Thailand is the best place to go. Where is it better to relax in Thailand - where to go and which resort. This is not the best place in Thailand, because

It is now the height of winter in Russia, but how you want to be transported to warmer climes, sunbathe in the sun, swim in the warm sea. Where can a not too rich tourist go? One of the good options is Thailand. The weather here, despite the large size of the Kingdom, is the same everywhere, almost always warm, except sometimes it rains. Now we will try to choose a place where it is good to relax in Thailand, we will talk about its charms and the other side - the disadvantages that are also there.

Capital of the Kingdom - Bangkok

Bangkok is not only the capital of the state, but also an ultra-modern, very beautiful city. If you are thinking about where to have a good rest in Thailand, then it is quite suitable in many respects. You can come here for couples with children, a company, together, alone. There are many attractions here, everyone will find what he needs. Just be sure to pay attention to the fact that Bangkok, due to the fact that it is a metropolis, offers mainly educational recreation, urban. You can visit various museums: cars - Jesada, the Bank of Thailand, science, as well as the Marble Temple, the Temple of Dawn, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the orchid garden, the Royal Palace, Siam City Park, the oceanarium, the planetarium, the amusement park, the zoo, the snake and crocodile farms , home of Thompson Jim.

These are just some of the attractions. The capital has a full range of shopping centers and shops for shoppers. In the evening, life here does not stop, but, on the contrary, boils with renewed vigor in nightclubs, bars, restaurants and cafes. There is another side to the answer to the question of where it is better to relax in Thailand. The most popular beach resorts are as follows: Koh Samui, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang and some others.

Rest in Pattaya and surroundings

This city is located not on separate islands, but on the continent, and combines two types of recreation - educational and beach. On the coast there are many different hotels and gorgeous beaches. Many tourists who spent their holidays in Thailand claim that this is where the cheapest vacation is. Since there is a large selection of options for budget housing and food prices are the most affordable. That is, you can choose for any wallet.

This is one of the pluses of these places. Of the minuses, it should be noted that there are really many tourists here all year round. The beaches are therefore not always perfectly clean and very often crowded. However, if you are thinking about where to have a good rest in Thailand, do not lose sight of this option. There are many calm and quiet places, as well as luxury comfortable hotels. If you still don’t like the area, you can go to the one located nearby.

Holidays in Phuket

Experienced tourists believe that it is better to relax on this island than in Pattaya. First, it's noticeably cleaner. Secondly, much more civilized in relation to sex tourism. In these places there are not so many girls of the most ancient profession and gay men as in other areas. But if desired, they can also be found. But in terms of price, it's more expensive here. This is especially noticeable in the cost of food. So, for your vacation you have chosen Thailand, Phuket. Where is the best place to relax on the island itself? On the cleanest beaches where you can sunbathe, go surfing, diving, windsurfing, snorkeling. Children will not be redundant.

In most places, the beach line is wide, the entrance to the sea is shallow. Phuket is almost the best resort for a vibrant nightlife, but there are no problems with peace and quiet. On the island you can find many historical and natural attractions, as well as on the islands located nearby. These are Tachai, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi, where speedboats ply.

Holidays on paradise Koh Samui

When choosing where it is better to relax in Thailand, pay attention to the island of Koh Samui. Here, compared to other popular places, there are fewer tourists. But over time, their number is growing. Those who want something exotic, and not just relax, go to these places. In terms of area, by the way, this island is the second after Phuket. Rest in those places is much calmer and measured.

Tourists have not yet had time to trample all the trails. In stock - a magnificent beach one kilometer long and very often it happens that there is no one around. It turns out that everything is for you - both the sea and nature. Few places on the planet can be found with such vibrant tropical greenery, and sunsets with their stunning views will be remembered forever.

North of Thailand

Few tourists also travel to these beautiful lands. Most vacationers want beaches and the sea, but that's the problem. They are simply not here. The northern part is rivers, mountains, completely different surrounding landscapes. In these places you will see what Thai real life is like. So think carefully when going to Thailand: where is the best place to relax? Reviews of travelers about these regions are only enthusiastic, purely positive. You will not be indifferent to the flavor of real Thai culture.

In the northern regions you can see beautiful waterfalls. And, by the way, there are also enough sights. Take, for example, Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, unique in its originality and grandeur, located not far from Chiang Rai, just a few kilometers away. In Thailand, you will not be able to see anything like this anywhere else. Therefore, those who do not really like beaches and think about where it is better to relax in Thailand should go to the north of the country.

Briefly about places like Phi Phi, Lanta, and Koh Phangan

If you dream of a secluded vacation, without a lot of tourists, go to one of the many islands located close to the mainland: Koh Phangan - next to Koh Samui, Lanta and Phi Phi - closer to Malaysia, and Koh Chang - in the Gulf of Thailand, on its eastern coast. Despite the fact that these islands are far from each other, they have similar infrastructure. The beaches of Lanta are not crowded, you will find more than one place for solitude on them without any problems. At any other time, except for the Full Moon Party, there is grace and complete silence on the islands, tourists enjoy the nature of the tropics to the fullest. For diving and snorkeling you need to go to Phi Phi.

The beaches and the sea are perfectly clean. For a unity with nature, go to the deserted islands with a one-day excursion. Night entertainment, and daytime, shopping are absent here. You will not get any pleasures meant for a civilized person. There is a Marine National Reserve on Koh Chang, so jet skiing and skiing will not work. You can get to Phangan only by local flights, there is no direct connection, get ready for transfers. If all this didn’t scare you, then don’t think about where it’s good to relax in Thailand. These islands are for you.

Similian archipelago

Similian is located away from the popular resorts, north of Phuket. Therefore, the infrastructure here is very poorly developed. Lovers of snorkeling and diving love to come here. You can arrive with a day trip and check into one of the few hotels. You will immediately be struck by the practical absence of any paved road and the local nature will surprise you with its pristine nature. If you decide where it is better to relax in Thailand, where it is better to go, especially if you are tired of the noisy city, you are here.

What else will conquer Similian and the nearby islands: clean air, charming landscapes, underwater landscapes, whispering leaves, singing birds, clear sea, azure coast and light sea breeze. No civilization and entertainment can replace all this. Have you bought a plane ticket to Thailand yet?

More recently, Thailand seemed to be something very distant and unknown. We could only see all these exotic colors on TV. Now, it is difficult to find a person who has not visited this beautiful country of smiles. And I was no exception. I flew and fell in love with Thailand by itself, otherwise it could not be.

I was in different places in Pattaya and Phuket. I will not go into the resorts themselves and will tell you my general impressions of the country. Why is it worth coming here, and then be sure to come back again and again.

Map of Thailand with the designation of resort places.

When you fly up to Thailand by plane, even from that distance you can see this riot of colors, juicy bright green. I recall the words of Stepanych from the film "Thai Voyage" that everything is gray at home, but here they are the colors of life. It is impossible to disagree with these words. The eye constantly rejoices at such simple things: a green palm tree, a bright yellow mango, white sand.

Pros of living in Thailand.

1. A huge number of impressions will be provided to you. Therefore, even a trip by tuk-tuk (local taxi) will not leave you indifferent, riding elephants, walking through the real jungle with crossing the river on a bamboo raft, meeting wild monkeys, visiting transvestite shows and much more.

2. A large number of interesting excursions and attractions. By this, I mean not simple architectural monuments, but all kinds of temple complexes, nature reserves, visiting paradise islands, viewing spectacular ... read more

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How much does a holiday in Pattaya cost? September 2018.

tour cost

I am a citizen of Russia, I did not need a visa to enter Thailand. So there are no costs here. As for the flight, I did not fly on a charter, but on a regular Moscow-Bangkok-Moscow flight. I paid $600 for the round-trip flight. Further to Pattaya traveled by bus. I paid only $7 for the ticket. I lived in a fairly good hotel near the beach. The room was for two, the second neighbor is my friend. The room cost $ 300, that is, they threw off $ 150 each. This is for a weekly stay. Breakfast was not included in the price.

Thailand has many popular resorts, which are annually chosen by millions of tourists from all over the world as a vacation destination. What is the best resort in Thailand? Where to go to Thailand with children or on a honeymoon trip? Where in Thailand is it better to relax in the summer, and where to go in the winter? On which islands in Thailand the sea is cleaner? What to choose - Pattaya, Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, Bangkok? Prices at popular resorts and other useful information.

What to choose - Islands or mainland in Thailand?

Excursions in Pattaya - sea to the islands of Karibo

The eternal debate about which is better, Pattaya or Phuket. Both resorts have their pros and cons, which I will discuss below. In short, the islands in Thailand are better suited for vacations, and the mainland resorts for long stays, from 3-4 weeks or longer.

What criteria do people usually rely on when choosing a place to stay in Thailand? Prices, accessibility and cleanliness of the sea and beaches, infrastructure, prices for rental housing, prices for tours, a variety of excursions, the cost of transport and food. Here are perhaps all the main parameters that concern a tourist going on vacation to Thailand.

Should I go to Pattaya?

Despite the fact that we live in Pattaya, I will try to objectively tell you about the pros and cons of both this resort and other popular places that they choose to vacation on a trip to Thailand.

Pros of Pattaya for recreation:
In Pattaya, objectively the lowest prices for everything. For housing, for food in shops and for meals in cafes and restaurants, for excursions and other entertainment
– In Pattaya, there is a huge selection of housing options for rent. This applies mainly to apartments in condominiums, private houses in Pattaya are mostly located far from the sea and those who have lived here for years rent and buy housing there.

Popular condo in Pattaya - Atlantis

– The cheapest tours to Thailand are trips to Pattaya
– Huge selection of different excursions
- Proximity to the capital of Thailand - Bangkok. From Pattaya it is only 120-150 km along the highway
– Possibility to fly inexpensively to nearby countries such as Laos, Burma, Vietnam, Singapore and so on
- Developed infrastructure. Pattaya has everything you might need, there is entertainment for children and adults.
– Cheap transport, both public and rental
- There is no pronounced rainy season - you can relax all year round
– In summer, prices are even cheaper than in winter
- The mainland, which means no, there has not been and will not be a tsunami
- A large Russian diaspora, there is everything for life - kindergartens, schools, restaurants, various clubs and activities.
– It is easier to make and extend a long visa than anywhere else.

Cons of rest in Pattaya

– The fattest minus is the beaches of Pattaya. They are designed for an unpretentious tourist, in summer there is usually more mud than in winter, and although people swim on local beaches, the beaches of Pattaya usually do not cause great enthusiasm. If you dream of “bounty” beaches, this is definitely not about Pattaya. As an option - go to the nearest islands - Samet, Ko-Lan or go to the military beaches, which are 30 and 60 km from the city

What are the other cons in Pattaya? Apart from the beaches, perhaps none. Everything is there, the prices are low, the infrastructure is excellent. If you think I've missed something, please add it.

Summary about holidays in Pattaya

Pattaya is a resort that is ideally located in Thailand. This is the mainland, there are no waves, no strong winds and heavy rains even in summer.
The price tag is humane compared to other resorts, the Thais, in my opinion, are friendlier here than in Phuket.

From Bangkok to Pattaya only an hour and a half by car. After an 8-9 hour flight, in just a couple of hours you will be at the hotel. The beaches of Pattaya for C grade. You can swim and sunbathe, but this is not a bounty. Garbage from ships can wash ashore, in summer the water on the beaches of Pattaya is muddy, in winter it is clear. The sand is yellow and coarse. It stinks in some areas. We're fine, we're used to it :)

In Pattaya, you can live for a long time on a very modest budget. Visa issues are easily resolved, there are interesting countries nearby that you can fly to for a penny by buying promotional tickets from low-cost airlines like Air Age. You can leave Pattaya and choose many interesting excursions. Not only sea to the islands and beaches, but also educational, entertaining, informational and others. A large selection of infrastructure and entertainment for families with children. The best water park in Thailand and 3rd place in Asia according to Tripadvisor rating is Ramayana Water Park.

Large selection of accommodation and hotels for rent, cheap public transport that covers almost all areas of the city, the fare costs 10 baht (18 rubles), except for the Pratamnak area, there is no public transport there. Many shopping centers, large modern hospitals, in Pattaya the best medical care after Bangkok and 1st place among the resort cities in Thailand.
The price tag in Pattaya is 30% lower for EVERYTHING when compared with Koh Samui, Phuket and other resorts.

Holidays in Thailand in Phuket

It is strange for me to hear that Phuket is the second most popular resort in Thailand. Actually the first one. Phuket annually travels twice as many people as Pattaya, look at the statistics.

It is clear why tourists choose Phuket. The beaches in Phuket are clean and beautiful during the season, it is not a problem to find a suitable one for yourself. People go to Phuket for the sea and for the beaches, this is a purely beach resort, nothing more.
I would not live in Phuket for several reasons, one of which is that in 2004 my friends died there along with their children, and this is terrible.
Phuket island is 100% seasonal. Going there from April to October is a waste of money. Waves, reverse currents, prices, rains, all this will ruin your vacation irrevocably.
In season, from November to the end of February, Phuket is beautiful. But, quite expensive.

Pros and cons of holidays in Phuket

Pros of Phuket

– Sea and beaches. Even such popular Phuket beaches as Karon are perfect for package holidays.
- Nightlife is concentrated on Bangla Road, this is an analogue of Pattaya Walking Street.
- If you try, you can fly to Phuket quite cheaply on a package tour, you should look for last-minute tours right before departure, or vice versa, much ahead of time.
– Large selection of sea excursions
– Developed infrastructure

Cons of holidays in Phuket

– Seasonality. In the low season, rains can pour frequently and do not stop for several days.
– Big waves are nothing. If you think you don't care about the waves, look how many people die every year in Phuket after swimming in the waves. Hundreds. This fact is eloquently spoken by the boat on duty, which local divers call the “corpse cart”, as bathers ignoring red flags are collected daily.
– Reverse flow. A water phenomenon, faced with which it is almost impossible to swim out if you do not know the rules. And the rule is. You need to swim along the coast, and not across, since the reverse current is a funnel that wastes your strength and sucks you deeper and deeper.
– Basically there is no public transport. In Phuket, extortionate prices for trips to songthaews. From one beach to another they require 200-300 baht, with a distance of a couple of kilometers.
- The winding road makes traveling by bike and by car not very convenient and comfortable, especially if the road is washed out by rain.
– Prices for everything- food, cafes, massages, souvenirs, sunbeds, hotels, etc., etc., 30-40 percent higher than in Pattaya.

cocktail salad with shrimp in coconut is something

– Poor selection of excursions. By and large, only sea excursions to the nearest islands, a butterfly garden, elephant riding and a couple more like that.
- On the island itself, the choice of attractions is also not so hot.
– Phuket is an island. Tsunamis and earthquakes are possible. The year 2004, which claimed thousands of lives, speaks for itself.
– Far from Bangkok
- For a long stay, the choice of housing is quite small. Of the new projects, mostly condominiums in which 1-bedroom apartments are 35-37 meters in size. Prices for short periods around 12,000-15,000 baht per month.

Summary about holidays in Phuket

If your goal is good beaches and the sea, you are traveling on a package that you bought inexpensively, you are able to allocate a sufficient budget for transport rental, excursions, food in cafes and restaurants, in general, you are ready to spend money, then Phuket will be a great vacation spot.

Yes, don't forget the season. Phuket is a winter resort. In my opinion, Phuket is suitable for a holiday in Thailand for honeymooners, young people, perhaps for families with children, depending on which area you choose.
If your goal is to see the many sights of Thailand, go to Bangkok and the River Kwai, accessible infrastructure and cheap public transport are important, the budget is limited, it is better to choose Pattaya, not Phuket.

Prices for holidays in Thailand at popular resorts

The cheapest flights to Thailand are traditionally from Moscow, but you can try to find an inexpensive tour from another city.
In my opinion, the most convenient search and price comparison for last-minute tours is offered by Level Travel, an online booking site for tours. It has such an option as a price chart. You just need to select the number of nights and the country. And then you can look at prices at least a year ahead. It is immediately clear which day or month is cheaper.

Holidays in Thailand in Bangkok

I have never heard that Bangkok was chosen as the place for my vacation in Thailand. People usually go to Bangkok for a couple of days to shop, see the sights, temples, go to amusement parks and see the capital. To live there, in my opinion, is a real hard labor, to rest for a couple of weeks - it makes no sense.
There is no sea in Bangkok, and every week from Friday a line of cars is lined up that goes towards Pattaya, Hua Hin and Rayong. On Sunday, traffic jams are repeated in the opposite direction.

Bangkok is a modern metropolis in which life boils. It reminds me very much of Moscow, which is heated to 40 degrees all year round. The absence of the sea affects and a stuffy film envelops the city like a veil.
Renting a home in Bangkok is not as expensive as you might think. There is accommodation for every taste and budget. The infrastructure of Bangkok is so developed, there are so many shopping centers that even on the outskirts of some suburb of the capital like Minburri, you can live and feel not in a village, but in a metropolis.
Bangkok is famous for its traffic jams. You can stay in them for hours. I'll give you an example. My friend who lives in Bangkok gets up every day at 4 in the morning to take the children to school, and then arrive at work by 8. 3-4 hours are laid for everything. The same thing is repeated in the evening. In my opinion, this is tin, not life.

However, Bangkok is a beautiful city.. Here you can walk the streets for months without repeating yourself, explore and absorb the local flavor, get acquainted with Chinatown and the soy cowboy, visit Khao-san and the royal palace, dine on the roof of a skyscraper and climb into a ruined shopping center in which millions of carps have bred . Bangkok is a city of contrasts. In its very center there is a magical Lumpini Park, entering which, all the noise, all the dirt seems to dissolve. Silence, peace, tranquility. This is only possible here.

safari park in bangkok - photo

For independent travel, I advise you to read my articles on the topic - what to do in Bangkok.
Excursions to Bangkok, in my opinion, are better to take classic ones for those who are for the first time and entertaining, for those who have already been to the most famous temples and do not want to repeat themselves.
In Bangkok, it is worth visiting a contact park in which animals roam freely around the territory and there are no cages - Safari Park, as well as local "Disneylands" - Dream World, Siam Park. Also interesting and unusual program - Bangkok in the footsteps of Hollywood or shopping in Bangkok.

Koh Samui island for holidays in Thailand

Forgive me Koh Samui fans, for me this resort is associated with retirement. In fact, Koh Samui is a great choice for a holiday in Thailand, if you are a newlyweds or moms with children.
People go to Koh Samui not for entertainment, nightlife and clubs, but on the contrary, to take a break from the hustle and bustle, charge the batteries, lie on the beach, eat juicy fruits and soak up everything from the sun and the sea.

What are the pros and cons of a holiday on Koh Samui?

Pros of Koh Samui

– many beaches. Really a lot. At the same time, there are only a few really good and bathable ones. be careful! If you are careless about this point, a holiday on Koh Samui can be a disaster.
– Really green. Real tropics, mountains, slopes, sunsets
- If you dreamed of bungalow by the sea, on Koh Samui it is real even in a small budget.
– Many hotels on the first line of the sea
– Monthly full moon parties nearby.
– Pronounced seasonality, but holiday season on koh samui in summer, and not in winter as throughout Thailand

Cons of Koh Samui for a holiday in Thailand

– No direct flight from Russia. To get to your paradise, you have to sweat and get "on dogs".
– Based on the point above, the price of a ticket to Koh Samui from Russia will a priori cost more
– Koh Samui is a village. If you love an ebullient lifestyle, you constantly need to go somewhere, explore something new, see the sights, then this is not about Koh Samui at all. People come here for peace and quiet. Sitting on the beach, watching the sunset instead of TV.
- Respectively the choice of entertainment on Koh Samui is not rich. The same goes for malls, stores, and more. Everything is there, but small, without scope and frills.
- Excursions only to the nearest islands, everything else is expensive and far away.
– Public transport prices are discouraging. The highest prices in Thailand.

About holidays on Koh Samui

Let's summarize about the island of Koh Samui. If you want to buy a ticket to Koh Samui, then let it be summer. The holiday season on Koh Samui is different from the rest of Thailand and it is best there in the summer, from May to October. In November, December, January, it rains, windy, waves. In the summer Koh Samui is filled with European pennies, due to which prices in restaurants and housing rise.

Good beaches on Koh Samui are Lamai, Chaweng, Maenam and a couple more. Try to book accommodation close to them, especially for those who are not going to rent transport, because if you find yourself without a bike and a car on a bad beach, which will have mud, stones and other debris, then your vacation will be ruined. Pay each time 100 baht to a tuk-tuker for travel, you won’t run into.

We smoothly move on to the public transport of Koh Samui, which is simply extortionate. Try to drive by a local tax and give the driver 40-60 baht instead of a hundred, you will hear a lot of “pleasant” things in your address. Travel even for short distances on Koh Samui costs from 100 baht. taxis are even more expensive.
Public transport on Koh Samui runs only along the route - Natong-Chaweng and Chaweng-Natong. it is not looped, which provides additional “convenience”.

Traveling around the island on your own on a rental bike comes with other challenges. The road is often washed out, the dogs try to cut off half a leg and, in general, stress. It is better not to beat or scratch a rented bike, because after that a money scam will begin. Film everything before renting.

Prices on Koh Samui are about the same as in Phuket. The difference between Phuket and Koh Samui is that Phuket is more like Pattaya with its hectic life, entertainment and fun, and Koh Samui is a safe haven. You can have a good rest on Koh Samui if you have a decent budget for a 4-5 star hotel on the first line of the sea or for renting a good villa. And in general, there is a budget.

Those bungalows at the very edge of the sea, which I mentioned at the beginning, yes, they are rented inexpensively, you can rent for 10,000 -12,000 baht, but they are only suitable for the unassuming, who are not afraid of the invasion of pythons, other snakes, the invasion of cockroaches, centipedes , spiders and other living creatures. It is also not against saving on comfort and cooking on portable stoves, sleeping on old beds with not very comfortable mattresses, enduring power surges, rotten internet and power outages. On Koh Samui, the lights go out quite often. If it rains, then almost 100% you will be left without electricity and without the Internet, which means you can’t warm up food or take a hot shower. But dinner by candlelight, romance!

Other resorts in Thailand - Koh Chang, Hua Hin, Koh Phangan, Krabi

I will not single out the listed resorts into separate categories, since Russians rarely choose them as a place for their holidays.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is located in the province of Trat, about 400 km from Pattaya. The island is the third largest, after Phuket and Koh Samui. In fact, the island of Koh Chang is quite small and there is nothing to do there at all. How you can spend the whole winter there is a mystery to me. There is only one hospital, Bangkok hospital Koh Chang and the staff is terrible, I was “lucky” to go there once. There is a story about this in the article about holidays on Koh Chang. There are no shopping centers and large supermarkets on this island, there is an observation deck, elephant riding, beaches and cafes. In general, that's all.

On the plus side, next to Koh Chang there is the island of Koh Kood, which I think is a must visit! But you don't have to live there to do it. An excursion from Pattaya to Koh Kood for a couple of days will cost a little more than $ 100. Keep in mind that everyone who comes to Koh Kood wants to extend their stay and stay for a couple more days :) There are great beaches, turquoise water, beauty!

Hua hin

A city that is considered the royal summer residence. It is located in the same distance from Bangkok as Pattaya, only in the other direction. All I remember from the trip to Hua Hin is a huge traffic jam in which we stood for more than 5 hours. The route is such that it is impossible to drive along it quickly, the workload is colossal, so Hua Hin is not for my nerves. The beaches in Hua Hin are mediocre, in my opinion, no better than Pattaya, so I don’t share the enthusiasm about Hua Hin at all, sorry.
At the same time, housing prices in Hua Hin are higher than in Pattaya, the choice is much smaller. Yes, you can rent an inexpensive simple room in a guest house without a pool, but this option is not suitable for everyone. For a short break, Hua Hin is a complete waste of time and money.

Koh Phangan

Famous for its Full Moon Party, which attracts party-goers from all over the world. Sea, beaches, small island. Best suited for youth recreation. As a place for wintering or package holidays - no. And no one really does tours there.

Northern part of Thailand - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai

That’s where they definitely don’t go on a package tour, so it’s to the North of Thailand. Cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai attract independent tourists who do not care about the sea, there is no sea there. But there are mountains, nature of crazy beauty, greenery and pleasant communication. Northern Thailand is different. It cannot be compared with either Phuket or Pattaya. The cultural capital of Thailand is Chiang Mai. Pai is a small town that attracts hippies and free-thinking tourists. Interesting place.
The downside is the road. A lot of serpentine, a lot of descents and ascents. Getting to the north of Thailand from Bangkok or Pattaya is quite long and tiring.
The north is worth a visit if you have the time and desire to see another Thailand. Prices in the north are probably low. You can live there on a budget. The most amazing thing is the local climate. For those who want to live in warmth, but it is too hot in Pattaya or Phuket, it will be just right in the north. In winter, you can wear a jacket there and it even snows once every five years. On average, the temperature is 5 degrees lower than in beach resorts and even lower in winter. The air is mountainous, fresh, there is no such humidity.

Where to go to Thailand for vacation - Which resort to choose?

Pattaya - the lowest prices among all resorts in Thailand, 3+ beaches, developed infrastructure, a huge selection of excursions, near Bangkok and beautiful islands, nightlife, a large Russian diaspora, easy visa issues, a large selection of tours and tickets to Bangkok and back. There is no seasonality, you can relax all year round. Near Cambodia and Angkor Wat, you can go to the Kwai River. No tsunami and waves, the mainland is safe. Public transport is developed, 10 baht (18 rubles a trip), housing is inexpensive.

Phuket - the beaches and the sea are better than in Pattaya. More expensive by 30-40% than in Pattaya for everything, public transport is scarce and expensive, the choice of apartments in apartment buildings is small, prices are higher. Far from Bangkok, only island excursions, flights from Russia often with transfers. Excursions are almost all sea, there are few sights. Pronounced season from November to February. Further waves, wind, rain.

Koh Samui - Village. A relaxing holiday for pensioners or families with children. There are few good beaches. There is almost no entertainment, large stores too. An island far away from everything. Close to Phanga island.
There is no direct flight from Russia, the prices are the same as in Phuket. You can rent a simple house on the beach.
Medicine and hospitals do not have such extensive functions as in Bangkok or Pattaya.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Do not go to rest for the entire duration of the tour. metropolis. An interesting, ebullient, lively city, to which you must lay at least a couple of days. You can walk on your own (transport is developed), and go with a tour. It is cheaper and easier to take excursions from Pattaya, it is much more profitable and calmer.

Koh Chang Island - a small island 4 hours drive from Pattaya, there is not much to do, in the low season the sea is unclear. Carefully choose the beach where you will relax. Being on Koh Chang, you must definitely go to the nearest island of Koh Kood.

The north of Thailand is perfect for an independent trip in a rented car. Beautiful nature, nice people, mountains and greenery. Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of Thailand, with many events, festivals and celebrations. It is interesting in the North of Thailand, it is worth a trip, but not on a package. There is no sea.

Koh Phangan is famous for its monthly full moon parties. Suitable for party holidays. Close to Koh Samui. There are no direct flights.

Organizational issues - What you need to know before traveling to Thailand

1. A visa to Thailand is not needed for Russians. A stamp is placed at the border for 30 days, which can be extended for another week for 1900 baht at the immigration office, or for the same amount, go to the nearest border run (from Pattaya, this is Cambodia) and last another month. For citizens of Ukraine - a stamp for 14 days. A visa in Russia to Thailand for 3 months costs $ 40, it is not difficult to do, an absolutely stranger can apply and receive it. Consulate in Moscow.

2. Insurance in Thailand is optional, but from experience it is highly desirable, especially if children and the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases are traveling. I wrote about it a thousand times, the options and rating of insurances change periodically, at the moment the best option, in my opinion, is insurance from ERV, it is issued online in a couple of minutes on the website of the largest insurance broker -. Yerv includes many additional options, insures pregnant women, covers hronies. If you want cheaper and fewer options, take VTB, Consent, Support.

3. Prices for Last-minute tours to Thailand, I have already said where it is more convenient to watch. Price monitoring at the most convenient to date.

How to save on insurance?

You need insurance abroad. Any admission is very expensive and the only way not to pay out of pocket is to choose an insurance policy in advance. For many years we have been making out on the site, which give the best prices for insurance and selection, along with registration, takes only a couple of minutes.

In anticipation of the season, HotLine.travel publishes comparative reviews of resorts in Thailand

One of the most popular destinations for the upcoming winter promises to be Thailand. Despite the fact that this destination has been popular with Russian tourists for many years, not everyone understands which resort in this country is best suited for them. In this article, we will tell you where it is better to go for families with children, youth companies or those who dream of silence and solitude. Let's figure out when the season is on the islands and the mainland, and when you risk falling into the rainy season and storms; where, and where is more expensive; where is more fun, and where is calmer.

Pattaya - a classic of Thailand

Traditionally popular among Russian-speaking tourists, the direction of beach and resort holidays in Thailand is rest on the mainland of the country. This is, first of all, the world famous Pattaya and the less popular Cha Am and Hua Hin. All of these resorts are located about one and a half to two hours from Bangkok's Suwanapumi Airport, but in opposite directions.

Pattaya - "the city that never sleeps", "city-sex resort". Both titles are true. Yes, indeed, whoever seeks will find. Easy and fast. But this does not mean at all that you cannot go to Pattaya with children, small and older. The current mayor of the resort city took control of the situation, and everything became more decent and modest than before. Even the local "Arbat" - Walking Street, a cheerful street of nightclubs, bars with live music and entertainment, you can go for a walk with the whole family, because there are the best seafood restaurants, the open terraces of which go directly to the sea. It must be admitted that the reviews of tourists about the beaches of Pattaya are not the best. The purity of the water leaves much to be desired. The beaches of Pattaya are completely occupied by paid sun loungers, but Wednesday is declared a free day, there are no sun loungers, on Wednesday - lie down and sunbathe wherever you want.

A very big plus of Pattaya is its relative cheapness, a huge number of all kinds of entertainment, the presence of hotels of different price categories, located both in quiet and in very busy areas of the city. For travelers who appreciate the clear sea, trips are offered to the nearby island of Koh Lan, just half an hour by shuttle boat or 10 minutes by speedboat, or to beautiful beaches in the vicinity of the city. In Pattaya itself and around it, there are many interesting and varied excursion routes, including for families with children, in particular, petting zoos and farms (with fascinating shows of elephants, crocodiles, tigers and other animals), a dolphinarium, a recently opened water amusement park , the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden with a colorful national show and orchid section, and much, much more. Therefore, this resort can be safely recommended to young people, families with and without children, and newlyweds.
Conclusion: Pattaya is an inexpensive resort for a varied and active holiday, suitable for tourists with a wide variety of income levels and preferences.

Hua Hin or Cha am?

Hua Hin is rightfully called the royal resort, since there are indeed two residences of the royal family of Thailand. Accordingly, Cha Am and Hua Hin are quieter and more fashionable and, as a result, more expensive vacation spots. For comparison, renting a sun lounger on the beaches of Pattaya is on average 50 baht, in Hua Hin - from 100 baht. These resorts are the oldest in the country, therefore they are of interest in terms of historical architecture and original buildings. Excursions to these towns, their environs and neighboring provinces are offered in large numbers, some of them really deserve attention. The advantage of these resorts are wide and not too crowded beaches and a fairly clean sea, which is rare for the mainland.

Conclusion - Cha Am and Hua Hin offer a relaxing family beach holiday for not the most economical travelers.

The concept of seasonality of rest in all these resorts is relative, travelers from all over the world come all year round, but still in April and May the hottest time is here, and from the middle of the calendar summer the rainy season begins, which reaches its peak in September and ends at the end of October - beginning of November. However, these warmest tropical showers occur mainly at night, and if it rains during the day, then, as a rule, for a very short time. But traditionally, the most successful time to visit the mainland is the period from November to March.

Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Chang

Perhaps the best resorts in Thailand are Phuket and Koh Samui. Phuket is considered the most expensive resort, but perhaps nowhere else in this country you will find such clean and beautiful beaches. Around Phuket there are many islands with idyllic scenery and clear water, which are organized trips. These are, for example, the Similans or James Bond Island. There is also something to see on the island itself.

Koh Samui has been developing very actively as a tourist destination in recent years, holidays there are also not cheap, but life here is more calm and leisurely than in Phuket. There are several beautiful waterfalls on the island. Around is the Ang Thong National Marine Park of 42 islands, including Koh Phangan, where the famous Full Moon Party is held on the full moon, this is a kind of Thai analogue of Ibiza.

Perhaps Phuket can be recommended to all categories of travelers with an above-average travel budget. It is better to go to Koh Samui for newlyweds and those who are looking for peace and solitude. But do not forget about Koh Phangan - this is for those who want to have fun!

Perhaps, lovers of a relaxing holiday will also like the small, cozy and quite inexpensive island of Koh Chang, around which there is also a marine reserve with dozens of inhabited and uninhabited islands. The season of rains and storms in Phuket is from May to September, on Koh Samui - from October to December, on Koh Chang - from April to October.

Thailand, although a small country compared to the rest of the planet, but it has a lot to offer: beach resorts, a variety of attractions and luxury holidays both on the coast and away from the coast. Resorts in Thailand can be conditionally divided into beach and sightseeing, i.e. those where there is no access to the sea, but full of interesting places and attractions that attract travelers so much. Many travelers combine both directions of tourism: they settle near the sea, and travel to significant tourist places as part of an excursion group or on their own.

beach resorts

Going to the resorts of Thailand, located off the coast, you can choose something that suits you specifically, because the list of such resorts is large, and each place can offer some of its own characteristics.

Pattaya

Koh Samui

Koh Phangan

Phangan is a small island near the larger Koh Samui.

Most often, Koh Phangan is not considered as a separate resort, but as an integral part of the large island of Koh Samui. famous for its nightly monthly parties on the beach called, where a huge number of young people and those who love party places and discos come.

The rest of the time the island is very calm and quiet. It is perfect for meditation and family holidays among the wild untouched nature.

Than Prawet Waterfall

paeng waterfall

Koh Tao

Tao Island is quite small, but quite popular and well known to foreigners. It is located near Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

Chalok beach

east coast of koh tao

Koh Tao is considered the best place for diving and snorkeling. Most of the travelers come here for these entertainments.

Cha Am and Hua Hin

Sima Bay, in addition to Koh Samui, can offer tourists many small island territories that are considered the best resort areas in this region.

sam roi yot park

Among others, the islands of Cha-Am and Hua-hin stand out, which can offer snow-white beaches, the cleanest coastline and very beautiful nature.

Krabi Province

If you are planning to devote a lot of time to traveling around the surroundings and visiting the natural attractions of the country, then you should choose any resort in Krabi for your vacation.