Thailand capital head of state state language. What was the name of Thailand? Siam is the first name of Thailand

Location
The Kingdom of Thailand is a state located in Southeast Asia between and and bordering on the north and west with Burma (Myanmar),
in the northeast with Laos, in the west with Cambodia and in the south with Malaysia. Thailand is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the southeast and the Indian Ocean in the southwest. The terrain varies from high mountains in the north to limestone tropical islands in the south, the territory of which is part of Malay Archipelago. The main religion is Buddhism.

Territory
513 thousand sq. km. One tenth of the territory falls on the islands.

Nature
The remaining tracts of virgin forests, most of which are located in national parks, form the deciduous tropical monsoon forests of Central, Northern and North-Eastern Thailand and the humid forests of the country's region. The most remarkable representatives of the Thai flora are orchids, there are about 1000 species of them. Presented in abundance tropical plants, in particular hibiscus, acacia, lotus, red jasmine and bougainvillea. In the cooler northern areas, azaleas and rhododendrons thrive.
The destruction of Thailand's forests has led to the reduction of animal species. Elephants survived only in national parks and elephant sanctuaries. Quite a large number of gibbons and other monkeys are represented, in particular macaques. Thailand is home to the rare Khun Kitty, the smallest bat in the world.
The bird world includes over 1,000 non-migratory and migratory species, including the great hornbill, the white-crested gull thrush and the swift, whose nest is eaten.

Climate
Thailand is located in the tropical climate zone, and the year can be conditionally divided into three main periods: summer (March - May), rainy season (June - October) and cool season (November - February). The average temperature in Bangkok is +28°C with temperature fluctuations from +30°C in April to +25°C in December.
During the rainy season, southeast monsoons dominate throughout the country, bringing heavy rains. Dry winters (from November to February) are mild, and the daytime temperature is not much inferior to the average annual.
During the hot season (from March to May), strong heat and high humidity are set, and there is practically no precipitation.
In the eastern part of the peninsula, its own special climate has formed, which is characterized by uniform rains throughout the year, and only in September there is a sharp increase in showers.
On the islands and Phi Phi, it rains mainly in July - September, and on Koh Samui - in October - November.

HISTORY AND CULTURE
Among the countries of Southeast Asia, Thailand is the only country that did not become a victim of European colonization. He rarely experienced hardships. civil wars and racial conflicts. Such a remarkable fact in the history of this country is reflected in the definition that is often given to Thailand by its inhabitants - "the country of free people."
The latest archaeological discoveries made in the north-east of the country in the vicinity of the village of Bang Chian confirmed that the most ancient civilization of the Bronze Age flourished here more than five and a half thousand years ago.
Subsequent waves of immigrants, among whom were Mons, Khmers and Thais themselves, gradually mastered the territory of Thailand, moving from South China along fertile river plains. In XI and XII centuries the territory of Thailand was part of the Khmer state with its capital in the city of Angkor (modern). At the beginning of the 13th century, the Thais founded a number of small city-states in the north of the country with centers in Lanna, Phayao, Sukhothai. In 1238, two Thai princes who ruled in these cities rebelled against the Khmer king and founded the first independent Thai state with the capital in the city of Sukhothai (translated as "Dawn of Happiness"). In subsequent years, the Sukhothai kingdom greatly expanded its territory, especially in the basin Chao Phraya river. Buddhism became the state religion. The first Thai alphabet appeared, and the first forms of traditional Thai art emerged in painting, sculpture, architecture and literature. By the beginning of the 14th century, the state of Sukhothai had weakened and turned into a vassal of the kingdom of Ayutthaya, a young and energetic state. During the 417 years of the existence of the kingdom of Ayutthaya, 33 kings of the eponymous dynasty were replaced. At this time, Thai culture developed, and the Thai lands were finally liberated from Khmer domination. Settled with European, Arab, Indian states, as well as with China and.
The destruction of Ayutthaya in 1776 by the Burmese conquerors turned out to be a heavy loss for the Thai people. But the Thais did not lose heart: for two months they fought courageously under the leadership of the new king Taksin and expelled the Burmese from the country. A new capital, Thon Buri, was built.
In 1782, the first king of the new and now ruling Chakri dynasty - Rama I - founded a new capital on the banks of the Chao Phraya River - Bangkok (translated as "Wild Plum Village"). The country maintained its independence from European colonization through skilful diplomacy and partial modernization of society.
Thailand today is a constitutional monarchy.

Capital
Bangkok is the main administrative, economic and Cultural Center countries. Antiquity and modernity are organically combined here: skyscrapers are adjacent to Buddhist temples and numerous historical monuments. The city is divided into several districts: the Old Town, where the main architectural monuments are concentrated; Chinatown - Finance center Bangkok; Dusit is the center of official life in Thailand; Downtown - business, shopping and Entertainment Center Thai capital; Thonburi is located on east coast the Chao Phraya river.

How to get there:
Bangkok served by over 50 international airlines. Most planes land at the new Bangkok airport, located southeast of Bangkok. Direct flights to Phuket are operated by Transaero.

Flight time to Bangkok from Moscow is 9 hours. Flight time on a direct non-stop flight to Phuket Island is 9.5 hours.

Local time:
ahead of Moscow by 4 hours. From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October - for 3 hours.

Population: 62.5 million people belong to various ethnic groups. They are mostly Thais, but there are also Khmers, Mons, Laotians, Chinese, Malays, Persians and Hindus. About 12 million people live in Bangkok.

Religion:
More than 90% of Thais practice Theravadian (southern) Buddhism, which has a strong influence on their daily lives. Muslims make up about 5% of total number population, Christians - about 1%, other religions - less than 1%.

Language:
Thai is the official language of Thailand. English is widely spoken.

Currency:
currency unit- Thai baht. One baht is subdivided into 100 satang. 1 USD = about 35 baht. Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 baht. Exchange can be made in banks, exchange offices, airport or hotel. We recommend taking large denomination banknotes (50, 100 dollars / euros) on a trip, since the exchange rate for them is higher than for small ones. Banknotes issued before 1997 are not accepted for exchange. For non-cash forms of payment are widely used credit cards and travelers checks.

Transport:
taxi is cheap. To travel short distances, you can use the "tuk-tuk" (auto rickshaw). Car rental is inexpensive, but as a rule, cars are not insured. Therefore, when renting a car or motorcycle, make sure you have insurance and its validity. Traffic in Thailand is left-handed, chaotic, with constant traffic jams. Road signs and signs in Thai and English.

Electricity:
220 volt electricity is used throughout the country. We advise you to have plug-converters (adapters) with you.

Airport taxes: on reverse thailand international flights must be paid (in local currency) airport tax in the amount of 700 baht per person. Domestic departures from Koh Samui are subject to an airport tax (in local currency) of THB 400 per person.

Telephone:
you can call Moscow from the hotel through the receptionist or on the street from international telephone sets (yellow).
Mobile telephone communications: owners mobile phones operating in the GSM-900/1800 standard can use them in Thailand.

Work time:
most commercial organizations work 5 days a week. State
institutions are open from 08:30 to 16:30 with a lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00 (Monday to Friday, except holidays). Most stores are open 12 a.m.
hours a day, excluding weekends and holidays.

Cloth:
It is best to dress in light and loose cotton clothing. We do not recommend wearing nylon products. Sweaters are required in the evenings of the cool period (in winter) or when visiting mountainous areas countries or northern national parks. Wear a suit and tie if you are going to visit certain restaurants or nightclubs.

Medicine:
every tourist must have a medical. If an accident occurs to you or your loved ones, be sure to call the service department, provide the number of your insurance policy and tell about the insured event. Then you will need to see a doctor. When paying for medical expenses, you must collect all checks for the reimbursement of your expenses by the insurance company.

Health:
We recommend that you do not drink tap water, but use purified water provided by hotels free of charge. It is advisable not to buy food from "street and beach chefs", as poisoning is possible. After returning to Moscow to acclimatize the body, it is better to spend the first 2-3 days at home without going outside. Otherwise, the likelihood of colds is high.

Features of customs control:
the export of gold bars, images of the Buddha (except for neck medallions and small souvenirs) is prohibited, precious stones, platinum jewelry, antiques. Drug smugglers are sentenced to death penalty. For jewelry, you must have a certificate that is issued to you when you purchase from a store.

What to buy:
Thai silk and cotton, silver and bronze niello, ceramics and pewter, precious stones and jewelry. A wide selection of handicrafts. Inexpensive is ready-made clothing for sports and leisure made according to world standards.

Kitchen:
Thai cuisine is delicious and original thanks to the abundant addition of exotic spices and seasonings, as well as the use of the best elements of Chinese and Indian cuisines.

The land part of the mainland, where Thailand is located, is like an elephant's head with an elongated trunk.

A country in which there are never snowy winters and cold weather, and the locals always greet tourists warmly.

In contact with

What is the geographic location

The state of Thailand is located on the territory of two peninsulas at once: the northern part of Malacca and southwestern Indochina. Is southeastern part Asia. Thanks to this large area and elongated state has 1875 km coastline Gulf of Thailand and 740 km of the Andaman Sea - one of the longest in the entire nearby region. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Kingdom of Thailand is famous for the variety of its luxurious resorts.

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia, located in the southwestern part of the Indochina peninsula and in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula. It borders Cambodia and Laos to the east, Myanmar to the west, and Malaysia to the south.

Where is located on the world map

The best assistants in finding Thailand on the world map are fantasy and attentiveness. Having found India on the map, it is simply impossible not to notice in the east of it a part of the mainland in the form of an elephant's head with a trunk - the main symbol of the kingdom. Or you can move your hand to the southeast of China, taking the waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans as landmarks. You need to move as close as possible to the equator line.

Thailand on the world map

It is important to know: The Kingdom of Thailand is rightfully considered the heart of year-round tourism. The tropical climate, monsoons and many forests beckon with mystery. And there is no such day in the year when tourists would not want to come here for a resort or an excursion.

In which country

This is not the name of the city, but the country. This is one of the few Asian countries that has centuries of history managed to maintain independence when all neighboring states were colonized by either France or Britain. Tensions have developed between the kingdom and Myanmar, the reason for this was political disagreements and disputed areas of the country's territories. To date, the main form of regulation of power is a constitutional monarchy.

A magical country that attracts tourists from all over the world - Thailand. Witnesses of her are scattered throughout the state. rich history: temples, palaces and other monuments of majestic Thai culture

Interesting fact: The name Thailand for the country was invented by the British back in 1939, which means “the country of the Thais”.

On what continent

The kingdom is located in the largest part of the world - Asia. Connecting with Europe, they form the mainland of Eurasia. Asia occupies the northern and eastern hemispheres. This is the undoubted world leader in terms of total land area, local population, and infrastructure development. The mainland is washed by all four oceans and the Black, Marmara, Azov, Mediterranean and Aegean seas.

Thailand - the pearl of South Asia

Note: in order to clearly understand where Asia begins and Europe ends, it is necessary to draw a line along the eastern side of Mugozhar and Ural mountains. Then continue the line along the Embe River. Go down to northern shores Caspian Sea and head to the Kerch Strait. At the same time, the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov should remain on the European side.

Thailand is China or not

Thailand, referred to as Siam until 1993, is a separate independent state and an integral part of the Indochina peninsula. Surrounded by water on the south side indian ocean. At one time, Siam was the largest Thai country on the entire peninsula, which included Lanna, Pegu, Cambodia, individual islands and Laos.

Thailand is rightfully considered a real "diamond" among the resorts of the Asian region, successfully competing for the attention of tourists with other paradises on our planet. The warm tropical climate, exotic fruits, the gentle waters of the Indian Ocean and the indescribable flavor of this kingdom in Southeast Asia annually attract many tourists from all over the world.

Do you know that: the harbor of Malacca, which lay next to the Siamese kingdom, had importance on the world trading market. Tea, copper products, porcelain and silk were brought here from China. India supplied handmade clothing. And rice, dried fish and different kinds alcoholic drinks.

What countries borders

From the southeastern mountainous side, the country has a common border with Cambodia, 803 km long. The border with Laos, 1754 km long, lies on the northeast side of the Mekong River. The western neighbor of the state is Myanmar, the total length of the border with which is 1800 km. And in the south, Thailand is surrounded by a 506 km border with Malaysia.

Geographic location of Thailand

The bulk of the borders were documented at the end of the 19th century under the influence of Great Britain and France.

Worth considering: today there are disputed sections of the kingdom's maritime borders with Cambodia, which do not officially belong to any of the states.

Which city is the capital

Political, economic and. Wikipedia tells us that the total area of ​​this city exceeds 1500 sq. km. The capital is located on the eastern side of the Chao Phraya River. Rapidly developing city infrastructure and implementation the latest technologies in its arrangement make it a worthy competitor and Singapore. The population is about 5.5 million people. The capital, together with five neighboring provinces, form the Greater Bangkok agglomeration.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand

Take note: the first name of the city was very long, due to which it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

How long is the flight from Moscow

Unfortunately, it is impossible to calculate the duration of the flight from Moscow to Bangkok with an accuracy of up to a minute, since this process is influenced by many factors. The key one is the weather. It is also possible to fly not only by direct flight, but also with transfers. In the second case, the cost of the ticket will be significantly reduced, but you will have to pay for such savings by waiting hours at the airport.

The distance in a straight line between Moscow and Bangkok is just over 7000 km. At average speed flight of 850 km/h, and landing and takeoff time of 20 minutes, we get an average one-way flight time of 9 hours. But the figures obtained are only approximate. This does not mean that the plane flying from Moscow to Bangkok will fly exactly in a straight line, because. for all flights, special air routes are laid. Speed ​​may vary and depend on weather conditions

Average duration direct flight from Moscow to Bangkok is about 9.5 hours, when using flights with transfers, the journey will take from 11 to 16 hours.

What is the approximate cost of the ticket

The price range of the voucher is in the range of $ 750-1500. For example, a tour for two people to Phuket from August to October will cost from 50 to 70 thousand rubles. wishing to leave late autumn or in winter you need to count on 85-100 thousand rubles. But in order to be sure of your financial capabilities, it is better to have an amount of at least 100 thousand rubles. This monetary equivalent will allow not only to pay for various excursions, but also to buy souvenirs for relatives, to visit more than one good restaurant.

Koh Samui beach

Note: Wealthy gourmets and exotic lovers will definitely be interested in Koh Samui. This chic luxury resort can become great solution for honeymoon.

Going on vacation to this country, it is important to know that:

• currency exchange in the country is best done within the walls of banking institutions, other attempts can be regarded as a robbery;
• the cheapest calls to Russia will be obtained when using the services of street machines;
• when talking, try not to abruptly change the tone of your voice - this will be regarded as ignorance;
• if you have any questions regarding your stay in the country, you can contact the tourist police;
• In order to avoid problems with documents, it is worth making several copies in advance.

The islands of Thailand, located in the open sea, attract with cleanliness, lack of metropolitan fuss and dustiness. There is an abundance of relatively wild, untouched corners of nature, because many of them began to be settled only at the turn of the century with the development of the tourism industry

It is important to know: try to touch the locals as little as possible. For them, being touched by strangers is regarded as an insult for some reason.

Regardless of the time of year, Thailand will always surprise with its bright colors and will gladly satisfy the curiosity of many new tourists who decide to visit its sunny expanses.

Watch the video in which the specialist talks about the geographical position of Thailand on the world map:

What to eat in Thailand is a rhetorical question. Without exaggeration - everything: pristine beaches on the islands and the frenzy of discos, ancient temples and a stunning underwater world. Nest of debauchery Pattaya and beautiful Phuket, cuisine and shopping - all about Thailand: tours, hotels, weather, map.

• Tours for May to Thailand
• Hot tours to Thailand

A fair amount of travel experience and a well-deserved reputation as the most popular destination in Southeast Asia make themselves felt: almost everything that can be done in Thailand or shown to tourists for money is done and shown there. On the one hand, it’s cool: a variety of recreational options with benefit and pleasure are available in the country, from sex tours and round-the-clock "fumes" in local bars and discos to diving on the islands and searching for enlightenment in ancient temples. On the other hand, Thailand, where everything tourist has long been put on stream and on a solid commercial basis, can no longer be called exotic. However, despite the seeming mass character and openness of the direction, there is still exotic in Thailand. It's just that it is not always available to those who come on a tour.

Time difference with Moscow

4 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Since November 1, 2018, the import of plastic, including plastic bags and foam plastic, has been banned on Koh Samet in Thailand. Before arrival, tourists will be forced to leave all plastic bags at the airport and at first, if necessary, paper pacts or bags made of environmentally friendly material will be issued. Violators will have to pay a fine of 1500 THB. It is expected that soon the same measures will be taken on the island of Koh Samui and by 2021 - throughout the country.

How to get to Thailand

If you do not take into account extreme travel with hitchhiking, complex trains and buses, and a bunch of borders, then the only sane way to get to Thailand from Russia is air travel. Major airport country Suvarnabhumi is located in Bangkok, planes fly here not only from Moscow, but also from a number of regional centers of Russia. Phuket airport is also popular, but there are direct flights to Pattaya only in high season. This issue is discussed in more detail in the article "How to get to Thailand".

• How to navigate when transferring at Bangkok airport

Find flights to Thailand

Transport

Car rental in Thailand

How to avoid problems

It is recommended to get vaccinated against cholera, hepatitis A, yellow fever, diphtheria and typhoid before departure. It is advisable to have repellent in the first aid kit: mosquitoes that carry the infection are active both day and night. However, you should not worry too much: according to statistics, the risk of catching a tropical disease or infection in Thailand is extremely small.

It is better not to buy food from street and beach chefs and vendors - poisoning is possible. Products here spoil very quickly, therefore it is wiser to avoid all sour-milk. Drinking water- only from bottles, ice in drinks - only in case of emergency: it can be prepared from tap water.

Nudism in the country is completely banned, although topless on the beach is far from uncommon. Disparaging remarks, and even more so insults against the monarch and the Buddhist faith - the pillars of Thai society - are considered a crime. Serious punishment awaits the brawlers on board the aircraft: smoking in the toilet or violating any other ban, you can run into a hefty fine.

In 2018, the Thai authorities tightened checks on foreigners to identify illegal immigrants. The Russian Embassy recommends that all tourists always carry their passport with them (not a copy and not a driver's license - this is important!). If there is no passport with you, or the tourist refuses to show it, the police have the right to detain him until he shows the original document. Checks are carried out mainly in crowded places: in shopping centers, restaurants, bars and discos.

The bite of a harmless-looking snail of the cone family without the introduction of a vaccine is fatal. Feeling a painful prick and numbness in the water, you need to run headlong to the first-aid post: dangerous consequences will begin to develop in half an hour.

• How to behave if you are accused of an offense in Thailand

Thailand beaches

Cuisine and restaurants in Thailand

Thai cuisine is a real culinary magic, it combines the spicy fire of Indian spices, the sophistication of the dishes of the French royal court, the unchanged quality of Chinese cooking, as well as traditions brought by immigrants and tribes from Malaysia, Burma and Laos. Seafood, fresh and fragrant herbs, bright spices, unusual soups, even ordinary-looking rice in the most provincial Thai cafe turns into a real meal called “khau phat”, and from simple fried noodles “pad thai” European tourists do not pull by the ears. Look for a pinch of history, a handful of useful tips and a couple of spoonfuls of culinary secrets in the article "Thai cuisine".

Guides in Thailand

Entertainment and attractions

In its shape, the territory of the state resembles the head of an elephant, and its shores are washed by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea.

Peculiarities

Until 1939, the kingdom was called Siam, which means "country of free people." It must be said that Thailand fully justifies this status, since it is the only power in Southeast Asia that has never been conquered by foreigners in its history. The modern name is translated as "the country of the Thais", which fully reflects its current image. The Siamese shores have long been considered the world's Mecca of tourism. Every year millions of tourists from different countries world, to a large extent replenishing the state treasury. Fine sand of snow-white beaches, bright tropical landscapes, affordable prices, the richness of the animal world, the excellent climate and a whole scattering of historical and natural attractions, have been creating a high reputation for Thailand for many years, making it one of the most promoted and popular tourist centers on the planet. The country has huge land resources, being one of the leading exporters of the world in such areas as rice, fruits and rubber. A significant part of the population is employed in agriculture, in the fishing and textile industries, as well as in tourism and other areas.

In the role of the indisputable authority and symbol of Thailand, for its inhabitants, the king acts. Today it is Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has been ruling for over 60 years. No less devoted are the Thais and the Buddhist religion. A huge number of temples have been built in the kingdom, most of which are striking in their luxury and splendor. Staying on the shores of Siam, one should especially respect the culture and traditions of this freedom-loving people, who have been living according to the laws of their ancestors for centuries. Special attention it is worth paying attention to the rules of conduct in public places, where an increased manifestation of people's love for each other and the public exposure of various parts of the body are not welcome, since special institutions are provided for this in Thailand. Developed infrastructure sex tourism is widely known outside the country and many adventurers, predominantly male, come here just for this. The shores of Siam are known for their handicrafts, local folklore, alternative medicine, including the famous Thai massage, as well as martial arts and Siamese cats.

general information

The area of ​​Thailand is more than 514 thousand square meters. km, and the population is over 67 million people. The official language is Thai. At the same time, English is widely spoken in the resorts of the country. The Thai baht (THB) is the single national currency. 100 THB = $THB:USD:100:2. Local time is ahead of Moscow by 4 hours. Time zone UTC+7. Mains voltage 220 V at 50 Hz, A, B, C, F, I. Telephone country code +66. Internet domain.th.

A brief excursion into history

The kingdom of Sukhothai was originally located on the territory of modern Thailand, formed in 1238. A little over 100 years later, Ayutthaya became its successor. It was during the period of its existence that these lands were most often subjected to raids by the Burmese, which stopped only in the 18th century, after Taksin the Great ascended the throne. He was the founder of the Chakri dynasty, from which the roots begin recent history kingdoms. All attempts by Burma, and then Great Britain, to subjugate Siam were unsuccessful, thanks to which the country remained unconquered. The third millennium was marked by the devastating tsunami of 2004 that claimed the lives of thousands of people, the massive flooding in Bangkok in 2011, as well as the coup d'état of 2006 and the subsequent political crisis, which ended only recently, but its economic consequences are reflected in the life of the state to this day.

Climate

The country is dominated by a humid tropical and subequatorial climate, which is very strongly influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons. The rainy season is from June to October, while the period from November to February is dry and cool. The period from March to May is considered the hottest. However, this division is very relative, given the different relief and geographical orientation of the regions. The air temperature throughout the year averages about +26 - +28 degrees, although in the north, especially in mountainous areas, it is somewhat colder and sometimes the thermometer drops to 0 degrees there. Most optimum time to visit the country, it is customary to consider the period from November to February, although during the rainy season the tourist hype decreases significantly, and prices become noticeably lower. The weather, however, does not affect the quality of recreation too much, especially on the southern and eastern coasts, since the rains here are short and do not have such consequences as in the north.

Visa and customs regulations

Since 2007, Thailand has canceled visas for Russian citizens and now, in case of arrival for a period of less than one month, Russians will not need to apply for it. Citizens of Ukraine can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport if the period of stay does not exceed 15 days. Customs regulations correspond to generally accepted world standards, but at the same time, the export of platinum jewelry, raw precious stones, gold, images of the Buddha (with the exception of souvenirs), ivory and other things that are state property is prohibited.

How to get there

Direct flight from Moscow to capital airport takes just over 9 hours. Also exists direct flights with several other cities in Russia and CIS countries. The most economical option seems to be a flight by Turkmen Airlines, but it provides for a transfer, which is not very convenient.

Transport

Inside the kingdom, the most popular means of transportation are the so-called "tuk-tuks", which are open mini-buses, more like roomy scooters. This type of transport is part of the national flavor and is used in all cities. Buses and taxis are also common. Railway communication between provinces and cities is well established. It is not recommended to rent a car, because the driving rules in Thailand are very specific, and in some places they are completely absent. In controversial situations during accidents, the police almost always take the side of the locals. The resorts are extremely popular water modes of transport, including yachts, boats, boats and canoes.

Regions

Cities and resorts

Select from a list Ao-Nang Bangkok ★ Jomtien Khao Lak Krabi Kood Island Lanta Island Lipe Island Koh Phangan Island Phuket Island Koh Samui Island Koh Chang Phi Phi Islands Pattaya Rayong Similan Islands Hat Rei Le Hua Hin Cha Am Chiang Mai Chiang Rai

Information

Geographically, Thailand is divided into 5 regions: Central, Northeast, South, Northern areas and East Coast.

The central region consists of fertile plains, in some places located below sea level and lying along the course of the Chao Phray River and its tributaries. It is considered the main area for growing rice, which is exported to many countries of the world. In addition, the capital of the kingdom is located here - a city with a population of more than 12 million people. It contains iconic national landmarks, including the famous temple complex with big Royal Palace and Temple of the Golden Buddha. Not far from Bangkok lies the historical relic of the country - the archaeological complex, and nearby is the modern city of the same name Ayutthaya.

The southern part of the country, located on the Malay Peninsula, is dominated by mountainous uplands, as well as plantations of tropical fruits and rubber trees. In addition, a whole scattering of island resorts is located here, among which the most famous are,.

The east coast, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, is famous, first of all, for its province of Chon Buri, where the country's most popular and noisy resort is located -. The province is home to one of the largest trading ports in Southeast Asia, Laem Chabang, as well as a whole scattering of manufacturing centers owned by the world's largest companies.

The northeastern region is considered the poorest in the state, as its agricultural land is often subject to floods and droughts. However, there are also many rice plantations here, which annually provide a significant percentage of rice for export.

Famous for its amazing natural landscapes, formed from mountain ranges and fertile plains. The rainy season is most pronounced here, so there are often floods that cause a lot of trouble for local farmers. On tourist map world well-known province of Chiang Mai, with the city of the same name, where for the most part depart tourists traveling to Northern Thailand.

by the most prestigious places islands are considered to be holiday destinations in Thailand. Among them, and are the most famous, as well as such exotic resorts How

One of the most exotic islands Thailand is an island located in the waters of the Andaman Sea. It is just a few kilometers away and is a real tropical paradise with turquoise bays, green palm trees, a rich underwater world and a complete lack of roads.

Thailand has long been considered one of the most massive tourist destinations worldwide. This fabulous kingdom, like a magnet, attracts travelers who want to enjoy warm waters Andaman and South China Seas, as well as enjoy admiring tropical landscapes and majestic Buddhist temples, reflected by the gilding of their domes in the bright rays of the Siamese sun.

Accommodation

In Thailand in all major cities and resorts there is a type of accommodation for each price segment. Prices vary by region and season. Most low prices during the rainy and monsoon season from May to August, and the peak of prices is observed in December-February. In general, housing prices in Thailand are considered quite inexpensive, but it all depends on the services provided, which are included in the price. There are very expensive fashionable boutique hotels with all amenities and the highest Thai service.

It is not for nothing that Thailand is called the "Land of Smiles", because very polite and hospitable people who love to smile live there. Probably, the habit of smiling among Thais is developed from an early age under the influence of Buddhism. This is not surprising given that there are over 18,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand. What is surprising in Thailand is different - nature, mountains, palaces, ancient monasteries and temples, pagodas, floating bazaars, Thai cuisine, Thai massage, coral islands and, of course, white sandy beaches surrounded by palm and coconut groves.

Thailand is located on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Thailand borders Laos and Cambodia to the east, Malaysia to the south, and Myanmar and Laos to the north. In the east of the country is the Gulf of Thailand, which belongs to South China Sea, and the western shores are washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea. total area Thailand, including the islands - 514,000 sq. km., and the total length state border- 4,863 km.

There are several geographical regions in Thailand. In the west, south and north are mountain systems, and in the east - the Korat plateau. The most high peak- Mount Doi Inthanon, whose height reaches 2,565 m. In the central part, along the Chao Phraya River, there is the Menam lowland. It is the Chao Phraya that is considered the largest river in Thailand.

The capital of Thailand is Bangkok, which is now home to more than 15 million people. The history of Bangkok goes back to the 15th century.

The official language of the people of Thailand is Thai, belonging to the Thai-Kadai language family.

More than 94% of the population of Thailand professes Theravada Buddhism (the most conservative direction of this religion).

Under the current constitution, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the King and the head of government is the Prime Minister.

The bicameral parliament in Thailand is called the National Assembly, it consists of the Senate (150 senators) and the House of Representatives (480 deputies).

The main political parties in Thailand are the For Thailand Party and the Democratic Party.

The climate in Thailand is tropical with big amount precipitation. On west coast The country's monsoon brings rain from April to November, while on the east coast the rainy season lasts from September to December.

In general, the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February. During this cool season, the air temperature in Bangkok ranges from +18C to +32C.

The summer period (i.e. hot, dry season) lasts from March to June. In Bangkok at this time of the year, the average air temperature is +34C, but often reaches +40C. Try not to get to Thailand in April, unless, of course, you plan to constantly swim in the ocean. April is the hottest month in Thailand.

From July to October, the monsoon season continues in Thailand. During this time, floods often occur in the country.

In the east of Thailand is the Gulf of Thailand, which belongs to the South China Sea, and the western shores are washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea. The total length of the coast is 3,219 km. The average annual water temperature is +26-29C.

The largest river in Thailand is the Chao Phraya River, which flows through the Menam Lowland in the central part of the country. Another large local river is Mun, which is a tributary of the Mekong River. The Tapi River flows through the south of Thailand, it originates in Khao Lang and flows into the Gulf of Thailand near the city of Surat Thani.

Also in the south of Thailand is the most big lake of this country is Songkhla Lake, located near the city of the same name. Its area is 1,040 km. sq.

Archaeological finds indicate that people on the territory of modern Thailand lived already 10 thousand years ago, and they began to grow rice more than 5 thousand years ago. The ancient Thais were nomads, and their ancestral home is still not exactly known.

Buddhism began to spread in the territory of modern Thailand from about the 3rd century BC. From the 9th to the 11th century, Thailand was part of the Khmer kingdom.

In the XIII-XVII centuries, there were two strong Thai states - Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, which formed the Thai principalities. Interestingly, the Europeans were never able to establish their protectorate over Thailand (it was called Siam in the Middle Ages and in modern times).

In 1932, after a bloodless revolution, the absolute monarchy in Thailand turned into a constitutional monarchy. In 1939, Siam officially became known as Thailand.

After World War II, Thailand experienced several military coups. Only in 1997, after the adoption of the new Constitution political situation in this Asian country stabilized.

Thailand's culture is rooted in family and Buddhist traditions. Thai children are taught to respect their parents, the elderly, teachers, Buddhist monks. Every Thai settlement has Buddhist temple, which is the center local life. That is why Thais are so polite and friendly.

In April, the people of Thailand celebrate the New Year (Songkran). To be more precise, Thais celebrate this holiday for three days - from April 13 to 15. Before the onset of the New Year, Thais spend a spring cleaning in their homes to throw away all the failures of the outgoing year.

Songkran begins with the distribution of food to Buddhist monks who appear on the streets on this holiday from the very morning. Then the youth pours water on everyone (including themselves), after which festivities, games, and dances begin.

Other popular festivals in Thailand are Visakha Puja (May), Rocket Festival, Full Moon Night (November) and Elephant Festival (November).

Thai cuisine is considered one of the best in all of Asia. Indian and Chinese culinary traditions had a noticeable influence on her. The staple food is rice, which is eaten at every meal. Other staple foods in Thailand are fish noodles and seafood. Meat is not often eaten in this country (because of its high cost).

Be warned that most Thai dishes are very spicy. Therefore, if you do not like a lot of spices, in a restaurant just tell the waiter "No spicy".

In Thailand, tourists are recommended to try rice in oyster sauce, khao phat (rice with vegetables and crabs), laap (fish salad with spices), mi krop (noodles with sweet and sour sauce), nay ( pork sausages), "mu daeng" (pickled meat), "salaphao" (patties with different fillings).

In the bazaars in Thailand, tourists are offered a variety of exotic fruits that grow in this country all year round.

Fruit season in Thailand:

lychee - june
durian - May-August
mangosteen - May-September
rambutan - May-September
longan - June-August
longkong - August-October
mango - March-May
sapodilla - January-May

Do not forget also that in Thailand there are also other fruits - watermelons, bananas, coconuts, pineapples and papaya.

In Thailand, tourists are waiting for a huge number of various historical, cultural and architectural monuments. According to official figures, there are now several thousand temples, palaces, pagodas and other attractions in Thailand. The top 10 most interesting sights in Thailand, in our opinion, may include the following:

1. Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok
2. Buddha's footprint at Phra Buddha Bath
3. Royal Palace in Bangkok
4. Wat Mahathat temple in Ratchaduri
5. Hill Temple in Bangkok
6. Sitting Buddha statue at Mahahtati Si Chum
7. Temple of Dawn in Bangkok
8. Wat Lok Moli temple in Chiang Mai
9. Marble Temple in Bangkok
10. Temple of the Mountain in Bangkok

The largest Thai cities are Nonthaburi, Pakkret, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Phanom, and, of course, the capital is Bangkok.

In Thailand, tourists are waiting for excellent beach resorts. The most popular of them are Cha-am, Krabi, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Koh Samet, Koh Samui, Phuket Island, Phi Phi Island, Chan Island.

Many tourists believe that it is in Thailand that one of the the best beaches in the world. Which one to choose from them? In our opinion, the top ten beaches in Thailand include the following:

1. Patong - the largest beach in Phuket, soft white sand, warm sea, a large number of hotels, restaurants. shopping, and a lively nightlife.
2. Railay Beach - This small beach near Krabi is only accessible by boat and is surrounded by clear waters and majestic mountains.
3. Maya Bay, Koh Ley - the beach is located in a small bay, surrounded high cliffs. This beach can only be reached by boat.
4. Hua Hin - This beach, located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, is considered an ideal beach for families with children.
5. Kata Beach - this beach is located in the quiet southern part of Phuket, in the low season there are enough big waves and that's why there are a lot of surfers there.
6. Lamai Beach, Koh Samui - this beach combines beautiful nature and dozens of bars.
7. Sairi Beach, Koh Tao - considered great place For beach holiday and diving.
8. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang - This beach, located on the island, is surrounded by palm and coconut groves.
9. Haad Rin, Koh Phangan - once a month, this beach hosts a fun music party that lasts all night.
10. Koh Mun Nork - this beach is located on desert island in the Gulf of Thailand. The white sandy beach is surrounded by palm trees. You can get there in 45 minutes by ferry.

By the way, Thailand and the Andaman Sea are in the top ten the best places in the world for diving. The infrastructure on the islands is very poorly developed, and therefore Coral reefs and the underwater world remain intact. On the west coast, diving can be practiced almost all year round (the best time is from mid-November to the end of April).

From Thailand, tourists usually bring handicrafts (including wooden carvings), ceramics, Thai silk, silk scarves, clothes, Buddha figurines, silver jewelry, objects depicting elephants (elephants are the symbol of Thailand), Thai sauces and spices.

Banks:
Mon-Fri: 09:30-15:30

The shops:
Mon-Fri: 10:00-20:00 (shop opening hours vary)