Is it possible to go to Thailand now? All about Thailand. School for a child in Thailand

Tips and helpful information for those who are planning independent trip to Thailand. When to go, how to find cheap flights and hotels, visa, price overview in 2019, low-cost airlines and transport rental, money and ATMs.

All information is current as of 2019 and is based on personal experience independent trips to Thailand.

Exchange rate: 1 Thai baht (THB) ≈ 2 RUB.

Flights to Thailand

Air travel from Russia to Thailand eats up most of the budget of an independent traveler. Tickets for flights with transfers to Bangkok and Phuket - from 25 thousand rubles, tickets for direct flights are more expensive - 30-50 thousand rubles.

Here useful tips for purchasing tickets:

Tours can be used instead of one-way flights. Do the math for yourself: a standard non-stop ticket from Moscow to Phuket costs about 40 thousand for one, and a tour costs from 60 thousand for two. At the same time, you still get everything that is included in the package: hotel, meals, transfer, insurance. Isn't that a cool way?

Last minute tours search on the services and - they will find the best offers among different tour operators. Want to save money? Explore our.

Thai visa

Russians can enter Thailand without a visa - upon arrival they are stamped for 30 days.

If you are going on holiday to Thailand for a long time, then:

1. Apply for a visa in advance in Russia(on your own or through an agency).
2. Apply for a Thai visa in neighboring countries . For example, you can simply get a visa in Laos and Malaysia in 1 day. Maybe in another Asian country get a visa and go to Thailand, or you can fly directly to Thailand, get a stamp for a month and only then go abroad to get a visa.

About border runs. Previously, people lived in Thailand for years without obtaining a visa: they traveled once a month to another country and returned the same day. However, since the summer of 2014, the authorities have tightened migration policy so that tourists obtain visas. Now malicious border runners may not be allowed into the country.

On the border. When you go through passport control, keep a printout of your return ticket or ticket to a third country handy (you can also print it electronically). According to reviews, it is advisable to have at least 20,000 baht per person in cash. Money is rarely checked, mainly from border traders in order to receive a bribe. They never asked us for a ticket or money, but it’s better to at least be safe with a ticket.

Prices in Thailand - 2019

Due to the crisis, Thailand is no longer cheap country for accommodation and independent travel. Local prices now need to be multiplied by almost two to convert into rubles. However, you can still live there on a fairly budget if you try.

Prices vary among resorts. To give you an idea of ​​prices in Thailand, here are the main ones:

We go to Southeast Asia primarily for tropical fruits - they are tasty and cheap there. We have created a guide with prices, names and photos.

Housing in Thailand

If you have planned an independent trip to Thailand, you need to approach the issue of housing responsibly. To live in a good hotel at a low price, and even in high season, must be booked several months in advance. This is not necessary during low season. Are you traveling for a long time? Then book a hotel for the first days and look for accommodation locally.

When is the best time to go to Thailand?

The question of when is the best time to vacation in Thailand is more of a concern for package tourists than for independent travelers. Usually people travel to Thailand on their own for a long period of time (at least a month), so it is not so important for travelers how often it rains. On the contrary, the rainy season is a wonderful time: an abundance of fruits, low prices, few tourists, the most beautiful sunsets. Still, before your trip, read about the weather conditions in Thailand, so as not to die from the heat and smog in or not meet New Year on Koh Samui in the pouring rain.

Thailand is crowded with tourists in winter and spring. This is high season, the weather is dry and clear. The rainy season begins in May and lasts until November.

Where is the best place to relax in Thailand?

In Thailand we lived in Bangkok, Krabi, Pattaya and Phuket. Of these four places, the best is, of course, Phuket. Most tourists limit themselves only to Pattaya and Phuket. We want to gradually travel around the whole country.

Bangkok- for lovers of cultural and excursion leisure. Interesting international city.

Phuket- classic beach resort. Great beaches pure water, many natural and cultural attractions.

Pattaya contradictory: Russians go there with their children for a relaxed beach holiday and sightseeing holidays, and the rest go there for nightly adventures. The beaches and sea at the resort are bad.

Tourists speak favorably of the islands Samui, Chang And Koh Phangan- there are much fewer tourists there than in popular resorts, and the nature is beautiful. However, the infrastructure is not very developed.

In the province Krabi gorgeous cliffs and a good beach. There are no package tourists here. IN Hua Hine the beaches are so-so, but the city attracts with its difference from other cities: it is neat, well-groomed and Europeanized.

On Phuket We lived three times and explored the island best. Here are useful articles about it:

Low-cost airlines in Thailand: low-cost airlines

Thanks to low-cost airlines, travel independently within Thailand and to other countries South-East Asia it can be done conveniently, simply and on a budget. Often a flight is cheaper than a bus ride - tickets cost $10-30.

Transport rental in Thailand

It’s hard in Thailand without renting a bike or car: you’ll have to spend a lot of money on taxis or excursions to see all the beauty. And you can rent a vehicle very cheaply! Regular price - 200-250 baht per day + deposit and passport.

Personal experience. In Phuket, we rented a bike on the website for 250 baht per day, and the owner did not ask for a passport as deposit. In Pattaya we rented a cool Kawasaki chopper for only 200 baht per day and also without a passport! True, he is already a little tired and shabby, but he’s a chopper. The rental point is called Tom Pattaya bike and car for rent (tel. 081 356 4906).

There are many bike rental points at the resorts, but renting a car is more difficult. You can rent a car on the Skyscanner Car Hire website from 700 baht per day (in Phuket).

What's worth knowing:

• The traffic is on the left and chaotic.
• Driver's license required.
• Do not give your passport as collateral.
• Photos of all scratches on the bike are a must.
• Helmet and insurance are required.
• Red and white markings - parking is prohibited.

We rented a chopper in Pattaya for only 200 baht per day.

Money and ATMs

Take money in euros or dollars. There are many exchange offices and banks at the resorts, the exchange rate is adequate. At ATMs the commission is 200 baht + commission of the issuing bank.

What advice can you give to those who decide to go on an independent trip to Thailand? Here are some recommendations based on our experience:

• Book hotels in advance in season to have time to find a good option in terms of price-quality ratio.
• Make sure that the hotel has mosquito nets on the windows. Use repellents and other mosquito repellents.
• In Thailand, as in all of Asia, you cannot hide from nosy ants - do not leave crumbs (especially sweet ones) and fruits, throw away garbage immediately.
• For safety and peace of mind, we recommend taking out insurance.
• Read in advance about how to get from the airport to the city so as not to overpay.
• Big C and Tesco Lotus supermarkets have discounts on perishables after 6pm and 7pm.
• At Big C, you can ask for your purchased seafood to be cooked for free.
• Drinking water can be purchased from special machines (1 liter - 1 baht).
• If you have a long flight or travel on an air-conditioned bus, have a sweater. The air conditioners are on full blast and it's very easy to catch a cold.

Introductory image source: © DeeMakMak / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Which you are unlikely to read about in travel guides. Thailand is a beautiful country with picturesque nature, delicious food and friendly people. This is the tropical paradise everyone dreams of. Many people want to move here, first on vacation, then for the winter, or better yet, for good. We also thought so before, and decided to go to Thailand.

What did we see in Thailand when we stayed here for more than 2 weeks? We discovered the real Tai, which no one talks about, and learned things that you can’t read in beautiful advertising leaflets.

In the restrooms it is forbidden to throwtoilet paper

Thailand has poor sanitation, which can not deal with toilet paper. In all restaurants and In public toilets there are notices asking people not to throw toilet paper in the toilet. I received reprimand from an old Thai woman in the toilet at a gas station for not throwing the toilet paper in the bin next to the sink.

Thailand is not particularly cheap

Prices in Thailand vary in different provinces and regions.Central and Northern Thailand is much cheaper than, for example, Koh Samui or . You can always eat cheap in Thailand, for about 60 baht , but the service, quality of food and surroundings for the money will be appropriate.And most likely it will be a makashnitsa or a local wooden restauranton open air with mosquitoes.

If you want to eat like a “white man” in Thailand, sit in an air-conditioned room, prices will increase significantly(200-2000 baht per dish). One visit to the doctor will cost about 3,000 baht for an injection and pills . One wound treatment (first aid for falling off a bike) costs 3,000 baht and must be done daily. Tourist invisa required for every 90 days (at least) will cost you 1100 baht plus 1900 baht extend it for another 30 days . If you are leaving the country, you need to pay for tickets, accommodation and tourist visa. If you want to live and work in Thailand (although I recommend having your own business “at home”), a visa will cost you 2000 baht (single entry) and 5000 baht (multiple entry) and that’s not counting patent cost, which you will also need.

Russia is advancing

Due to the fact that Thailand has become one of the most liquid holiday destinations with a large number of offers for air tickets and tours, he constantly filled with tourists. Especially southern islands more populated by Europeans than Thais. Koh Lanta Island famous for having a large number of Swedes living there, the island of Koh Phangan was occupied by settlers from Israel, and the island Samui and Pattaya - this is the so-called« tropical Russia". Those living in Pattaya and Koh Samui share that the schools consist of Russian and Thai children, study in language schools adults Russian students, yoga teachers are also Russian, in most restaurants There is a Russian menu and today you can hear more Russian speech than Thai. Advertising in Russian will no longer surprise anyone.

The Royal Family everywhere

Thai to the king is deeply respected and loved by everyone Thais. Old and recent photographs of the king and his wife can be found in every store, restaurant and school. They speak very warmly about him and the schoolchildren must sing the anthem at least once a week. In the cinema, when the king is shown on the screen, everyone stands up, and you have to stand as a sign of respect . If you crumple or tear a Thai banknote, you could be put in jail because every banknote has a picture of the king on it. This is regarded as the deepest disrespect.

Unequal marriages

I doubt that somewhere else on earth you will see such a quantity European men over the age of 60 who are married to 20-year-old girls. When people come to Thailand for the first time, they are shocked by the huge numberThai young girls with grandfathers. When you live here, you don't pay attention to them, because you see this picture every day. European men retire, go to Thailand, marry Thai girls and start a second family . It’s probably already clear that everything Thai girls do this is because of money, to ensure a comfortable existence for yourself, your children and all your closest relatives, sending money to these "hubbies" every month to my family.

Very hot

Do not misunderstand me, I really love the sun and warmth, but never before have I it was so hot all day, every day. As in any humid tropical location in Thailand there's no respite from the heat, neither in the shade, nor indoors, nor in the ocean (about +28 degrees). You will sweat while you sleep, after waking up, immediately after a shower and even without clothes. In the south of Thailand there are no cool days at all. If you don't want to change clothes , at least, three times a day, no visit Thailand in April and May.

Thais don't know how to drive... cars

When it comes to scooters, the Thais rule the roost. They ride scooters with school age until they can barely walk. It looks like they were born with motorbikes between their legs. Mothers ride with babies and kids, and can easily accommodate four people on one scooter, the whole family and a dog, and sometimes even a washing machine.As my Thai friends admit, they themselves do not know how to drive cars. This is due to traffic on the roads and the presence of minibuses and SUVs. Drivers frequently accelerate and brake throughout driving and cornering, most cars you have to stop before entering the roadway. It's easier to get around on a scooter: you you can pass between cars at speed, overtake cars and vans.

Insects

In Thailand you will be plagued by mosquitoes every day. For example, there are ants everywhere, but in Thailand there are big red ants, which have a sharp bite that causes swelling and severe itching. Small ants climb into thick bags of coffee, rice, muesli and containers with peanut butter. They even manage to get into the refrigerator. And if you don’t wash the dishes in Thailand on time, lizards may appear in them. 🙂

When it rains…

You will be without running water, electricity and Wi-Fi... These are extreme days that sometimes happen in Thailand. During the rainy season, it can rain for a whole week without stopping at all. ... At the same time, you need to have time Stock up on at least candles and water for brushing your teeth.

"Happy end"

Prostitution in Thailand was first legalized in 1960 to receive more income from American troops, dislocated in Thailand and Vietnam. There are even hotels where guests can order a girl to the room on entire stay. In Thailand, at every step you will see bars and massage parlors offering" happy end " . Every Thai bar hasprostitutes and ladyboys.Most often, these are visiting uneducated girls from poor areas that work to feed their families in the villages. They are tied to your place of work and they are fined if they don't some amount of money in a day . They all dream of finding farangs who will send them monthly amounts, so that they don't work. But they will still work and look for new suckers.

If you need a regular massage, stay away from salons where ladies are dressed in shorts and heels. These places offer much more than just a massage.

Read the latest articles on my blog.

Last week my sister came to visit us. For the first time I went to Thailand alone on a tour package. Due to the fact that she was flying to Asia for the first time, she had many organizational questions that arise for most tourists who travel to Thailand for the first time. Many beginners who are going on holiday to Thailand may find this information useful.

PREPARATION

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT THAILAND

What a tourist needs to know about Thailand and always remember to avoid getting into trouble. Travel agencies don't talk about this, unfortunately. The Thai sun is relaxing, but never forget these simple tips:

• In Thailand, the king and his family are revered. Avoid any discussion of the king, including on the Internet. Cases of imprisonment for 20-30 years simply for a bad or humorous word addressed to the royal family are real and occur regularly.
• For drugs, imprisonment for decades. Yes, it's true, every year many foreigners go to prison for using and transporting drugs. Have you seen the movie "Broken Palace" or "Bangkok Hilton"? If you are going to Thailand, under no circumstances should there be anything narcotic. Forget about weed. Do not agree to carry anything in your luggage if strangers ask you to do so.
• Electronic cigarettes and hookahs are banned in Thailand. You cannot carry or vape vapes with you. Problems with the police are guaranteed.
• Smoking is prohibited on the beaches. You can get a very large fine if you smoke on the beach.
• You can't feed fish in the sea. On excursions, do not throw anything into the sea for the fish. This could result in imprisonment or a fine of several thousand dollars.
• Quadcopters (drones) are prohibited. Huge fines or imprisonment for using drones without registering each device with the police. It’s easier not to take it and do without video from above than to fool around with it.
• Standard insurance does not apply if you rent a bike. Even if they were sober. For insurance to be valid, you need to: a) enable this additional option, b) have category A license. So, take the bike at your own peril and risk, if something happens, the insurance company will not pay for the treatment.
• Insurance is not valid if you have drunk alcohol. If the injuries were sustained while intoxicated, even if you drank a can of beer, that’s all, there will be a refusal. More information on insurance
• Don't try Jackfruit (breadfruit). In many people it causes a severe allergic reaction.
• When renting a bike, do not leave your passport as deposit. It often happens that your passport is taken hostage and then they demand money to repair the bike on which you allegedly had an accident.
• Divorces when renting housing from Russians and Europeans. Do not send money to anyone who offers to help you book accommodation online. There are normal people, of course, but most of these pseudo-realtors from the Internet are scammers. A lot of divorces take place according to this scenario, when money was sent, they arrived and it turned out that there was no housing, no money, and there was no trace of the assistant. Do not give in to any persuasion, even if he sends you a scan of your passport.

What to take with you to Thailand

Take a minimum of everything with you, especially clothes. For the first day, 2-3 T-shirts, 1 shorts, 1 skirt will be enough. Don’t buy anything in Moscow, here it all costs a penny - 200-400 rubles for one thing. In any case, you will start shopping here when you see what bright and cheap clothes there are, so take a minimum of things.

The shoes are also very cheap. All you need in terms of shoes are flip-flops, which cost 100 rubles here if you don’t have your own. You won't need sneakers or shoes, just extra weight and space in your luggage.

Don’t buy a swimsuit in Moscow either - in Thailand you can actually buy a normal swimsuit for 500-800 rubles (and in Moscow for 3000). It’s just that when you find out how much all this actually costs, you won’t be able to overpay in Moscow.

Sun protection products in Moscow cost a fortune. Here we take Nivea 50 sunscreen for 199 baht (400 rubles). I think even with this course it will be cheaper to buy the cream in Thailand.

Fashionable shorts for 129 baht (260 rubles). How much do these cost in Russia? From 1,500 rubles for a noname to 8,000 rubles for a “brand”...

What not to take

100% you will not need evening dresses, high heels, sneakers, jeans, trousers, long sleeve sweaters, windbreakers... Jeans and trousers are hot even at night. Sneakers will definitely not be useful. Unless you plan to climb mountains or ride a motorcycle.

Don’t take any equipment except a phone/tablet and a camera.

Don't take a towel with you. Even the cheapest hotels always have towels that are changed every day.

Shampoos, soaps, shower gels, and toothpaste also don’t need to be carried with you; at any 7-Eleven, all this is sold in small jars for 20 baht. Also, the hotel often provides free shampoo and soap during cleaning.

Under no circumstances should you take hookahs, vapes and other electronic cigarettes with you! Prohibited by law throughout the country.

What money to take to Thailand and how much?

Take as much money as possible with you to Thailand. There will be a lot of temptations, since everything is very cheap and you really want to buy it. It depends on what your requests are, but on average $1000 for two people is definitely enough for a vacation. If you don’t have a lot of money, then $500 will be enough, but you’ll have to save money, don’t take a taxi, don’t eat in expensive cafes for tourists, but eat at markets, 7-Eleven or , and reduce the number of excursions. But it's better to take more money and then save money in Moscow.

What currency should I take? Dollars or euros? Dollars. Euros are also possible. If you have euro cash, take it. If you have rubles, then exchange them for dollars. Ask the exchanger only for large bills of 50 and 100 bucks— the exchange rate for them is higher than for small ones. Exchange all rubles for dollars, the more you take, the better.

FLIGHT

Do not take any liquids, scissors, or spray deodorants with you into the cabin of the plane (in case you don’t know). It seems that liquids can be up to 100 ml, that is, nail polish will most likely be missed, but you will have to buy water after all the hassle. You can take water on the plane that you buy at duty free. Is it possible to take perfume on a plane? If it is less than 100 ml, then you can take it with you in your hand luggage.

Nail scissors, nail files, and disinfectant spray are definitely not allowed. Lighters are also often taken out.

Do not put anything valuable in your luggage - take money, documents, equipment with you into the cabin in a backpack.

What weight of luggage is allowed - usually up to 20 kg per person. Is it possible to pack your luggage in 2 bags if you are flying alone? No, only 1 piece of luggage per person.

Life hack: you can wrap a suitcase with regular cling film for 50 rubles. At the airport, wrapping luggage costs 500 rubles.

If you get motion sickness in transport, take Dramamine before the flight (this is a pill for motion sickness)

Another tip is to take something to eat with you. Sandwiches, chips, peanuts - something like that. Because you really want to eat, but the food will only be available an hour after departure. At the airport the prices are brutal, for example, a small peanut costs 100 rubles. In duty free, with the current exchange rate, everything has now also become very expensive.

FOREIGN AIRPORT

How to navigate an airport abroad? There is no need to worry, everything is usually logically clear there. You will most likely not need to speak English with anyone, but understanding the language will be useful to find the transporter from your flight.

Just follow the signs there:

• arrival - arrival
• passport control - here you will need to fill out a card, everything is simple, last name, first name, hotel
• baggage or luggage - conveyors
• flight N — flight number from which the baggage

At the airport, take a trolley and throw the stuff on it so you don’t have to drag it in your hands.

Don't change money at the airport, the exchange rate is the lowest there. 10-20 dollars can be exchanged to buy some water or a snack.

Local SIM cards may be handed out at the airport, grab one for yourself. Don’t call from a Russian number, it’s very expensive, more than 150 rubles per minute, in extreme cases an SMS is 20 rubles.

After collecting your luggage, where to go? With your luggage you walk towards the exit. A person from the travel agency (Russian) will meet you near the exit or on the street. At the exit, look for the tour operator's sign. It was the operator, Pegasus, Corel, Anex or whoever will be there, and not the site where I bought it. A person from the company may even be standing on the street where the taxi is.

TRANSFER

The package includes transfer to the hotel in the price. At the airport, a guide from the travel agency will meet you and lead you by the hand to the desired bus. The bus will bring you directly to the hotel door. There at the reception you will be accommodated with your passport and voucher. On the bus they will say something interesting in Russian about the country; the guide usually always greets you with a Russian.

If you don’t want to go on a bus with all the tourists, turn it down to the travel agency and order a private transfer.

CHECK IN HOTEL

To check in, you need to give your passport and voucher at the reception. Some hotels may require you to pay a deposit, which is returned upon check-out.

The room may have a so-called “minibar”. Usually this is a small refrigerator in which there are several cans of beer, cola, soda, and there may also be chips, nuts, and chocolate. All this is paid, and 2 times more expensive than in the store. Usually 2 bottles of water are free. Payment for minibar upon check-out. You can check at the reception what is paid and what is not.

Life hack: if you really want to drink something from the minibar, you can drink it, and in the morning before cleaning, run to the store and buy exactly the same bottle at a normal price and put it in the bar.

If the bed is dirty or there are not enough towels, contact the reception, they will change everything (just don’t “pump up your license”, but calmly explain the situation with a friendly smile).

THE LANGUAGE BARRIER

Don’t be ashamed of your English, as the locals don’t know it perfectly either, many are much worse than you. Pronunciation? Grammar? Time? No, we haven't heard. In practice, everything is simpler, and no one pays attention to grammar.

If you are flying on a package tour, in principle you may not know the language at all. We often see our aunties here, rubbing something in Russian with the Thais. And they don’t understand a word, then the aunts begin to speak in syllables or raise their voices. The main rule of communication is to smile, be calm, and not raise your voice. If you can’t explain something in words, show with gestures.

INFORMATION MEETING WITH GUIDE

A meeting with a guide is a waste of time, since the guide will give a minimum of information and spend most of the meeting selling overpriced excursions. So, it is not necessary to come to the meeting at all. Especially if they start intimidating you on the bus that at the meeting with the guide you need to fill out a registration card for the tourist police or activate your insurance or something like that. This is a 100% scam, there are no cards for the police, there is no need to activate insurance and air tickets, all this does not concern the guide at all. The main task of a hotel guide is to promote you on an excursion.

HORRY STORIES OF HOTEL GUIDES

For some reason, many guides try to intimidate package tourists. I don’t know why, maybe so that there would be fewer adventures and he wouldn’t be disturbed once again. Or to sell your excursions, and people should be afraid of everything else. In general, here are the most popular intimidations of guides:

• In Thailand, there are poisonous snakes under every bush…….. During the year and a half of living in Thailand (Pattaya, Krabi, Phuket), we probably saw snakes 2-3 times. What is the probability that you will see a snake in 10 days of vacation?
• Thailand is very dangerous. Don’t go anywhere on your own, just the hotel and the beach……. Well, no comments here. Complete nonsense. In Thailand it is safer to go somewhere on your own than in Russia. Well, maybe you shouldn’t walk along dark streets at night, lighting the way with your iPad, you shouldn’t go into the jungle or swim in stinking rivers.
• You must attend the information meeting with your guide. If you don’t come, your insurance and air tickets will not be activated, you will be taken to the police, as you will need to fill out a registration card……… Also complete nonsense, the guide has no effect on either air tickets or insurance, they are “activated” from the day of purchase tour. There is no need to take any cards to the police. All this is just so that you buy excursions from him.
• Don’t buy excursions from street travel agencies, your insurance is not valid there……… Nonsense, insurance is valid everywhere and it has nothing to do with your guide. Does not apply if the insured event occurred while drunk. Read more.
• All Thais want to deceive you……… In fact, there is some truth, they often try to deceive tourists at the market for higher prices, but the hotel guide deceives you much more, telling all these horror stories, and then offers excursions that will cost 2 times more -3 times real value.
• You can’t put money in your back pocket, you can’t put money on the table, only give it to your hands, etc……. These are all myths. One thing you really shouldn't do with Thai money is paint the faces on it.

EXCURSIONS

You can take excursions either from a guide from a travel agency or from street agencies(cheaper), as well as in online services. Insurance will be valid in both places, despite the guide’s assurances that street travel agencies do not pay for insurance. The guide has nothing to do with insurance at all actually. Insurance does not pay if injuries are sustained while intoxicated or while driving a motorbike.

In fact, everything will be simple. Traveling on a package tour to Thailand for the first time is not at all stressful. There are many more nuances when traveling to Thailand on your own.

Dear readers, if you have experience traveling to Thailand, write in the comments what other useful tips will be useful on vacation and what tourists who are going to Asia for the first time need to know about Thailand.

Thailand's national cuisine is influenced by three factors: climate, location and culture. Fertile lands, the possibility of year-round harvesting, the absence of religious restrictions on food - all this has shaped the gastronomic picture of the country. The basis of many dishes is rice; side dishes of meat, vegetables, fish are added to it, and all this is seasoned a huge amount spices The latter fact is a big problem for Europeans, whose stomachs are simply not accustomed to such a load. However, when ordering, it is enough to ask “not hot” (“not spicy”), then the tourist will be brought a less spicy version of the dish.

Thailand is famous for its hot and sour soups tom yam and tom kha. The fiery dish with shrimp and spices will not leave anyone indifferent. Because of large quantity garlic and chili peppers are not recommended for people with stomach diseases.

When you come to a restaurant, you should also try sauces with curry and coconut milk. They are served with a side dish of potatoes (kaeng karee), peanuts (kaeng massaman) or greens (kaeng khieo).

Another important component national cuisine– noodles (rice, wheat and egg). It is boiled, fried, and added to the broth. It serves as a side dish for marinated pork or chicken, meat or fish balls and even dumplings. Pad Thai - fried rice noodles - is one of the most popular dishes among travelers. In addition to the main ingredient, it includes an egg, bean sprouts, garlic, spices, and fish sauce. As an additive, you can choose shrimp, pork or chicken.

Seafood lovers will find many interesting and very delicious dishes. For example, you should definitely try baked in salt sea ​​fish with palm leaves (Salt fish grilled on charcoal). The meat prepared in this way is very tender and aromatic. Another option for cooking fish is steaming. It is seasoned with lime, garlic and chili, resulting in an unforgettable spicy-sour taste.

Thai dishes

One of the most unusual fruits in Thailand is durian. It has such a disgusting aroma that some establishments even deny entry to people who have previously bought it, so as not to scare away visitors. This spiny green fruit with creamy flesh has earned the title of "King of Fruits." For the first time, it is recommended to eat it by holding your nose, but in the future even the unpleasant smell will not be able to scare you away - its taste is so delicate and unusual.

What to bring as a souvenir and as a gift

When buying souvenirs, foreigners try to choose something that will remind them of the country and the time spent here. Because the travel business in Thailand it is very well developed; vacationers are offered a huge range of souvenirs - from magnets and small ceramic figurines to clothing from world brands.

Figurines and images of elephants

Since the elephant is a symbol of Thailand, tourists most often buy figurines of this animal and objects with its image (masks, kitchen utensils, panels) as souvenirs. You will also be pleasantly surprised by the favorable prices for such little things as beads, handmade boxes, bags and shoes made from natural materials. This will be a great solution for those who need to buy gifts for the whole family.

Alcohol

A great gift for men is Sang Som Thai rum. It is usually drunk with soda water or used as a base for cocktails. Rice wine would also be an interesting option. It tastes a little like champagne, but without the prickly bubbles. For lovers of the exotic, you can buy a tincture of scorpion or cobra (they are simply credited with miraculous properties).

Silk products are something you should definitely buy for your wardrobe. Local markets sell traditional clothes, as well as modern models that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear for a walk around Moscow. The best places to buy silk are in Korat and Surin - although the price is a little steep, the quality of the products will be excellent.

Jewelry

Thailand continues to be a leader in the production of gemstones, so jewelry lovers should definitely check out the local jewelry stores. However, when choosing such a purchase, it is important to obtain from the seller a document confirming the authenticity of the product and an export license.

Treasures of Thailand

Silver products

A good and practical souvenir is items made of blackened silver. In Chiang Mai there is a whole street where shops of local craftsmen are located, here you can choose something for yourself at an affordable price.

In Thai markets and stores whose counters are not equipped with cash registers, it is customary to bargain. However, you can save money in large shopping centers. To do this, you need to choose stores where they prepare documents for a VAT refund of 7%. They will be indicated by a sign with the inscription VAT Refund (analogous to the European Tax Free). You can get money in Thailand, at the airport, but in this case it is better to arrive at the gate a little earlier: the procedure takes some time, and there may be a queue near the window.

What can be taken out of the country

Carried away by shopping, many tourists forget that customs has clear restrictions on the export of goods from the country. For example, you can only take a liter of alcoholic beverages per person. Exotic fruits It's better to put it in the luggage compartment. To export seeds or plants from Thailand, you must have a special permit. The same applies to animals or products made from their skin and wool.

To avoid unpleasant misunderstandings that will end with all purchases remaining at the airport, it is important to familiarize yourself with the list of what is prohibited from being taken out. So, it is better to refuse the purchase:

• drugs, weapons;
• stuffed animals;
• durian fruit;
• ivory, turtle shells and products made from them;
• religious objects and Buddha figurines above 13 cm;
• unprocessed gold bars, precious stones, corals (products made from them must be accompanied by certificates);
• rare representatives of flora and fauna.

Money of Thailand

The national currency of Thailand is the baht (THB), and the small change is the satang. As of November 2, 2015, the baht to dollar exchange rate is 1:0.03. The best way to exchange currency is at banks or licensed exchange offices. At the airport and hotels, as a rule, the least profitable offer. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs. However, in this case, in addition to the loss of interest on conversion, you will also have to pay a commission of 150 THB.

Restaurants and shops accept credit cards. However, when paying in cash, it is easier to keep track of your expenses, since the exchange rate constantly fluctuates.

It is recommended not to accept banknotes (both baht and dollars) that have visible damage: it will be difficult to pay with such bills in the future. They can only be exchanged at certain branches of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited or Thai Farmers Bank, and this, in turn, is a waste of time and money.

Where to stay in Thailand

Thailand offers a huge selection of options for accommodation for any period of time. IN major cities Even small guest hotels offer quality service, and the price will be a pleasant surprise. In the provinces, it is better to stay in trusted hotels belonging to global chains.

Bangkok

The most popular streets in Bangkok among tourists choosing accommodation are Sukhumvit and Silom streets, as well as Siam Square and the surrounding area - the largest hotels are located near shopping centers and restaurants. These areas are also convenient because Rattanakosin is nearby, a real tourist mecca with a lot of attractions.

When choosing a hotel room, it is better not to skimp on comfort. The fact is that such amenities as air conditioning and the availability of cold and hot water are simply necessary in hot climates.

Of the five-star hotels in the capital, President Solitaire, Landmark, Royal Orchid Sheraton and InterContinental received the best reviews from guests. They are located in the city center, additional services include swimming pools, massage and spa salons, gyms, and there are also shops and restaurants on site.

Hotel Ariyasom Villa 4* – great option for those who decide to plunge into the atmosphere of Thailand without giving up their usual comfort. The hotel rooms are decorated in a traditional style, using natural materials - wood and silk. The restaurant offers a vegetarian menu as well as fish dishes.

Phuket

On the island of Phuket, travelers will find a wide variety of offers for long and short-term stays. It is best to stay in hotels for a few days. Thus, tourists who have vacationed on the island more than once recommend JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa 5* and Centara Grand Beach Resort 5*. Among the inexpensive options, the hotels Kamala Beach Resort 3*, Thanthip Beach Resort 3* and Bamboo House 3* stand out.

Pattaya

A large selection of housing in different price categories is available in Pattaya. Quite a few affordable hotels and guesthouses are located on Soi Buakhao and the surrounding area. Room prices vary depending on proximity coastline and season.

Royal Cliff Beach Terrace 5* – a hotel created for romantic getaway. It is simply surrounded by greenery, and the sound of the surf gives peace and serenity.

Travelers choosing a beach holiday may prefer the Pinnacle Jomtien Resort & Spa 3* hotel. The water in this part of the coastal zone is much cleaner, and if there is a storm at sea, visitors can swim in one of four pools located on the territory. However, this hotel is not suitable for those who plan to frequently travel to the city - the journey to the parking lot with a taxi or tuk-tuk will take about 15 minutes. Sabai Lodge 3* also earned good reviews from tourists.

Samui

Finding accommodation on Koh Samui depends on the preferences of travelers. For example, young people who love fun parties and nightlife are better off staying in the Chaweng area. Hotels Bhundhari 4*, Poppis 4*, located on the coast, offer quality service at a competitive price. The five-star Nora Buri Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel. There are both regular rooms and private villas.

Along Lamai Beach, which is just beginning to gain popularity, you can find both fashionable large hotels and more colorful economical options. For example, when choosing Rummana Boutique Resort, guests rent not a room, but a bungalow. On site you can rent a bicycle or car, as well as book a diving tour.

Transport

Travelers who have purchased a tour to Thailand from an agency can count on a transfer to the hotel. If vacationers planned their trip on their own, they have a choice of how to travel to the city. You can get from the airport to the center of Bangkok either by taxi or by train. The first option is the fastest, but also the most expensive. The approximate price will be from 300 to 400 baht (THB) (including clerk's surcharge).

The most economical form of transport is City Line trains. The cost of the trip is from 15 to 45 THB depending on the distance, but the tourist will have to put up with a large number of intermediate stops, and the journey will take half an hour. There are also direct Express Line buses from the airport, which will take you to the city center without stops in 15 minutes (fare 150 THB). Landing on public transport is carried out on the lower floor of the airport, so you don’t have to leave the building. Tickets are sold in vending machines near the platform and ticket offices, and for this you will need local money, which can be bought at exchange offices on the upper floors.

Stops in the city center are Makkasan (MRT Petchaburi Station) and Phaya Thai (BTS Skytrain Phayathai Station). It’s convenient to plan your next route from them.

Those who fly to Bangkok for the first time will be pleasantly surprised by how well all the directions are marked - knowing English even at the most basic level, it is very difficult to get lost here. If you have an international driver's license, you can rent a car. There are windows of companies providing similar services in the airport building.

Visa information

Russians do not require a visa to visit the Kingdom of Thailand for up to 30 days. All you need to enter the country is a foreign passport (for minors - a birth certificate) and a completed migration form. If children are not traveling with their parents or guardians, you will also need a notarized power of attorney.

Good news for those whose travel is not limited only to Thailand: the authorities have lifted the ban on the so-called visa wounds. That is, tourists whose stay in the country may exceed 30 days have the opportunity to avoid additional fees. All they have to do is cross the border with Cambodia and return back - they will no longer need a visa.

Safety

Tourist police urge foreign citizens to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their property. Pickpocketing is common in public places, and particularly absent-minded travelers risk losing even their suitcases.

Despite the hot tropical climate, the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Thailand is under control. Of course, this does not mean that you can forget about basic security measures. So, drink raw water, eat street food– this is quite a big risk, as in any other country.

When going for a night walk, especially in nature, it is worth taking repellent with you: there are mosquitoes that carry malaria and dengue fever, for which there are no vaccines.

You should also be careful when interacting with wildlife. Monkeys, jellyfish, sea urchins - these are the animals that most often do not reciprocate people’s attempts to take pictures with them and can cause minor but very painful wounds.

Another way to get into trouble is to commit a crime, even without malicious intent. It is important to remember that in Thailand it is prohibited to smoke in public places (fine 2000 TNV). In addition, it is important to choose expressions when speaking on the topic of religion and power: insulting the king and Buddha is punishable by law. This also applies to the desecration of their images and statues.

Useful addresses and telephone numbers

If a vacationer finds himself in an unpleasant situation, for example, he was robbed or there is a threat to his life and health, you can always count on help. Most offenses are dealt with by the police - tourist (telephone 1155) and local (123 and 1644 - English-speaking). The emergency telephone number is 191, the fire service is 199. On the islands and in the provinces, the tourist police telephone numbers are different: o. Phuket – 07 633-50-15, o. Samui - 07 742-12-81, Chiang Mai - 05 324-89-74, Surat Thani - 07 642-53-61.

If a citizen loses his or her passport Russian Federation must contact the Embassy, ​​where he will be given a free certificate to return to his homeland. To do this, you need to provide a police report on the loss of your passport, an identity card and two photographs. The document is issued absolutely free of charge.

The Russian Embassy in Thailand is located at 78 Sap Road, Surawong, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, the entrance to the consular section is from Soi Santiphap, emergency phone number - (+66 90) 403-36-45, email - [email protected].

Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Pattaya (Chonburi and Rayong provinces) - 353, Pra Tamnuk, Pattaya, Chonburi 20150, Royal Cliff Beach Resort hotel, Royal Cliff Grand building, 1st floor. Tel: (+66 38) 25-04-21 (ext. 2888).

Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Phuket (Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga provinces) 75/149, Patak Road, Chalong, Phuket, 83120. Telephone/Fax: (+66 76) 38-44-69.

How to get to Thailand

The capital receives the majority of international flights. The presence of a direct connection between Moscow and Bangkok greatly simplifies the journey. Aeroflot ships operate daily from Sheremetyevo to Suvarnabhumi, departures are at 19:40 and 21:35, the approximate flight time is 8 hours 50 minutes. In addition, the company makes direct flights several times a week Thai Airways. If you buy a ticket shortly before departure, the price will be just over 43,000 rubles (as of November 2, 2015), however, if you book in advance, you can find more profitable options. Also significantly cheaper are flights with transfers from S7 and Qatar Airways.

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

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

Language and communication

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

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

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

Features of mentality

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

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

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

Shopping. What to bring from Thailand?

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

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

Local kitchen. What to try?

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

Top 5 Thai dishes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holidays and Events

On the November full moon, Thais celebrate Loi Krathong in a very beautiful way. They lower compositions specially made for this into the sea - boats made of banana leaves and flowers. Nowadays they also launch burning balls or Chinese lanterns into the sky. The exact origin and original meaning of the holiday is unknown. It is probably associated with the worship of the spirit of Water, since it falls at the end of the rainy season. Now it's 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 is especially active on April 13-15. It looks like this: the entire population is actively pouring water on each other. Stores even sell special guns for these purposes. One evening in Pattaya, a fire truck arrived at the main square and began spraying people with water from large hoses. If you don’t want to get wet to the skin these days, it’s better not to leave the house. Joke. Now let's get serious. You can show the Thais with signs or tell them that you don’t want to be doused. However, not everyone responds to such requests.

Safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

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