Should I go alone to Thailand? First time to Thailand on your own? I tell you how to go Types of recreation. Things to do in Thailand

Step-by-step instruction 2019 and useful tips.

Let's first decide why you decided to go to Thailand on your own? Many people think that they go to Thailand on their own only because it is cheaper. But it is not so.

I will reveal to you a few reasons that independent travelers do not like to talk about.

People travel to Thailand on their own in order to:

1. To have a rest not "herd", and individually. To avoid the crowds and relax in a peaceful environment.
2. Stay in Thailand for more than the standard 10-14 days.
3. Stay at good hotel. Really good! But at the right price. Many tourists do not even suspect what luxurious accommodation independent travelers are able to settle in at an incredibly low price. In Thailand, you can rent a house from $300 a month or a villa with a pool from $800 a month - none of the travel agencies will offer this. And this is especially convenient if you travel with a child. You can rent an apartment with a kitchen or a villa with a sea view. In this post below I will give a link to excellent inexpensive apartments with a kitchen in Phuket.
4. They go to Thailand on their own when they want not only to wallow on the beach all day, but to travel to different places. For example, 3 days in Bangkok, 5 days in Phuket, then drive around the islands. Or , or .

If you just want the cheapest prices in Thailand, and living conditions are absolutely not important for you, and you are traveling for no more than a week, then it’s better to buy the most cheap tour on sale in the summer.

But for those who want to get the most out of their holidays in Thailand, read on.

Step-by-step instructions 2019: how to travel to Thailand on your own, without a travel agency

Russians do not need a visa to Thailand for trips up to 30 days. If more, then you need to do it, however, for the first independent trip to Thailand, 30 days is quite enough. Therefore, plan your trip in these terms. Please note that the day of arrival is the first day, and the day of departure is the last.
Passport is required. English is not required.

How to buy a ticket to Thailand cheap

It is better to start looking for tickets 6 months before the trip. If you want to buy a ticket to Thailand inexpensively, then it is better to use the price comparison on different airlines, For example, .

Where is the best place to book a hotel in Thailand

By prices: on holidays - expensive, in the off-season - cheap. Most low prices May 1st to October 30th. Highest from December 15 to January 15, and also in Chinese New Year.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, book through trusted sites. I like Booking the most - the lowest price guarantee, honest reviews, convenient filters for finding a hotel, and the hotel will definitely be like in the photo. I choose a rating of at least 8.5 and look at the reviews.

Prices for hotels in Thailand:

Do you need travel insurance in Thailand?

Medical insurance is a must! Until 2019, entry insurance was not required, but now the Thai authorities have made insurance mandatory. Now they still do not check at all points, but by the end of 2019 they plan to do checks at all entries into the country. And it is right.

Unfortunately, in Thailand, tourists go to the hospital much more often than in other countries (exotic viruses, poisoning, fractures) and are very surprised when they find out that the cost of medicine is more expensive than in Europe. When tourists receive a bill from 1000 euros per day in the hospital, this greatly spoils the rest. Before the influx of Russian tourists to Thailand, insurance was optional, tourists from other countries usually came with insurance anyway. But the Thai authorities are faced with the fact that Russian-speaking tourists travel without insurance, while they end up in hospitals more often than others. There were a lot of cases when tourists paid their bills for a long time (they won’t let them out of Thailand without paying medical bills), and some tourists even went to jail for non-payment ... In general, it was decided not to let tourists into the country without insurance. So now it’s better to buy insurance in advance, otherwise at the border they will still force you to buy travel insurance, but for a triple price.

What insurance is better to take in 2019?

The most up-to-date information and latest reviews read about insurance - the best inexpensive insurance of 2019 has been named.

That's it - it's so easy to go to Thailand on your own!

Council Traveled-Know.
For the first time, many are afraid to go on their own and often ask for help buying tickets or hotels from intermediaries. Do not do that! In order not to run into scammers, do not trust anyone with your data and your vacation - book everything yourself. It is safe to do this on trusted services, but not through intermediaries.

Let's look at the specific easiest route, how to go to.

First time in Thailand. Independent route number 1 for a beginner - we go to Phuket

So, how to go on vacation to Thailand, to Phuket on your own.

1. Buy tickets to Thailand on your own

To find tickets for best price, use the search for airlines. We compare prices, choose the right tickets and buy. Before the flight, you will need to check in for the flight - boarding passes(boarding pass) will be sent to you by e-mail - you will need to print them or keep them on your smartphone in pdf form.

2. Book a hotel

If you have never been to Phuket, then when booking a hotel, first select or view.
No time to figure it out? Then see Kata Beach or Karon Beach. Kata - inexpensive nice beach, Karon - a beach with white squeaky sand. However, they are close by and walking from one to the other will take about 20 minutes. And you can take a few days on one and a few - on the other. We are independent now!

Very good inexpensive hotel The Beach by Glitter House:

This hotel has more than just rooms apartment with small equipped kitchen, where there are dishes, a kettle, a microwave, a stove and a refrigerator. The rooms have a balcony with excellent open views (which is rare in Phuket for budget hotels). At the same time, the hotel is located in a quiet place, there is no evening noise. The beach is about 3 minutes walk.

There are many good hotels in Phuket. Here are the discounts and specials:

Choose and book a hotel.
Hotel reservations will come by e-mail - you need to print.

3. Insurance

We buy insurance - if we want reliable insurance at a discount, then we are looking for.
The insurance will come by e-mail - you need to print it out and always carry it with you on vacation in Thailand.

4. Mobile connection: you need a local SIM card

In order to always stay in touch with friends and family in Thailand, you need to take care of inexpensive mobile communications in advance. Here's a life hack for you: a few days before the trip, order a Thai 4G SIM card online - - discounts up to 60%!
Simka for 8 days, so if you rest longer, then order 2-3 pieces at once. (and activate as you use it), otherwise you will have to buy on the spot at full price.

Upon arrival, at Phuket Airport (Terminal 2), go to the first floor to the kiosk of the DTAC provider. Show the employee a printed (or on a smartphone) voucher with a QR code and get a Thai sim card. The dtac kiosk is open 24/7.

5. What else to take with you to Thailand

On the day of departure, we take a passport and printouts of air tickets, insurance, hotel reservations, and, of course, bank cards and money (depending on your plans). The rest is optional.
You should not take a fur coat and felt boots with you to Tai - it is better to get to the airport by taxi in light clothes. It is always hot in Thailand, so there will be enough trousers and a sweater, everything else for relaxation can be upon arrival.

6. Upon arrival in Phuket

Upon exiting the plane, we move along with everyone. After passing customs, we follow to the exit from the airport. The airport in Phuket is small, it is impossible to get lost. Before going outside, we do not miss the kiosk where tickets for the transfer to the beaches are sold. We are looking for the inscription "Minibus".
In the photo on the left are the prices for a taxi, on the right are the prices for a minibus (3-4 times cheaper). If you are traveling with four, it is better to take a taxi.

We show the hotel reservation to the aunt at the box office (she needs the address and name of the hotel, where to take her), she will sell the ticket. Then we go outside with a ticket in hand. Then people immediately run up, show the ticket and get into a taxi or minibus, which will be shown. We specify: “Karon?”
Minibus looks like this:

In the photo: minivan at the exit of Phuket airport

Minibus will take you to the hotel. If the hotel is small, then the bus may not drive directly to the door, but drop off nearby. Therefore, it is better to determine in advance on the map or by determining exactly where the hotel is located.
It will be enough to show your passport at the hotel and you will be accommodated.

7. How to communicate? Where to buy excursions?

In Phuket, there are restaurants with a menu in Russian everywhere, and excursions where everything is in Russian - there will definitely not be any problems with the language. We just leave the hotel, walk down the street and see what we like - signs are everywhere, it's impossible to miss. However, it would be nice to remember a couple of dozen words in English for the trip :)

However, Phuket has many interesting excursions and in Russian. You can order in advance online:

A beautiful excursion to the Phi Phi Islands.

Phi Phi Island, Maya Bay Amara Bangkok Hotel

“Is it worth going to Thailand alone?” one close friend asked me. “Of course it's worth it! Go to Thailand alone and don't even think about it!” I answered without hesitation.

Despite the fact that behind the scenes Thailand is considered a country of purely male sex tourism, a single woman or girl can very well spend her vacation there. And before answering the question of whether a woman should go to Thailand alone, it is worth considering, what does a woman want from a vacation?

Sun, sea, shopping - great beach holiday

Well, of course - the sun, the sea, unforgettable experiences and shopping. And Thailand meets all its needs. The main thing is not to forget about the peculiarities of the local.

Pamper your body!

In Thailand, you can get a complex of various spa treatments very cheaply and in a variety of ways. Several types of massage, herbal peeling, steam baths, rejuvenating masks, reflexology, aromatherapy. A Thai four-hand massage! What about fish foot massage? What woman will refuse such tempting offers, prices in comparison with Russia will please you very much. One hour oil massage procedure costs from 150 to 350 baht depending on the location.

Next is food. - just an inexhaustible topic for gourmets. fresh, in abundance, for every taste. At first, you look at them with apprehension, but once you try them, you will never stop loving their unique taste! All kinds of cafes and eateries can not be counted! You can always have a bite to eat without problems anywhere and inexpensively.

Touch the beauty

It is impossible to visit Thailand and not visit a single excursion! And believe me, there are plenty to choose from - travel to the most beautiful uninhabited islands, visiting grandiose cultural and religious places, magnificent viewing platforms.

And if you come to, then you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. What is worth, for example, visiting the open (“Safari world”) in Bangkok. Wild animals calmly roam free, are in conditions as close to natural as possible, and you leisurely inspect the entire territory in special cars. Animals can be hand fed. You can also watch performances with animals.

It makes no sense to list all the excursions, you need to go on them, the choice is huge, both to enrich your cultural education and just for fun.

Evening entertainment

And in the evenings, a lonely woman in Thailand does not get bored. While men are preoccupied with seeking sex adventures with Thais, a Russian woman can attend evening transvestite shows, such as or if you are in Pattaya. These are colorful costume shows, which even children can attend, there is nothing prejudicial about them. If you have chosen another resort in Thailand, then you should not be upset - almost every one of them has a similar show.

But on the show "for adults" (Pussy show or X-show), children, and women with prejudice, have nothing to do. In Pattaya, one of these is the Coconut Show. Demonstration of various possibilities of the genital organs is demonstrated by both Thais and Thais. Thai women smoke with their vaginas, open bottles, blow whistles, throw darts. Thais spin hoops on their dignity, play billiards, beat the drum. Everything is accompanied by dancing with striptease elements, but I don’t want to call this “act” a show.

The dances are miserable, the costumes are terrible, the faces are stony, even gloomy. At the climax, the “girls”, whom we considered “girls”, to universal applause, demonstrate their manly virtues, which are no longer virtues, but so ... Well .. The uninitiated jaws drop. In the end, sexual intercourse takes place on stage, with one couple hetero, the other homo. The sight is sad. It seems that all the "artists" have had their passports taken away, and the evil owner of the theater is beating them with a whip backstage.

However, it's up to you, my dear!

What kind of entertainment is there if I go to Thailand alone?

Take a walk along, in Phuket or a similar street in other resorts in Thailand. In Pattaya, Walking Street is considered the "citadel" of Thai debauchery - for a general impression, a woman will only need one walk.

On some forums they write that they met Russian women on Walking Street with their eyes wide open in horror. Nonsense. It's pretty fun to walk around. Take a video camera, walk along the bars, taking pictures of the girls, you will see how they will affably wave their hands at the camera. And if you gape, then you can become the object of attention of men of Hindu (Pakistani) appearance, somehow our girls are especially attracted to them.

In general, it is a matter of choice for every Russian woman: to be or not to be, if desired, the Thais will not resist the charms of our women. There are no problems with sex in Thailand. And not always for money, it is possible for love. By the way, at the end of Walking Street (closer to), a Thai sometimes sings Tsoi's song with a guitar, very touching.

Who likes to dance - welcome to the discos, there are a great many of them. Perhaps a little unusual that the main attention still goes to men, but you should not get hung up on such trifles.

Shops and shopping

Having a good time on the beach and hanging out in the evening, what woman would refuse shopping? And to turn around, for real, there is where. From huge shopping centers to numerous shops and markets from Bangkok to Pattaya, Phuket and even the small islands of Thailand. The assortment also shines with variety. You can buy everything - from clothes of famous brands to unique souvenirs and. Cosmetics lovers won't go home without a purchase either. Natural coconut oils are great!

By the way, shopping alone in Thailand is also a pleasure - no one interferes, you can spend as much time as you want in the store you like.

Lots and lots of things to see and do in Thailand alone! And one trip, of course, does not have time to cover everything. But there will be a reason to return again and again to the amazing land of smiles - without even thinking about whether a woman should go to Thailand alone.

In general, if you suddenly do not have this moment a companion with whom you can travel, do not be upset - you can safely go to Thailand alone - you will not regret it!

However, if you are a man, then all of the above can be applied to you. The only thing is that when you travel to Thailand alone, local girls will definitely not let you get bored :)

Thailand is a country of hot sun, gentle sea and incredible drive. Spacious clean beaches, exotic vegetation and smiles local residents leave Russian tourists great memories of their holidays in Thailand. On the coast there is a place for families with small children, and party-goers, and lovers of attractions - there are resorts in Thailand for every taste.

Why go

Thailand is warm all year round, so many people prefer to spend the whole winter here, escaping Russian frosts to the hot coast.

Thailand is very diverse: there are quiet deserted corners, noisy party resorts and cozy little beaches. Among the resorts in Thailand, you can easily find one that suits a family with small children, and one that will appeal to a youth company, and a secluded corner where monkeys are more common than people.

This country has long been loved by Russian tourists for its original culture, affordable prices and active nightlife. There are nightclubs in almost every resort in Thailand, some islands (,) are famous for holding noisy, unforgettable parties.

Tours to Thailand

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow

December

Currency

The currency of Thailand is the Thai baht. There are 100 satang in one baht. One baht is equal to about 2 rubles.

Weather

Thailand is the territory of eternal summer. Speaking of weather, there is a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season lasts from November to March and is characterized by mostly clear weather. This time is considered the tourist season. The temperature keeps around +30 °C, the water warms up to +27 °C. Rains are rare, the sea is clear and there are no strong waves.

The rainy season in Thailand is from April to October. It gets hotter, it often rains, the sea is stormy, although there are clear days. The resorts have significantly fewer tourists, lower prices for hotels and food. Surfers and windsurfers come at this time to catch the wave.

The duration of the seasons and their features may vary slightly depending on the resort.

Hotels

Thailand has a large selection of hotels. In resort areas and most often there are hotels of the category 2 or 3 stars. Territories near the hotels are small. The level of service is quite decent - the rooms have air conditioning, a bathroom, a refrigerator, a terrace or a balcony (depending on the floor), a safe (may be located at the reception). On, and you can choose accommodation in a bungalow.

Most hotels offer breakfast only, or breakfast and dinner. The all-inclusive system in Thailand is unpopular, it can only be found in five-star hotels of major global chains.

All hotels in Thailand (with rare exceptions) charge a deposit. This is a fixed amount for each day of stay or for the entire vacation period. The deposit can be made either in cash (only baht) or frozen on credit card. The deposit will be returned before departure.

Hotels often have swimming pools, spas, massage rooms, beauty salons, a tour desk, and currency exchange.

Suitable for families, party-goers and lovers of secluded corners. Lots of clean beaches with clear waters.

Vibrant nightlife, many clubs and bars, shows for adults. For a clean beach, you need to sail to the nearby islands. The cheapest tours.

Ideal for families with children or a romantic getaway due to the developed infrastructure and half-empty beaches.

It will be of interest to connoisseurs of nature and those who want to go rock climbing. From here it is convenient to get to Phi Phi.

An ideal place to relax in unity with nature and for night parties.

The visiting card of the island is clean beaches and untouched jungle, and at the same time, developed infrastructure. Suitable for all categories of tourists.

An old Thai resort town for wealthy travelers.

The capital of Thailand is a city of skyscrapers, Buddhist temples, shopping centers and nightlife. Bangkok must be visited to fully explore the country.

How to get there

Thailand is located in the South East Asia on the peninsulas of Indochina and Malacca. The state is surrounded by seas on two sides: from the west - the Andaman Sea, from the east - the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea. Resorts with magnificent beaches are located in the south, and in the north there is a lot of greenery and mountainous terrain.

Round trip flights to Thailand

Ticket prices shown are for 1 person departing from Berlin

At all resorts, boat trips to nearby islands are popular - both one day and overnight. The program usually includes food, snorkeling, diving.

Entertainment

In Thailand, both adults and children will find a lot of activities to their liking. On most beaches you can go water skiing, parasailing, rent a kayak and dive with fish in the depths. Other popular activities are paintball, quad biking, visiting the water park.

You can go shopping. In large resorts ( , ) there are large shopping centers with European and Asian clothing brands. You can cheaply update your summer wardrobe and buy souvenirs in the stalls that are found on every corner. You can and should bargain with sellers.

Nightlife lovers will not be bored either. Known for its nightly entertainment. As soon as a hot southern night descends on a Thai resort, multi-colored lights flash on, music rumbles from bars and restaurants, night markets open their stalls. One of the famous brands of Pattaya, and Thailand in general, is a transvestite show. (Alcazar Pattaya) and (Tiffany's Show) can be visited with children, there is nothing indecent there, just all the roles in the show are played by men - just like the legendary Japanese kabuki theater.

Safety

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

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

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

Customs regulations

Before you go through customs, check your luggage for prohibited items. It is forbidden to export Buddha figurines with a height of more than 12 cm, sand and earth, unprocessed corals and precious stones, gold bars and platinum jewelry, unused postage stamps, images of the country's flag (except for small ones) from the country. You can put odorous durian in a suitcase, but only in vacuum packaging. Other fruits can be taken in hand luggage- we advise you to purchase a special plastic basket for them on the market in advance.

It is forbidden to bring drugs and electronic cigarettes, including vape liquid, into the territory of the kingdom. There is also a limit on regular cigarettes - no more than 200 pieces per person. It is better to leave pornographic and erotic materials, toys "for adults" at home - they will be confiscated at customs.

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

Customs and traditions

In Thailand, the royal family is very fond of. Family members' birthdays are celebrated as public holidays. The death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej hit the Thais hard, mourning for him lasted a whole year. Never say anything offensive to the royal family, even as a joke - the matter may end in prison. The same applies to money - they have images of the king, so you need to handle them carefully. Learn to help avoid unpleasant situations.

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

It is customary to take off your shoes when entering the temple. You can not go inside in overly open clothes. The ministers will offer you free or rent long clothes to cover the exposed parts of the body. Women are not allowed to touch or talk to Thai monks.

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

New Year

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

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

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

Good to know

• slightly different from Russian ones in appearance (sometimes they have three holes). However, Russian plugs with Thai sockets are perfectly combined. An adapter is not needed.
• Shoppers will be able to get back up to 7% of the purchase price by issuing a VAT refund on the way back. To get a refund, buy in stores with the “VAT Refund for tourists” sign and ask for the necessary documents (you will need a passport). The amount of purchases must be at least 2 thousand baht (in one store).
• Night markets in Thailand are open from about 16:00 to 23:00. Read about the legendary.
• Since February 1, 2018, Thailand has banned smoking on 24 beaches, including Patong (Phuket), Bophut (Koh Samui), four beaches of Pattaya, beaches Hua Hin and Cha-Ama and others. Pay attention to the warning signs next to the beach. Smoking will be allowed in designated areas. The maximum penalty for violating the ban will be a year in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht (nearly $3,000)
• Under a complete ban in the kingdom, vapes cannot be imported, bought or used. You should not take electronic cigarettes with you so as not to get acquainted with a Thai prison.
• Do not leave valuables unattended, especially on the beach. Watch out for those posted by beach workers.

Currency- bat. 1 baht is equal to about 2 rubles. You can take both dollars and euros with you. Exchangers work in hotels and on the street.	When to go- from October to April. The best time to visit is from November to March.
Language- Thai. English is well known in tourist places.	Most Popular Resorts- Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Chang. On excursions they go to Thai temples, waterfalls, animal parks.
Visa not needed for a trip of less than 30 days.	Time ahead of Moscow by 4 hours.

There are three mobile operators in Thailand. All of them offer users almost the same conditions. There is no domestic roaming in the country. You can buy a SIM card immediately upon arrival at the airport, in 7/11 and Family March stores, in phone shops and in travel agencies. In the same chain stores, you can easily replenish the balance, usually on the check they simply write the number that needs to be dialed. Passport will be asked without fail. Cellular services are inexpensive, one minute of conversation will cost only 1 baht, SMS - 2 baht. When calling to Russia, it is better to use Internet telephony, for this you need to dial the code used by a specific operator (003, 004 or 006, etc., without a plus) and the Russian code - 7. One minute of a call in this case will cost no more 7 baht.

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

Language and communication

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

English is known in tourist areas, but not to say that well. There is even such an expression "Tyinglish". The fact is that Thais soften and creatively rethink many sounds that are difficult for them. In Pattaya and Phuket, many sellers know certain words and phrases in Russian.

Word or phrase	Writing	Pronunciation and application features
Hello	สวัสดี	Savadi, men can add cap, and women can add ka (you just need to remember this)
Thank you	ขอบคุณ	Kapun, similarly, men add a cap, and women ka
A little	นิดหน่อย	Thread (useful to indicate the spiciness of the dish)
Yes	ใช่	Tea
No	ไม่	May (negative particle, also placed at the end of the question)
Not sharp	ไม่เผ็ด	Mi pet
Do you have...	คุณมี	The product can be called kun mi sam in English, for example, mango, banana, most people will understand this phrase (at the end, you must also add the particle mai) it turns out: Kun mi ... mai
Tasty	อร่อย	Aroy, you also need to be able to thank
Don't want, don't need	ไม่ต้องการ	My cap (useful for answering annoying sellers)
Everything is alright, do not worry	ไม่เป็นไร	Mai pen rai - a phrase, a reflection of the Thai mentality, literally a formula for forgiveness "I'm not angry, don't worry"

Features of the mentality

The mentality of the Thais is well demonstrated by the well-known expressions: sabai-sabai and sanuk-sabai. They are translated as pleasure, comfort, while sabai means the comfort of the body, and sanuk means the soul. Thais aspire to such a state in the life of the present and the next. They are mostly Buddhists, therefore, they believe that in future incarnations their good deeds will be credited to them. Therefore, they strive to earn as many pluses to karma as possible. This, of course, is very simplistic and even rude.

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

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

Shopping. What to bring from Thailand?

In Thailand, shopping is specific. Clothes and cosmetics of well-known companies are not brought from here. Although it is in the expensive stores of Bangkok. But why, if there are not enough suitcases for the riches that the generous Thai nature is ready to bestow. Now without pathos. Buying, of course, is worth it in reputable pharmacies and stores, then the quality is guaranteed, but on the other hand, you can have so much fun in the markets, looking at unusual goods, price tags and bargaining with sellers.

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

Local kitchen. What to try?

Thai cuisine, according to various studies, is among the top most delicious in the world. Here it must be said right away: Thais eat very spicy food, but they understand that such spiciness does not bring pleasure to foreigners. However, from time to time they are still fond of red pepper. Therefore, when ordering a dish, it will not be out of place to remind you of your preferences in two words - no spicy.

Top 5 Thai dishes.

1. Tom yum is, of course, the most popular, and rightfully so. A spicy soup with lots of spices (you don’t need to eat them all), in chicken broth with shrimp or other meat, tomatoes, onions, seasoned with Thai chili paste and coconut milk is a pure taste delight.

2. Tom kha gai - also a combined chicken broth soup, but less spicy, without chili paste and with more coconut milk. Very soft, rich taste. That's why I love Thai cuisine, so it's for the richness and brightness of tastes provided by many ingredients.

3. Pad thai is fried rice noodles with shrimp, sauces, peanuts when served and various greens. In general, there are many types of pada. They can also beat an egg, serve with a slice of lime, green onions, etc. A very tasty and unusual dish, it's all about the nuances of cooking, there is noodles in every country, but pad thai is one of a kind.

4. Som tam is a salad made from grated green papaya with sugar, fish sauce, tomatoes, lime, peanuts and a couple of other ingredients. Usually some greens are served with the salad. There is also catfish with raw crab, but this pleasure is not for everyone.

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

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

Holidays and events

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

The most fun and widely celebrated day is Songkran. This is the Thai New Year, it is usually celebrated for a whole week, but it is especially active on April 13-15. It looks like this: the entire population is actively pouring water on each other. The stores even sell special guns for this purpose. Once in Pattaya, in the evening, a fire engine arrived at the main square and began to pour water on the people from large hoses. If you do not want to get wet to the skin these days, it is better not to leave the house. Joke. And now seriously. You can show the Thais with signs or say that you do not want to be doused. However, not everyone responds to such requests.

Safety

In general, tourists in Thailand live safely and quite comfortably. You can go for a walk in the evening or even late at night. But reasonable caution has not been canceled. We keep our finger on the pulse, hide the wallet away, do not shine with an expensive phone. Ladyboys are especially prone to stealing, their nimble hands need to be monitored very vigilantly. You should also not provoke the Thais, most of the quiet and peaceful ones can find one with a violent temperament. Thais especially do not like the dismissive attitude towards their religion, culture and the royal family.

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

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

1. Do not judge the whole country by tourist cities and villages. Thais, in the vast majority, are very modest and even shy people. They are always ready to help, guide, show the way, but the spirit of Pattaya is completely alien to them. They are not used to showing their personal lives and do not expect such manifestations from others at all.

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

3. Very rarely, but it happens that traditional Thai dishes are not made very well even in expensive cafes. If you didn’t like it once, you shouldn’t put an end to the whole kitchen, you must definitely give it another chance. I promise you will not regret and find something of your own. Tip: adjust the spiciness with persistent requests to the chef.

The material uses photos from pixabay, unsplash and flickr, bangkok.com and tourismthailand.

For holidays in Thailand, tourists choose both the prestigious resorts of Pattaya and Phuket, as well as hundreds of small islands, as if specially created by nature for a solitary pastime away from civilization. Lovers have fun here hiking and diving, as well as frequenters of luxurious restaurants and nightclubs. And, of course, a holiday in Thailand is impossible to imagine without a visit to the white-sand beaches that the locals are so proud of. Experience ancient Thai culture by visiting Buddhist temples where monks in orange robes reach enlightenment and share knowledge. Gourmets will be surprised by countless exotic dishes, which can be tasted not only in restaurants, but also at the layouts of street vendors. And the famous Thai hospitality, good nature and sincerity of the locals make you love this amazing Asian country even more.

Seasonality and climate. When is the best time to go on vacation to Thailand?

Although local resorts welcome tourists all year round, the high season lasts from November to March and is characterized by the absence of storms and showers and warm, most comfortable weather. Monsoons bring rain from April to October in Thailand. At this time, the winds raise high waves, which windsurfers are looking forward to, and for it is better to choose the calm, windless beaches of Krabi and Koh Samui.

Prices for tours to Thailand

The largest influx of tourists in Thailand is observed in December-February, especially during the Christmas holidays. At this time, prices for tours are significantly higher than in the low season, so it is better to plan your vacation in advance by purchasing tickets in advance through the early booking system. So, at the height of the swimming season, a trip for two to Pattaya from Moscow in 2020 - 2019 with accommodation in a 3-4 * hotel will cost at least 70 thousand rubles. A package tour with an excursion program included in the price costs 10-20 thousand rubles. expensive. This is the best choice for those who prefer to combine a beach holiday with active trips and walks. If you want to not only have a great time, but also save money, choose early booking to go to Thailand at a price 30-40% lower than usual. You can also save money by planning a vacation in the low season - from May to October. During this period, heavy showers occur only in the northern regions, and in popular resorts, rains are short-lived and, as a rule, occur in the evening and at night.

Types of recreation. What to do in Thailand?

Thailand is the most popular East Asian country among Russians. Modern technologies and ancient Buddhist culture surprisingly harmoniously merged on its land. Tours to Thailand are also chosen by couples with children who need high-quality and inexpensive beach holiday, and lovers of vibrant nightlife, extreme people get a portion of adrenaline here and those who crave peace and tranquility will be able to comprehend nirvana. Tropical forests and snow-white beaches, elephant trekking and amazing national cuisine, real Thai massage and impeccable service are waiting for you.

beach holiday

The famous resorts of Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang and Koh Samui offer excellent conditions for recreation. The main tourist Mecca of Thailand is Pattaya, where there are over 130 first-class hotels, clubs and restaurants, the entertainment industry is developed. Due to the unique location of the resort, the sea is calm and gentle all year round, hurricanes and winds do not reach it, and showers during the rainy season, judging by the reviews of travelers, are short-lived. Phuket - the best place for diving and snorkeling, and the many low-price guesthouses make it popular with downshifters and youngsters. Koh Chang is an elite resort for true connoisseurs of comfort. And on Koh Samui, those who appreciate relaxing holiday and privacy.

It is easy to combine a holiday in Thailand with a visit to excursion programs. In a short time you will be able to get acquainted with the traditions and culture, life and history exotic country. The most interesting places to visit are crocodile farms, floating markets, Nong Nooch tropical garden, Mini Siam miniature park, authentic villages, trips to famous Buddhist temples and the Golden Triangle. And don't miss Turtle Island - national park and the pride of Thailand.

extreme vacation

Tours to Thailand - a paradise for lovers of extreme and outdoor activities. Nan province in the north of the country has ideal natural conditions for kayaking and rafting. The southern province of Krabi was chosen by freedivers and rock climbers. Daredevils can try their hand at jumping from Tan Rattana Waterfall. And those who want to see as much as possible during their vacation can go on bike tours throughout the country.

Attractions in Thailand

Thailand - mysterious country, where you can wander endlessly, and every time it will surprise and fascinate with fantastic landscapes, ancient monuments and cities lost in the depths of tropical forests, the endless turquoise of the Indian Ocean.

Bangkok

Bangkok is an amazing city full of contrasts, where there is something to see for connoisseurs of novelty and exoticism. You can visit Chinatown with a huge selection of goods and souvenirs at symbolic prices, go to Rattanakosin Island with its historical center. The Silom district, the heart of Thai business, is distinguished by luxury and splendor. And from the highest metropolitan observation deck Baiyoke Sky Tower offers stunning views.

Palaces and temples

Nothing is such a shining example ancient architecture and the culture of Thailand as its magnificent temple complexes and palaces. The most famous of them are the huge Royal Palace and the whimsical Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. In Pattaya, visit the Temple of Truth, a real masterpiece, in the construction of which there is not a single nail. The Buddhist temple Wat Saket on the Golden Mountain in the capital is one of the main symbols of Buddhism, and Wat Ratchanadda offers breathtaking views of the Old City.