Holidays in Thailand. Tours to Thailand

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

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

Language and communication

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

English in tourist areas they know, but I wouldn’t say it’s good. There is even such an expression as “tayinglish”. The fact is that Thais soften and creatively rethink many sounds that are difficult for them. In Pattaya and Phuket, many sellers know certain words and phrases in Russian.

Features of mentality

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

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

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

Shopping. What to bring from Thailand?

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

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

Local cuisine. What to try?

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

Top 5 Thai dishes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holidays and Events

On the November full moon, Thais celebrate Loi Krathong in a very beautiful way. They lower compositions specially made for this into the sea - boats made of banana leaves and flowers. Nowadays they also launch burning balls or Chinese lanterns into the sky. The exact origin and original meaning of the holiday is unknown. It is probably associated with the worship of the spirit of Water, since it falls at the end of the rainy season. Now this is a beautiful tradition, a sign of respect for nature. Lowering the boat is a ritual of absolution, but they also do not forget to put a coin to appease the spirits.

The most fun and widely celebrated day is Songkran. This is Thai New Year, it is usually celebrated for a whole week, but is especially active on April 13-15. It looks like this: the entire population is actively pouring water on each other. Stores even sell special guns for these purposes. One evening in Pattaya, a fire truck arrived at the main square and began spraying people with water from large hoses. If you don’t want to get wet to the skin these days, it’s better not to leave the house. Joke. Now let's get serious. You can show the Thais with signs or tell them that you don’t want to be doused. However, not everyone responds to such requests.

Safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beach tours in Thailand

On the beaches of Thailand warm sea you can relax all year round. When it’s raining and stormy in Phuket on the Andaman coast, it’s worth moving to sunny Samui on the Gulf of Thailand. Most often Russian tourists buy beach tours to the islands of Phuket, Chang, Koh Samui and Pattaya.

The best beaches in Phuket, where the dry season is from November to April, are Patong with bars and discos, beautiful and clean Karon, peaceful Kamala Beach and Kata Beach. Pattaya is most often spoken of as a resort with not the most clean beaches and the sea. But if you wish, you can sail from the Bali Hai pier to the nearest islands with clean, clear water. The sunniest time in Pattaya is from December to April. Just like on Koh Chang Island, where guests can enjoy a tranquil eco-friendly holiday on fabulous beaches, in the midst of pristine nature. Koh Samui- coconut paradise of the Gulf of Thailand. The dry season here is from February to September. The best beaches are Chaweng Noi, Lamai, Ban Tai.

Traveling to Thailand with children

If a long flight is not an obstacle for a child, then Thailand will be an excellent option for a vacation. Cafes and restaurants have a children's menu or Russian and European cuisine. In the markets you can buy fruits, shopping centers- baby formula, cereals, purees and yoghurts. It’s rare, but there are all-inclusive tours to Thailand, which can be convenient for holidays with kids. The hotels have swimming pools with slides, animation, mini-clubs, cribs, high chairs, and babysitting services. Family tours It is better to spend it in Phuket (winter) or Koh Samui (summer). Phuket is the easiest to get to - there are direct flights here. On Koh Samui - with a transfer. Phuket is simply created for a fabulous holiday with children! They will like Kata Beach because of its gentle entrance to the sea. And Karon Beach will delight teenagers with water sports. You can visit water parks, a sea shell museum, an aquarium, a dolphinarium, and a botanical garden. On Samui is the best beaches for children, without sharp depths near the shore: Crystal Bay, Choeng Mon. Entertainment: Paradise Park Farm with beautiful animals, an aquarium and a tiger zoo, a monkey theater.

Excursion tours

Can't sit still and crave adventure? Thailand will fill them up to the top of Panama! The most interesting are crocodile farms, snake shows, Mini Siam miniature park, Bangkok with the Royal Palace and the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, Siam Ocean World. Trips to the Phi Phi Islands are wildly popular among tourists from all over the world. After all, the film “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed on one of them. And in Phang Nga Bay there are more than 40 emerald islands, including famous Island James Bond. There are always crowds of onlookers here too. A very positive excursion to the Khao Kheo open zoo, where more than 8 thousand animals live. Next door to Khao Kheo there is the Flight of the Gibbon excursion - an adrenaline-pumping ride through cable car through tall trees in the jungle. Two-day sightseeing tours On the River Kwai you are invited to visit a floating market, a coconut farm, an elephant village, a waterfall, radon hot springs and stay in a floating hotel.

Active and youth recreation in Thailand

Thailand is the perfect place to engage in water sports and experience a storm of emotions! Diving is easy in Similan, Phi Phi, Ao Nang Beach and Pattaya. On Koh Samui - windsurfing and fishing. Kayak trips are available in Phang Nga Bay. The most popular surfing spot is Kata Beach in Phuket.

Thailand's nightlife needs no introduction. The famous Walking Street in Pattaya, sparkling with neon lights, is closed off from cars every evening and until the morning belongs to partygoers walking from club to club, from bar to bar. DJs play house, R'n'B, live music, fun and cocktails flow like a river. In addition to restaurants, bars and discos, people throughout Pattaya invite you to massage parlors and Muay Thai boxing matches. Youth tours to Phuket promise bright nights with cool dance parties. They are held in the central part of Patong Beach. On the island of Koh Phangan they thunder several times a month. Full Moon Party.

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For a holiday in Thailand, tourists choose: prestigious resorts Pattaya and Phuket, as well as hundreds of small islands, as if specially created by nature for a secluded pastime away from civilization. Here you can have a fun time as amateurs hiking and diving, as well as regulars of luxury restaurants and nightclubs. And, of course, it’s impossible to imagine a vacation in Thailand without visiting the snow-white beaches that the locals are so proud of. Experience ancient Thai culture by visiting Buddhist temples, where monks in orange robes achieve enlightenment and share knowledge. Gourmets will be surprised by countless exotic dishes, which can be tasted not only in restaurants, but also at street vendor stalls. And the famous Thai hospitality, good nature and sincerity local residents make you love this amazing Asian country even more.

Seasonality and climate. When is the best time to go on vacation to Thailand?

Although local resorts welcome tourists all year round, the high season lasts from November to March and is characterized by the absence of storms and downpours and warm, most comfortable weather. From April to October, Thailand is dominated by monsoons that bring rain. At this time, the winds raise high waves, which windsurfers look forward to, and for better results, choose the calm, windless beaches of Krabi and Koh Samui.

Prices for tours to Thailand

The greatest influx of tourists in Thailand is observed in December-February, especially during the Christmas holidays. At this time, prices for tours are significantly higher than in the low season, so it is better to plan your vacation in advance by purchasing tours in advance through the early booking system. Yes, in the midst of swimming season a trip for two to Pattaya from Moscow in 2020 with accommodation in a 3-4* hotel will cost at least 70 thousand rubles. A package tour with an excursion program included in the price costs 10-20 thousand rubles. more expensive. This is the best choice for those who prefer to combine a beach holiday with active trips and walks. If you want not only to have a great time, but also to save money, choose early booking to travel to Thailand at a price 30-40% lower than usual. You can also save money by planning a vacation during the low season - from May to October. During this period, heavy rainfall occurs only in the northern regions, and in popular resorts rains are short-lived and usually occur in the evening and at night.

Types of recreation. What to do in Thailand?

Thailand is the most popular country among Russians East Asia. On its land, modern technology and ancient Buddhist culture have surprisingly harmoniously merged. Tours to Thailand are also chosen by couples with children who need high-quality and inexpensive beach holiday, and lovers of stormy nightlife, here extreme-seekers get a dose of adrenaline and those thirsting for peace and tranquility will be able to comprehend nirvana. Tropical forests and snow-white beaches, elephant rides and amazing national cuisine, real Thai massage and impeccable level of service.

Beach holiday

The famous resorts of Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang and Samui offer excellent conditions for recreation. The main tourist Mecca of Thailand is Pattaya, where there are over 130 first-class hotels, clubs and restaurants, and a developed entertainment industry. Thanks to the unique location of the resort, the sea is calm and gentle all year round; hurricanes and winds do not reach it, and showers during the rainy season, judging by the reviews of travelers, are short-lived. Phuket - best place for diving and snorkeling, and many guesthouses offering low prices for accommodation, making it popular among downshifters and young people. Koh Chang - luxury resort for true connoisseurs of comfort. And Koh Samui is sought after by those who value quiet relaxation and solitude.

It is easy to combine a holiday in Thailand with visiting excursion programs. For short term you will be able to get acquainted with the traditions and culture, life and history of an exotic country. The most interesting to visit are crocodile farms, floating markets, tropical garden Nong Nooch, Mini Siam miniature park, authentic villages, trips to famous Buddhist temples and the Golden Triangle. And don't miss Turtle Island - National Park and the pride of Thailand.

Extreme holiday

Tours to Thailand - a paradise for lovers of extreme and active recreation. In the province of Nan in the north of the country, ideal natural conditions for kayaking and rafting. Southern Province Krabi is popular with freedivers and rock climbers. Daredevils can test their strength by jumping from the Tan Rattana waterfall. And those who want to see as much as possible during their vacation can go on cycling tours throughout the country.

Attractions in Thailand

Thailand is a mysterious country where you can wander endlessly, and every time it will surprise and enchant with its fantastic landscapes, lost in the depths tropical forests ancient monuments and cities, the endless turquoise of the Indian Ocean.

Bangkok

Bangkok is an amazing city full of contrasts, where there is something to see for connoisseurs of novelty and exoticism. You can visit Chinatown with a huge selection of goods and souvenirs at nominal prices, go to Rattanakosin Island with historical center. The Silom district, the heart of Thai business, is distinguished by its luxury and splendor. And from the highest metropolitan observation deck Bayoke Sky Tower offers stunning views.

Palaces and temples

Nothing is such a shining example ancient architecture and the culture of Thailand, how magnificent it is temple complexes and palaces. The most famous of them are the huge Royal Palace and a quaint temple Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. In Pattaya, explore the Temple of Truth, a true masterpiece, the construction of which does not contain a single nail. The Buddhist temple Wat Saket on the Golden Mount in the capital is one of the main symbols of Buddhism, and Wat Ratchanadda offers breathtaking views of the Old City.