Popular cities in Thailand. The best resorts in Thailand. Ayutthaya on the map

Photo: 500px.com by Justin Nowell

Thailand is recognized as one of the best beach resorts by 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

The ancient city, which at one time was located at the crossroads 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" is the 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 locality 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 is 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. 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!

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

Why go

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

Thailand is very diverse: there are quiet deserted corners, noisy party resorts and cozy small beaches. Among the resorts in Thailand, you can easily find one that is suitable for a family with small children, one that will appeal to a group of young people, and a secluded area where monkeys are more common than people.

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

Tours to Thailand

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow are given.

Currency

Currency of Thailand - Thai baht. There are 100 satangs in one baht. One baht is equal to approximately 2 rubles.

Weather

Thailand is the territory of eternal summer. When talking about weather, there is a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season lasts from November to March and is characterized by mostly clear weather. This time counts tourist season. The temperature stays around +30 °C, the water warms up to +27 °C. It rarely rains, the sea is clear, and there are no strong waves.

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

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

Hotels

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

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

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

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

Suitable for families, party-goers and lovers of secluded areas. Many clean beaches with clear sea.

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

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

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

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

The island's calling card is clean beaches and untouched jungles, and at the same time developed infrastructure. Suitable for all categories of tourists.

An ancient Thai resort town for wealthy travelers.

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

How to get there

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

Round-trip flights to Thailand

Prices for tickets per person departing from Berlin are shown.

Boat excursions to nearby islands are popular at all resorts - both one day and overnight. The program usually includes meals, snorkeling, and diving.

Entertainment

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

You can go shopping. Large resorts ( , ) have large shopping centers with European and Asian clothing brands. You can inexpensively update your summer wardrobe and buy souvenirs in the sales tents that can be found on every corner. You can and should bargain with sellers.

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

Good to know

slightly different from Russian ones in appearance (sometimes they have three holes). However, Russian plugs and Thai sockets go well together. No adapter needed.
Shopping lovers will be able to return up to 7% of the cost of purchases by applying for a VAT refund on the way back. To get a refund, buy in stores with the “VAT Refund for tourists” sign and ask for the necessary documents (you will need a passport). The purchase amount must be at least 2 thousand baht (in one store).
Night markets in Thailand operate from approximately 16:00 to 23:00. Read about the legendary.
Since February 1, 2018, smoking has been prohibited in Thailand on 24 beaches, including Patong (Phuket), Bophut (Samui), four Pattaya beaches, Hua Hin and Cha-Am beaches and others. Pay attention to warning signs near the beach. Smoking will be allowed in specially designated areas. The maximum penalty for violating the ban will be a year in prison and/or a fine of up to 100 thousand baht (almost $3 thousand)
Vapes are completely banned in the kingdom: they cannot be imported, purchased or used. You should not take electronic cigarettes with you, so as not to get acquainted with a Thai prison.
Do not leave valuables unattended, especially on the beach. Keep an eye out for signs posted by beach workers.

Currency- baht 1 baht is equal to approximately 2 rubles.

You can take both dollars and euros with you. Exchangers work in hotels and on the street.

When to go- from October to April.

The best time for vacation is from November to March.

Language- Thai.

IN tourist places speak English well.

The most popular resorts - Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Chang Island.

On excursions they go to Thai temples, waterfalls, and animal parks.

No visa required for a trip of less than 30 days.

Time ahead of Moscow by 4 hours.

All cities and resorts in Thailand for travel. List of the most famous regions, areas, cities and resorts of Thailand: population, codes, distances, best descriptions and reviews from tourists.

Last minute tours to Thailand
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Cities of Thailand

The cities of Thailand are a unique opportunity to see with your own eyes a country where the basis of all foundations is religion and monarchy. There are practically no such states left in modern society. Most of them are a thing of the distant past. Thailand is a rare chance to experience what it means to be a Buddhist and believe in your king. Today, it is the only country in Southeast Asia that was not officially a colony of anyone, and perhaps the reasons for this success lie partly in two fundamental pillars of Thai society.

Thailand is located on two peninsulas, Indochina and Malacca, and is washed by Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea. Geographically, the country is divided into five regions, each of which has its own distinct “face” and boasts popular cities and attractions among tourists.

central region

Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, part-time major port, which became such relatively recently, in 1782. “City of Angels” is the Thai name for one of the noisiest and most popular cities among foreigners. The most interesting things can be found on Rattanakosin Island, where the old part of Bangkok is located. The Grand Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are the most important attractions of the island, and the whole country as a whole. Other important places to visit are the National Museum, with a rich collection of Thai art, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of the Dawn. Those who want to get acquainted with the history and culture of the capital in more detail will easily find something to do. There are far more than a couple of hundred monasteries in Bangkok. The bustle of the metropolis, bright colors, original Thai cuisine and Asian flavor are guaranteed.

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Guide to Bangkok

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is one of the ancient capitals of Thailand. The history of the city dates back to the 14th century. Once upon a time there lived kings, who were replaced by at least thirty over a fairly long period of time. Old part The city, on which the most interesting places to see are located, is protected by UNESCO. Among the architectural monuments of greatest interest is Grand Palace(Wang Luang), the former royal chapel of Wat Sri Sanphet, Wat Rachaburana and Wat Na Phra Meru monasteries.

East Coast

Pattaya

Pattaya is perhaps the most famous resort city in Thailand located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Here you can find entertainment for every taste and age. Unfortunately, the coastal zone cannot boast of cleanliness, and the presence of a widely developed sex industry will easily scare away supporters of a calm family vacation. However, Pattaya is invariably in demand among Russians, and the nearby crocodile farm, elephant village, coral reefs and tiger zoo will delight lovers of diving and rare animal species.

Rayong

Rayong is the complete opposite of Pattaya. This is a quiet picturesque resort town that can please a vacationer clear sea, beautiful beaches and cozy bays. Mineral springs, fishermen's village, fresh seafood, coral reefs and sightseeing tours available.

South Region

Krabi city

The city of Krabi is located exactly opposite the island of Phuket, another tourist “mecca” of Russians, on the mainland of the country. Krabi stands on a river and is located near the coast. However, it is hardly worth considering it as a resort. Holidays in the former fishing village are rather recommended for those who want to feel the local flavor and get an insight into the life of the Thais.

Northern region

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi - small town near the Burmese border. It is very hot here and there are a lot of insects, so when preparing for your trip, it is better to think about the time of your visit in advance. October and November are the optimal months for Kanchanaburi. Main attractions - National parks, among which it is worth highlighting Erawan Park with a multi-tiered waterfall. Also of interest are the military museum and the bridge over the River Kwai, infamous during the Second World War.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a unique city from a historical point of view. 12 km from the modern settlement there is another ancient capital Thailand with many temples. The city was founded in 1238 by the Khmers and existed for more than a hundred years. Now the territory of this historical park is protected by UNESCO and is one of the most interesting and important attractions of Thailand, along with Ayutthaya. When visiting, pay attention to Wat Mahathat, Wat San Da Pha Daeng and Wat Si Chum.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was founded in the 13th century. This is a city of monasteries, there are more than a hundred of them, mountain landscapes, 90 km from Chiang Mai is the most high peak Thailand, and medieval temples. In addition to architectural monuments, in the city you can find the National Museum with a collection of Buddhas from different eras and nearby national parks that are worth visiting on a tour. When visiting the monasteries, you should pay attention to Chedi Liang, Pan Pao and Phra Singh.

Also among the pearls of the Northern region are the cities of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Saen and Chiang Rai, delighting history buffs with architectural monuments and wonderful museums.

Northeast region

Udon Thani

Udon Thani is located on one of the tributaries of the Mekong, 50 km from the border with Laos. Before becoming the capital of the Thai province of the same name in the 19th century, the city belonged to the Burmese, Khmer and Laotians. The area around Udon Thani has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the oldest settlement in the country, Ban Chiang. Buddhist temples and the zoo are local attractions.

Pattaya

Rayong

Rayong is located in the eastern part of the country. Here you can bask on the beach and admire the beauty of the sea, or you can visit the sights, of which there are at least three dozen in this city. Here are some of them:
City temple. This is a small temple in the historical part of the city, which was first built from wood. Later, when the structure was restored, it was decided to rebuild the concrete walls, but preserve the original architecture. The temple was built by the Chinese and is dedicated to the deity who is the patron saint of the city of Rayong. The temple area is not very large, but the historical architecture is impressive.
Rayong Caves are located near the city. There are 86 of them in total, and almost every cave has a unique waterfall or karst lake. The caves themselves are of limestone origin, and on their walls you can find carved panels with images of animals, birds and plants, made by the ancestors of the Thais.
Arboretum Sofa. This is an incredibly beautiful garden that is over a hundred years old. The entire garden is planted in traditional Thai style and has a rich variety of plants and trees. Flowers also grow here, many of which are considered rare or endangered species. The garden area is large, you can even spend the whole day here, just walking and enjoying Thai nature.

A separate and most popular part of the arboretum is the rose garden. This garden is famous for the fact that there are more than 70 different varieties of roses, many of which were brought from different parts of the world. That is why the garden is unique - nowhere in the world are there similar open-air plantings.

Suphattraland orchard. This garden is located in the suburbs of Rayong and is one of the largest botanical gardens in the country. It is unique not only for the fruits growing in it, but also because they can be picked and eaten throughout the entire tour of the gardens (however, it is strictly forbidden to take them out). By the way, a tour of the garden can be done not only on foot, but also by tram, which runs very slowly and makes stops at various plantations. At the end of the tour, you can relax and eat traditional Thai dishes in the cafe, many of which are prepared with fruits grown in Suphattraland.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is an ancient city that was founded at the end of the 14th century. It was once the capital, and everything in the city is different time 36 kings ruled. Ayutthaya is rich in historical monuments, primarily architectural. But not only them. What attractions are worth visiting here:

WatPhraSiSanphet Temple. This is a temple that can be called the largest in the city of Ayutthaya, or rather its ruins. The first thing that catches your eye when approaching the temple is the three chedis arranged in a row. Previously, they were destroyed during the war, but were restored not very long ago. But not only thanks to the chedi, this temple became a replacement; on its territory there are also many different historical buildings and ruins that have not yet been restored, which are also worth visiting.
WatPhraMahathat Temple. This temple can be called business card and the main attraction of the city of Ayutthaya. It became famous for the fact that on its territory there is a head of Buddha carved from stone. It is located just above ground level and is intertwined with the roots of a huge tree. Access to this statue is not limited, and there are always many tourists around it who want to take pictures with this monument.
WatBoromPhuttharam Temple. This temple was built in the 18th century, but now you can only admire its ruins, which, by the way, are very well preserved. Here you cannot enter any building and see everything from the inside, but you can enjoy the architecture of the complex from the outside. This temple is popular because entry to its territory is free for everyone, and the complex itself is quite extensive.
BungPhraRamPark. The park contains ancient ruins and several ponds. This perfect place to take a walk and relax in the fresh air. You can have a snack in the park, or you can just wander around the territory. This a good place for leisure, if you come to the city of Ayutthaya for long term, for example, for a week. Then you can unwind here and take a walk without a tour. If time is limited, it is better to visit more significant attractions.
PhetFortress. This fortress was built back in the 15th century, and then it served as a defensive structure. The fortress was the guard of the city of Ayutthaya and its main fortification. Now it is a historical monument, which is quite interesting to visit. Entrance to the territory is free, and besides, this place is also famous as the confluence of two Thai rivers - Pasak and Chaoprayai.

Phuket

Phuket is famous for its beauty. Both the city and its surroundings are beautiful. In addition, there are many interesting places and sights worth seeing:

PhraNangSang Temple. This is the most ancient temple of all those located in Phuket. This complex is more than 250 years old. It is located in the suburbs of Phuket, and getting there is not difficult.
The 3 largest Buddha statues are also located on Phuket territory. They are located not far from each other, and there are many legends about these statues. According to some of them, it can be argued that these statues are the oldest in Thailand.
Kathu Falls. This is a 130-meter waterfall with many bends and cascades. The area here is very beautiful, and the waterfall itself is located near the Phuket beaches. On the territory of the waterfall complex there is a small restaurant with different cuisines of the world, but mainly Thai.
Orchid garden. Orchid is one of the most common types of flowers that grow in Thailand. But the orchid garden in Phuket is famous for the fact that it is here that almost all the world’s known varieties of this flower are collected and planted. In addition, they grow not on plantations, but on flower beds, which looks incredibly beautiful. If garden visitors like any of the flower varieties, they have the opportunity to purchase it in the form of seedlings, but it is quite difficult to transport them because special documents are needed. In any case, the garden is worth a visit, because it is very beautiful here, and the cost of the excursion is relatively inexpensive.
Thalang National Museum. This is a huge museum with various historical models and exhibitions. An excursion to this museum will interest everyone who is interested in history. different cultures. The main exhibitions of the museum illustrate the culture, history and tradition of three Asian countries - Thailand, China and India. Also in the museum there are many different historical monuments, antique materials and various things found by historians and archaeologists of the country.

According to National Geographic, Thailand is one of the best beach resorts Mira (read more about), but the country-successor of the kingdom of Siam is attractive not only for them. We present to your attention list of the most beautiful ancient cities in Thailand, a tour of the streets of which will be the best memory of your trip to this country. The article below will help you decide which city in Thailand is best to go to in order to get to know the country in its original form, even before it became a tourist mecca among the countries of Southeast Asia.

Ayutthaya is ancient city Thailand, 400 years (1352–1767) was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The place where trade routes from China and India converged. At the time of destruction, the Burma Army was largest city on the planet, more than a million people lived in it. Majestic ruins that excite the imagination of tourists. Included by UNESCO on the World Heritage List. Usually a full-day excursion from is organized to visit it.

Chiang Rai is quite beautiful city in Thailand, attracting those who appreciate non-standard manifestations of talent. The place where a surreal building was built, the decoration of which combines traditional Thai motifs and modernism - the panels of the main hall depict scenes from the saga “ star Wars». Northern city, surrounded by rocks, you can stay there for more than one day to admire the architecture and nature away from the crowds of fans beach holiday(read about others besides beaches).

Chiang Rai is the second largest city in Thailand, so it can become a place independent travel where you should spend your entire vacation. The surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful, also interesting because the almost legendary giraffe people live there - women from the Karen mountain tribe, who elongate their necks with long bronze rings.

If you've seen the movie "Bridge on the River Kwai", then you will be doubly interested in visiting the city of Kanchanaburi in the west of the country, near the border of Burma. It was there that the tragic events of World War II unfolded. One of the most picturesque provinces in the country, where you can see virgin nature, caves, waterfalls, visit the farm and reservation of the Mon tribe - a people different from the Burmese and Thais around them.

Sukhothai is an authentic city of Thailand and the capital (1238–1382) of the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai of the same name. He will be interesting because he wants to make a kind of leap into the past. The historical scenic ruins are located 12 kilometers from modern city, bearing the same name. Particularly memorable is the morning bike ride along the ancient streets and the sight of the Buddha statue in the rays of the rising sun.

A small town in the north, neighboring Chiang Mai. A party place for hippies, bohemians and other informals. There are a lot of so-called backpackers who have been living for years according to the principle “what God will provide.” The picturesque surroundings are mountains covered with jungle. If it were not for the classic Asian chaos on the streets and the tropical climate, this village could be called alpine.

Nong Khai is located on the banks of the Mekong, a river considered sacred by all the inhabitants of the Indochina Peninsula. One of best cities Thailand for those who strive to understand the sacred essence of the country. Open for them natural Park Phu Phra Bat - Hill with the footprint of Buddha. In the vicinity of the city there is the only highway connecting Thailand with Laos.

Another historical city in Thailand, it is located on the road from Bangkok to Chumphon. A real treasure trove for those who are attracted by the exquisite architectural forms of Southeast Asia. The city is full of temples and palaces - former royal residences.

Lampang is an authentic Thai town, the third largest among its northern “brothers”, and is also the capital of the province of the same name. At one time Lampang was a developed medieval city. However, this did not last long, the ten-year war turned the economic component of this region into decline for many years. From here there was a large outflow of population, and after Lampang lost its independence, it began to be ruled by Burma until the beginning of the 20th century. A variety of temples that survived the war, national parks and other attractions - this is what tourists should get to know!

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