What you need to know for a trip to Pattaya. How much does Thai massage cost in Thailand? Official currency of Thailand
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Thailand is fraught with its own special culture, not observing which, you can: at best, look like a fool in the eyes of the Thais, and at worst - get in the face. Therefore, we decided to give a few simple travel tips in thailand. In these recommendations you will find a lot of new and interesting things for yourself.
How to behave, what not to do, how to take pictures correctly, how not to burn out under the scorching Thai sun ... Read about all these useful tips, and more, in the materials below:
Let's discuss a topic related to going to the toilets in Thailand. Most often, a tourist, basking on Thai beaches or walking along the resort streets, does not think about them until the urge begins to arise. This is where the problem with the search may arise ...
A Russian-Thai phrasebook will be useful for tourists when communicating with Thais who do not understand in English or understanding, but with difficulty. Here are collected the main and most frequently used words and expressions. If in resort areas Thailand, most Thais...
Tourists who have visited the Land of Smiles at least once always want to take something home as a keepsake, so they ask themselves: "What is better to bring from Thailand?". When purchasing souvenirs, knickknacks or things that have a practical use, do not forget that exotic ...
For a trip to Thailand You need to be at the airport 2 hours before departure.
Check-in for the flight starts in 2 hours, ends 40 minutes before departure! Who did not have time, he was late!
If the passenger did not arrive on time for check-in, the airline has the right not to take him on board the aircraft.
Package of documents:
- foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip);
- if your child is entered in your passport without a photo and he is already 5 years old - you need to paste a photo
- if a child under 16 years old is flying with you - a notarized permission to travel abroad for a child from each of the parents not participating in the trip and a birth certificate of the child;
- birth certificate of the child;
- voucher
- insurance policy
- air ticket
- if necessary, power of attorney for the child
- bank statement (when exporting more than 10,000 euros per person)
- International driver's license (if you plan to rent a car)
The flight time from Kyiv to Bangkok (a / c Aerosvit) is 09 hours 30 minutes. Time in Thailand differs from Ukrainian by 4 hours (forward).
Checkout time in hotels 12 noon. According to the rules, you must vacate the room before the above mentioned time, otherwise you will have to pay for the additional time spent in the room (except when you have ordered a late check-out (late check-out from the hotel)).
Tourist police phone- in case of misunderstandings and the need to obtain emergency assistance– 1155. But first we recommend contacting your guide. Most controversial issues are resolved according to the principle: "The one who lives here is right"!
Currency exchange: in hotels, as a rule, the exchange rate is unfavorable, so you can exchange money at any exchange office. Please note that local ATMs do not accept 1990-1995 US dollars. issues, and if they are accepted, then at a lower rate. Bills in denominations of 1,5,10,20 US dollars are also accepted at a lower rate. The Thai baht is about 40 baht to 1 US dollar. Banks are open from 8.30 to 15.30, exchange offices until 21.00, 22.00.
In most shops and restaurants, credit cards of the main payment systems "Visa", "Master Card", "American Express" are accepted for payment.
Taxi in Bangkok A: Most taxis are equipped with meters. Travel within the core tourist destinations around the city costs approximately 50-200 baht. Recommended in a hotel in Bangkok to take business card hotel (or match) with the address of the hotel in Thai. So it will be easier for you to explain to the taxi driver where you need to go. Taxi in Pattaya: you should agree in advance on the price of the trip - as a rule, it ranges from 20 to 70 baht. Feel free to haggle over the price.
airport tax- on the return flight from Thailand, tourists must pay airport tax. It is equal to 500 baht. This procedure is performed immediately after the registration of the ticket. Attention! Payment of this fee is accepted only in Thai currency!
On almost all beaches in Thailand, sunbeds and deck chairs are available for additional fee(from 20 to 50 baht per person per day depending on the resort). The exception is hotels with private beaches, where beach equipment provided free of charge
Approximate prices for essentials:
- bottle mineral water in the store (0.3 l) - 30 baht,
- a can of soda (0.33 l) - 30-40 baht,
- a bottle of local beer "Singha" in the bar - 80 - 100 baht,
- cheeseburger in a diner - 30 - 40 baht,
- lunch in a cafe - 100 - 200 baht (for 1 person),
- lunch in a restaurant - 400 - 500 baht (per 1 person),
- taxi ride from the hotel from the outskirts to the center of Pattaya - 50 - 70 baht,
- sun lounger on the city beach in Pattaya - 20 baht (per day),
- in Phuket - 50 baht (per day),
- entrance to the beach - everywhere free of charge,
- a minute of conversation with Ukraine (using a phone card from a landline phone) - 80 baht.
Shopping centers(popular among our tourists):
Bangkok - World Trade Center (World Trade Center), MaBoun Krong (Ma Bun Krong).
Pattaya - Mike Shopping Mall (Mike Shopping Mall), Royal Garden Plaza (Royal Garden Plaza).
Tips it is customary to leave in restaurants and cafes at a rate of 10% if the service is not included in the bill. In hotels, it is also customary to leave a tip of 50 Baht (1.5 - 2 dollars) if you liked the service.
Respect Buddhism and its traditions. When visiting active temples, short-sleeved clothing or shorts are not acceptable. If you want to take a photo, do not wear clouds and do not sit on the Buddha statue.
Speak with due respect of the King and members of the Royal Family. These are people deeply respected by all Thais and any disparaging phrase or gesture towards them is perceived as a personal insult.
Do not point at people or objects with your feet. Never sit on the floor of a temple with your feet pointing towards an image or figure of the Buddha.
Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch a woman. If a woman wants to give something to a monk, she must first give it to a man, and he, in turn, will give the thing to its intended destination.
In the Buddhist tradition, the head is considered, strictly speaking, the sacred part of the body and it is not customary to touch it. Even if it's just a friendly gesture towards the child.
It is not customary for Thais to publicly express a sense of personal affection between a man and a woman, even if they are married.
It is not customary to shout and sort things out in the presence of others. Your image will greatly fall in the eyes of the Thais, if you suddenly lose your temper for any reason. You will also lose respect if you punish your children in front of everyone.
If you are invited to dinner by your new Thai friend, it is not customary to finish the meal first, leaving the plate clean. Your friend will order food for you until he is sure that you are no longer hungry.
Have a little patience if you have to deal with the bank, the post office, or anywhere else. Sometimes you really have to wait. Thais are used to this and, in part, this is a national feature of business and the service sector in Thailand. The only way out is to relax and wait.
When entering a temple or a Thai house, be sure to take off your shoes at the doorstep. The same should be done where the Thais themselves do it: for example, beauty salons or hairdressers. (in this case, it is advisable to have cheap
Respect those who are older than you. If you are bargaining with a seller in the market or a taxi driver of venerable age, do it as politely, correctly and with a smile as possible - you will immediately notice how this will affect the price of the service.
Do not accept from unauthorized persons any packages, envelopes or parcels that you will have to carry across the border of Thailand! If drugs are found on you, life imprisonment is the minimum that threatens you.
Do not buy excursions from dubious companies or people "from the street". There will most likely be more problems than pleasures, and then there will be no one to complain to.
Tickets for buses, trains and planes can only be purchased at the ticket office at the terminal or at local travel agencies licensed by the TAT (Tourism Board of Thailand). If you buy somewhere else or from someone, at best - overpay!
TOURIST ANSWERS:
Thailand is one of the most popular countries among tourists. South-East Asia. The main face of Thailand for the past sixty-eight years has been King Rama IX Bhumibol Adulyadej. He turned 86 last December. Despite the venerable age and failing health, the people of Thailand still love, respect and deeply revere their king. He did a lot for the economic and spiritual development of his country. Therefore, negative remarks about the king by tourists are unacceptable, as this can be punished. It is also considered unacceptable in Thailand to paint a portrait of the king, which, by the way, can often be seen on the street. The same goes for money. Since the king is depicted on all paper bills, it is forbidden to crush, tear or draw on them. Currency unit Thailand - Thai baht.
It is approximately equal to the ruble, so it is quite easy to navigate the prices here. There are paper notes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 baht. Coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht are also used in everyday life. If you make purchases in stores, you may be given satang - Thai change coins for change. There are 100 satangs in one baht. If you take dollars with you to Thai, then it will be most profitable to exchange banknotes of 50 and 100 dollars. also in exchange offices pay attention to the condition of the banknotes - it is desirable that they are not torn, otherwise the rate for them will be reduced. If you stocked up only in rubles, you can also exchange them in resort towns Thailand.
In order to greet a Thai, you can use the expression "sawadi-kaa" (pronounced by women) or "sawadi-krap" (pronounced by men). The Thais themselves, when greeting, also fold their hands with their palms to each other (this gesture is called "wai") and bow their heads. Many tourists, having seen such a greeting, try to adopt it in order to use it later in practice. You should not do this, because the position of the palms clasped together differs depending on the social position of the person being greeted. The higher his status, the higher you need to raise your palms. Thais learn this from childhood. Therefore, in order not to get into a funny or awkward situation, limit yourself to a nod of your head and a Thai "hello".
In Thailand, over 90% of the population is Buddhist. Buddhist temples can be seen everywhere: major cities and in small towns.
Also in the morning you can often meet Thai monks. Seeing them, some tourists rush to them with open arms in the hope of taking a picture with them in an embrace. Here we should not forget about respect for foreign culture and religion. For Thai monks, there are many prohibitions that they do not have the right to violate. Therefore, as we say, "do not bring them to sin": go up to the monk and explain with a gesture that you want to take a photo. It is unlikely that he will refuse, but, of course, he will not hug you with you - he will simply stand next to you. By the way, a large number of monks in Thailand is explained by the fact that every young person must live in a monastery for two years. Then, he can return to normal life again and start a family. Approximately, as our service in the army is only on a voluntary basis. But with military duty, everything is much more interesting here. Service in the army is considered very prestigious, because after it it is easier to get into a higher educational institution and get a job in the public service. Therefore, every year a lottery is held, according to the results of which the lucky recruits are determined. Also in Thailand you can often find images and statues of the Buddha. Do not forget that this is a religious symbol, do not try to climb on horseback, hug her or copy her pose. Not so long ago drunk Russian tourist in Phuket he hit a statue of Buddha and beat off her head. After that, he had to not only apologize to the locals, but also pay more than 100,000 baht in fines. There are tourists who, once in the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, lie down on the floor in front of him, stretching his legs to make the picture more interesting. Try to imagine yourself in a temple or church in such a position, and you will understand that such behavior is unacceptable, if only for ethical reasons. By the way, it is forbidden to export Buddha figurines higher than 13 centimeters from Thailand. Since we are talking about what cannot be taken out of the country, I will add that this list includes stuffed animals, raw corals, valuable works of art without documents, animals without certificates. From fruits it is forbidden to export only durian. All other fruits are allowed for export, however, there is a law in Russia prohibiting the import of fruits from Asian countries. The law is somehow crooked - not always and not everywhere, but it is better to play it safe and pack the fruit not only in a plastic basket, but also in a bag. Even if customs officers in Russia see that there is a bag of fruit on the tape and want to seize it, they will have to look for the owner of the bag, fill out a bunch of paperwork. In general, for them it is an extra headache. But if the fruit is traveling in a basket, they will open it, the fruit will be taken away, and there will be an empty basket on the luggage belt. For the same reason, do not put fruit in hand luggage. In fact, in different cities this process is organized differently. We carried fruits both in baskets and in bags - no one took anything away. In large cities, there were cases when fruits were taken from only half of the passengers, the rest were not touched. This can not be explained by anything other than beriberi airport employees)). It is also forbidden to import plants in the ground into Russia. Therefore, if you want to bring, for example, an orchid from Thailand, buy seedlings placed in a helium solution. At home, it can be transplanted into an ordinary pot with earth.
Everyone have a nice rest and happy return!
Helpful answer?
Thailand is the land of smiles. These are the words that describe this country in travel reviews. In fact, everything is not quite right. Perhaps somewhere in the Thai villages or small towns, who cannot boast of a large concentration of tourists, Thais smile absolutely sincerely, from the bottom of their hearts. At the popular resorts, it is rather the polite smiles of the attendants on duty. There are, of course, exceptions. For example, when we rested with a small child (first at six, and then at ten months), we were simply smiling at the Thais walking towards us. They showed big interest to the baby. Some asked to hold him in their arms or take pictures with him. But we didn't let them do it. Still, the child is small and may be frightened of people unfamiliar to him. They just politely smiled back, and they were only allowed to take pictures with us.
In general, it is quite easy to find a common language with Thais. Most often, they speak in incorrect English, which is jokingly called "Tailish" in Thailand, that is, a mixture of the languages "Thai" and "English". Perhaps due to the increase in the tourist flow from Russia, many Thais began to learn simple phrases in Russian. For example, masseurs, street fruit vendors, waiters in small cafes designed for Europeans. In stores such as Seven-Eleven or Family Mart, they will also try to understand and help you if necessary, but in Tesco Lotus Thai supermarkets, sales assistants do not always even understand English.
As for phrases in Thai, Thais will be very pleased to hear from you even a simple "thank you" in their mother tongue. Therefore, it is useful to learn the following words: "hello" - women pronounce it as "sawadi kaa", men - "sawadi krap"; "thank you" - "cop kun kaa"; "yes" - "shiai"; "no" - "mai-shiai".
Despite the fact that Thais are friendly and non-confrontational people, you should not test their patience for strength. We witnessed a situation when, getting into a tuk-tuk, a Russian tourist indecently told the driver that he was not going to move and crowd in order to get more people. I don’t know how well the Thais are familiar with Russian profanity, but the driver realized that the young man had insulted him and asked him to leave his tuk-tuk. When he refused, the driver said that he would not go anywhere. So everyone had to get out of the tuk-tuk. Thais, despite the fact that most of them belong to the personnel serving tourists, are not deprived of self-esteem. Another proof of this is the scene played out on Walking Street. In the middle of the street stood, frozen in one pose, a young man dressed as Ronald McDonald. Probably, many have seen such people in tourist centers who depict monuments. Turks passed by, and one of them began to look at the motionless figure, wondering if the person was alive or not. Apparently deciding to make sure for sure, the Turk roughly grabbed the Thai by the hand, for which the latter showed him the middle finger with a smile. The Turk was clearly taken aback and quickly left.
Another feature of the Thais that deserves respect is their patriotism. Rather, this is what they would call it in Russia, and in Thailand it is a feeling of deep respect for King Rama IX Bhumibol Adulyadej, which every inhabitant of the country experiences. Rama IX did a lot for the development of the kingdom, and, remaining a ceremonial figure, can at any moment interfere in the internal politics of the country. A striking example That - the May events of 2010. Then in Bangkok for some time there were rallies and strikes, and the king remained on the sidelines. As soon as the bloodshed began, Bhumibol Adulyadej ordered an end to all hostilities, which happened over the next days. In Russia, the rulers have never had such authority.
By the way, the king is depicted on paper banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 baht, as well as on 10 baht coins. Crumple, tear or paint a banknote with the image of the king is considered a manifestation of disrespect for him. There were cases when such behavior was punished. So respect the feelings of the Thais.
Despite the positive qualities of the Thais, one should not forget that among them there are those who are capable of committing crimes. Most often, these are thefts in hotels or on the beach. In order to avoid unpleasant situations, try not to leave money and expensive things in sight. If the hotel room does not have a safe, use the safe located at the reception. Do not carry large amounts of money with you. When withdrawing money from ATMs, make sure that no one is watching you. Do not leave things unattended on the beach. Better not to take anything of value there. When going on vacation, do not take expensive jewelry with you. Very often, motorbikers rip off gold chains from their necks. Not only is it unpleasant, but you can also get injured. Walking the streets, hold your bag tight, the same motobikers often make a living by snatching things from the hands of gaping tourists. Be vigilant, and you will get only positive emotions from the rest!
Helpful answer?
Thailand is adored by many tourists from all over the world. When we got here for the first time, we did not manage to feel the whole flavor of this Asian country, but something hooked ... And for ten years now, at least once a year, but my husband and I visit Tai.
Of course, during this time we realized that the resorts of Thailand are not entirely safe and not all Thais are so friendly. People are different everywhere, and even in places where tourists are concentrated, the concentration of any rabble in any country goes off scale.
poisoning
The heat in Thailand creates an excellent environment for the development of various microorganisms that can cause serious poisoning. My husband and I have faced this issue several times. Forget what you previously knew about poisoning.
Food poisoning in Thailand is a nightmare. Diarrhea may not stop for several days, terrible cramps, loss of strength, dizziness, fever, chills. The drugs that you usually take at home are practically useless. And if the adult body somehow copes, although it is still worth consulting a doctor, then For a child, everything can end very badly.
The family of our friends went with their 4-year-old son to Pattaya. I urged to be careful, but the boy still got poisoned. Parents lost precious time, thinking that the temperature and lethargy from overheating in the sun, and only when vomiting began, they called the doctor. The boy spent several days in intensive care. When we met them at the airport, the child looked like he came out of the ghetto: thin, green.
The problem is not only poorly washed dishes, but they really wash them badly, the whole trouble is that bacteria that are unusual for our body are everywhere: on door handles, in transport, but what can I say: not all hotels allow you to brush your teeth with water from under faucet - too bad and old sewage treatment plant.
In this environment, the most the best option meals are macarons so unloved and shunned by our compatriots. What the taika cooks on skewers undergoes heat treatment on an open fire, does not touch any plates and is immediately eaten hot. For the baby, you can buy disposable plates and use them. Hands to handle antibacterial wipes, fruits washed with bottled water.
Theft
In Thailand, they steal everywhere and all the time. The saddest thing is that the situation is getting worse and worse. If a few years ago it was possible to at least be sure of a safe, now valuables disappear not only from room safes, but also from safes at the reception, which are considered safer.
We did not personally encounter hotel theft, but we were robbed in transport. And it all happened so skillfully that there is no one to blame but yourself. And the following happened: we drove to the pier in a minibus, completely packed with people. The driver kindly offered to put our bags next to him. We sat right next to him how he managed to pull out the money with his left hand while driving is not clear, but the fact is obvious. Moreover, he did not steal the whole wallet, he pulled out a bill, so that we would not notice anything right away. So we noticed only when we began to count the cash already on the island. We lost a decent amount: $800 and several thousand rubles. So be sure to use locks. Close your backpacks and suitcases as soon as you no longer need them.
Another way of theft is the robbery of sleeping tourists. Well, imagine that after a long flight, after taking alcohol or drugs for insomnia, you fell into a deep sleep. A/C off, window open to let in fresh air... A nimble, puny Thai silently climbs into the room through the open window. You don't hide your phone, watch, camera, wallet before going to bed, do you? All this is probably on the nightstand, table, sofa... Falling asleep with the window open, remember: the chance of not finding some things is very high.
Transport
Everyone knows that in Thailand, and even more so in small islands The best way to get around is by motorbike. Most men immediately go with excitement to the first iron horse rental office they come across. It is hard to argue that a motorbike is freedom of movement. A small, nimble "tyrchik" will take you to your favorite wild beach, and to a bar, and to a neighboring village. Just don't forget about safety.
Yes, in Thailand they are very loyal to tourists on motorbikes. Even without a helmet and drunk, they can let you go for a small reward, but you don’t need to tempt fate. Thais are practically born on motorbikes, as soon as a child is able to reach the pedals, he is already a driver. Tourists, having escaped to the resort, drive like crazy, not observing the rules of the road. Often there is a collision between two foreign tourists who are unable to assess the situation due to lack of experience or due to intoxication.
But even without the fraud of the Thais, renting a motorbike is not complete. Cunning owners of rental offices, trying to extort, during the return of the scooter, monetary compensation for scratches, which, often, you have nothing to do with. Screams, indignation, threats to call the police begin, and now the embarrassed foreign tourist takes out his wallet to somehow settle the matter on the spot. So that it doesn't happen to you similar situation Be sure to take pictures of all scratches and damage to the motorbike, point them out to the owner before you sign the rental agreement.
Nature
The serene and beautiful nature of Thailand is also fraught with danger. Main problem - mosquitoes and some other small biting muck. You don’t notice bites at all, especially in the evening, especially on the islands. And in the morning all the bites turn into a scratchy nightmare. Keep in mind that if it seems to you that there are no mosquitoes, you are mistaken.
Be sure to use repellents. But you should not take them from home, they do not work on local mosquitoes. Buy everything on the spot in the nearest supermarket. In the room, use a fumigator, and try to sleep under a mosquito net.
The current is also one of the dangers of Tai. At first glance, the warm and gentle sea seems safe, especially for those who know how to swim well. But, for example, the Andaman Sea is treacherous in its course. Getting into a powerful stream, only a very strong, and most importantly, sober person has a chance to get out. Therefore, be very careful and careful.
Another problem can be jellyfish. We ran into them in Rayong. At first, you don’t even understand what burns you so periodically. But then, seeing the marks on the skin, insight comes.
For longer than three or four days, jellyfish usually do not stay in one place, preferring to migrate to different corners, but a few stings are enough. Burns on the skin heal for a long time, itch and burn.
It is better to immediately go to the local pharmacy and, after showing the burned area to the pharmacist, get a special ointment.
Terror attacks
Terror attacks periodically occur in the south of Thailand. The separatists there are fighting for the right to autonomy and choose such monstrous ways to declare the seriousness of their intentions.
The trouble is that shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, bars - places of mass congestion of people - are being attacked. It is not worth falling into a panic, just as it is not necessary, blaming at random, voluntarily climb into hell. If there is an opportunity to avoid Southern Thailand just do it.
Perhaps the picture drawn by me will seem too gloomy to someone, but I tried to collect here all negative situations that may occur during the holidays. Holidays in Thailand can be great if you follow some rules. In principle, this applies to any resort, but a trip to this Asian country many see it as a trip to paradise. Don't be fooled by the picture, but don't get paranoid either. Have a nice vacation!
Useful tips for visitors to ThailandThailand is not only an exotic paradise, but also a country in which a peculiar culture operates. This also applies to Phuket. As for the culture of behavior in Thailand, there is a significant difference from the norms to which Russian citizens are accustomed. However, every tourist must clearly understand that the attitude towards local traditions only respectful is possible, otherwise various troubles may arise on this basis. Therefore, when going to Thailand, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of conduct, as well as read the advice given by tourists who have been to this area more than once.
Tip 1. If necessary, you need to avoid various kinds of touches, which can be regarded as an insult to a person.
Tip 2. Raising your voice when clarifying everyday problems is also a sign of ignorance and will not bring the desired result. It will be most effective to address the problem to people in high positions. Raising your voice is a consequence of something serious and may entail the involvement of the police.
Tip 3. To contact the police, it is better to opt for a representative of the "tourist police". He speaks English, he comes from even greater goodwill than when communicating with his colleague from the ordinary police.
Tip 4. Thailand is characterized by freedom of morals, but attempts to preach nudism can result in a fine.
Advice 5. The exchange of dollars must be carried out in banks, airports and hotels are not a suitable place for this because of the unfavorable rate. Try to use only local money, as the exchange outside the bank building is comparable to a real robbery.
Advice 6. Photocopies of all documents, including a ticket back home, will be the guarantor of your salvation in case the documents are lost.
Tip 7. When you go for a walk, try to take a business card of the hotel where you are staying with you. Thailand is one of those countries where it is very easy to get lost. Listening to the name you said will be difficult. This is what a business card is for.
Tip 8. Do not make calls to Russia while in a hotel room. A call from a street machine will cost you several times cheaper, or even better, buy or take a SIM card from any mobile operator for free - the cost of a minute is 1-2 rubles.
Tip 9. Before you get into a taxi, you need to agree on a price. It is also worth remembering that the fixed fare is much higher than the metered fare.
Here are the main useful tips when visiting Phuket or another province of Thailand.Tips for vacationers in Phuket
We will try to give some advice for everyone who is going to go and have a good rest in Phuket.
Diving shops located on the territory of the island offer modern equipment for rent, for beginners there is the possibility of taking lessons.
The cost of one day of scuba diving is approximately 3,000 baht, but five-day excursions to distant islands are the most popular. An example of such islands is the Similan Islands, which are famous for the purity and transparency of their water, as well as its high temperature, due to which it is possible to do without a special suit.
Tipping is usually done for porters, taxi drivers and those hotel workers who provide top-notch service. Restaurants in which the cost of services is not included in the total bill suggest a tip of 10-15% of the paid meal.
National transport Thais is a tuk-tuk, it does not provide for a meter, but the fare on it is several times cheaper than a taxi. However, for long distances, such transport is unlikely to be suitable.
The work of souvenir shops in Thailand, and any other, is usually carried out within 12 hours. There are opportunities for tourists to purchase souvenirs for relatives and friends. It is also worth remembering that in Thailand there is a ban on the export of ivory and figurines with the image of the Buddha.
From clothes it is worth giving preference to loose, sewn from cotton. A suit and tie is required only if you visit a certain restaurant.
You can take photos everywhere, but using a video camera is not so free. It is not allowed to make video filming without a specific permission in the building of the Grand Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Most of dishes prepared in Thailand are distinguished by their characteristic spiciness.
Most of the restaurants can offer menus not only in Thai, but also in English and Russian.
Salt, as a rule, is not present in dishes; so to speak, fish or soy sauce acts as a substitute for it.
Drinking tap water is not recommended to avoid infectious bowel diseases. It is better to order clean water directly to the hotel room.
Holidays in Thailand are associated with an abundance of fruits, which can also be dangerous for the intestines. Therefore, washing them every time before eating will eliminate this possibility to a minimum.What dangers lie in wait for us on vacation
Marine life.
Meeting with jellyfish in Thailand can happen anywhere. Phuket's coastal waters are home to a huge variety of jellyfish species. On popular resorts there is no such danger, but still, it will not be superfluous to have knowledge of what the danger of meeting with a jellyfish might be. Jellyfish can sting, but there are no toxic substances in their venom and the possibility of death from their bite is zero. But there are also such jellyfish, from the bite of which you can really die. For the most part, their location is the coastal waters of Hua Hin.
Some species of fish that live in coral thickets are also dangerous. Therefore, snorkeling is dangerous, as it can lead to a meeting with poisonous fish that cause injuries incompatible with life. All this gives reason to follow implicitly the safety rules when in the water.
snakes.
On the territory of Thailand, there are also snakes, of which there are several hundred species. Some are not dangerous, and from some such nobility is not to be expected. An encounter with a snake can happen both when you are in the countryside and in the very center big city. Those places where there is grass, greenery, may endanger the encounter with the snake. For some snakes, their characteristic feature is passivity, while some, on the contrary, are overly active. It is worth being afraid of snake bites, as they can cause death. In the event of a bite, immediate medical attention should be sought. But the doctor will need to know which snake bit in order to prescribe the right drugs. As a piece of advice, we can recommend avoiding communication with any snakes, as some are simply indistinguishable from each other.
Scorpions.
An encounter with a scorpion in Thailand can happen with the same probability as an encounter with a snake. In most of them there is no danger to the human body, except perhaps a strong enough sting, from which the probability of death is very small. In the event of a bite, a visit to the doctor must occur without fail to treat the wound.
Anything can become a meeting place with a dangerous animal, even a hotel room. When going out for a walk, you should not touch unfamiliar animals in order to avoid undesirable consequences. Even centipedes can be dangerous.Features of Thailand
Thais are pronounced individualists, distinguished by amazing tolerance. Following the Buddhist traditions became for them a teaching to overcome and maximally mitigate conflicts and disputes, without bringing them to a state of flare-up. Thus, speaking in a simple and understandable language, if some acts are committed that are related to only one person, then no one has the right to interfere in them, but if the public is affected, then everything that is done is subject to strict regulations.
Thais are characterized by neatness in clothes. You can hardly meet anyone here in ripped jeans and worn T-shirts. It is acceptable to wear shorts on the beach or while staying at the hotel. At the entrance of every house necessary condition is the removal of shoes, the same applies to temples.
In Thailand, you must avoid stroking someone's head, whether Small child or an old man. And in the foot-to-foot position, you can’t direct your feet towards people, as well as at the statues of Buddha and the king. The royal house cannot be mentioned even in passing in a conversation. This topic is taboo.
There is no wrong place for politeness. The rules of courtesy are no different from the rules in force in other countries. But here it is important to have information on some cultural features, in case of violation of which you can hear insults addressed to you. Expressing anger outwardly is considered rude and ill-mannered in Thailand. For calm and smiling guests, all doors will be open here.
There is no public display of affection between a man and a woman. Modern couples are allowed to walk hand in hand, but if they receive approval from society. For a young guy and a girl holding hands, such behavior is unacceptable and speaks of a violation of morality.
The traditional greeting is "wai", which requires you to fold your palms together and attach them to your head or chest. Significant persons are welcomed with such a gesture longer than anyone else. Although in Everyday life quite everyone manages with a banal nod of the head.
As national features, it is worth highlighting the sacredness of all images of the Buddha, the punishment of all those who decide to somehow desecrate Buddhist shrines, respect and reverence for the royal family, taking off shoes before entering the temple. In addition, touching the head or showing the bottom of the feet are unacceptable. When visiting a cinema, you need to know that before the start of the session, the royal anthem will be played, which you will have to listen to, as well as everyone else, while standing.10 useful tips tourists
1. There is no need to take a large number of things with you. There are frequent cases when payment is required at the airport due to excess baggage. Take only the essentials with you on the road.
2. Do not choose a direction that is too high in cost. Many cities deliberately inflate the price, thereby leaving tourists without money by the end of the holiday.
3. Most tourists do not look at the weather forecast for the period of the trip, which leads to unplanned purchases of warm or summer clothes.
4. A lot of travelers go broke on calls from mobile phone due to the high cost of roaming. Therefore, before the trip, you need to make inquiries about the tariffs of your mobile operator and connect the tariff that will be most beneficial in the country's conditions. In addition, it would be advisable to clarify the availability of Wi-Fi adapters in the hotel. As a rule, Wi-Fi in hotels is provided free of charge, which will significantly reduce the cost of calls to your homeland. It is typical for some local operators to provide a tariff for calls to their homeland on favorable terms. You should also ask your guide about this in advance.
5. Before the trip, it is necessary to analyze all the necessary things, including those regarding electronic devices: laptops, mobile phones.
6. Making a trip in the high season will not add to the experience, on the contrary, it is likely that you will encounter too high prices. Travel agencies are advised to come to Phuket in Thailand from March to April.
7. It is also worth counting on the fact that a considerable amount of money will be spent on tips for hotel and restaurant staff during the trip. Knowing the places where tips are taken and their amount will help you avoid unexpected expenses during your trip.
8. You should not save on buying insurance, because in which case you will have to pay for medical services yourself, and this costs a lot of money abroad.
9. Using a taxi service is expensive and may not be affordable for everyone. Despite the provided speed and comfort during the trip. So in Phuket, the taxi fare (minimum) is 300 baht, and this amount does not depend on the distance that needs to be overcome. Therefore, before the trip, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the urban ground transport scheme and the metro scheme.
10. A significant part of hotels and airlines use a system of accumulative points and discounts in their work. Therefore, do not delay with the design of special credit cards and earnings bonus points, through which booking a room in a good hotel or buying a plane ticket can be done quickly and for less money.
1) There is no such country as Thailand! The country is called Thailand!
2) What currency to bring to Thailand?
The country's currency is the Thai baht. Stable regional currency. Having big walk in Laos, partly in Cambodia and in the border states of Myanmar. Nobody needs dollars, euros, and even more so rubles, they are not accepted for payment - you will still change in exchangers - it is better to do this not on the street, but in bank branches: there is an exchange in any, but there are no queues and rudeness. It is better to change large amounts from 10,000 USD in trusted Chinese exchangers - ask the old-timers. Take a dollar card and withdraw baht from it, or a ruble card if there is no dollar one. For insurance (if your cash is stolen), you can get a credit card, the best from Alfa and
3) If you see a smart image of a man on calendars inside houses, on framed portraits, on billboards or anywhere else, it is almost certainly the King. If the image is a woman - this is the Queen. Thais idolize the royal family. The king really did a lot for the people. (Addition: Bhumibol Adulyadej - King of Thailand, died on October 13, 2016)
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4) Don't joke about the King even in Russian. For insulting the Royals there is a punishment, up to and including prison. For the same reason, you should not throw money, burn it, tear it or step on it with your foot. On each banknote and coin is the image of the King.
5) Thais are extremely tolerant. Tourists will be forgiven for any ridiculous appearance, perfidious violation of local customs, petty offenses. But this does not mean that it is worth acting like the last pig, getting drunk to a squeal, or walking around the city center in the same swimming trunks.
6) Thais don't know how to say the word "no". Therefore, if in some question you cannot get an answer for a long time, then you just need to back off: ask another Thai in another place or abandon the original idea.
7) All the beaches of the country belong to the King. And they are allowed for free use by all local residents and guests of the country without exception. This means that by coastline you can move freely, lie free on your bedding anywhere, even if there is a five-star hotel opposite, usually the private territory of such hotels is fenced off with a decorative fence or other obvious elements.
There are no private beaches in the country. No one has the right to charge any fee for using the beach. The exception is the territories national parks for which a fee is charged.
8) Everything is fine with aviation in the country. There are large low-cost airlines, the most famous are: Nok Air and Thai Smile. Traditional airlines: and. And regional airlines, such as Kan Air and R airlines, the existence of which even locals hardly guess. There are airports in the capital of each province and in other major cities and tourist centers.
Tickets are available to everyone. the average price for a flight within the country is 1000 baht. On sales you can take it for 300 baht. For some holidays and destinations, prices can reach up to 5,000 baht. The difference in prices between traditional and low-cost airlines is insignificant, especially if you take into account luggage and other costs (for example), sometimes low-cost airlines have higher prices!
Tickets from Moscow in both directions cost from 20,000 rubles ()
9) There are two airports in Bangkok. Bangkok Airlines also fly from the first (Suvarnabhumi) - this is a large international terminal, the metro goes to it.
From the second (Dong Muang) low cost and nok air. There is a free shuttle between airports. It is better to take a taxi from the city to it. Airports are located at different ends of the city, but are connected by toll highways
10) The bus network covers all settlements. On long distances there are comfortable buses with air conditioning, comfortable sleeping chairs and toilets. There are buses with individual multimedia entertainment systems or a massager in the back of the seat. As a rule, all routes lead to Bangkok. There are few direct buses between tourist centers. On regional routes, the most different transport: buses with air conditioning and regular seats, buses without air conditioning, minibuses, songthaew (pickup with a closed passenger body).
Unfortunately, according to one of the statistics, the number of accidents on the roads holds the first place in the world. It is advisable to wear seat belts in buses, there are times when they fly off the road.
11) There are rare strange cases of missing luggage or individual items from luggage. It is better to travel only on official buses, tickets for which are bought at the bus station at the box office. This will provide you with a guarantee of safety and responsibility for the loss or theft of luggage.
IN tourist areas offer tickets for illegal charter buses. They are often cheaper. This is compensated by inconvenient transfers or the imposition of excursions or hotels upon arrival. These buses can arrive in places remote from the city, getting out of there is not easy. And it is in these buses that cases of theft occur.
12) We were less lucky with trains. If memory serves, only five branches. To the north to Chiang May, to the south to Malaysia and further to Singapore, to Laos, to Cambodia, and so all sorts of offshoots and cores. Trains are running late. on a 12-hour route, they may be late by 6-9 hours. There was a case when a train derailed in the same place 6 times in 2 weeks. After a major overhaul for the opening of this section, the train derailed again along with the Minister of Transport.
13) Bangkok is a name for foreigners. The Thais call the city Krungthep. Plan to stop in Bangkok for at least 2 days, except royal palace and Wat Aruna is still there, even alien sectarians!
14) Farang is a name for a foreigner. Contrary to popular belief, it is not offensive. Applies to persons of European appearance.
15) Thais are terrible nationalists. Foreigners will never be put on the same level with themselves, but this does not mean that they will put themselves higher - no, just as if on the sidelines. Europeans are treated well wild places even worship. Hindus, Chinese and blacks do not like.
16) In matters of sexual orientation, absolute tolerance. In this country, everyone can define themselves to any gender according to their feelings, regardless of the presence of body parts or, for example, clothing. The classification of possible varieties is very extensive and one cannot understand it without a hundred grams.
17) Contrary to popular misconceptions, outside the tourist zones of debauchery, the country is extremely puritanical. After drawing a picture with a breast on the federal channel, without any hint of erotica, a huge scandal erupted.
There are no sex shops in the country and all such products are illegal. If you are lucky, a foreigner can order a parcel from abroad or use the black market.
18) There is a death penalty for drugs in the country. A tourist can be fined and deported for drinking, but most likely they will extort a bribe. There are round-ups in nightclubs and places with a bad reputation.
19) There is no presumption of innocence in the country. That is, you will have to prove that you did not commit illegal acts.
Until now, martial law is in effect, giving the military and police almost unlimited power.
In practice, everything is so scary. Foreigners are only of interest to officers from the migration service, and even then only at the time of crossing the border or during visits to the office for those who live in the country. Tourists are of no interest to anyone in principle.
20) Tips are not accepted in Thai places. In completely wild places, they won’t even understand why you left the money. IN tourist places you can leave a tip, but if you don't, no one will be offended.
21) The rainy season is an amorphous concept. IN different places countries he at different times.
Rain does not interfere in any way, usually it does not last more than an hour a day and mostly at night. You can and should go to Thailand at any time. Especially in the off-season summer, a trip can become several times cheaper, but not a bit worse.
22) It's always hot in Thailand. With the exception of the far north in winter time. However, you will definitely need one warm thing. There is an eerie glacier in airplanes, buses, cinemas and shopping malls. Always take a warm thing in such places.
23) If in Bangkok they tell you that some place is closed and there is a holiday there today, don't believe it. This is the main wiring. You will be offered an alternative tour with a stop in the shops.
For the same reason, you should not travel in Bangkok by tuk-tuk. You are almost guaranteed to be taken to a store whose owner issues gas coupons to the driver.
24) It is better to travel around Bangkok by taxi. No matter how strange it may sound, but if there are two or more of you, then the trip by metro will be more expensive than by taxi.
If you have the skill to make a serious face and poke your finger at the counter, then you will be taken at the official price. A trip within the aisles of 2-3 metro stations will cost 50-60 baht. A trip through the whole city if there are no traffic jams at 100-120 baht. My most expensive trip lasted 2 hours and 37 kilometers and cost 210 baht.
Taxis need to catch only that rides. A red light means it's free. If there is no light, then it is busy.
Guaranteed by the counter you can leave special stands at large shopping centers. The queue is sometimes 10-15 minutes long. At the hotel, it is better to ask the staff to arrange a taxi. Then, again, you are guaranteed to be taken by the counter.
In Chiang May, the most affordable transport is song teo, here it looks like big red cars (you can’t go wrong) - for 20 baht you will be taken in taxi mode around the city center, picking up other passengers along the way. Uber and Grab also launched in Chiang May.
37) Is it possible to go to Thailand with children?
Thailand is an ideal country for traveling with children. Thais adore children, and foreign children are so simply idolized. You will never be left in trouble and will be happy to look after your child anywhere.
You can often see that mothers take their children with them to work. To a massage parlor, hairdresser or shop. This is absolutely normal. Children do not interfere with anyone and children in Thailand can do anything.
38) Contrary to popular belief, not all Thai dishes are extremely spicy. There are a huge number of completely non-spicy dishes. Absolutely, absolutely.
A tourist has practically no chance to distinguish a spicy dish from a non-spicy one. The only way out is to order another dish, some kind of pancake. The food is still worth every penny.
39) In Thai, the stress is on the last syllable in a word. Foreign words (mostly the name) must also be pronounced with an accent on the last syllable, so you will be understood faster. I asked for a long time if there was a macro store in Krabi and they refused to understand me. But when I asked about the macro, they immediately told me the way to it. The same applies to popular stores 7-11 not seven, but sevEn
40) You can buy a SIM card at any 7-11. Often they are handed out for free right at the airport upon arrival. Travel packages are almost guaranteed to have instructions in Russian inside. Or buy for travel.
41) Thai names are long, complicated and incomprehensible to a foreigner. Therefore, everyone who works in tourism is represented by a simple and understandable name for a foreigner of 2-3 letters: em, pay, may, fight ...
42) You are almost guaranteed not to contract malaria. Unless you roam the remote jungle for months. Although there is dengue fever (it exists even in space-modern Singapore), it is also carried by mosquitoes, there are no vaccinations and treatments for it, but no more people die than from the flu. There are more dangers in Russia.
43) Snakes, scorpions, centipedes - there are somewhere in the forests. Sometimes they can be seen from afar, but they are more afraid of you than you are of them.
44) Thais do not eat bugs, worms and locusts. This is entertainment for tourists and food for guest workers from Cambodia. Thais eat chicken and rice, sometimes pig. But cows are not held in high esteem, both with meat and with dairy products. Cheeses and sausages are a terrible delicacy.
45) There is a separate tourist police for tourists. Tolerably speaking English and helping to resolve any domestic conflicts, look for forgotten things and lost documents.
Sometimes on public events on duty are foreign volunteers who are registered in the tourist police and who speak different languages.
Use Thai directions (on business cards or in booklets) - AD. Scales are not observed on them, but simply indicated landmarks schematically in their own way.
47) Thailand has never been anyone's colony. Although certain areas of individual cities are currently practically occupied by foreigners.
48) In public places: in markets, parks, stadiums, railway stations at 7 and 8 o'clock in the morning, and at 5 and 6 o'clock in the evening the national anthem can be played. If all Thais stop or stand up, you should follow their example out of respect. Although you as a tourist do not have to do this. In the cinema, before the screening, they also play the anthem and show a film about the King.
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