The main features of holidays in Thailand. Cozy world - information portal Roads and means of transportation

While in Thailand, you should know one very important circumstance, one national feature of Thailand. Tai, this is a kingdom and King Rama the 9th is almost a god. In any case, he enjoys boundless respect among the local population. Therefore, I simply do not advise joking about the king in the presence of Thais, and such things as painting a portrait of the king or relieving oneself under a portrait are generally criminally punishable. And since portraits are almost everywhere, be vigilant. At the same time, they say that he has a good sense of humor and a European education, which is probably why he usually grants amnesty for such tricks. After the court verdict comes into force, of course. Before that, you will have to get acquainted with the local penitentiary system. Maybe Victor Bout will tell about it someday. In general, the king treats these barbarians from the west condescendingly, who have completely lost their sense of tact and respect.

Since the king is elderly and very ill and practically never appears, it would be the height of politeness to ask a Thai about the king’s health. In fact, a lot can be said about the king; entire books have been written, and anyone interested can easily find it on the internet. By the way, among monarchs, the richest monarch in the world. After reading more about the king, you won’t even notice how much you respect him. And you will willingly stand up, along with everyone else, when a 2-minute clip about the king appears on the screen in the cinema, and they show it before every film showing. Yes, friends, show respect and you can boldly stand with everyone, otherwise you will not, at a minimum, be understood by those around you.

As a souvenir, you can buy his image for yourself or give it to friends, he’s quite a nice guy.

In terms of the number of images, only Buddha can compete with the king; you can read about these amazing animals in a separate article.
And so, there are two persons in this amazing country in relation to whom you need to be careful and special tact - this is the king and Buddha, and two topics are the royal family and religion. I haven’t noticed the Thais being particularly religious, much less fanatical, but they certainly take these relics of theirs seriously, which is what earned my respect. This is still better than when nothing is sacred at all. And I advise everyone to be prudent and not joke with the feelings of local residents. I hope I answered the main question: “what not to do in Thailand?”

Well, we will continue to study other features of Thailand and now let’s talk about dogs.

Enter your email in the form below. address and Google will notify you of all updates on the site.

0

Perhaps one of the best holiday destinations on earth is the Kingdom of Thailand. Most of the population of this country is Buddhist by religion. Although the country is located in the tropics, the climate here is very favorable; it is never too hot, dry or too humid during the monsoon rains. In Thailand you can travel comfortably at any time of the year.

Coming to this country, travelers escape the hustle and bustle of life. Even in Bangkok, the uniqueness of Thai cuisine, architecture, language, customs and religion have a beneficial and calming effect on guests. Far from the capital, on the pristine sandy beaches of the south, bordered by the azure waves of the sea, or in the mountainous north of the country, tourists can immerse themselves in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, leaving aside worries about the future for a while.

The population of modern Thailand is diverse in its ethnic composition: mainly Thais, but there are also Mons, ethnic Khmers, Laotians, Chinese, Malays, Persians and Indians. Manifestations of Thai culture can be seen throughout the Kingdom - these are Buddhist ceremonies that are held in numerous Thai temples and a string of holidays celebrated throughout the year, as well as rural markets where it is customary to bargain for food and clothing.

For travelers, Thailand offers opportunities to get acquainted with the peculiarities of life in Southeast Asia. Due to the fact that this country was never a colony, the Thais managed to preserve their national identity intact.

Climate in the Kingdom of Thailand it is considered one of the best in the tropical zone and has three seasons.

Summer. From March to May, the weather throughout Thailand is hot and dry. The average temperature is 28-33 C.

Rainy season. Monsoon rains occur from May to September, but there may be less rainfall here than in other regions of Southeast Asia. There are often sunny days, and the average temperature is 27-30 C.

Cool season. From November to February there is dry, warm weather with temperatures ranging from 24-27 C. The average annual temperature in Thailand is 28 C.

Visa
Visa-free regime for tourists In accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, tourists from some countries, including citizens of the Russian Federation, do not require a visa when entering Thailand if the period of stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days. Each tourist must have at least 10,000 baht or at least 20,000 baht per family for accommodation and other expenses.

Customs

Prohibited items: all drugs and obscene literature, including images and texts. Violators of the ban on the import, storage, consumption and/or production of narcotic substances or prohibited medicines are subject to severe punishment, including the death penalty.

Personal items: A reasonable amount of clothing, toiletries and professional tools can be imported duty free into the Kingdom of Thailand.

Tobacco and alcohol: The total weight of cigarettes, cigars and smoking tobacco should not exceed 250 grams. However, the number of cigarettes should not exceed 200 pieces. One liter of wine or alcohol can be imported duty free. The value of personal items should not exceed 10,000 baht.

Removal of antiques and art objects
1. From the Kingdom of Thailand. It is prohibited to export images of Buddha, Bodhisattvas or fragments of these images from the country (with the exception of Buddhist religious objects that are exported for the purposes of cultural exchange or study).
2. For the export of such antiques or art, whether originals or copies, permission must be obtained from the Department of Arts.

Currency
Thai currency is baht. Its exchange rate may fluctuate depending on world currency exchange rates. There are 100 satangs in one baht. In circulation there are copper coins in denominations of 25 and 50 satang and silver coins in denominations of 1 and 5 baht. Copper and silver coins with a nominal value of 10 baht are issued. Banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 baht are also in use.

Foreign tourists can freely bring foreign currency banknotes or other monetary units of foreign countries into the Kingdom of Thailand. When leaving Thailand, tourists can freely export foreign currency imported into the country in an amount not exceeding 10,000 US dollars or the amount that was indicated in the customs declaration upon arrival. Imports and exports of foreign currency in amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared to customs upon arrival or departure from the country. Failure to comply with this requirement is punishable by seizure and confiscation of funds exceeding the authorized amount, as well as criminal prosecution.

Transport
Public transport in Bangkok.
Many cheap public and air-conditioned buses operate in various areas of the capital. For long trips, minibuses in red and gray colors are convenient. Bus route maps can be purchased at many hotels and bookstores.

Taxis and tuk-tuk scooters Hotel taxis have fixed rates. Hired taxis are air-conditioned and quite comfortable, the fare is 35 baht for the first 3 kilometers and approximately 5 baht for each additional kilometer. Make sure the taxi driver turns on the meter when you get into the car. Tuk-tuk scooters, three-wheeled taxis, are a symbol of Thailand. They are usually hired for short distance trips, the trip can cost from 20 to 150 baht, depending on the distance. The fare must be agreed upon in advance, since these taxis do not have meters.

Taxi motorcycles. The fastest mode of transport in traffic jams in large Thai cities are motorcycle taxis. Taxi drivers on motorcycles wear a uniform - colored jackets. Negotiate your fare in advance. Hold on tight during the trip.

River taxis. In Bangkok, several types of vessels sail on the Thiao Phraya River. Long boats owned by private owners can reach high speeds and are also very convenient for excursions along the city's many rivers and canals. The fee for a two-hour trip will be approximately 500 baht. Regular river boats run from dawn to dusk from Khlong Teey north to Nonthaburi. Each flight lasts about an hour. A short distance trip can cost as little as 9 baht.

Air taxi. A special package tour allows tourists to enjoy beautiful views of Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Skytrain. There are currently two operating lines: the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. Trains of the BTS system start their route at 6 am and stop working at 12 midnight. During peak hours, trains run especially frequently. The fare depends on the distance.

Subway. 18 stations on the Chalem - Ratchamongkhon line operate from 6 am to 12 midnight. Major tourist attractions, hotels and business centers are located along this line. The fare depends on the distance.

On the Khlong Sensep Canal, ships ply through the city from Banglamphu to Ramkhamhaeng University. Tickets can be purchased on board. Remember that the moorings on the canal are quite low, so they are difficult to find.

How to dress
Lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing is best suited to Thailand's tropical climate. Warm sweaters are recommended only for winter trips to the mountains of the northern part of the country. A jacket and tie are required only for stays in some clubs and high-class hotels. Long trousers are required to visit Buddhist temples. Don't forget to take off your shoes at the entrance to the temple.

Tips
It is customary to tip porters and hotel staff for good service. Typically, the tip is 10-15% in expensive restaurants and hotels, especially where there is no service charge. It is not customary to tip waiters in cheap restaurants or taxi drivers.

Thai cuisine
Thai cuisine is unique in the amount of spices and various ingredients that give each dish a special taste. Typically, dishes are served that combine hot, sour, sweet and salty flavors. Typical Thai dishes include soups, salads, fish dishes, rice, vegetables, and sometimes also meat dishes made from pork, chicken or beef. Thai cuisine has taken all the best from Chinese and Indian culinary traditions - noodles, curry, sweet and sour sauce and exotic spices. All dishes are served with plenty of herbs and seasonings.

Thai dishes are prepared everywhere. Street vendors sell noodles and barbecue next to chic seafood restaurants, and actors in traditional costumes dance on brightly lit stages, giving visitors the chance to feel like they're in a royal palace.

Catering centers, usually located in large shopping centers or markets, attract many customers and usually consist of numerous counters where they sell various dishes of various culinary styles. In many food service establishments, the menu consists of color photographs of various dishes, which makes the complex selection process easier for customers. Provincial towns usually offer Thai cuisine at very reasonable prices.

In the evenings, Thais, especially Bangkok residents, enjoy dining al fresco at restaurants that are located in the garden or on the river bank. The menu here is varied, service is fast, and prices, as elsewhere in Thailand, are very reasonable. In Bangkok, many hotels offer dinner on riverboats that ply the Thiao Phraya River in the evenings. A gentle breeze, lit candles, traditional music and the graceful movements of the dancers create a romantic atmosphere. Restaurants are also popular in Thailand, offering a wide selection of dishes from fresh fish and other marine life, cooked over charcoal or fried to special order. The restaurants also offer a variety of alcoholic drinks, both locally produced and imported.

Some restaurants stage Thai traditional theater and folk dance performances to attract tourists. Guests are seated at low tables in rooms designed to resemble ancient Thai homes, with carved teak panels, classic Thai-style paintings, fine china and an abundance of flowers. Tourists spend an unforgettable evening among flowers, silk, pleasant music, bright orchids, beautiful dancers, enjoying amazing Thai cuisine.

Table manners
The evening meal, among other things, is an important part of Thai social life. We treat with special respect those guests who use cutlery (spoon and fork) correctly and are neat at the table.

According to custom, Thais use a fork to place small pieces of food into a spoon. Only a spoon is brought to the mouth; among Thais it is not customary to put a fork in the mouth, just as in European countries it is not customary to eat from a knife. Noodles are eaten with chopsticks. Usually several dishes and a large bowl of rice are placed on the table. Place no more than two to three spoons of food on your plate. You should not immediately fill the plate, as is customary in European countries.
According to custom, the meal begins with a spoonful of unseasoned rice. If Thais are hosting the table, then, undoubtedly, in accordance with the laws of hospitality, they will ask their guests to try as many different dishes as possible. When sitting at the same table with Thais, always try to finish the food that was put on your plate. The owner will like this and will mean that you enjoyed the treat.

Shopping
Every city has one or more large shopping centers. Bangkok itself is a huge store, entire streets and areas of the city are filled with endless shopping arcades - Sukhumvit Street, Ratchaprasong intersection, Pathumwan, Pratunam, Chatuchak, Lumphini, Yaaowarat, Banglamphu areas. Even if you don't like to shop, the colorful goods at these markets are a treat to the eye and give you the opportunity to admire new, unusual styles and bright colors. There are also many large shopping malls such as Siam Paragon, the largest department store in Southeast Asia, the magnificent Central World Plaza, Platinum Fashion Mall and Emporium, famous fashion retail centers.

Fabrics
The best purchase in Thailand is a piece of fabric, because Thai silk deservedly enjoys a reputation as the best in the world. The interweaving of threads and the soft texture of Thai silk contribute to the surprisingly even coloring, unique shine and bright color of silk fabrics. The cheapest fabrics are sold in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. Custom-made and ready-made silk products are inexpensive and beautiful. If you're not into the chic style, Bangkok's street markets can sell you an entire wardrobe for the price of a single pair of designer jeans.

Decorations
Thailand is one of the world's largest exporters of gems and jewelry. With the joint participation of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Thailand Tourism Board, the Jewel Fest Club was organized to serve as a meeting place for leading jewelry manufacturers and wholesale buyers.

The goal of this club is to offer customers quality products at reasonable prices. When purchasing jewelry from a store that is a member of the Jewel Fest Club, the product is certainly equipped with a certificate, which not only confirms the authenticity and purchase price, but also allows you to return the item to the store. If the item is returned within 30 days, the money will be returned in an amount of 10% less than the purchase price and 20% less if the item is returned later than within 30 days, but no later than 45 days from the date of purchase.

Souvenirs made by artisans of the mountain tribes.
Colorful embroidery, clothing and jewelry handcrafted by artisans representing the traditional crafts of the hill tribes of Northern Thailand can also be purchased in Bangkok. Of course, the closer you are to the place where souvenirs are made, the lower the prices for products from local craftsmen and the higher their quality. The best places to buy traditional hill tribe crafts are in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Varnish products
Since the 11th century, the Thais have been producing lacquer products that are considered to be some of the best in beauty and quality in the world. To this day, Thai craftsmen use the same traditional techniques as they did a thousand years ago. Bowls, trays, dishes, boxes, boxes, vases and many other products are sold in shops and markets.

Ceramics
A wide range of handcrafted pottery, both modern and antique, can be purchased throughout the Kingdom. The most famous is light green porcelain from the ancient state of Sukhothai (Si Satchanalai) or “five-color” (“Bencharong”) porcelain, which is produced in the central part of Thailand.

Furniture
Furniture items made from hardwood and rattan can be ordered and purchased ready-made; this is a great purchase. Bangkok and Chiang Mai sell the best quality furniture and also offer the widest range of furniture products.

Below is a small list of goods that can be purchased in different areas of the country:

Bangkok: Ratchaprasong Clothing Market, imported and locally made clothing can be purchased at all department stores, jewelry is sold at night markets, Chatuchak Sunday Market sells everything from antiques to potted flowers.
Nonthaburi: Tropical fruits are sold here.
Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthaya: Traditional handicrafts such as baskets, wood carvings, homespun clothing, artificial flowers, and dolls can be purchased at the Bang Sae Royal Handicraft Center.
Lopburi: mats made of reeds.
Kanchanaburi: excellent quality sapphires, black semi-precious stones called “nin”.
Chiang Mai: Handicrafts in Bo Sang Village, San District
Kamphaeng is known as a place where fine umbrellas are made. This ancient craft continues to thrive today.
Chiang Rai: Xiang Saeng County is famous for its beautiful wood carvings, with the best carvers and sculptors working here, continuing the ancient traditions of local craftsmen.
Mae Hong Son: beautiful precious and semi-precious stones.
Kalasin: At the Art and Culture Center you can buy homespun clothes, silk and cotton fabrics, and embroidered items.
Udon Thani: Head to Bang Chieng for local hand-painted pottery.
Northeast: Wonderful silverware, traditional Thai items woven from bamboo slivers.

Entertainment
Tiaai people love to have fun. In all cities - boxing rings, golf courses, running, tennis and squash competitions, billiard halls, nightclubs, restaurants, discos, concert halls, tea houses, bars, cocktail bars, amusement parks, museums, theaters, galleries, salons traditional Thai massage, zoos and cinemas. Newspapers published in English in Thailand publish daily announcements about concerts, exhibitions, film screenings and performances. There are also a dozen free publications distributed in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Hua Hin, where you can find information on how to spend your free time. Monthly English-language magazines such as Metro and Anthemd Travel are sold in bookstores, kiosks, and hotels.

Health
Spa treatments and beauty treatments. Thailand is now becoming a popular destination for a “wellness holiday”. Thailand is home to some of the world's best spas, usually located in a quiet and beautiful location, in a lush garden, in a pristine jungle or on the coast. Thai spas have written new pages in the book of holistic philosophy. Various treatment methods are used, from ancient Eastern methods and relaxation methods to rejuvenating treatment in accordance with European methods. Several leading hotels and major resorts specialize in rejuvenation and wellness treatments, located in Hua Hin, Phuket and Koh Samui. In cities across the country, you can find many smaller establishments where the cost of treatments will be significantly less than in upscale hotels.

Thai massage
The massage is done more for treatment than for relaxation, like Western or Swedish massage. A Thai masseuse specially massages special points on the body where the most energy is concentrated. The main goal of Thai massage is to release this energy and distribute it evenly throughout the body to achieve energy balance. A massage course can be taken at the Wat Pho monastery (Bangkok), where the most famous school of traditional Thai massage operates, graduated from the best masseuses in the city. Thai massage is offered at Wat Mahathat and Wat Parinayok monasteries in Bangkok, as well as in numerous salons.

Important point: from November 22 to citizens of Ukraine for a tourist trip to Thailand for up to 30 days.

Who is this article for?

  • for those who are going to visit Thailand for the first time and do not know where to start planning their trip;
  • for those who are traveling to Thailand, but do not know what to expect from this country;

1. How to choose a time for a trip?

When going to, it is worth remembering the peculiarities of the local climate: it is tropical here, but the length of the country from south to north is large, and therefore the weather in different parts of Thailand can differ significantly.

1 /1


The best time for tourists to travel to Thailand is from November to February-March. From May to November there is a rainy season, but again it can occur differently in different parts of the country: there are times when tourists come in the middle of summer and hardly ever see the rain.

From March to May, it is not recommended to travel to the central and north-eastern parts of Thailand, as at this time it is very hot here: the temperature can rise to +40°C, forests can burn, and in the cities there is smog, which makes it difficult to breathe .

The only thing that needs to be taken into account for those who are interested not only in a beach holiday, but also in an excursion holiday: while in the southern and central parts of Thailand the temperature rarely drops below +25-30°C, in the north from November to February it is much cooler . At night the temperature can drop to +10-15°C, so you should stock up on warm clothes and take this into account when choosing housing.

1 /1

The most comfortable period for a holiday in Thailand is the winter months. It is for this reason that if you decide to go to Thailand in winter, you should worry about tickets in advance, preferably several months before the intended trip.

2. How to plan a trip and do I need a visa?

One of the most cost-effective ways to get to Thailand is to fly to Bangkok, from where you can get to the coast and islands. Many people plan their trip in such a way as to fly to Bangkok (tickets usually cost 400-450 euros round trip), spend several days there, as this is one of the most interesting metropolises in Asia, and then head towards the beaches. This can be done using domestic flights, or by bus or bus with ferry.

1 /1

Flights to Pattaya, Phuket or Krabi usually cost more (500-550 euros round trip per person).

If you are interested in the history and culture of the northern part of Thailand, then pay attention to Qatar Airways flights to Chiang Mai for 350-400 euros.

For a stay in Thailand of up to 15 days, you can apply for a visa upon arrival, right at the airport. To do this, you need to have with you: a foreign passport with a validity period of at least 6 months as of the date of entry into the country, 2 photographs 4x6; a migration card - it is usually issued on the plane, a copy of an air ticket from Thailand (if you flew from Kyiv, the air ticket may be to a third country, for example to Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur - the very fact of departure from the country is important), a visa application form issued by migration services Thailand.

If you are traveling for the purpose of tourism for a period of more than 15 days, then a visa must be issued in advance through the Consulate.

The visa fee is 2,000 baht (approximately 53 euros).

3. Local etiquette rules

Perhaps the first thing that Thailand is interesting for tourists is the differences in lifestyle and traditions. But this is precisely what can become the “fly in the ointment” of your Thai vacation if you don’t at least know the basic cultural features of the exotic country.

For example, in Thailand it is not customary to gesticulate loudly and excessively in public places, or indeed on the street. Locals may simply consider you unrestrained and ill-mannered. The excessive display of romantic feelings in public will also cause disapproval among decorous Thais.

This rule applies to communication in general: Thais are very calm and reserved people. Any fussiness and aggression is simply incomprehensible to them, and therefore, even in conflict or controversial situations, it is recommended to maintain an even tone and be respectful towards the interlocutor.

You should also avoid touching another person's head or shoulder, as this will be considered an unfavorable sign (the head is considered a sacred part of the body among Thais).

1 /1

When visiting temples, as well as when entering a house, it is customary for local residents to take off their shoes. You will show your respect for local traditions if you do the same. And if you decide to go to one of the temples (or any other sanctuary open to the general public), remember that clothing must be appropriate: no bare shoulders or legs for both women and men. Ladies should also avoid clothes with a low neckline.

The country professes Buddhism, hence another feature of the Thais - a very reverent, respectful attitude towards Buddha. Therefore, any offensive or disrespectful actions or gestures towards statues or any other images of the Great Enlightened One will be frowned upon. The same goes for the ruling royal dynasty of Thailand: any disrespectful attitude towards their images (even on money) will definitely not endear you to the locals.

It is not customary in Thailand to treat our smaller brothers rudely - according to the canons of Buddhism, any life is considered sacred and animals are treated with the same respect as people.

4. Safety rules

Thailand, of course, is not a wild jungle, but even here it is worth remembering basic safety rules that will help save your nerves and leave only the most pleasant impressions of your trip.

So, when going for a walk (especially in large tourist cities), leave all valuables in the hotel safe. It is better to have only copies of your passport and insurance with you in case of a police check. It is also better to keep bags, purses, and laptop cases with you.

If you are going not to check into a hotel, but to rent housing from the owners, be sure to make sure that this person is reliable, and also enter into a rental agreement with him and take a receipt.

Be wary of meeting new people, especially if it happens in nightclubs, cafes or bars. Cases of fraud and serious “scams” ​​from neighboring residents or posing as locals are not uncommon.

1 /1

Many beach resorts have fairly free morals - almost 24-hour discos and bars, street food, cocktails with dubious composition, soft drugs and other entertainment that force tourists to go all out. We advise you to refrain from suspicious places, since, among other things, such clubs are often subject to raids.

The official penalty for drug use in Thailand is the death penalty, but most often tourists here get away with a lot. They also have the right to fine and deport you for any violations, but most likely they will simply demand a bribe.

By the way, for tourists there is a separate tourist police, representatives of which speak good English, and it is better to contact them if something happens.

5. What to consider?

Be sure to take out insurance before departure. This is universal advice that applies to everyone traveling to Asia. Firstly, due to unusual food there may be problems with digestion. Secondly, sanitary standards in Thailand do not correspond to European ones. Thirdly, even if you are only going to relax on the beach, exotic insects, animals and local diseases have not been canceled. When going to these parts, many people ask about malaria - well, it practically does not occur here, but the risk of contracting, say, Dengue fever, which is carried by mosquitoes, is not excluded.

However, one of the most common insurance cases in Thailand is injuries from falling from a bike. Before renting, consider whether you are confident in your abilities, or whether it is better to move in a more traditional way.

Make a copy of your passport in advance - this is often necessary to rent a car or even a bike. For some reason, they usually don’t ask for your rental license, but if you are stopped by the police and it turns out that you don’t have a license, you can get a fine.

1 /1

If you are going to Thailand for a long time - on vacation for several weeks or going here for the winter, it is best to immediately get a local SIM card (costs about $4).

6. Getting to know the country

Thailand is a real treasure trove for a traveler; there are so many interesting and unusual things to see here. In addition to the intricate architecture of Thai temples and shrines, it is also worth appreciating its other beauties.

For example, in the Nong Nooch Orchid Park, in addition to these fragile beautiful flowers, you can also see colorful tropical butterflies and birds, admire the subtlety of the work of gardeners in the bonsai park and the exquisite geometric designs in the flowerbeds of the French Park. This is the Big Buddha Hill with an impressive statue on its top, and the island of Koh Larn - a real corner of paradise on earth with clear azure water and snow-white sandy beaches. You can feel the spirit of Thai culture in the magnificent, carved Temple of Truth, and you can completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere and way of life of the Thais at the Pattaya Floating Market - even if you are not going to buy anything, a simple walk through this colorful place will bring a lot of impressions.

1) There is no such country as Thailand! The country is called Thailand!

2) What currency should I bring to Thailand?

The country's currency is the Thai baht. Stable regional currency. Widely used in Laos, partly in Cambodia and in the border states of Myanmar. No one needs dollars, euros, and especially rubles, they are not accepted for payment - you will still change at exchange offices - it is better to do this not on the street but in bank branches: in any of them there is an exchange, but there are no queues and rudeness. It is better to exchange large sums of over 10,000 USD in trusted Chinese exchangers - ask the old-timers. Take a dollar card and withdraw baht from it, or a ruble card if you don’t have a dollar card. For insurance (if your cash is stolen), you can get a credit card, the best one is from Alpha and

3) If you see an elegant image of a man on calendars inside houses, on framed portraits, on billboards or in any other places, it is almost certainly the King. If there is a woman in the image, it is the Queen. Thais idolize the royal family. The king really did a lot for the people. (Addition: Bhumibol Adulyadej - King of Thailand, died on October 13, 2016)

>>Last minute tours to Thailand from RUR 11,200 – public shock tariffs VKontakte

4) You shouldn’t joke about the King, even in Russian. For insulting the Royals there is a punishment, including prison. For the same reason, you should not throw money, burn it, tear it, or step on it. There is an image of the King on every banknote and coin.

5) Thais are extremely tolerant. Tourists will be forgiven for any ridiculous appearance, treacherous violation of local customs, or minor offenses. But this does not mean that you should behave like a complete pig, get drunk until you squeal, or walk around the city center in only swimming trunks.

6) Thais do not know how to say the word “no”. Therefore, if you cannot get an answer to some question for a long time, then you just need to retreat: ask another Thai in another place or abandon the original idea.

7) All the beaches of the country belong to the King. And they are allowed for free use by all local residents and guests of the country, without exception. This means that you can move along the coastline without hindrance, lie free on your bedding anywhere, even if there is a five-star hotel opposite; usually the private territory of such hotels is fenced off with a decorative fence or other obvious elements.

There are no private beaches in the country. No one has the right to charge any fee for using the beach. The exception is the territory of national parks, for which a fee is charged for visiting.

8) Everything is fine with aviation in the country. There are large low-cost airlines, the most famous: Nok Air and Thai Smile. Traditional airlines: and. And regional airlines, for example Kan Air and R airlines, the existence of which even local residents hardly know. There are airports in the capital of each province and in other major cities and tourist centers.

Tickets are available to everyone. The average price for a flight within the country is 1000 baht. On sales you can get it for 300 baht. For some holidays and destinations, prices can reach up to 5,000 baht. The difference in prices between traditional and low-cost airlines is negligible, especially when you factor in baggage and other costs (for example), sometimes low-cost airlines have higher prices!

Tickets from Moscow in both directions cost from 20,000 rubles ()

9) There are two airports in Bangkok. Bangkok Airlines also fly from the first (Suvarnabhumi) - this is a large international terminal, with a metro going to it.

From the second (Dong Muang) low-cost airlines and nok air. There is a free shuttle between airports. It is better to go from the city to it by taxi. The airports are located at different ends of the city, but are connected by toll highways

10) The bus network covers all populated areas. Comfortable buses with air conditioning, comfortable sleeping chairs and toilets operate over long distances. There are buses with individual multimedia entertainment systems or a massager in the back of the seat. As a rule, all routes lead to Bangkok. There are a small number of direct buses between tourist centers. A wide variety of transport operates on regional routes: buses with air conditioning and regular seats, buses without air conditioning, minibuses, songthaew (pickup truck with a closed passenger body).

Unfortunately, according to one statistics, the number of accidents on the roads remains first in the world. It is advisable to buckle up on buses; there are times when they fly off the road.

11) There are rare, strange cases of missing luggage or individual items from luggage. It is better to travel only on official buses, tickets for which are purchased at the bus station at the ticket office. This will provide you with a guarantee of safety and liability for lost or stolen luggage.

In tourist areas they offer tickets for illegal charter buses. They are often cheaper. This is compensated by inconvenient transfers or the imposition of excursions or hotels upon arrival. These buses can arrive in places remote from the city, from where it is not easy to get out. And it is in such buses that cases of theft occur.

12) Less luck with trains. If memory serves, there are only five branches. North to Chiang May, south to Malaysia and further to Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and so on all sorts of shoots and stubs. Trains are incredibly late. on a 12-hour route they may be 6-9 hours late. There was a case when in 2 weeks a train derailed in the same place 6 times. After major repairs to open this section, the train derailed once again along with the Minister of Transport.

13) Bangkok is a name for foreigners. The Thais call the city Krungthep. Plan a stop in Bangkok for at least 2 days, in addition to the royal palace and Wat Arun, there are even alien sectarians there!

14) Farang is a name for a foreigner. Contrary to popular belief, it is not offensive. Applies to people of European appearance.

15) Thais are terrible nationalists. Foreigners will never be put on the same level as themselves, but this does not mean that they will put themselves higher - no, just as if on the sidelines. Europeans are treated well, in wild places they even idolize them. They don't like Hindus, Chinese and blacks.

16) Absolute tolerance in matters of sexual orientation. In this country, everyone can identify themselves as any gender according to their feelings, regardless of the presence of body parts or, for example, clothing. The classification of possible varieties is very extensive and without a hundred grams it is impossible to understand it.

17) Contrary to popular misconceptions, outside the tourist zones of debauchery, the country is extremely puritanical. After drawing a picture of breasts on a federal channel, without any hint of eroticism, a huge scandal broke out.

There are no sex shops in the country and all such products are illegal. If you are lucky, a foreigner can order a parcel from abroad or use the black market.

18) There is a death penalty for drugs in the country. For consumption, a tourist can be fined and deported, but most likely they will extort a bribe. There are raids in nightclubs and places with a bad reputation.

19) There is no presumption of innocence in the country. That is, you will have to prove that you did not commit illegal actions.

Martial law is still in force, giving the military and police virtually unlimited power.

In practice, everything is not so scary. Foreigners are of interest only to officers from the migration service, and even then only at the moment of crossing the border or during visits to the office for those who live in the country. Tourists are of no interest to anyone in principle.

If you speak English, you can watch excursions and entertainment, if not, here:

20) Tipping is not accepted in Thai places. In very wild places they won’t even understand why you left the money. In tourist places you can leave a tip, but if you don’t do this, no one will be offended.

21) The rainy season is an amorphous concept. He is in different places in the country at different times.

The rain does not interfere in any way; it usually falls no more than an hour a day and mainly at night. You can and should go to Thailand at any time. Moreover, in the off-season in summer, a trip can become several times cheaper, but not a bit worse.

22) It’s always hot in Thailand. With the exception of the far north in winter. However, you will definitely need one warm item. There's a creepy glacier on planes, buses, movie theaters and shopping malls. Always take warm clothes to such places.

23) If in Bangkok they tell you that some place is closed and today is a day off, don’t believe it. This is the most important wiring. You will be offered an alternative excursion with a stop at shops.

For the same reason, you shouldn't take a tuk-tuk in Bangkok. You are almost guaranteed to be taken to a store whose owner issues gas coupons to the driver.

24) It’s better to get around Bangkok by taxi. No matter how strange it may sound, if there are two or more of you, then a trip by metro will be more expensive than a taxi.

If you have the skill to put on a serious face and point your finger at the meter, then you will be taken at the official price. A trip within 2-3 metro stations will cost 50-60 baht. A trip through the whole city, if there are no traffic jams, costs 100-120 baht. My most expensive trip lasted 2 hours and 37 kilometers and cost 210 baht.

You only have to catch a taxi that is coming. A red light means it is free. If there is no light, it means it's busy.

You can get away with a meter from special stands near large shopping centers. True, the queue is sometimes 10-15 minutes long. At the hotel, it is better to ask the staff to arrange a taxi. Then, again, you are guaranteed to be taken to the meter.

In Chiang Mai, the most affordable transport is Song Thaew, here it looks like big red cars (you can’t go wrong) - for 20 baht they will take you in a taxi around the city center, picking up other passengers along the way. Uber and Grab also launched in Chiang May.

37) Is it possible to go to Thailand with children?

Thailand is an ideal country for traveling with children. Thais adore children, and they just idolize the children of foreigners. You will never be left in trouble and will be happy to look after your child anywhere.

You can often see mothers taking their children with them to work. To a massage parlor, hairdresser or store. This is absolutely normal. Children do not bother anyone and children in Thailand can do anything.

38) Contrary to popular misconceptions, not all dishes in Thai cuisine are extremely spicy. There are a huge number of completely non-spicy dishes. Just really, really.

A tourist has virtually no chance of distinguishing a spicy dish from a non-spicy one. The only way out is to order another dish, some kind of pancake. Food still costs pennies.

39) In Thai, the emphasis is on the last syllable of a word. Foreign words (mostly names) should also be pronounced with emphasis on the last syllable, so they will understand you faster. I asked for a long time whether there was a mAcro store in Krabi and they refused to understand me. But when I asked about macro, they immediately told me the way to it. The same applies to popular stores 7-11 not sEven, but sevEn

40) A SIM card can be bought at any 7-11. They are often given out free of charge right at the airport upon arrival. Travel packages are almost guaranteed to have instructions in Russian inside. Or buy for travel.

41) Thai names are long, complex and incomprehensible to a foreigner. Therefore, everyone who works in tourism seems to have a simple and understandable name for a foreigner consisting of 2-3 letters: em, pie, may, fight...

42) You are almost guaranteed not to get malaria. Unless you're wandering around remote jungles for months at a time. Although Dengue fever exists (it exists even in space-modern Singapore), it is also carried by mosquitoes, there are no vaccinations or treatment for it, but no more people die than from the flu. There are more dangers in Russia.

43) Snakes, scorpions, scolopendras - there are somewhere in the forests. Sometimes you can see them from afar, but they are more afraid of you than you are of them.

44) Thais do not eat beetles, worms and locusts. This is entertainment for tourists and food for migrant workers from Cambodia. Thais eat chicken and rice, sometimes pork. But cows are not held in high esteem, both with meat and dairy products. Cheeses and sausages are a terrible delicacy.

45) There is a separate tourist police for tourists. She speaks reasonable English and helps resolve any everyday conflicts, look for forgotten things and lost documents.

Sometimes foreign volunteers are on duty at public events; they are registered with the tourist police and speak different languages.

Using Thai driving directions (on business cards or in brochures) is AD. The scales are not observed on them, but simply the indicated guidelines are schematically in their own way.

47) Thailand has never been anyone's colony. Although certain areas of individual cities are currently practically occupied by foreigners.

48) In public places: in markets, parks, stadiums, train stations, the national anthem can be performed at 7 and 8 o’clock in the morning, and at 5 and 6 o’clock in the evening. If all the Thais stopped or stood up, you should follow their example out of respect. Although you, as a tourist, do not have to do this. In the cinema, before the screening, they also play the anthem and show a film about the King.

49) Until last year, Bangkok and Chiang Mai were confidently included in the top 10 best cities for tourism in various numerous authoritative rankings. After the military coup, Bangkok lost its position. But Chiang Mai is predicted to have a great tourism future.

50) Thailand is the best country for your first independent trip.

- shock tariffs appear there earlier than on social networks.
It’s cheaper to purchase tickets to museums and attractions in advance and avoid standing in line for hours.
Flight delayed - take 600 euros

Located in Southeast Asia, it is an amazing country that attracts tourists from all over the world with its diverse values ​​and characteristics.

Firstly, these are wonderful beaches on the coast; secondly, the availability of exotic entertainment in the form of elephant riding, Thai massage, diving, studying martial arts, and watching Buddhist festivals. Thailand is known for its vibrant nightlife and the prevalence of sex tourism. Even for connoisseurs of historical values, there is a place here; many temples, palaces, monasteries, and pagodas have been built in Thailand. Thai dishes are also worth mentioning. Before your first visit to any exotic country, you need to study the features of a holiday in Thailand in order to get only positive memories from it.

We will outline the main points that will help you make your holiday in Thailand as comfortable and unique as possible.

Respect Buddhist Values

- in Buddhist temples (for example, in), shoes must be removed, and knees and shoulders must be covered with clothing;

Wat Phra Kaew - temple in Bangkok

— behave respectfully towards Buddhist values ​​(shrines, relics);

- do not speak disrespectfully about the royal family, Thais highly respect the king;

- women cannot touch or give anything from their hands to a Buddhist monk;

- Men do not shake hands with Buddhist monks.

A frequent smile on your face, a positive and friendly attitude will help you have a good rest in Thailand and enjoy all the variety of experiences that it offers to tourists.

Naturally, in this material we were not able to display all the features of a holiday in Thailand. After all, every tourist will see this country in his own way. We will be grateful if you tell us in the comments why Thailand has become special for you.

 

It might be useful to read: