the Thai New Year, and in September-October there is a crazy Vegetarian Festival.

Vegetarian festival in Thailand

Behind all the splendor of the city streets and lush flowers, the statue of the Big Buddha, located on a nearby hill, is watching. The temple complex continues to be built to this day, and anyone can donate any amount for the construction.

The height of the statue itself reaches 45 meters. Inside the temple, there are also many statues of Buddhas. Near the main ones there are tables for offerings, where believers leave fruits, incense sticks, garlands of flowers.

Another spiritual attraction is Wat Chalong, a short drive from the center of Phuket Town. Its bright facade is made in red and decorated with golden elements: carvings, spiers, bas-reliefs. Vatu is almost two centuries old, since then it has been reconstructed more than once, but even today it makes an indelible impression.

Temple Wat Chalong

Northern

And we left the most spiritually developed city in the end - this is the city of Chiang Mai. People come here not in search of impeccable beaches, noisy adult entertainment and other entertainment - they come to see the amazing local temples.

Seven hundred kilometers separate Chiang Mai from Bangkok, which was built at the end of the 13th century as the capital of the once-existing Lanna state. Chiang Mai has retained its original nature: it is located on the banks of the Ping River and at the foot of Pui Mountain, which rises almost 1.7 kilometers.

Chiang Mai is a real city of craftsmen. From ancient times to the present day, wooden, ceramic, silk, and silver products have been produced here. Artfully painted parasols that protect from the sun, jade, carved gizmos, as well as those made using the batik technique, are especially surprising.

Jade is brought from neighboring Myanmar.

Chang Lo Road is known for the fact that craftsmen here make unusual bells, which have a special thin plate instead of reeds. Bronze kitchen utensils are also made here. And at the northern border of the city, skilled potters work.

But the most important asset of Chiang Mai is its temples, there are more than 200 of them here. Of course, it is difficult to tell everything about them, so let's focus on the most interesting and unusual of them:

• Prachau Mengrai - built at the end of the 13th century, hides behind its walls a sculpture more than four meters high of the ruler Mengrai, the founder of the northern city.
• Chetavan - located at the entrance to the city from the east; 3 chedis arouse unprecedented interest among visitors - Thai, shimmering in sunny weather with golden and red hues. On two you can see the outlines of the mythical creatures of India.
• Mahavan - located next door and also boasts a stupa with a high spire, which is gilded. On each side of the world, the temple is guarded by lion sculptures. The complex also includes a small chapel and viharn with carved facades and embossed doors.
• Sen Fang - a temple complex in the classical Burmese style with a stupa and viharn, covered with gilding, is located in a cozy garden.
• Pha Pong - the style of the Chinese and Burmese is guessed in the temple: a neat carved entrance, a spacious picturesque hall where several stupas are installed, and the stairs leading to the chapel continue with arched windows. Inside the temple, one can see elaborately painted walls and sculptures of deities.

Sen Fang Temple

Conclusion

On the territory of Thailand there are several dozen cities, large and very small, and each of them has its own, unique spirit. Modern, overpopulated and always in a hurry Bangkok, touristy Pattaya that does not stop even at night, Chinese-colonial port Phuket Town, temple and therefore somewhat magical Chiang Mai - everyone can choose a city to their liking in the Land of Smiles.

Thank you for your attention, dear readers! Share in the comments which city you liked the most. Write to us about which cities you would be interested to know - we will write about them on our blog.

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Geographic location and population

The Kingdom of Thailand is a state in the central part of Southeast Asia, which is spread over two peninsulas: Indochina and Malacca. This country is washed by the Andaman Sea from the west and the South China Sea from the east (Gulf of Thailand).

The area of ​​Thailand is 514,000 km2. The country borders Laos and Cambodia to the east, Malaysia to the south and Myanmar to the west. The kingdom is divided into regions: Northern, Northeastern, Central, Eastern and Southeastern. The map of the country resembles the outlines of an elephant, whose trunk is the south of the kingdom.

The population of the "Land of Smiles" is 65 million people. Most of them are ethnic Thais (80%), in addition, the main population includes Chinese, Laotians, Khmers, Hindus and Malays. The official language in the kingdom is Thai, in addition to it, English, Japanese and Chinese are common in large cities. The calendar is Buddhist, ahead of the Gregorian by 543 years (2012 = 2555).

Cities of Thailand

Thailand is a state with a long history and developed culture. Cities of Thailand open to the guests of the country a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the beautiful examples of historical architecture, see stunning natural wonders, and plunge into the colorful world of traditions of one of the most amazing countries in Southeast Asia.

Capital of Thailand - Bangkok city, located in the central part of the country, is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Asia. is a kind of gateway to the "Land of Smiles", although it is deprived of access to the sea, it is through it that most tourists enter Thailand. Here is the largest collection of palaces, temples, parks, museums and other important attractions in Thailand.

Popular resort town Pattaya- the closest beach from Bangkok to Thailand. Although the coastal areas are built up with comfortable family hotels, the city's center of activity, which attracts the bulk of tourists, is the famous Volkin Street, full of bars, discos and affordable women.

The capital of Northern Thailand is the city Chiang Mai surrounded by a chain of picturesque mountains and the glory of one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers of the country. The ancient Buddhist temples located here are revered as the greatest shrines far beyond the borders of the “Land of the Free”. The city has a developed infrastructure that will allow you to combine sightseeing of natural and cultural attractions with a variety of entertainment and rich nightlife.

City Ayutthaya, located 100 km from, was the predecessor of the current capital of Thailand. Destroyed during the invasion of Burmese troops more than 250 years ago, today it remains the most important monument of the history and culture of Thailand.

Other large cities: Samut Prakan (390 thousand inhabitants), Surat Thani (130 thousand inhabitants) and Khon Kaen (121 thousand inhabitants). The cities where the main resorts of the country are located are easily accessible and can impress the visitor with an unusually high level of service.

Resorts of Thailand

The main thing that attracts most people to rest in Thailand is the sea, sand and tropical nature. Numerous resorts in Thailand, located on the islands and in the mainland, provide excellent conditions for a beach holiday and a diverse range of related entertainment.

Phuket Island

The main and most prestigious beach resort in Thailand is located in the Andaman Sea, off the southwestern coast of the country. Holidays in Phuket will allow you to combine the enjoyment of untouched tropical nature with an extremely rich program of excursions and evening leisure.

The center of tourist activity on the island is the main beach -. The largest number of hotels, entertainment venues is concentrated on Patong Beach, and the infamous street is also located here.

Koh Samui

The second most popular (after Phuket) island resort in Thailand. Lovers of picturesque tropical nature, solitude and comfort come to rest on Samui.

Koh Phangan

A small island located next to Koh Samui has long been chosen by fans of modern music and reckless nightly fun. It is in this resort of Thailand that the famous beach raves regularly take place, in which people from all over the world come to participate.

Koh Chang island

(“Elephant Island”), located on the southeastern tip of the Gulf of Thailand, has long been a favorite vacation spot for representatives of the royal dynasty and the Thai aristocracy. Today, this protected tropical resort, lost in the azure waters of the sea, is one of the best places for secluded relaxation and exploring the nature of Thailand.

Krabi Province

Krabi Province is located on the mainland, 170 km east of Phuket. In Krabi, there are such popular resorts in Thailand as those that became the filming location of the Hollywood blockbuster The Beach. It is also famous for its unique karst caves and numerous nature reserves.

Hua Hin

A small town, located 200 km from Bangkok, is considered one of the most prestigious beach resorts in Thailand. Noisy nightlife is practically absent here, so Hua Hin Beach is considered an ideal place for families with children and for tourists of advanced age.

Which resort in Thailand to choose?

Beach and sightseeing holidays: Pattaya, Phuket, Samui, Krabi province.

Excursions only: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya.

Vacation with children: Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin, Koh Chang.

Night life: Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Phangan.

• Holidays in Thailand during the rainy season (May-October) will allow you to save some on the cost of staying at a hotel, but there is a high probability of spending the lion's share of the time hiding under the roof from the raging elements.
• Many popular attractions in thailand(temples, islands, parks) is cheaper and more interesting to see for yourself, after knowing the route to them.
• Noisy Pattaya has fun day and night. If you are not prone to outdoor activities and nightlife, you should pay attention to a more relaxed thailand resort.