All about Thailand. Unusual Thailand: a selection for sophisticated tourists Tours and attractions in Thailand

Beautiful nature, clean beaches, impressive religious buildings, cheap shopping and original local cuisine are not a complete list of reasons why tourists from all over the world visit the Kingdom of Thailand.

For a leisurely family vacation, the beach resorts of Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Phuket and Krabi are suitable. The water and sand are clean, and comfortable hotels offer their guests a special children's menu and entertainment programs. Fans of various activities will also find something to do in Thailand. On the territory of the country you can go water skiing, go to the mountains, go windsurfing and diving, fly a hang glider or play golf.

You can see animals in Thailand not only in the zoo. Snake and Crocodile Farms, Elephant Village, Butterfly Garden and Tiger Sanctuary - all these places demonstrate that even wild animals can be friendly.

Thai cuisine is characterized by a mixture of culinary styles from Malaysia, China, Burma and Laos, and many dishes are extremely spicy. Many hotels offer Thai cuisine courses for everyone, which will allow you to enjoy the originality of Thai dishes when you return home.

The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Thailand?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

1. Historic city of Ayutthaya

At a distance of 70 kilometers from Bangkok is the historic city of Ayutthaya. There are many Buddhist temple complexes here, the largest of which are the monasteries of Wat Rachaburana and Wat Na Phra Meru. In the very center of the city is Vang Luang - the Grand Palace, where the royal family lived in the 13th century.

2. Historic city of Sukhothai

Since 1238, when a Khmer settlement was located in these places, the history of the ancient city of Sukhothai begins. The heyday of the city fell on the XIII-XIV centuries, when Sukhothai was the capital of the kingdom of the same name. The main local attraction is the Wat Mahathat temple and the huge Buddha statue located in Wat Si-Chum.

3. Koh Samui

This beautiful place became popular in the 1990s when the first tourists arrived on Koh Samui. Since then, the island's attendance has only increased, which is not surprising, because there are about 30 beaches for every taste. So, Chaweng Beach is perfect for a family vacation, and Lamai is perfect for surfers. Other attractions on Koh Samui include Wat Khunaram, the Oceanarium, the Big Buddha Statue and the funny Grandmother and Grandfather rock.

4. Phuket Island

This is one of the most popular resorts in Thailand, it is located in the Andaman Sea off the western coast of the country. In addition to relaxing on well-equipped beaches, Phuket Island attracts tourists with historical and cultural attractions, excellent diving sites, world-class golf courses, and inexpensive shopping.

5. Phang Nga Bay

In the northeast of Phuket is Phang Nga Bay, which is part of the national park. More than 100 picturesque islands located in the bay attract many tourists from all over the world to these places. Here you can see the mangrove forests, go canoeing around the bay, and visit the village of Ko Panyi built on the water.

6. James Bond Island (Koh Tapu)

The small limestone island of Koh Tapu, located in Phang Nga Bay, tries to visit almost every tourist in Thailand. This island gained its extraordinary popularity after the release of the film about the adventures of James Bond. A visit to Koh Tapu is usually included in a tour of Phang Nga Bay.

7. Royal Palace in Bangkok

One of the most visited Thai attractions is the Royal Palace in Bangkok, also known as the Grand Palace. This vast complex of buildings is currently used by the royal family for ceremonies and state receptions.

8. Vimanmek Palace

A popular place in Bangkok is the Vimanmek Palace. This is the largest building in the world built from teak wood without a single nail. Currently, the Vimanmek Palace has been turned into a museum, available for inspection by everyone. Photo and video shooting is prohibited inside, and to visit this place you should dress in closed clothes.

9. White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

The extraordinarily beautiful White Temple, as Wat Rong Khun is also called, is located in the city of Chiang Rai in the north of the country. This building was conceived by the artist Chalermchayu Kositpipat and brought to life at his own expense in 1997. The 2014 earthquake severely damaged Wat Rong Khun, and in order to reconstruct the building, restoration work was started at the temple.

10. Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phrakew)

The temple is located in the historical center of Bangkok. Inside Wat Phrakew, as this place is called in Thai, there is a 66 cm statue of Buddha, carved in the 15th century from the solid mineral jadeite. Inside, the temple is decorated with wall paintings, the windows and doors of the building are decorated with patterns, and the entrance is guarded by bronze lions.

11. Temple of Truth (Pattaya)

On the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by a park, there is a temple of Truth. Its height is 105 meters, construction was started in 1981 and is still ongoing. The Temple of Truth is made of wood and decorated with carved sculptures and ornaments. The idea of ​​such a structure belongs to the Thai entrepreneur Lek Viryapan.

12. Sunrise Temple

One of the most beautiful temples in the capital is the Sunrise Temple. The Thais call it Wat Arun, and this place has become famous thanks to its colorful 79-meter pagoda, decorated with multi-colored porcelain and ceramic tiles. The date of construction of this impressive structure is not exactly known and dates back to the middle of the 19th century.

13. Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

The world's largest golden statue can be seen at Wat Traimit in the capital. The Golden Buddha, presumably made in the 13th century, weighs more than 5 tons. To ensure the safety of the statue in troubled times of war in the 18th century, the Buddha was covered with a layer of plaster. Only in 1957 did it become known that the plaster statue, which was inconspicuous from the outside, was actually made of gold.

14. Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

The Buddhist temple, located next to the Grand Palace in the center of Bangkok, has a special meaning for Thais. It was here, in the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, that General Chakri proclaimed himself King Rama I in 1782. Wat Pho, as the place is called in Thai, was built in the 12th century, making the temple the oldest in Thailand. The 46-meter Buddha waiting for nirvana is the main attraction of Wat Pho.

15. Wat Chalong Temple

In the south of Phuket is one of the most popular local temples - Wat Chalong. The exact date of construction of this structure is unknown, and the first written mention of Wat Chalong dates back to 1837. In 1846, the temple received its royal status, but the main popularity of this place was brought by its abbot and healer Luang Pho Chem.

16. Wat Mahathat

In 1374, the construction of the Wat Mahathat temple began in ancient Ayutthaya, and already in 1767, hostilities almost completely destroyed this building. Many of the Buddha statues of this temple were smashed or knocked to the ground. During the desolation of Wat Mahathat, one of the Buddha's heads was entwined with roots and, in the process of tree growth, rose above the ground. Today, the head of the Buddha, entwined with roots, is considered one of the symbols of the city of Ayutthaya.

17. Bridge over the River Kwai

The railway bridge over the River Kwai was built during World War II as part of the construction of a road between Thailand and Burma. All work was carried out by the forces of prisoners of war, and many people died at this construction site. In 1944, the bridge was bombed, but subsequently three destroyed sections were restored. The popularity of the bridge on the River Kwai brought the Oscar-winning film in 1957.

18. Chatuchak Market

One of the most popular places in Thailand is the huge Chatuchak market in Bangkok. Here you can buy national clothes, paintings, dishes, glassware, ceramics, leather and metal, as well as antiques, silks and even animals. It is better to plan a visit to Chatuchak in the morning, but it would be good to leave valuables and large sums of money in the hotel safe for security reasons.

19. Floating market in Pattaya

A picturesque and rather noisy place is the floating market in Pattaya. This type of trade is traditional for Thais, but it will be a novelty for tourists. Both sellers and buyers can transact by boat. Pavilions with goods are located on piles, and wooden decks are used as sidewalks.

20. Bangkok National Museum

In 1874, the National Museum of Bangkok was established, which is considered one of the richest museums in Southeast Asia. Three permanent exhibition galleries exhibit household items, jewelry, weapons and ceramics, as well as national musical instruments and even vehicles. The museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday.

21. Lumpini Park

At the beginning of the 20th century, King Rama VI issued a decree on the creation of the park. For Lumpini Park, as this place was later called, an area of ​​\u200b\u200b57 hectares, which was personally in the possession of the king, was used. Now there are equipped places for tennis, treadmills, outdoor exercise equipment, playgrounds, a library, and from February to March in the park you can dance to the performance of a symphony orchestra.

22. Buddha Magic Garden on Koh Samui

In the heart of Koh Samui, away from the noisy tourist centers of the island, there is the Magic Buddha Garden. This quiet place for meditation and solitude began to be built in 1976 by a local resident, Nim Thongsuk. The garden is decorated with Buddhist sculptures and gazebos for relaxation. It is quite difficult to get to the Magic Buddha Garden on your own, so it is better for tourists to use the services of a guide to visit this place.

23. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

About 240 hectares are occupied by the Nong Nooch tropical garden, located near Pattaya. In 1980, the garden was opened to the public. There are special areas for orchids, cacti, butterflies, birds, aquatic plants, bonsai and even flower pot installations. Pupils of the local elephant farm can dance, draw, play football, basketball and darts.

24. Pattaya snake farm

The most interesting thing that awaits guests of the snake farm in Pattaya after the main tour is the tamer show. The snake trainer demonstrates to the visitors of the farm the complete obedience of his dangerous and poisonous pets. There is also a shop on the farm where you can profitably buy snakeskin products.

25. Pattaya Elephant Village

In the 70s of the 20th century, a private elephant sanctuary was created in Pattaya, where old or sick animals were identified. The Elephant Village is located near the city center, and the entrance price varies depending on the visiting program. Here you can watch an amazing show performed by elephants, feed them and ride on horseback, as well as watch the bathing and feeding of these huge animals.

26. Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm

Not far from the center of Pattaya, you can visit a popular entertainment place among tourists - the Million Years Stone Park and the crocodile farm, which are located on the same territory. The beautiful landscape of the park is highly appreciated by lovers of beautiful photos. And on the farm, you can feed the crocodiles or watch an exciting show with their participation.

27. Siam Ocean World Aquarium in Bangkok

One of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia is located in the Siam Paragon shopping center in Bangkok. The seven zones of the aquarium will tell visitors about the most amazing inhabitants of the water spaces. At Siam Ocean World, you can ride in an aquarium on a glass bottom boat, feed fish or scuba dive with an instructor.

28. Mini Siam

A complex of miniature landmarks from all over the world was built in Pattaya in 1986. Two parts of the same park - Mini Siam and Mini Europe - are located near the city center. In one part of the park, the most significant sights of Thailand are presented, and in the second part, tourists will be able to "visit" famous places in Africa, the USA, Russia, France and other countries.

29. Big Buddha in Phuket

The temple complex in the form of a seated Buddha is one of the most notable attractions in Phuket. From almost anywhere on the island you can see the statue of the Big Buddha, as the Thais themselves call this building. Here you can not only visit the current temple, but also admire the beautiful panorama of the city spread out below.

30. Tarutau - National Marine Park

In the south of Thailand there is a group of 51 islands, united in 1974 in the Tarutau National Marine Park. Once upon a time there was a prison on the islands, whose inhabitants became cruel sea pirates in the 1940s. Currently, Tarutau attracts lovers of nature and scuba diving here.

31. Khao Yai National Park

The first national park established in the Kingdom of Thailand. It was opened in 1962 in the north-east of the country and covers an area of ​​more than 200 hectares. Tigers, bears, elephants, gibbons and wild pigs live here. For tourists, among other entertainment, night safaris in Khao Yai are possible.

32. Similan Archipelago

Since 1982, the islands of the Similan archipelago have been declared a national park. This is one of the best scuba diving sites in the world. The best time to visit the Similan Islands is from January to April, when the dry part of the year lasts. The most convenient way to get to the park is by boat from the port of Thap Lamu.

33. Railay Beach

In the province of Krabi there is a peninsula separated by rocks from the rest of the land. Here are the beaches of Railay, famous for their clean sand. These places are the best for a leisurely family vacation. The most popular beaches in this area are West Railay and Phra Nang. You can also go snorkeling or rock climbing here.

34. Khao Kheow Zoo

The area of ​​the open zoo Khao Kheo is about 800 hectares and includes ponds, pastures, lawns and natural jungle. About 8 thousand animals live here, and visitors are transported by special electric cars so that tourists can comfortably get to know all the inhabitants of the zoo. In Khao Kheo you can buy special food and feed the animals.

35. Jim Thompson House Museum

At the end of World War II, the American Jim Thompson came to Thailand, where he decided to engage in the production and supply of silk to America and Europe. Thanks to his company, the country's silk industry began to revive. Today, Jim Thompson's house is a popular tourist destination. Here you can see a museum, a shop with samples of silk products and a collection of antiques.

36. Andaman Sea

This semi-enclosed sea of ​​the Indian Ocean is relatively shallow, and the water temperature fluctuates around 26-29 degrees Celsius. Such natural data make it almost an ideal place to relax, especially during the dry and calm period from December to March. On the Andaman Sea there are such Thai resorts as Krabi, Phuket, Lanta and Phi Phi.

37. Ti Lo Su Waterfall

Not far from the mountain settlement of Umpang is a very beautiful Thai waterfall Ti Lo Su, consisting of several cascades. Getting to the waterfall is quite difficult, but this does not stop those who want to see this picturesque place with their own eyes. During the rainy season, when Ti Lo Su is the most full-flowing, the route here is closed in order to guarantee the safety of tourists.

38. Erawan Waterfall

The seven-cascade waterfall Erawan is located in the west of Thailand on the territory of the national park of the same name. Picnics are often held on the first two cascades of Erawan, but it is forbidden to bring food and drinks higher. A special route has been laid to inspect the waterfall, and several guest houses await tourists who want to spend the night in the national park.

39. Walking Street

One of the most famous places in Pattaya is Walking Street. It is located in the central area of ​​the city and offers its guests a wide variety of nightly adventures: striptease shows, discos or sex shows in go-go bars. Walking Street is quite safe, but it is still better not to bring large sums of money here.

40. Tiffany show in Pattaya

In the northern part of Pattaya is the theater building, where one of the most famous transvestite cabaret performs. The first performances of the Tiffany Show took place back in the 1970s, and since then the popularity of this place has been growing all the time. Tickets for the daily evening performances of the Tiffany Show can be purchased at many hotels in the city.

My sister came to visit us last week. For the first time I got out alone in Thailand on a tour. Due to the fact that she is flying to Asia for the first time, she had many organizational issues that most tourists who travel to Thailand for the first time have. For many beginners who are going on vacation in Tai, this information may be useful.

PREPARATION

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT THAILAND

What a tourist needs to know about Thailand and always remember so as not to get into trouble. Travel agencies do not talk about it, unfortunately. The Thai sun is relaxing, but never forget these simple tips:

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

What to take with you to Thailand

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

Shoes are also very cheap. All you need from shoes is flip flops, which cost 100 rubles here, if you don’t have your own. Sneakers and shoes are not required, only extra weight and luggage space.

Do not buy a swimsuit in Moscow either - in Thailand it is really possible to buy a normal swimsuit for 500-800 rubles (and in Moscow for 3000). It’s just that when you find out how much it all really costs, you won’t be able to overpay in Moscow.

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

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

What not to take

100% no evening dresses, high heel shoes, sneakers, jeans, trousers, long-sleeve sweaters, windbreakers are required ... Jeans and trousers are hot even at night. Sneakers don't really fit. Unless you are going to climb mountains or ride a motorcycle.

Do not take any technology, except for a phone / tablet and camera.

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

Shampoos, soaps, shower gels, toothpaste also do not need to be carried with you, in any 7-Eleven all this is sold in small jars of 20 baht. Also, the hotel often puts free shampoos and soaps during cleaning.

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

What money to take to Thailand and how much?

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

What kind of currency to take? Dollars or Euros? Dollars. Maybe the euro. If you have cash euros, take them. If you have rubles, then change to dollars. Ask in the exchanger only large bills of 50 and 100 bucks— on them the course is higher than on small ones. Change all rubles to dollars, the more you take, the better.

FLIGHT

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

Manicure scissors, nail files, a spray gun are definitely not allowed. Even lighters are often pulled out.

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

How much luggage is allowed - usually up to 20 kg per person. Can you pack your luggage in 2 bags if you are flying alone? No, only 1 piece of luggage per person.

Life hack: a suitcase can be wrapped with ordinary cling film for 50 rubles. Wrapping luggage at the airport costs 500 rubles.

If you get motion sickness in transport, drink dramin before the flight (this is from motion sickness pills)

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

FOREIGN AIRPORT

How to navigate at the airport abroad? There is no need to worry, everything is logically clear usually. You will most likely not have to speak English with anyone, but understanding the language will come in handy in order to find a transporter from your flight.

Just follow the signs there:

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

At the airport, take a cart and throw chumadans on it so as not to drag it in your hands.

Do not change money at the airport, there is the lowest exchange rate. 10-20 dollars can be exchanged in case of some water to buy or a snack.

At the airport, they can give out local SIM cards, take them for yourself. Do not call from a Russian number, it is very expensive, more than 150 rubles per minute, in extreme cases, SMS - 20 rubles.

Where do you go after getting your luggage? With luggage you go towards the exit. A person from a travel agency (Russian) will meet you near the exit or on the street. At the exit, look for the tour operator's sign. It is the operator, Pegasus, Corel, Anex, or whoever will be there, and not the site on which I bought it. A person from the company can even stand on the street, where there is a taxi.

TRANSFER

The tour includes a transfer to the hotel. At the airport, a guide from a travel agency will meet you and take you by the hand to the desired bus. The bus will bring you directly to the door of the hotel. There, at the reception with a passport and a voucher, you will be settled. On the bus in Russian they will say something interesting about the country, the guide usually always meets Russian.

If you don’t want to travel by bus with all the tourists, refuse it at the travel agency and book a private transfer.

CHECK IN HOTEL

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

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

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

If the bed is dirty or there is not enough towels, contact the reception, they will change everything (just don’t need to “download rights”, but calmly explain the situation with a friendly smile).

THE LANGUAGE BARRIER

Do not be shy about your English, as the locals do not ideally know it either, many are much worse than you. Pronunciation? Grammar? Time? No, we haven't heard. In practice, everything is simpler, and no one pays attention to grammar.

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

INFORMATION MEETING WITH A GUIDE

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

HOTEL GUIDE STORIES

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

• In Thailand, there are poisonous snakes under every bush…….. In a year and a half of our life in Thailand (Pattaya, Krabi, Phuket), we saw snakes probably 2-3 times. What is the probability that you will see a snake in 10 days of vacation?
• Thailand is very dangerous. Do not go anywhere yourself, only the hotel and the beach……. Well, no comment here. Complete nonsense. It is safer to go somewhere on your own in Tai than in Russia. Well, maybe you shouldn’t walk along the dark streets at night, lighting the way with your iPad, you shouldn’t climb into the jungle or swim in stinky rivers.
• You must definitely come to the information meeting with the guide. If you don’t come, your insurance, air tickets will not be activated, you will be taken to the police, as you will need to fill out a registration card……… Also, complete nonsense, the guide does not affect either air tickets or insurance in any way, they are “activated” from the date of purchase tour. There is no need to take any cards to the police. All this just so that you buy excursions from him.
• Do not buy excursions in street travel agencies, your insurance does not work there ... ... ... Nonsense, insurance is valid everywhere and it does not depend on your guide. Does not apply if the insured event occurred while in a state of intoxication. Read more.
• All Thais want to deceive you……… In fact, there is some truth, they often try to scam tourists in the market for higher prices, but the hotel guide deceives you much more, telling all these horror stories, and then offers tours that will cost more than 2 -3 times the real value.
• You can’t put money in your back pocket, you can’t put money on the table, only give it to your hands, etc……. All these are myths. What really cannot be done with Thai money is not to paint the faces depicted on them.

EXCURSIONS

You can take excursions both from a guide from a travel agency, and from street agencies (cheaper), as well as from online services. Insurance will be the same both there and there, despite the guide's assurances that insurance is not paid in a street travel agency. The guide has nothing to do with insurance really. Insurance is not paid if the injuries are received while intoxicated or while driving a motorbike.

In fact, everything will be simple. Traveling on a package tour for the first time in Thailand is not at all annoying. When traveling independently to Tai, there are much more nuances.

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

Thailand: The Solar Magic of the Land of Smiles
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If exotic, then Asia; if Asia, then Thailand. The Land of Smiles warms you with the bright sun, delights with azure sea colors, envelops you in the aromas of lemongrass and orchids, and enchants with goodwill and tranquility. Here you can ride elephants, climb mountains and walk through the jungle, see incredible Buddhist temples and visit floating markets ... Traveling to Thailand is perhaps the easiest way to taste the exotic, see another world and at least temporarily become it part.

Beach

Almost all the beaches of the country - both on the mainland and on the islands - are sandy and with a smooth entrance to the sea. Family holidays in Thailand will be ideal in Phuket (Mai Khao, Karon Beach, Nai Yang, Bang Tao, Kata Noi, etc.), on the islands of Koh Samet, Koh Chang and even in Pattaya on Wongamat, Jomtien and in the northern part of the resort. In addition, from Pattaya, you can take a ferry to the nearby island of Koh Lan and choose a place there to your taste. Those who prefer a party holiday in Thailand will love the noisy Patong Beach in Phuket. Sun loungers and umbrellas on Thai beaches are usually provided for an additional fee, with the exception of those belonging to hotels.

Climate

In the north of Thailand, the climate is tropical, in the south and southeast - tropical monsoon. The best time to visit the country is the period from November to February, when there is no precipitation and the air warms up to 27-30°C. From March to May, temperatures gradually rise, but it is still comfortable to relax at this time.

The rainy season starts at the end of May and lasts until the end of October. However, even at this time, a beach holiday in Thailand is possible, since showers usually last for a short time. In addition, the fruit season coincides with the rainy season. As for the water temperature in the sea, it is 27-29°C throughout the year.

Kitchen

A guide to Thailand could well begin with a description of Thai cuisine - it is so distinctive and diverse. There are no bans on any products - in Thailand they cook fish, seafood, chicken, pork, and beef. Most often, fish and meat are served with fragrant rice. Also, noodles - rice, wheat or egg - can be used as the basis for dishes. Many are cooked with spices, so before ordering it is better to say the code phrase - “No spicy”. The most popular dishes are tom yam and tom kha soups based on coconut milk, rice noodles with sauce, bean sprouts and pad thai shrimp, spicy papaya salad, and desserts in the form of puddings and sweet rice with fresh mango.

The choice of fruits in Thailand is traditionally large, and you can buy them already cut and peeled from street vendors. Pancakes stuffed with bananas or mangoes are also sold on the streets - they are cooked right in front of customers. Inexpensive local food, fruit smoothies and grilled seafood can be found at the night markets that open after dark.

Currency

Thai baht is used in Thailand. On vacation in Thailand, take dollars or euros with you. You can exchange them for local currency at banks or exchange offices, which are always available in resort areas and are open until 22.00-23.00. Banks, as a rule, open at 8.30 and work until 15-16 hours. Exchange is also possible in hotels, but the rate will not be the most profitable. Also keep in mind that too old and shabby banknotes may not be accepted in financial institutions. The resorts also use cashless payments, however, due to the risk of fraud with bank cards, it is still better to pay in cash.

Tips

Whatever resorts in Thailand you choose for your vacation, do not forget about tips, which in this country are considered a sign of good manners and even in a small amount are gratefully accepted by the staff. For porters and maids tips are 10-50 baht, depending on the class of the hotel. In massage parlors, it is recommended to leave 10% of the bill, but if you attended a two-three-hour session or a luxury SPA center, then the amount of remuneration for staff rises to 100-200 baht. In restaurants, tips are usually 10% of the bill, but sometimes they are included in the bill right away.

The shops

In terms of shopping, Thailand is a relatively cheap country for Russians. Here you can buy cheap summer clothes, swimwear, cosmetics based on coconut oil, handmade soap and much more. Crocodile, python and other exotic animal skin products, the famous “tiger” balm for colds and headaches, pearl jewelry and, of course, exotic fruits - mango, lychee, papaya, dragon fruit and mangosteen are brought from Thailand as souvenirs. It is better to buy fruits in the markets, where at the same time they will offer you a plastic basket and help you pack everything for the flight. However, do not forget that due to the strong aroma, it is forbidden to take durian on a plane.

When departing from Thailand, VAT can be refunded. It is 7% of the value of the goods, but a refund is possible if you spent at least 5,000 baht on shopping and the cost of each item is at least 2,000 baht. When buying, you need to fill out a special form, and present it at the airport along with your passport and goods in the package.

Transport

How to get in Thailand from one island or resort to another? The easiest way is by plane, as domestic flights are inexpensive. To travel between different cities, you can use buses, it is most reliable to buy tickets for them at bus stations. For communication between the islands, water transport is also used - ferries and high-speed boats. Taxis and songteos are popular for moving around cities and resorts, pictures of which can often be found among photos of Thailand. Passengers in songthaews (pickups) are placed on benches in semi-closed bodies.

You can rent a car in the country if you are not afraid of left-hand traffic, a large number of bikes on the road and the almost complete absence of parking lots. By the way, many tourists, having come to Thailand on vacation, choose to rent a bike, however, according to the law, this requires an international license with an open category A.

A state in Southeast Asia, on the peninsulas of Indochina and Malacca. It borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia. It is washed by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea. The north is covered with green mountain slopes and hills, while in the south there are luxurious beaches and picturesque islands. The highest point is Mount Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai province (2596m).

State

State structure

Constitutional monarchy since 1932. The head of state is the king.

Language

Official language: Thai

Used - Chinese, English, Malay.

Religion

94.6% of the people of Thailand practice Buddhism. 4.6% are Muslims - mostly Malays living in the south of the country.

Currency

International name: THB

One baht is subdivided into 100 satang. The 25 satang coin is commonly referred to as the saleng. Banknotes - 10/20/50/100/500/1000 TNV.

In large cities, currency exchange can be done at any time of the day. However, only US dollars, euros, British pounds sterling and Swiss francs are exchanged in Thailand. Banks are open all days of the week.

History of Thailand

The ancient land of Thailand saw the first man about half a million years ago, and for a very long time he remained at the stage of the primitive communal system in the favorable natural conditions of this country.

The earliest class formations on the land of Thailand began to emerge only from the 1st millennium of our era, and from the 7th century there are already references to the existence of a large Dvaravati (Lavo) empire. The presence of new state formations led to constant feudal wars, weakening all these countries. As a result, in the 11th century, the Khmer Cambodian power conquered Lavo. In the 12th-13th centuries, new principalities appeared on the outskirts of modern Thailand, spreading Buddhism. In the 13th century, having united, they defeated the Khmers and created a new empire of Sukhothai, which collapsed in the 14th century. At the same time, the principality of Siam was gaining strength. In the 17th century, it opened its trading posts for the British and Dutch. European countries took advantage of this as an excuse to conquer Siam and launched a war against it at the end of the 17th century. By the beginning of the 18th century, Siam was forced to close all ports and cut off contact with Europeans. The departure of the British resulted in continuous wars with neighbors, which ended for Siam in 1767 with a short-term capture by the Burmese. In 1775, Siam gained freedom, and in the middle of the 19th century the British returned here, imposing an unequal treaty in 1855 granting them preferential rights in trade. By the beginning of the 20th century, feudal remnants were abolished in Siam and administrative management was introduced according to the European model.

In the First World War, Siam participated on the side of the British. In the 1920s, the pressure of the European powers on this country somewhat weakened, and only internal instability, provoked by the increased activity of democratic forces, led in 1932 to a coup d'état, which transferred all power to the parliament. Thus the bourgeois revolution replaced the absolute monarchy with a constitutional one. In 1935, the king abdicated the throne, however, since the 1930s, monarcho-nationalist sentiments began to intensify in the government. In 1939, the country was renamed Thailand.

During World War II, Thailand entered into an alliance with Japan and took possession of Laos, but, having been defeated, in 1945 signed a surrender pact. In the post-war period, the history of this state was characterized by extreme instability, expressed in more frequent coups, either weakening the reactionary regime, or strengthening it.

The ancient land of Thailand saw the first man about half a million years ago, and for a very significant period in the favorable natural conditions of this country he remained at the stage of the primitive communal system....

Thailand map

Popular Attractions

Thailand Tourism

Where to stay

Thailand is always popular among tourists from all over the world, and today you can find accommodation here for every taste and budget. It is worth considering that the difference between apartments in large cities of the country and small rural regions is quite large, so those who prefer comfort are still better off staying in one of the proven hotels. In big cities, especially in Bangkok, you can find hotels of prestigious world chains. There is no official classification of hotels in Thailand, so you should rather rely on the cost of the hotel and its prestige among customers.

In addition to luxury hotels in this country, you can also find a large number of mid-level accommodation, which is not distinguished by sophistication of interiors, but offers comfort and cleanliness. As for inexpensive housing, it does not always meet sanitary standards and is more suitable for those who are accustomed to Spartan conditions. Thailand hotels located in resort areas are characterized by a good level of service.

Pensions remain attractive for tourists. Here you will be offered good service at relatively low prices. Please note that too low a price in a guesthouse may result in a shared toilet and shower on the floor. Cheap and almost unremarkable accommodation are Thai and Chinese hotels. As a rule, these are multi-storey panel buildings in which you will be offered the same type, but fairly clean rooms.

If you want to stay with a tent, then in Thailand this can be done in one of the country's national parks. However, it is worth stocking up on mosquito nets and mosquito and mosquito repellents. Conditions in such campsites are much worse than in European ones.

Popular hotels

Tours and attractions in Thailand

Today Thailand is one of the most popular Asian countries. The fantastic nature, as well as the rich cultural and historical heritage of this amazing country every year attracts an increasing number of tourists from all over the world. Here you will find famous Buddhist temples, magnificent palaces, interesting museums, numerous parks and gardens, gorgeous beaches, stunningly beautiful coral reefs and, of course, exotic Thai cuisine, elephant riding, the world's largest crocodile farm and much more.

Sprawled on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is the largest city and capital of Thailand. The Thais call it Krun-Thep, which means "City of Angels". Among the most famous and popular sights of Bangkok, it is worth highlighting the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun Temple), the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo), Wat Pho Temple, the Marble Temple (Wat Bentyamabo Phit) and the National Museum. The Vimanmek Palace, the temples of Wat Bovonnivet, Wat Ratcha Orasaram and Wat Suthat, the Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, and the Jim Thompson House Museum deserve special attention. However, it is also worth visiting the Science Museum, Planetarium, Snake Farm, Safari World and Lumpini parks, Siam Water Park and colorful floating markets. In the vicinity of the capital, the most interesting are the famous Crocodile Farm, the magnificent Rose Garden and the Ancient City theme park.

Chiang Mai, the second largest city in the country, is also very popular among tourists. It is located in the fertile valley of the Ping River, surrounded by picturesque mountains. Chiang Mai and its environs are famous for a huge number of interesting places, among which numerous magnificent temples are of particular interest - Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chet Yot, Wat Lok Moli, Wat Umong and many others . No less interesting are such attractions as the Chiang Mai National Museum, Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, the ruins of the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam, the Tribal Ethnographic Museum, the Night Safari Amusement Park and the Elephant Nature Park. The famous "Night Market" is especially popular with tourists.

Of course, the ancient city of Ayutthaya deserves special attention, the historical center of which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the resort of Pattaya, it is worth visiting such attractions as Nong Nooch Tropical Park, on the territory of which the famous orchid park is located, Mini Siam Park, Yannasangwararam Temple, the Temple of Truth, Si Racha Tiger Zoo, Ancient Stone Park, as well as take a boat trip to the picturesque Phai Islands and Ko Lan. No less interesting are the Royal Villa Doi Tung and the temples of Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra Kaew, Phra That Doi Chom Thong and Wat Ngam Muang in Chiang Rai, the Mrigadaiyawan Palace in Cha-Am, as well as the unique Tiger Temple and the historical park of Muang Sing in Kanchanaburi province . However, you will get a lot of pleasure and impressions by visiting such Thai cities as Rayong and Mae Hong Son.

One of the most picturesque corners of Thailand is rightfully considered the province of Krabi with stunningly beautiful landscapes, luxurious beaches and numerous picturesque islands scattered off the coast. Among the attractions of Krabi, the most popular temples are Wat Kaew and Wat Thamsya (“Monastery of the Sanded Tiger), Susaan Khoy Fossil Shellfish Beach, Viking Sea Cave, Pranang Cave (better known as the “Diamond Cave”), Klong Thom Mineral Springs, Mu Ko National Park Lanta and Phi Phi Islands. The region is especially popular among fans of diving, windsurfing, eco-tourism, and the high limestone mountains of the Railay Peninsula attract climbers from all over the world.

Among the most popular and beautiful places in Thailand, it is worth noting Phang Nga Bay, the islands of Phuket, Similan, Koh Samui, Samet and Chang, as well as the resorts of Hua Hin and Khao Lak. The country is famous for its stunning beauty and numerous National Parks and Reserves (Erawan, Tham Pla Namtok Pha Sue, Khao Chong, Doi Inthanon, Mae Surin, Khao Lak Lamru, Khao Laem and others).

Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine was largely influenced by two factors - climate and culture, although the history of this country, immigration, and invasions also played a big role. China, Burma and Cambodia had a great influence. The favorable climate allows you to collect here two or even three crops annually, and all kinds of greenery grows all year round. Perhaps it is local abundance that can explain such a phenomenon as the absence of the concept of "hunger" in the Thai language. And the fact that the religion professed by the majority of Thais is Buddhism, there are practically no dietary restrictions. Thais use all types of meat in their cuisine, fish in large quantities, as well as many vegetables and fruits.

The Thai people highly value their traditions and culture. They are proud of their national dishes and love to treat guests. The streets and canals of Thai cities are lined with patches and carts, bicycles and boats selling a variety of snacks.

The Thai people are very fond of parties and holidays, during their noisy and groovy festivals, carefully prepared traditional dishes are always served as a sign of respect for their customs and traditions. Guests are served non-stop snack trays, exotic fruit dishes and Thai beer or local whiskey. All dishes are served on the table at once, so that the hostess can enjoy dinner with the guests.

In Thai cuisine, dishes are decorated with pride, beautifully and brightly. Vegetables for garnish are cut very carefully, in various shapes. Intricate designs and artistic performance are an integral part of Thai cuisine.

Daily meals are very dependent on the weather, on the season, on the harvest, and on the vagaries of the rainy seasons. Thai people take their food seriously, choosing only the freshest ingredients with delicate flavors and textures. One of the main products is rice, it is both a side dish and a main dish, it is also served for dessert. Food for a simple Thai means khao, i.e. rice. Everything else - vegetables, fish, meat - Thais call "kap khao", which means: "what is eaten with rice." Coconut occupies almost the same central place.

Thai cuisine varies in different regions, depending on the products available. If desired, the chef can replace certain ingredients or spices depending on taste, observing only the basic cooking order. For example, many recipes replace pork with chicken or shrimp.

But there are foods that are a must in all Thai homes. These are coconut, lime, rice, chili, garlic, lemongrass, ginger root and coriander. All Thai dishes are balanced, all extreme flavors are harmoniously balanced in every dish in all meals.

Thai cuisine was largely influenced by two factors - climate and culture, although the history of this country, immigration, and invasions also played a big role. China, Burma and Cambodia had a great influence. The favorable climate allows you to collect here two or even three crops annually, and all kinds of greenery grows all year round. Perhaps it is local abundance that can explain such a phenomenon as the absence of the concept of "hunger" in the Thai language. And the fact that the religion professed by the majority of Thais is Buddhism, there are practically no dietary restrictions. Thais use in their cuisine all types of meat, fish in large quantities, as well as many vegetables and fruits ....

Tips

As a rule, tips are given to porters, taxi drivers and those hotel workers who serve you well. In those restaurants where services are usually not included in the bill, tips are usually 10 - 15%.

Visa

Office Hours

Usually banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 15.30. Exchange offices are often open daily from morning until late evening. ATM instructions are written in Thai and English.

Purchases

It is customary to bargain in markets and tourist shops. This also applies to private, non-metered taxis.

Most shops are open until 9 pm and open at 8 or 10 am. Official business days are from Monday to Saturday. Markets are open from dawn to noon, and in the evening there is a trade for tourists.

VAT is set at 7%, which is charged in hotels, restaurants and high-end shops. You cannot claim a VAT refund.

Souvenirs

Antiques - sculptures and images of Buddhist temples carved on wood or bone, ornaments made of wood and various decorations used in the decoration of palaces, puppets, masks, silver bowls, vases, etc.

Cotton products - clothes, tablecloths, bed linen, pillows, carpets, blankets, towels.

Thailand has been one of the leaders in the production of gems and jewelry since the early 80s.

Ceramic products are produced by several factories called "Celadon". This is a wide selection of lamps, vases, dinnerware sets and various souvenirs.

Woodcarving - woodcarving as a craft developed in Thailand for 7 centuries, mainly in the north of the country. Goods are divided into four categories - furniture, household products (lamps, dishes), decorative items (picture frames) and souvenirs.

Medicine

Officially, no vaccination certificates are required. But it is recommended to be vaccinated against polio, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A. Those who travel for more than 2-3 weeks or are going to visit remote areas of the country are also recommended to be vaccinated against tuberculosis, hepatitis B, rabies, diphtheria and encephalitis. It is also better to stock up on malaria medicines.

Safety

There are many crooks and pickpockets in the country. In transport and public places, not only money, but also things can be stolen. They can put drugs in food or drink, and then rob.

As a country of developed sex tourism, Thailand is dangerous for people who profess complete freedom of intimate relationships, as the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is high.

Emergency Phones

Police - 123, 1644 (in English)
Tourist Police - 1155
Ambulance - 191
Fire Department - 199

National features of Thailand. Traditions

At the entrance to the temple with the image of the Buddha, near which the faithful, sitting on the floor, offer prayers, it is supposed to take off their shoes. Women are not allowed to enter the dwellings of the monks or hand anything directly to them. It is better for women not to appear in public in shorts (especially in temples) or in overly revealing dresses.

Thailand is the dream of all travelers - those who explore unexplored corners on their own, and those who buy travel packages. In Thailand, you can see almost everything: unearthly landscapes, crystal clear water, old temples, wildlife and hospitable people. See 30 places to visit in Thailand.

30 PHOTOS

1. Bridge over the River Kwai. During the construction of this famous bridge, about 10 thousand people died. To this day, it remains a symbol of the brutality of the times of the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia. The bridge was destroyed in 1944. Only the rounded steel structures were retained, and the rectangular middle sections of the bridge were rebuilt after the war by the Japanese as war reparations. (Photo: Shutterstock).
2. Phang Nga Bay is a real miracle of nature. The fabulous lagoon is hidden between sheer limestone cliffs. There are only two other places in the world that can match the beauty of Phang Nga Bay. (Photo: Shutterstock).
3. Khao Kheow - a unique reserve has been created on the territory of the 1500-year-old jungle, where you can personally see a lion lying on the road or a giraffe passing by. Hiking tours, educational trips, as well as night safaris are organized here for tourists. (Photo: Shutterstock).
4. Railay - a peninsula with fabulous beaches, fenced off from the outside world by huge rocks - this place is not accidentally included in the list of the most beautiful places in the world. (Photo: Shutterstock).
5. Reclining Buddha in Bangkok is a huge 46-meter fully gold-leafed statue of a Buddha who is in a state of nirvana ... Everywhere in Thailand you will feel Buddhist mysticism permeate your life. (Photo: Shutterstock).
6. Khao San in Bangkok is a great starting point for those wishing to explore the city. Nearby is the river, Phra Arhit pier, Sanam Luang fields and the Grand Palace. Only here you can feel the atmosphere of carelessness, freedom and joy, which you will not find in any other place in Bangkok. (Photo: Shutterstock).
7. Amphawa is a floating market in the central region of Thailand. (Photo: Shutterstock).
8. Sa Morakot - Emerald Lake. If you want to see something that you have never seen in your life, then you must come to the emerald lake of Sa Morakot. (Photo: Shutterstock).
9. Monkey City Lopburi, the main attraction of which are tailed macaques. (Photo: Shutterstock).
10. Wat Arun in Bangkok is the Temple of the Dawn, accessed by an unusually steep staircase. It looks especially intriguing in the rays of the rising or setting sun. (Photo: Shutterstock).
11. Wat Phra Kaeo - the amazing beauty of the Grand Palace, the royal residence. (Photo: Shutterstock).
12. Fabulous islands - Ko Tap, Ko Poda, Ko Mor in the province of Krabi - this is a real paradise for those who like to walk in the water on the sandy bottom. (Photo: Shutterstock).
13. The most beautiful landscapes can be seen while sailing on a boat on the Chao Phraya River. (Photo: Shutterstock).
14. In Phuket, in the Khao Phra Teo National Park, there is a gibbon rehabilitation center in which they are trying to restore the population of these endangered unique animals. (Photo: Shutterstock).
15. Khan Sok - the oldest and richest ecosystem in Thailand with a unique virgin forest Khao Sok. (Photo: Shutterstock).
16. Ko Chang on the southeast coast is suitable for those who lack adrenaline, who are not afraid to drive along narrow and dangerous mountain roads. We can say with confidence that the risk is fully compensated by the beautiful views that open from there. And going down to the valley, you can enjoy the amazing beauty of the beaches. (Photo: Shutterstock).
17. Moon Nork Island is almost heaven on earth. This is a place you will never forget. (Photo: Shutterstock).
18. Koh Samui, Namuang - Parking and entrance to the national park are free. Jumping from a ledge into a deep pool filled with refreshing water is a real temptation not only for children, but also for adults. Between the waterfalls of Namuang I and Namuang II there is a huge safari park and a large number of elephants. (Photo: Shutterstock).
19. Hua Hin. It may come as a big surprise to you, but there is a real winery in Thailand that produces wine that wins awards in international competitions. Therefore, in the mountains of Hua Hin, during wine tasting, tourists can feel almost like in Tuscany. (Photo: Shutterstock).
20. The home of "silk spy" and scout Jim Thompson in Bangkok, whose death is still an unsolved mystery. His home, which is actually six buildings from different parts of Thailand, is an enclave of tranquility and a testament to a bygone era in the heart of bustling Bangkok. (Photo: Shutterstock).
21. The popular beaches of Lamai and Chaweng in Koh Samui with soft white sand and beautiful coastal cliffs. (Photo: Shutterstock).
22. Phuket: Similan Island and Surin Island are surrounded by coral reefs, jagged rocks, and strewn with golden sand. These islands are a real paradise for divers and a dream for photographers. (Photo: Shutterstock).
23. Si-Satchanalai - an abandoned, nostalgic ancient city, which is a historical monument of ingenious urban planning. (Photo: Shutterstock).
24. Wua Talap Island. From the observation deck on the "Island of the Sleeping Cow", where sea gypsies live, a heavenly landscape opens up. (Photo: Shutterstock).
25. The Mae Hong Son loop in the northwestern part of Thailand, which consists of 1864 turns, is the most beautiful corner of the country - offering stunning views of amazing mountains and valleys, forests, rice fields and mysterious villages. And, of course, the beautiful city of Pai. (Photo: Shutterstock).
26. From the northwestern part of Thailand, you can get to Myanmar (Burma) for one day. Leaving your passport at the border, you will be given a one-day pass, worth about $10, with which you can visit the small town of Thachilek, where they sell hot roasted chestnuts. (Photo: Carlos Wang Flickr.com).
27. The ancient temple of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a popular attraction in Thailand. It was built in the 15th century and has been preserved in good condition to this day, and inside the temple there is a Buddha statue from 1563. (Photo: Shutterstock).
28. Ko Si Chang is a royal island without a king in Pattaya, where you can see the remains of a 19th-century royal palace, the main part of which was moved to Dusit Park in Bangkok. (Photo: Shutterstock).
29. Khan Yai National Park is the oldest and most frequently visited protected area in Thailand. Special platforms have been built in the park on high towers, from which you can watch wild animals in their habitat. (Photo: Shutterstock).
30. The area near Pattaya is a place where time has stopped. In the villages of Bang Saray, Samaesan, Ang Sila you will feel like you are in the 60s: sleepy streets, wonderful beaches, excellent dried shrimp and seafood. (Photo: Shutterstock).