Major cities in Thailand. Major cities in Thailand - what places are worth visiting? Central region of Thailand

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

The most populated cities in Thailand - Nonthaburi

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

The most populated cities in Thailand are Pakkret in Nonthaburi province

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

The most populated cities in Thailand are Hatyai, Songkhla

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

5. The fifth largest population in the cities of Thailand is - Chiang Mai(Chiang Mai). He is northern capital Thailand. Located 700 km from Bangkok. Number of inhabitants is 149 261 . Chiang Mai, unlike Bangkok, is not very popular among our tourists, since it does not have beaches, but there are many others interesting places, where it is worth visiting. These are the Buddhist temple Doi Suthep and the Wat Chiang Man temple (it houses a mini figure of the crystal Buddha). Take a walk along the main street of the city - Ratchadamnoen (on Sundays, at 16:00, the Sunday market opens here, you can buy wonderful souvenirs for friends), take a ride in a Chiang Mai Tuk-Tuk taxi. Mostly Europeans, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, and Australians come to Chiang Mai.

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

The 7th most populated city is Khon Kaen. Khon Kaen - very beautiful city, located 380 km from the capital. Lives there 120857 Human. Available international Airport and good transport links. City attractions: Wat Ahong and Wat Nong Wang Temple (has 9 floors), go to the Khong Kut Wai Fish Sanctuary lake, in the Hong Mun Mang Khon Kaen City Museum you can get acquainted with the Khon Kaen culture, get a dose of adrenaline in the Tham bat cave Khang Khao.

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

The most populated cities in Thailand are Lampang

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

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

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

Hello, dear readers – seekers of knowledge and truth!

Thailand is beautiful eastern country, which has been attracting travelers from all over the world for decades. There is everything for an unforgettable and active rest- hot climate, warm sea, developed infrastructure, unique cuisine, historical monuments and, of course, numerous Buddhist temples, which are called “cotton wool” here.

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

Classification of cities

Administrative settlements in Thailand, as elsewhere, are divided into cities and countryside. In turn, there are three types of cities:

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

At the same time, classification occurs not only by population, but also by its density and budget level. There are also cities with an independent type of government - these are the capital Bangkok and the well-known resort Pattaya. However, based on the number of residents, they are also classified as large cities.

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

Bangkok – 9,000;
Nonthaburi – 270;
Korat – 175;
Chiang Mai - 175;
Hat Yai – 158;
Udon Thani – 156;
Pak Kret – 153;
Chao Phraya Surasak – 133;
Khon Kaen – 130;
Pattaya – 108.

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

Metropolitan

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

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

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

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

The city consists of fifty districts - khets, and each, in turn, is divided into several more parts - quangs, of which there are three times more. The most interesting in terms of attractions is the center, namely - man-made island Rattanokosin, because this is where the King's Palace, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and National Museum.

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

In appearance, it is a small figurine of the Teacher, only a little more than 65 centimeters high. However, in reality it is of great historical value. Made entirely of jade, she changes her wardrobe three times a year, and this is a big holiday, which was always attended by the king and his family.

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

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

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

Resort

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

Main status resort area Thailand Pattaya received thanks to American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Their headquarters was located several kilometers south of this area, and they went to the coast to rest. Even after the end of the war, Americans returned to Thai soil again and again, followed by Europeans.

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

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

Mini Siam Park in Pattaya

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

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

Temple of Truth

Another wonderful place for Buddhist pilgrimage is the temple Big Buddha, which looks over the entire city and the Gulf of Thailand from a hill near Mount Pratamnak. To go up, you need to overcome 120 steps, and then you will see a large statue of Buddha, and nearby there are statues of more modest sizes.

Big Buddha Temple in Pattaya

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

Ostrovny

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

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

Phuket Town

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

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

Vegetarian festival in Thailand

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

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

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

Wat Chalong Temple

Northern

And the most spiritual developed city We left it for last – this is the city of Chiang Mai. People come here not in search of impeccable beaches, noisy entertainment for adults and other entertainment - they come to see the amazing local temples.

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

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

The jade is imported from neighboring Myanmar.

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

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

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

Seng Fang Temple

Conclusion

There are several dozen cities in Thailand, large and very small, and each of them has its own, unique spirit. Modern, overpopulated and always in a hurry Bangkok, touristy Pattaya that never stops talking even at night, the Chinese-colonial port Phuket Town, the temple-like and therefore somewhat magical Chiang Mai - everyone can choose a city to their liking in the Land of Smiles.

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

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Photo: 500px.com by Justin Nowell

Thailand is recognized as one of the best beach resorts according to National Geographic. But the beaches are not the only beautiful side of the Kingdom. The refined architecture of temples, the romance of the old streets of Nong Khai and the morning flair of Chiang Mai - all this is in our selection of the 10 most charming cities in the Kingdom

Ayutthaya

Ancient city, which at one time was located at the intersection of trade routes from China, India and the Malay Archipelago, is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. Like all former great city-states, now well-kept ruins, it attracts people with imagination. Yes, you will need to imagine what Ayutthaya was like in 1350, although the city is very well preserved! By the way, you can visit it as part of a one-day trip from Bangkok.

Ayutthaya city, Thailand. Photo: 500px.com by Alexander Kozlov

Chiang Rai

Located in the north of the country, which distances it from the crowds sea tourists. Here is the finest work White Temple, whose vaults are decorated with stucco in the form of bones and skulls, and the interior is futuristic. In Chiang Rai, you can stay longer than a day to try rock climbing, bike the streets and buy unusual souvenirs at local fairs.

Wat Rong Khun Chiang Rai. Photo: 500px.com by Noppera Bosri

Chiang Mai

Another representative of the North, where you can relax slowly. The second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok, Chiang Mai often serves as a transit point for excursions to the villages of mountain tribes (you probably remember the Karen, who consider a long neck to be the ideal of female beauty) or a trip to the jungle. But you can explore the city itself for weeks! The most vivid memories are left by the surrounding area.

Photo: jjttravel.com

Krabi

"Classic beauty of Thailand" - best description for this place. You can easily get to Krabi, in just 15 minutes, from Phuket, since the island is located very close to the province of the same name. Temples and authentic markets await you in the city, and in the surrounding area there are crystal clear waters, white sands, waterfalls, wild beaches, sheer cliffs. Plus, it has the most stunning sea sunsets in the country!

Kanchanaburi

The city is located in the west of Thailand. Kanchanaburi is a historical place: during the Second World War there was a famous prisoner of war camp, a base for the construction railway Thailand - Burma, known as the "road of death". The most popular attraction is the Bridge over the River Kwai, about which Hollywood director David Lean made a film that won seven Oscars.

Waterfall in Kanchanaburi. Photo: 500px.com by Prasit Rodphan

Sukhothai

The former capital of Thailand is open to everyone who loves “time travel”. In Sukhothai, you can rent a bicycle and ride around the ancient city early in the morning. They say nothing beats the sight of a Buddha statue against the backdrop of the rising sun!

Sukhothai historical park. Photo: 500px.com by Anek S

The small town in the north of the Kingdom is easily accessible from Chiang Mai, especially since the scenery along the way is beautiful. Pai is surrounded by hot springs, jungles, waterfalls. It can be compared to one of the Alpine towns, only much warmer and with streets filled with Asian exoticism.

Yellow house in Pai. Photo: 500px.com by Josan Jo

Samed

The island is known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Despite the preservation of nature, Samed has a vibrant nightlife and is ready to offer you a meal in one of dozens of restaurants. Its small settlement can hardly be called a city, but if you are looking for an exotic place to live with the benefits of civilization near Bangkok, Samed - the best option!

Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park. Photo: 500px.com by Taweesak Boonwirut

Nong Khai

The distinctive city on the banks of the Mekong allows you to see the sacred essence of Thailand. There is the historical park of Phu Phra Bat, and in the surrounding area there are several temples. Relatively recently, a road-railway bridge connecting Thailand with Laos was built here.

Thai-Lao Friendship bridge. Photo: 500px.com by Karel Fransen

Phetchaburi

The ancient city, located southwest of Bangkok, is a treasure trove for history and architecture lovers. The former royal palace and temples are maintained in full tourist readiness. One of the most visited places is the Khao Luang cave with a sanctuary inside.

Natural Spotlight. Photo: 500px.com by Puniest Rojanapo

Which Thai city do you think is the most beautiful? Share your opinions in the comments!

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

Top 5 cities in Thailand with a large area

Bangkok: 1,568 sq. km.
Nonthaburi: 77 sq. km.
Pattaya: 138 sq. km.
Surat Thani: 68 sq. km.
Lampang: 12 sq. km.

Bangkok is the largest Thai metropolis

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

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

Lumpini Park;
Suan Luang Rama;
Chatuchak, including Queen Sirikit Park, Wachirabenchathat Park.

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

It has been the residence of the King of Thailand since the 18th century. The territory of the complex covers 218,400 sq. m. The architecture of the palace and its external decoration amaze with its splendor. Now the royal family uses the complex for various ceremonies and receptions. It is also open to tourists. Other interesting temples nearby: Wat Pho (reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (dawn), Wat Ratchanadda. Among the modern cultural institutions it will be interesting to visit:

Bank of Thailand Museum;
planetarium;
art center Bangkok.

An interesting feature of the city is the presence of a large number of canals. Because of this, it is often called the Venice of the East. Boats are a common form of transport, as are water buses. There are routes with speed boats.

Pattaya - a popular resort

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

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

cactus garden;
Butterfly Hill;
aquatic plant garden;
blue garden;
Stonehenge;
car park with collectible cars.

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

Nonthaburi - a city on the water

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

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

Tourist cities in Thailand are located conditionally in three regions of the country: in the southern part, central and northern. For your convenience, we have marked all the islands and tourist cities Thailand on one map (see Google map at the bottom of the page).

A little information. The largest cities in Thailand - a list of the 10 largest by population (according to Wikipedia):

- about 9 million people.
Nonthaburi City (Nonthaburi) - 270,609
- 174,332
- 174,235
Hat Yai - 157,467
- 155,339
Pak Kret - 152,881
Chaophraya Surasak - 132,172
Khon Kaen - 129,581
- 107,289

Cities of Thailand in the central part of the country

The cities of Thailand, located in the central part of the country, are very popular due to their accessibility. This is where the main international Suvarnabhumi airport, where they are carried out in many countries of the world. From it you can easily access the resorts and islands located in the north and northwest of the Gulf of Thailand.

Bangkok

Capital and main city Thailand, where you can see modern skyscrapers with shopping centers and ancient temples that are several hundred years old. The main attractions of the country are concentrated here: Royal Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. There are all kinds of entertainment - water parks, zoos, nightclubs, discos, bars with available girls, all kinds of exotic shows for adults. For a tourist there is no particular point in living here (since it is full of cars, motorcycles and people), but it is definitely worth coming for a few days on an excursion. Bangkok is located half an hour from Suvanabhumi Airport and is a starting point for traveling to other resorts.

Pattaya city

The most famous and popular city in Thailand. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, 1.5 hours drive from Suvarnabhumi. Its distinctive features are low cost, well-developed infrastructure, great amount people on the beach and a large selection of night entertainment (clubs, discos, bars). If you are a single man and want a “strawberry”, then this place is definitely for you. Prices for girls are the lowest in the country (from 400-500 baht per hour), and the choice is very large. But as for the sea, in Pattaya it is the dirtiest in Thailand. Therefore, if the main thing for you is swimming, then choose another resort or go every day to the island of Koh Larn, where the sea is very clean (45 minutes and 30 baht by ferry from Pattaya or 15 minutes by speedboat).

Koh Larn Island

A small paradise island located in the Gulf of Thailand, near Pattaya. You can come here for one day or stay for the entire vacation. For the second option, all the necessary infrastructure is available - hotels, restaurants, bars, motorcycle rental, etc.

The sea here is very clean. There are about a dozen beaches on the island, some crowded and some uncrowded. Prices for hotels and food are higher than in Pattaya. There are practically no attractions, except perhaps Buddha statues and several observation platforms.

Rayong City

This is a city in Thailand and the capital of the same name. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, 60 km southeast of Pattaya. The sea is cleaner than in Pattaya, and there are much fewer people. Seaside holidays here are not limited only to the capital - the province offers about 100 km sandy beaches- choose any. And from here you can get to the island of Samet.

Samet Island

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, south of Rayong. It is part of the National Nature Reserve, so entrance for foreigners is 200 baht. Unlike other islands of Thailand, they try to keep nature as untouched as possible; there is not even an asphalt road on Samet (there is asphalt only from the pier to the entrance to national reserve- about 500-600 meters). Despite its small size, the island has about 20 beaches, although they are all small, some 100-150 meters long. The majority of tourists prefer to settle near the entrance to the reserve. The further you get from it, the fewer people there are, and the beaches become less and less crowded. There are no special entertainment or attractions. The main thing people come here for is to relax in the lap of nature and forget about civilization with its fast rhythm. None shopping centers and there are no large stores.

Koh Chang Island

This is the easternmost of the popular resorts in Thailand. Located in Trat province, 300 km southeast of Bangkok, near the border with Cambodia. It is second in size, after Phuket. Only the western and South part. Almost all hotels and guesthouses are located on the coast and are detached houses and bungalows.

The island of Koh Chang is part of the national marine park Therefore, the environment is strictly monitored - the sea here is clean, but there are no water activities (motorcycles, skis). For strawberry lovers, there are several dozen bars with girls. There are no nightclubs or discos, nor shopping centers.

Ayutthaya city

Located 70 km north of Bangkok. It has no access to the sea. This city in Thailand is ancient capital the country that was it before Bangkok. A huge number of old temples, which are more than 300-400 years old, have been preserved. In all other respects, this is an ordinary provincial town, where there is no particular point in staying for long. It is better to come here on an excursion for 1-3 days.

Hua Hin - a resort in Thailand, beloved by kings

Located 200 km southwest of Bangkok, on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This city in Thailand is the very first resort in the country, where foreigners came 100 years ago. At that time, these were the rich and aristocracy of European powers. Loved to relax here and... Currently, the place is not as popular as Pattaya, Phuket or Samui and the city has long lost its status as the main resort of Thailand. Despite this, it is definitely worth a visit, since Hua Hin is somewhat different from other cities in its architecture and aura (many old palaces and attractions). And since it is located on the seashore, you can stay here for the entire vacation. By Thai standards this is quite expensive place, especially in terms of housing (cheaper than 500 baht per day you are unlikely to find accommodation for the night).

Cha-am city

A small city in Thailand, located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, 170 km southwest of Bangkok and 30 km north of Hua Hin. It is calmer and less crowded here than in Hua Hin, and the sea is cleaner. Hotels and guesthouses are also inexpensive. Therefore for thrifty tourists and beach lovers, this resort will be better than the previous one.

Islands and resorts of Thailand located in the south of the country

Southern Thailand is the most popular destination among travelers looking for great... beach holiday. These are many islands, a gorgeous clear sea, magnificent white sand beaches. You should understand that this is a beach holiday, you won’t see any special national attractions here - all these places are famous for is nature. However, observation decks, trips to uninhabited islands for relaxation and diving will leave the best memories of Thailand.

Phuket - island, city and resort

Located 800 km south of Bangkok, on the coast Andaman Sea. Phuket has long ceased to be an island, since it is connected to the mainland by a 400-meter bridge. Thus, you can get here by land. It is the most popular in the south of Thailand and the largest in the country. It is 50 km long and 20 km wide. There is an airport that accepts direct flights from Russia. There are more than a dozen beaches in Phuket, which are noticeably different from each other. Some are very crowded, have a well-developed infrastructure (comparable to large cities), many shopping centers and large stores, discos and bars with available girls. On other beaches there are only a few bungalow-type hotels, one restaurant and that’s it. After sunset, life there comes to a standstill and there is no one on the coast.

Contrary to popular belief, prices in Phuket are not particularly high, except for taxis. But it’s quite possible to find inexpensive housing, especially far from the sea. Another feature of the island is that on most beaches there is a road near the coast. Therefore, there are few hotels on the first line, and most of them are multi-storey buildings, and not separate standing houses and bungalows.

Koh Samui

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, 750 km from Bangkok. It is the third largest after Phuket and Koh Chang. The resort infrastructure is developed only on the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai, Bo Phut, Maenam and in the capital - Nathon. There are many hotels, restaurants and bars there. Chaweng has a fairly large selection of girls for single boys. There are large hypermarkets - Tesco Lotus and Big S. On the remaining beaches, the infrastructure is limited to a few hotels on the coast and a couple of restaurants, nightlife there isn't.

Koh Phangan Island

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, north of Koh Samui. The hallmark of Koh Phangan is the Full Moon Parties, which take place once a month. They are discos open air, which attracts tens of thousands of partygoers from all over the world. At this time, all hotels are full and there is no room. In fact, there are various parties held there almost every day, such as Black Moon or Middle Moon Parties and smaller ones. Almost all of them take place in the south and southwest of Koh Phangan, and the rest of the area is quite quiet and calm.

Koh Tao Island

Small. Located north of Koh Phangan. A quiet place, perfect for relaxation, diving and snorkeling. There are few tourists, especially in the low season. Prices are slightly higher than on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.

Krabi

This is both a city in Thailand and the name of a province. But in no case is it an island, as is written on some unscrupulous sites. Located 800 km from Bangkok, on the coast of the Andaman Sea. The province and all its resorts are distinguished by amazing and bizarre landscapes - sheer rectangular cliffs overgrown with greenery. In fact, tourists rarely stop in the city of Krabi, because... there is no swimming sea there. For him they go to the beaches of Ao Nang, Railay and others, which are located southwest of the capital. The beaches of the province are very clean. People mostly come here for relaxation, although there are quite a lot of shops, restaurants and bars with girls on Ao Nang. There are large hypermarkets in Krabi town.

Lanta Island

It is located in the Andaman Sea and belongs to the Krabi province. One of many large islands Thailand, where civilization has only partially penetrated. There are no buildings higher than 4 floors (mostly one-story buildings), there are no shopping centers or large stores, and there are almost no attractions. The beaches are sparsely populated and are suitable for lovers of silence. More or less active life occurs in the north of the island, near the pier and Klong Dao beach. And even there in the evenings, apart from restaurants and a little shopping in tents with clothes and souvenirs, there is not much to do. The further you go south, the fewer people there are; after sunset there is almost no one on the coast.

Phi Phi Islands

Consists of 5 islands located in the Andaman Sea, 40 km southeast of Phuket. IN in terms of tourism Only two islands are of interest - Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley. On the first floor there is all the infrastructure with hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, banks, etc. And the second is practically uninhabited, but is famous for the fact that the film “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role was filmed here.

On Phi Phi Don, the main thing is not to go wrong with the beach. If you stay in the village of Tonsai (where all ferries arrive), then from 19-20 hours you will find open-air discos. The scale, of course, is much smaller than on Phangan, but the music can be heard all night, so if you want peace and tranquility, then settle on other beaches.

Ko Lipe

It is the southernmost tourist resort in Thailand and is still little known among Russian tourists. Located in the Andaman Sea, near Malaysia. Ko Lipe is small and you can easily get around it on foot. It has several beaches with clear water. There are no special entertainment or attractions.

Cities and resorts of Thailand located in the north of the country

The cities of Thailand located on are quite different from the rest. Firstly, there is no sea here, which means a beach holiday is impossible (although if you wish, you can swim in a river, for example, on the beach in Chiang Rai). Secondly, in the north there is a more comfortable climate, a little similar to Russia (in summer): although it is +30 during the day, after sunset the temperature drops sharply and at night drops to +15...+20 (and on some days even up to +10... +12). Third, local nature and the landscapes are markedly different from the rest of the country and are considered by many to be the most beautiful in Thailand.

Chiang Mai city

This is the most important city in Thailand, located in the north. Is cultural capital a country where a lot of old attractions are concentrated, which are 500-700 years old. Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom for many centuries, which later became part of Thailand. Some of the city's old temples are noticeably different in their architecture from those you are used to seeing on popular resorts or in Bangkok. The infrastructure is well developed - many hotels of different price ranges, shopping centers and hypermarkets, markets, etc.

Pai - a resort in Thailand for hippies

Another interesting city Thailand, located in the north. More accurately, it is a village or an urban-type settlement, since it has only a few streets. It itself is not of particular interest, but its surroundings are something: kilometer-long meadows and green hills create a landscape of amazing beauty and harmony. This is simply a paradise for lovers of nature and silence. In the Pai Valley there are very vast areas without buildings or settlements, there are several waterfalls and a canyon. This place is also called last refuge hippies in Thailand. And indeed, there are quite a lot of these peace-loving “flower children” here. There are also a lot of Rastafarians. It's no secret that both of them love weed and you might think that this is a hangout for drug addicts. In fact, there are many more ordinary tourists in Pai, and smokers gather in their groups at home. Definitely no one will offer you weed on the street.

The village is very calm, there are no discos, nightclubs or bars with girls. In the surrounding area, housing is presented in the form of bungalows and cottages. Prices for everything are very low - guests from 150 baht per night, motorbike rental - 80 baht for a semi-automatic and 100 baht for an "automatic", massage - 150 baht per hour, meat on skewers - 5 baht, a kilo of bananas - 10 baht.

Golden Triangle

This is not a city or a resort, but just a small place on the map where borders of three countries - Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos. Located an hour and a half drive from Chiang Rai. In the past it was Main way drugs in Southeast Asia and is now a tourist attraction. In fact, it’s not worth coming here to see the opium museum (which is the only thing that reminds you of past times). But nature lovers should come, as the views from here are very beautiful views to the river and its surroundings.

Mae Hong Son City

This city in Thailand is almost unknown Russian tourists. Nevertheless, there are quite a lot of foreigners here. It is located northwest of Chiang Mai and is the capital of the province of the same name. Despite the status of the capital, it is a small town and almost all buildings are 1-2 floors.

The city is interesting because there are many beautiful nature and there live various tribes, such as long-necked women. It is quite suitable for long-term living - there are hotels, restaurants, excursion bureaus. Quiet place.

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