Thailand – photos of Thailand, attractions, cities, map, climate, tourist reviews. Wildlife, jungle, animals of Thailand Animal world of Thailand
The Kingdom of Thailand is located in Southeast Asia on the Indochina Peninsula and a small area of the Malacca Peninsula. It is worth noting that Thailand is the only country that has retained its sovereignty. Although at the same time neighboring countries became colonies of France and England. Thailand is a royal power, unlike other world states.
Many people want to visit this country as it is considered the epitome of romance. Therefore, most tourists book tours to the pristine jungle, which has not been affected by the spirit of civilization. The landscape of the kingdom is so fabulously beautiful, you will get to know the animal communities that are unique to this particular area. Such animals often pose a danger to people.
The danger of being in the jungles of Thailand is somewhat exaggerated. You need to listen to the advice of your guides if you have purchased a jungle tour. King cobras are considered the most dangerous, famous, graceful and graceful inhabitants of tropical forests. However, the king cobra can be seen in any part of the country.
Thailand attracts with its beautiful nature, which attracts even experienced tourists. What's so beautiful here? Rivers, lakes, waterfalls, snow-white beaches, mountains, caves, rocks - all this amazes with its uniqueness. Don't forget about the jungles that cover most of the state.
If you are a plant lover, Thailand is a must visit. Here you will see amazing plants such as ficus trees, red trees, and a variety of palm species. The flowers are fabulously beautiful, beckoning with their originality and attractiveness: orchids, lotuses, fruit trees.
In Thailand you can see animals that languish in city zoos in the civilized world. Specially trained people prepare colorful, stunning and original shows for tourists. Wild animals participate in these performances, but every traveler strives to experience the unknown and original. Thailand is the leader in this position. How nice it is to swim in a pristine waterfall, which has not been influenced by civilization, to walk along forest paths, observing at least minimal caution. If you want to feel the adrenaline, you can wander through the rocky gorges, which remember all the historical events taking place in the state. After such tours, the traveler becomes familiar with the nature and beauty of the region, with the secret and historical.
Thailand is famous for its forests, which are famous for their Monkey Temples. In the past these were Buddhist Temples. Now the monkeys have chosen and equipped these places. You can also find the Tiger Temple, although on the territory of the temple, in addition to these graceful and formidable animals, all animals live without exception.
If tourists do not want to take risks and do not travel through the jungles of Thailand, they can visit the largest zoo: Khao Kaew. Here are all the animals living in the kingdom.
This is an amazing and mysterious country that has attracted numerous travelers since the times of the greatest geographical discoveries. Today it occupies a leading position in terms of tourist attendance. Nature has generously endowed the kingdom of Southeast Asia with snow-white beaches, majestic waterfalls and quaint caves. Man-made attractions are also not inferior to them in beauty.
In the article we will talk about the richness of Thailand’s nature (photo presented in the article) and its features.
Diversity of nature
The exotic landscapes of Thailand attract with their amazing beauty and diversity. On the territory of this fairy-tale kingdom there are lakes, waterfalls, mountains, jungles and tropical forests.
The state is located on two peninsulas: the Malay and partly the Indochinese. The shores are washed by the Andaman and Indo-Chinese seas.
The nature of Thailand is amazing and attractive. Nature reserves and numerous national parks are located throughout the territory. This gives you the opportunity to admire very different parts of the state.
Climatic conditions
It’s not just nature that makes the kingdom exotic. The climate in Thailand is tropical. There are three seasons in total:
- Cold period lasting from May to November (monsoons bring heavy rains).
- Warm period, covering the period from November to March (no rain).
- Thai summer starting in March and ending in May (very hot weather).
Wildlife of Thailand
Jungles in this country occupy more than half of the state's territory (60%). These are real thickets of mahogany and teak wood, ficus and palm trees, bamboo and xylia, as well as wild flowers and all kinds of fruit trees.
In total, more than 500 species of trees and 25,000 flowers grow here. The richness and diversity of vegetation also determines the abundance of animals.
The fabulously beautiful nature of Thailand is perfectly complemented by numerous species of exotic birds (more than 1000), including flamingos and parrots of different sizes and colors.
Reserves and national parks
These zones are the pride of the country. In total, the kingdom has more than 50 protected areas and parks, covering an area of 25,000 square meters. km.
One of the most popular is Erawan National Park, consisting of seven tiers. On its territory there is a waterfall of the same name, impressive with its wild beauty. It is located in the province of Chiang Mai, in a mountainous section of which the peaks rise to an altitude of 2,565 meters above sea level. At approximately 1,800 meters altitude there are beautiful forests with wild orchids and lichens.
Khao Yai is another park that gives you the opportunity to see the unique nature of an exotic state and the animals living in it. It is located 200 kilometers from Bangkok. There are also several wonderful waterfalls here. Tourists have the opportunity to explore the mountain peaks on their own.
Vegetation and its use on the farm
The nature of Thailand is very diverse and rich in vegetation. Valuable species of deciduous trees grow here: mahogany, bamboo and sal. Residents of local villages are engaged in the extraction of tree resin, balsam, gum and varnish.
The leading position in the agricultural industry is occupied by the processing of sago and coconut palms. The fruits are used for food, and from the remaining parts of the plant, local residents build houses and paddocks.
Teak wood is used to build ships. This is a unique building material with increased strength. It is practically not subject to rotting.
Oak and pine groves grow on the mountain tops. It has been noted that during the period of heavy monsoon rains, pandanuses, ficuses and palm trees increase in height by several tens of centimeters. This is also related to the amazing density of the thickets in these places.
Fauna of Thailand
Thanks to the richness of Thailand's nature, many mammals have found refuge here. The official symbol of the country is the Indian elephant, which once inhabited almost the entire territory. During the development of civilization, these animals began to be exterminated in huge quantities. Today, in the wild, they live only in the peninsular part of Central Thailand and on the southeast coast. In the western part of the island you can see several species of macaques, and the owner of the local jungle is the Indian tiger. Leopards and panthers are also found here.
The mangrove swamps and forests of Western Thailand are home to the rare civet cat. Here you can also find the jungle cat, tapir, deer, binturong, rhinoceros and many other animals.
Undersea world
When talking about the nature of Thailand, it is impossible not to mention the underwater world of this fabulously beautiful state. Both beach lovers and divers will enjoy their holiday here.
Tarutao National Park, located in Satun Province, is a great place for scuba diving. Its territory includes 51 islands. Another magnificent marine park is located in the province of Surat Thani.
Visiting Thailand is like traveling to another planet. It’s always warm here, people are always smiling, that’s how they do it, and the beauty of the local nature and beautiful beaches make you believe that there is paradise on Earth.
General information
The Kingdom of Thailand is considered one of the most developed countries in the South Asian region. The state occupies the southwestern part of the Indochina Peninsula and the northern part of the Mallacca Peninsula, bordering Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia. The coast of Thailand is washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, the length of the coastline exceeds 3 thousand kilometers.
Thailand's landscape consists of small mountain ranges in the north and western part of the country, a vast plateau in the northeast and central and eastern plains. Natural resources are tin and rubber, natural gas reserves, lead, tungsten, coal, timber, fish, and fairly extensive arable land. The country's magnificent beaches can also be considered the natural wealth of the country. Until 1939, the kingdom was called Siam, the new name of the country is Thailand, usually translated as “country of the Thais.”
Thailand's government system is a constitutional monarchy, with the reigning King Rama IX on the throne since 1946 - and this is the longest tenure on the throne in the world. Parliamentary democracy in the country is disrupted from time to time by military coups - since 1932, when the Bloodless Revolution led the country to a constitutional monarchy, there have already been 20 coups. However, these unrest do not concern the royal person - the population treats the king with great respect and veneration.
Historians are confident that half a million years ago people were already living where Thailand is now located. Kingdoms and empires succeeded one another until a state was formed in 1238, which became the progenitor of modern Thailand. In the 19th century, a number of countries in Southeast Asia were subject to European colonization, but Thailand escaped this fate.
Approximately 95% of the country's population professes Buddhism, and this religion largely determines the culture and traditions, behavior and values of the population of Thailand.
Climate of Thailand
The length of the country from the southernmost point to the northernmost is about two thousand kilometers. Therefore, the climate of northern and southern Thailand is different: in the north of the country it is humid tropical, and in the south it is subequatorial, monsoon.
The highest temperatures are observed in the south of Thailand, and the average annual and average daily temperature differences are minimal. The average annual temperature is + 28 °C; during the hot season, during the day the air temperature can rise to + 35-38 °C.
In the north it is cooler, and the difference in average daily temperatures is greater, especially in mountainous areas, where it is +8-10 °C at night and in the morning, and about + 25 °C during the day.
The rainy season does not have very clear time boundaries, and the rains, although torrential, are short-lived. Most precipitation occurs in September and October. Most often it rains in the evening or at night.
The Pattaya area is considered the driest place in Thailand; here the average annual rainfall is the lowest in the country. On the island of Koh Samui, which is located in a special climatic zone, the rainiest months are December and January. In Phuket, the wet season begins at the very end of April and lasts until the end of October.
Cities and islands of Thailand
The capital of the country, a cosmopolitan city, a huge metropolis in perpetual motion. Bangkok amazes with its contrasts and Asian flavor.
The most popular Asian resort in the world. Pattaya has a huge selection of hotels and entertainment for every taste.
The second most popular resort in Thailand. The island has a well-developed tourist infrastructure and magnificent beaches. This resort is worth choosing for those who want to learn scuba diving on vacation - there are 10 diving schools in Phuket.
These are snow-white beaches, groves of coconut palms and a relaxing holiday in the lap of tropical nature.
Attractive for a relaxing beach holiday, diving and eco-tourism. Located on the territory of the National Marine Park.
A suitable choice for lovers of small, intimate resorts. Magnificent scenery and beaches, excellent diving opportunities.
Koh Kood Island is an excellent resort for lovers of eco-tourism, because virgin tropical forests grow on the island and there are very beautiful waterfalls. The beaches of the island are with white sand.
Rayong is a quiet, small resort 180 km from the capital, surrounded by fruit plantations. Picturesque bays, snow-white beaches, clear seas and geothermal mineral springs - Rayong will give all this to travelers.
Hua Hin and Cha Am are two top-class resorts located two hundred kilometers from Bangkok. Magnificent clean beaches with white sand and the best five-star hotels in Thailand. Chiang Rai - this ancient city is a magnificent pearl in the treasury of Thailand. Founded in the 13th century, Chiang Rai amazes with its beauty and harmonious combination of ancient temples and mountain landscapes.
Transport of Thailand
Air travel - domestic flights of local airlines make it possible to quickly get to anywhere in the country, including the islands. In Thailand, two airlines operate only domestically and three serve both domestic and international flights.
Railway connections - the country has four major railway lines and several minor ones. This type of transport is not very popular among guests of the country.
Road transportation - the country has a large network of good quality highways, intercity and tourist buses are quite comfortable. Buses are the most popular and inexpensive way to travel around Thailand.
Water transport - to travel to the islands, you can use regular ferries or hire a private boat (water taxi).
City transport - in cities, with the exception of the capital, there are no regular buses. You can get around in Songtays - pickup trucks with benches along the body. They can run like a minibus, or just like a taxi, if you stop an empty car and negotiate with the driver. Russian tourists often call songthaew tuk-tuks. You can take a motorcycle taxi, take a tuk-tuk (three-wheeled motorcycle taxi), or travel in an air-conditioned TAXI - METER vehicle.
Nature of Thailand
The nature of Thailand is extremely rich. Magnificent tropical forests, beautiful waterfalls, rivers and canals, coral reefs and a rich underwater world. Thailand has about fifty national parks and reserves, areas of unique beauty, special ecological significance or special natural resources.
The country's special wealth is its beaches. Snow-white sand, fine and soft, like powder, turquoise sea waters, coconut palms off the coast, and azure blue sky - travelers from all over the world strive to get to this paradise on earth. The best and cleanest beaches in Thailand are the beaches of Ao Nang Bay, the beaches of Koh Phangan and Koh Chang.
Sights of Thailand
Thailand has many interesting places and beautiful temples. Here are just a few of the most famous attractions that have become the hallmark of the country:
And the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok - on the territory of the Royal Palace there are unusually beautiful buildings, together creating a stunning ensemble: these are palaces, temples and stupas. The central place in the complex is occupied by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Temple houses one of the main relics of the country - the statue of the Emerald Buddha, found in 1431.
Wat Pho Temple is located near the Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok. Built in the 12th century, it is famous for its 46-meter image of Buddha. There are 95 stupas on the temple grounds, and there is a gallery where 400 Buddha statues are displayed.
It is rightfully considered the most beautiful temple in Bangkok. Its pagoda, about 80 meters high, is richly inlaid with carved figures and, before the advent of skyscrapers, was the tallest building in the capital.
Royal Boat Museum in Bangkok - the collection features 50 boats, each of which is unique in its design and decoration.
Ko Tapu is a limestone islet off the coast of Phuket. The height of the island is about 20 m, it has the shape of an inverted trapezoid. This unusual island gained worldwide fame after the release of the film “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
The Viking Cave is one of the attractions of the Phi Phi Islands archipelago. Drawings were found in the cave, including images similar to Viking ships. Here, at the risk of life and health, local residents obtain swallow's nests, from which they prepare soup in Asian cuisine.
The river flows in the north-west of Thailand, famous for its very fast flow and stunning scenery. On the banks of the river there is an elephant farm, an orchard and small hotels right on rafts on the water. The hotels do not have electricity, televisions or telephones so that travelers can be alone with themselves and the surrounding nature.
The Death Railway is a railway between Thailand and Burma built by the Japanese during World War II. Hard labor was used at the construction site, and during the entire construction period, about 100 thousand people died here.
Vimanmek Palace is a former royal palace and is the largest teak structure in the world. The palace now houses the King Rama V Museum.
Wat Phra That Doi Thong is a Buddhist temple located at an altitude of 1073 m in the province of Chiang Mai. The temple was built in the 14th century and is a sacred place for believers.
Thai culture
The Thai worldview and the characteristics of the national culture are largely determined by Buddhism. So, every Thai tries to improve his karma through good deeds. Every man should spend several months in monasticism at least once in his life. It is not customary for Thais to clearly show emotions in public, especially anger and aggression. Restraint and goodwill, emphasized respect for elders are valued.
Music and theater have always occupied a large place in the life of the country. Thai kings highly valued music; some wrote plays themselves or translated masterpieces of world drama into Thai. Pantomime theater is the most popular in Thailand.
Belief in spirits exists alongside Buddhist beliefs. Thus, houses for spirits are installed near houses and institutions, which they try to decorate as best and as original as possible. A person’s head is considered the house of spirits, so you should not touch your head. In general, touching another person is not accepted in Thai culture; even greetings do not involve physical contact: Thais greet each other with a slight bow with palms clasped together.
Thai cuisine
Rice is the basis of Thai cuisine; in fact, the word “food” itself is translated from Thai as “eat rice.” There are several types of rice in Thailand: black, brown, red, white, glutinous and fragrant. Thais eat meat, fish, and seafood with rice. Noodles are also in high demand. Noodles can be rice and wheat, egg and bean flour. Noodles are added to soups and eaten with a variety of sauces.
Thai cuisine uses a lot of spices; all dishes are prepared very hot. Therefore, travelers are advised to ask any restaurant in Thailand to prepare a dish without spices, not spicy. They will still bring you very heavily spiced food, but it’s really not spicy when compared to what the Thais themselves eat.
The most popular Thai dishes:
- Tom Yam is a soup based on hot chili paste with shrimp, fish or chicken. This soup is the hallmark of Thai cuisine. It is believed that constant consumption of this soup is an excellent prevention of cancer.
- Som Tam is an incredibly spicy green papaya salad.
- Tom Kha Kai - chicken soup cooked with coconut milk.
- Mi Krob - noodles with sweet and sour sauce.
- Phat Thai - rice noodles with shrimp, eggs and bean sprouts in a spicy sauce.
- Yam Nua - grilled meat with cucumbers, onions and peppers, sprinkled with lime juice.
There are no sweet dishes as such in Thai cuisine; sweets are replaced by delicious fruits. Juicy mangoes and pineapples are especially good.
Shopping in Thailand
Thailand has a lot of shopping opportunities: huge shopping centers and malls, day and night markets, themed souvenir shops near the most visited tourist attractions. Here's what you can bring from Thailand:
- Handmade wood products - these can be figurines, pieces of furniture or magnificent carved paintings, which craftsmen make according to individual orders.
- Rattan wicker products - from small items for interior decoration to furniture sets.
- Bronze products - figurines, cups, Thai bells.
- Silver products - cutlery, vessels, boxes, fine handmade women's jewelry with embossing or blackening.
- Ceramics - hand-painted porcelain dishes and elegant figurines.
- Pearls and products made from them.
- Textiles - T-shirts, polo shirts, dresses and bed linen. Everything is very inexpensive and of quite decent quality.
- Medicines based on snake venom.
- Precious stones and jewelry.
- Thai silk.
- Products made of snake and crocodile skin.
- Cosmetics and coconut oil.
- Fruits (durian is prohibited due to its disgusting smell).
- Thai tea.
Thailand first stuns, then enchants, then envelops you in bliss and bliss. You can come to Thailand again and again - and there will still be something unseen, not yet discovered and unknown: Thai cuisine, underwater depths, virgin forests and mountains, or stunningly beautiful temples where Buddhist culture and centuries-old traditions are carefully preserved.
The beaches of Thailand are snow-white soft sand, completely imperceptible under your feet, turquoise sea and tropical palm trees framing the shores. One of the most famous beaches in the country is Ao Prao Beach on Koh Samet. The place is intended for a relaxing family holiday - there are no noisy discos, but there are modern luxury hotels, cozy bars and restaurants.
Lamai Beach on Koh Samui, beloved by many tourists. Many travelers believe that Lamai is not inferior to Chaweng in beauty. The sea here is excellent, especially in the southern part of the bay. The amazing landscape would be incomplete without granite boulders. In terms of nightlife, there are not many bars and restaurants on this beach, although you can find a couple of nice places if you want.
The picturesque Chaweng beach on Koh Samui. It is located on the east coast of the island and stretches for six kilometers! Tourists are invariably drawn to this paradise by picturesque coves, fine clean sand and water like transparent crystals. The best entertainment venues are also concentrated in Chaweng. Bars, clubs and restaurants beckon!
A piece of paradise - Taling Ngam Beach on Koh Samui. One of the best beaches in the western part of Samui is located in a secluded area. There are few hotels here and they are far from each other, which cannot but please vacationers. Visitors value this place not for its developed tourist infrastructure (especially since there is none here), but for its picturesque area. It's impossible to forget the coconut plantations, the palm-fringed beach and the amazing sunsets...
Thailand is not only about heavenly beaches, but also about spectacular tropical nature. There are about 50 national parks in the country - land and water, which hide rare animals and birds, impressive waterfalls and beautiful rivers. One of the most popular national parks is Erawan, famous for its waterfalls. Main waterfall - Erawan, consists of 7 cascades and has a total height of more than 800 meters. The total length of the waterfall is more than 1.5 kilometers. Except Erawana, in the park there are also Phalun waterfall, karst caves with rock paintings, and dams. The park is home to wild boars, pythons, Indian sambars, and chamois. Another picturesque park is located in Isan. Khao Yai is home to more than 300 species of birds and almost 70 species of mammals, including the Himalayan bear, tigers, and Indian elephants.
You can get acquainted with the wildlife of Thailand in the national park Khunchae, located on an area of 270 square kilometers. It consists of bamboo, larch, and pine forests. Among its fauna you can find the Bengal cat, slow loris, white-breasted bear, and Sumatran serow. Another iconic place in Thailand is the national park Khao Sok. Another marine national park - Ang Thong, consists of 42 islands with picturesque beaches and beautiful views.
Captivates travelers with its diversity and beauty. These are tropical forests, mangroves, rivers, lakes, numerous waterfalls, mountains, caves, steep cliffs and snow-white coastlines.
Jungles occupy most of the country's territory. Many species of tropical plants grow here, such as teak and mahogany trees, ficus trees, many palm trees, fruit trees and all kinds of flowers, in particular lotuses and orchids. The jungle is also home to a variety of exotic animals: elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, monkeys, flamingos, peacocks, crocodiles and many others.
In order to get acquainted with all this splendor of wild nature, it is enough to take advantage of special excursions or trips.
Of course, those who for some reason are afraid to go into the forests can visit gardens, zoos and shows with snakes, crocodiles and other animals within the city. But to appreciate the true natural beauty, it’s worth taking a trip to the real jungle!
Jeep Safari entertainment allows brave travelers to organize an independent trip along forest roads, rivers and hills and get a full overview of the magnificent landscapes of Thailand.
A favorite excursion for most tourists is a trip along the River Kwai. Here you can go rafting or body rafting - rafting in life jackets, as well as bungee diving and visiting a seven-level waterfall. And then spend the night on a floating hotel in the wild jungle.
Here and in many other places in the country, anyone has the opportunity to swim in waterfalls, walk along forest paths and rocky caves, visit a village where elephants live peacefully, and even ride on horseback on these powerful and graceful animals.
In the forests there are so-called Monkey Temples - these are abandoned Buddhist temples or monasteries that were chosen by monkeys. Tourists and local residents often enter their territory to feed the animals and communicate with them.
There is also a Tiger Temple in Thailand. Despite the name, not only tigers live here, but also other wild animals. The Tiger Temple is a Buddhist monastery in the jungle with fairly large grounds that cares for animals and heals the injured. Many animals themselves come here in search of peace and security and live in peace with the monks and guests of the monastery.
Thailand has open zoos such as Khao Kaew, where a wide variety of animal species live in their natural environment. Thus, tourists can get acquainted with almost all representatives of the fauna of this country in one day.
Thanks to well-organized excursions and experienced guides, nature and exotic lovers can get the most complete picture of this side of Thailand, gaining experience and incredible impressions.