Which sea is in Thailand and which ocean does it belong to? Gulf of Siam. Importance of the region in the global economy

Pattaya or Phuket? Geography solves this dilemma. Thailand is washed by two oceans, the Pacific and Indian, two seas, the Andaman and South China, on different coasts which are the most famous resorts of the Kingdom in the world.

On the invisible border of the Pacific and Indian oceans with an infinite number of uninhabited islands and with 80 named islands on two major peninsulas Indochina is the Kingdom of Thailand.

Outside of Thailand - only the ocean expanse. The Andaman Sea and the South China Sea are open seas, as part of the ocean. And not closed, like the Black Sea, surrounded by land. Therefore, lying on the beach, it is pleasant to realize that in front of you is the ocean, Pacific or Indian.

Malaka Peninsula - washed by the Andaman Sea on the western side indian ocean
Siam peninsula - shore of the Gulf of Thailand South China Sea Pacific Ocean.

The coast of the Andaman Sea - Phuket Island, Krabi Province, Phang Nga Province, and at the southernmost tip - the provinces of Trang, Satun, Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Gulf of Thailand The South China Sea is the entire east coast of Thailand - Pattaya, Sattahip, Rayong, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Koh Chang, Koh Sichang, Koh Lan, Trat province.

Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin are located on the mainland of the Kingdom, with a drier climate, not affected by tropical storms.

The crushing force of hurricanes born in the Pacific Ocean simply does not reach the mainland coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

But at the same time, Pattaya is deprived of the breeze that blows through Phuket and the islands of Thailand on any of its shores.

The city of love, Pattaya can be proud of the most beautiful sea sunsets, but the sedate Hua Hin is illuminated by the first rays of the sun rising from the sea. The two resorts are located on opposite shores of the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea.

What about Phuket? And Phuket will show you everything you want - sunrises, sunsets ... This is an island after all.

Thanks to this special geographic location, Thailand has the most favorable climatic conditions in the world - away from the "ring of fire", covered from the storms of the Pacific Ocean and 1.5 thousand km from the equator.

The average annual air temperature in Thailand is +28°С, the same mean annual temperature water in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea + 28 ° С.

This is the most comfortable temperature water for a beach holiday for both adults and children. For comparison, the water temperature in Bali is +23°C, the cold currents of the Atlantic make it cool.

Thanks to the excellent climate, Thailand has 365 days a year for a beach holiday. Due to the peculiarities of the surface of the earth in this part of the planet, Thailand has the best, most diverse beaches.

Phuket is unique in that the island has all kinds of beaches that exist on the planet - from white, soft as flour and creaky as snow, to beaches with golden sand, with large boulders or completely covered with the same black pebbles.

Rainy season or monsoon season

The monsoon season begins to be felt from the end of spring, when the winds (monsoon) blowing from the Indian Ocean make the air more humid and bring more rain to the coast. This period will last until mid-autumn.

At the change of seasons - the beginning and end of the monsoons, more showers and thunderstorms that tropical storms bring.

Tropical storms that are frequent in summer time in the Pacific Ocean, do not significantly affect the weather in the Gulf of Thailand.

Does it happen good vacation no beach and the purest sea, and also better than the ocean? Most will answer in the negative. The pleasure of freedom, lack of work and everyday life can only bring a pleasant time on the beach and a huge amount of water procedures. That is why for those who do not know what exactly is in Thailand: the sea or the ocean, let's delve a little into its geography.

colorful Asian country(part of it on the map looks like an elephant's trunk) occupies the territory southwestern Indochina and the Malay Peninsula, which are located between Indian and Pacific Oceans and washed by two open seas. We will discuss them in detail below.

Seas of Thailand

Of course, it is best to come here and be surprised by this beauty and how this country managed to find such a favorable location. Judge for yourself: West Side the country is washed Andaman Sea, and on the east side is a bay called Siamese. It can be used to exit Pacific Ocean, having sailed previously in the South China Sea.

The water part of Thailand has the richest underwater world. Huge turtles, bright fish of the tropical part of the Earth, forever growing Coral reefs and algae striking with a riot of colors - and all this in clear water.

Another cool feature of the seas of Thailand is the lack of great depths and flat sandy bottom. All these conditions attract many divers here with different corners land, and not only them.

Andaman Sea

Here is the first name of the sea in Thailand, which the Indian Ocean can boast of. total area a reservoir of more than 600,000 km2 with a depth within 1,000 meters and an average water temperature of 27° (it does not fall below this mark), and even rises above 30° in the season. The coastline runs along the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, captures Sumatra, as well as Malacca and Indochina.

Undersea world

The sea has the richest landscape, which is accessible to the study of a professional diver and one who only aspires to become one. Everything is here, namely:

corals of various colors;
rocks and their bizarre fragments;
clay that heals and rejuvenates;
live sponges;
the purest sands of all shades of white.

At the same time, even not far from the coast you can find huge crabs, lobsters and lobsters. For fans of more extreme diving, instructors will show you places where you can meet giant turtles and snakes, as well as give you the opportunity to visit underwater rocks with their bizarre tunnels.

Andaman Sea washes the shores:

Krabi province;
Phuket;
Phi Phi;
Hua Hin.

A rather small bay (its size is half the size of the Andaman Sea) manages to wash not only the coast of Thailand, but also Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia. At the same time, the Gulf of Thailand place of stable fishing on an industrial scale. This is a kind of buffer between the peninsulas of Indochina and Malacca. The entire water area of the bay is dotted with continental islands, the size of which is very small. The islets are the result of thousands of years of processes that contributed to the formation of mountains - this is a natural process in the Thai seas and oceans.

The Gulf of Thailand cannot boast ocean depth, its maximum value is half a dozen meters. Despite the destructive processes of global warming, unique coral colonies are still preserved here.

On the shores of the bay are:

Pattaya;
Ko Kut;
Koh Samui;
Koh Phangan;
Ko Tao;
Chang island.

Which sea in Pattaya

The Gulf of Thailand, as it were, envelops its warm waters Pattaya. However, most tourists believe that the transparency of the waters of the bay leaves much to be desired and therefore they prefer to rest on the islands. Here, indeed, the cleanest beaches and excellent coastline. Although Pattaya is famous for more sex tourism than beach holiday. If you have not yet decided where to go, we recommend that you read the article -.

What sea on about. Phuket

The small island is known to every diver. Phuket is located in the Andaman Sea and boasts downright made for diving underwater world. Near the seabed, you can swim with flocks of tropical fish, and after sailing past the coral reefs, you should look into the underwater rock caves. Waters near Phuket the cleanest and most transparent on the entire coast.

However, those who are ready to explore the bottom of the Andaman Sea near Phuket for the first time should know that there is not always a blessed calm. Is here uncharted depths, and the waves can take on a gigantic size. High-speed undercurrents can knock out even very experienced swimmers..

Where is the clear sea in Thailand

Everyone knows that near industrial regions, water is more polluted. Unfortunately for tourists industrial centers And big cities also exists in Thailand. Most of them are concentrated in the area east coast kingdoms, namely Rayong and Pattaya.

The first of them is the center of the chemical, oil refining and steel industries of the country. Its neighbor (located only 50 kilometers) is Pattaya. But it is precisely here that all residents of the countries of the former USSR like to relax.

It is worth noting that the further south the sea area is located, the cleaner it is. Environmentalists call impeccable sea water and air in Koh Samui. The archipelagos of the Far South are considered no less clean: islands of Koh Lipe and Taruta. These undoubtedly include the Marine Park of the Gulf of Thailand - the Similin Islands and Ang Thong.

Thailand deep sea predators

It is impossible not to know that the waters near the Asian kingdom are present with predatory fish. Maybe a shark can swim through here. But in coastal areas it is impossible to meet her. At least, there was not a single case of a shark attack on a person. Swim in coastal zone you can calmly, all of it is fenced with a special underwater mesh, which no predatory teeth are able to bite through.

The Indian Ocean near Thailand has the following marine inhabitants:

mako;
hammerhead shark;
long-finned oceanic fish.

But, diving into the water, you will not meet them near the beach. As well as small predators, which include:

tiger sharks;
reef;
black;
whites.

In general, near the shore you can swim with friendly representatives of the aquatic environment.

In Thailand, you should not be limited to the sea or the ocean. Should see the sights and walk in the features settlements. In turn, we want to give you some general advice that will be useful to you:

Be sure to visit the farm where they grow crocodiles.
The water above the coral reefs is unusually good in the early morning.
The water near the reefs is worth inspecting very carefully. It floats a lot sea urchins. Their bite is very painful.
It is better not to buy souvenirs on the islands. Their cost on the mainland is much lower.
You can not carry documents and money, as well as jewelry. Thai thieves are simply virtuoso. Therefore, it is better to store everything of value in a hotel safe.

Well, now you can pack your bags and hit the road! We are sure that an amazing and unforgettable vacation, that will be remembered for a lifetime.

in front of you detailed map Gulf of Thailand with the names of cities and towns in Russian. Move the map by holding it with the left mouse button. You can move around the map by clicking on one of the four arrows in the upper left corner. You can change the scale using the scale on the right side of the map or by turning the mouse wheel.

What country is the Gulf of Thailand in?

The Gulf of Thailand is located in Thailand. It's wonderful a nice place with its own history and traditions. Gulf of Thailand coordinates: north latitude and east longitude (show on big map).

virtual walk

The figurine of a "little man" above the scale will help to make virtual walk in the cities of the Gulf of Thailand. By pressing and holding the left mouse button, drag it to any place on the map and you will go for a walk, while inscriptions with the approximate address of the area will appear in the upper left corner. Choose the direction of movement by clicking on the arrows in the center of the screen. The "Satellite" option at the top left allows you to see the relief image of the surface. In the "Map" mode, you will get the opportunity to get acquainted in detail with highways Gulf of Thailand and the main attractions.

The Gulf of Thailand is the westernmost region of the semi-enclosed South China Sea. The bay forms a depression of considerable size on south coast Southeast Asia, between the Malay Peninsula in the west and Indochina in the east.
It is customary to count the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand, starting in the east at Cape Bai Bung in Vietnam and ending in the southwest in the vicinity of the city of Kota Bharu in Malaysia, not far from the confluence of the Kelantan River in.
In the south and southeast, the Gulf of Thailand passes into the South China Sea. The International Hydrographic Organization defines this boundary of the Gulf of Thailand as the line between Cape Ca Mau in Vietnam and the estuary of the Kelantan River.
The rivers Menam Chao Phraya, Bangpakong and Mekong flow into the Gulf of Thailand. The latter forms a huge swampy delta. In addition to these rivers, another one flows into the bay. big river- Tapi, the most long river in Southern Thailand, whose mouth is located near the Thai city of Surat Thani.
Scattered throughout the bay are small islands, which are basically a continuation of mountain ranges plunging into the sea. That is, the islands of the Gulf of Thailand are located within the underwater margin of the mainland, are composed of bedrock and, by their origin, are continental.
One of the most famous islands Bay - Takiyu (Be) belongs to Cambodia and is located next to the Cambodian Ream National Park (one of the seven national parks Cambodia). Endangered species of birds live in it: the brahmin kite, the gray-headed and white-bellied eagle, the Javanese marabou, the milk and Indian beak, the collared sea lion.
Unlike other bays of Southeast Asia, the Siamese is very shallow, and its maximum depth does not even reach a hundred meters. The bottom of the bay great depth covered with bottom sediments of silt and sand, and at a shallow depth, off the coast of the islands, the ground is usually rocky, covered with corals that have grown on the rocky base for many thousands of years.
The entire area of the Gulf is the area of monsoons, which begin and end in it earlier than in any other part of the South China Sea. Due to its shallow depth and proximity to the equator (the Gulf of Thailand is located approximately between 15° N and 8° N), the water here is very warm, and its temperature often rises above 30°C).
The history of the development of these places is quite confusing. Appeared and disappeared here big empires and numerous peoples, administrative boundaries were erased and re-established, which caused confusion and mutual claims. That is why the borders between countries along the Gulf of Thailand remain the subject of territorial disputes between Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Basically, territorial disputes concern the ownership of individual islands and sections of the continental shelf, on which oil and natural gas deposits have been discovered.

The Gulf of Thailand is often called Thailand, and there is no mistake: located on its shores, until 1939 and 1945-1948, it was officially called Siam.
Fish, oil, ferries and resorts are the main wealth of the Gulf of Thailand.
biological resources The Gulf of Thailand are huge despite intensive fishing. The most popular objects of industrial fishing are tuna, herring, sardine, mackerel, mackerel. Marine fish are harvested by large fishing vessels and exported mainly in dried and salted form. At the end of the XX century. the countries of the Gulf of Thailand entered the top ten countries in the world in terms of seafood production, catching millions of tons.
As for the majority of local fishermen, they do not have such vessels due to poverty, and they manually collect crabs, shrimps and edible shellfish - mussels and oysters: a nightly catch can be up to three kilograms. Of the fish, the most common here is the mullet, which lives in lagoons or river deltas.
The main occupation of most residents coastal areas is the extraction of seafood, including a variety of edible algae.
There are many small fishing villages scattered along the shores, consisting of houses built in the middle of the mangroves on stilts, since the tides are quite high here.
In addition to the Gulf of Thailand itself, fishing is carried out in the deltas of the rivers flowing into it. There are a lot of carp, goby, perch and eel. Almost the entire catch is used for food in the countries of the Gulf of Thailand, because fish, like rice, is the main food of the population.
Along the shores of the bay, in mangroves, in conditions of complete drying of water bodies, widespread swamps and high air humidity, an ichthyofauna has formed, whose representatives have adapted to crawl out of the water onto tree roots and stay in the air for a long time, feeding on terrestrial insects. Other species are able to burrow into the silt and wait out the dry season there.
Throughout the Gulf of Thailand, on the shelf and around the islands, oil and gas production is being carried out, but its magnitude is still rather insignificant.
A more important branch of the local economy is shipping in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. It is mainly carried out with the help of huge sea ferries capable of transporting two thousand people. Due to the difficult climate and typhoons that periodically rage in the bay, ferries - usually overloaded - suffer catastrophes with many casualties. Under the influence of monsoons, drift currents are formed in the South China Sea.
largest port Gulf - Bangkok: its cargo turnover is about 18.5 million tons.
One of the significant sources of income for the states of the Gulf of Thailand is tourism and resorts.
Gone are the days when Pattaya was fishing village. Today it is one of the leading resorts in the world, with a perfect infrastructure and service system for every taste, even the most unusual one. locals were able to use the ships sunken at the bottom of the bay, organizing excursions for scuba divers and demonstrating the remains of ships from different times - from wooden Chinese junks to armored warships of the Second World War.
IN resort area also includes the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Tao and Chang, which are large tourist centers nestled in the middle of coral reefs.

general information

Location: Southeast Asia, between the Malay Peninsula and southeastern part peninsulas of Indochina.
Major rivers flowing into the bay: Mekong, Chao Phraya (Menam Chao Phraya), Bangpakong Tali.
Major ports: Ratja (Vietnam), Psar Ream, Kep, Kampot (Cambodia), Bangkok, Pakphanang Pattani, Chonburi, Sonkla, Chanthaburi (Thailand).
States on the coast: The Kingdom of Thailand is in the west and north. The Kingdom of Cambodia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam are in the east, Malaysia is in the southwest.
Largest islands: Phu Quoc (Vietnam), Ream, Kong Rong (Cambodia), Koh Samui, Phangan, Tao, Samet, Chang (Thailand).

Numbers

Area: 320,000 km2.
Width at the entrance: about 400 km.
Length: 720 km.
Max Depth: 84 m
Average depth: 45 m
Average salinity: 31%°.
average temperature water:+28 - +29°С.
Tides: diurnal, up to 4 m.

Economy

Minerals: oil, natural gas, tin
Industry: shipbuilding, food.
Agriculture: crop production (coconuts).
Fishing.
Service sector: tourism, transport, trade.

Climate and weather

Humid tropical.
Average air temperature in January:+27°С.
Average air temperature in July:+29°С.
Average annual rainfall: 1500 mm.
Southwest monsoon in July, northwest monsoon in November.
Typhoons.

Attractions

■ Butterfly Park Na Tian (Koh Samui, Thailand);
■ Religious buildings: Wat Nin Ngu Temple (Koh Samui, Thailand);
■ Mu-Ko-Ang-Thong Marine Park (Thailand);
■ Chumphon Fishing Port (Thailand):
■ Islands: Phu Quoc (Vietnam), Koh Samui, Samet, Phangan, Tao and Chang (Thailand);
■ City of Kota Bharu (Malaysia): old Royal Palace;
■ Bangkok city: Wat Pho Monastery (Temple of the Reclining Buddha, XII century), Wat Phra Kaew Monastery and Emerald Buddha statue (XV century), Dusit Maha Prasat (Heavenly Palace), Wat Ratchanadda Temple (XIX century);
■ Phetchaburi city: historical park Nakhon Khiri Palace - Former Royal summer residence;
■ Chanthaburi City: Cathedral Immaculate Conception- the largest Roman Catholic temple in Thailand;
■ Chonburi city: Khao Sam Muk hill;
■ National parks: Samet (Thailand), Ream (Cambodia).

Curious facts

■ Thai National marine park Mu-Ko-Ang-Thong consists of 42 small islands. The nature and landscape of the islands have been preserved almost in a virgin state, largely due to the fact that this territory was owned by the Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Thailand for a long time and was closed to the public, and after 1980 it was included in the register of national parks.
■ B national park Samet (full name - Khao Lem Ya - Samet) there are very unusual representatives of the fauna. Among them: a flying fox - from the genus of bats of the fruit bat family, feeding on the juice and pulp of fruits and flowers, a 40-centimeter creature with a fox head; a sea lizard, capable of swimming far into the sea, and a bullfrog, one of the largest species in the family of real frogs, reaching a length of 25 cm. The bullfrog got its nickname not for its size, but because, to attract females, males publish very loud call signs, reminiscent of lowing.
■ Phu Quoc is the most big Island Vietnam. Phu Quoc Airport located on it now transports mainly tourists. It was created back in the 1930s, during the French colonization of Indochina, and in the middle of the 20th century. was the object of the US Air Force base during the period Vietnam War 1960-1970s
■ Due to the continued deposition of river silt and sand, the coast central thailand it moves further and further south. The depth of water at a distance of 10 to 20 km from the coast is only 11 m. Coral reefs, which are adversely affected by warming water, are the first to suffer from this. In the Mekong Delta, the process is reversed: the sea advances on land, salinization occurs soils and the destruction of entire villages as a result of large-scale landslides. Global climate change is to blame. And the delta, in the event of an increase in water levels as a result of warming, will become the most vulnerable place.

Resorts in Thailand can be divided depending on their location - the Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea. The first group includes Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Chang, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and others. Their main feature is a more temperate climate, fewer waves on the sea and the absence of a pronounced, i.e. precipitation and waves on the sea can be both in winter and in summer. Although they differ from place to place by months (somewhere there are more of them in November, and somewhere in June).

Popular resorts located in the Andaman Sea are Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta and others. Here the rainy season is very pronounced and repeats from year to year at the same time, from May to October-November. During this period, precipitation can be 5-6 times a week and several hours every day. The waves on the sea are almost always big and only experienced swimmers can swim. And during this period, the undercurrents are very strong, i.e. they can easily take you to the open sea, far from the coast. Therefore, almost every day from May to November in the main resorts andaman coast you can see red warning flags forbidding swimming. At this time, it is better not to come here, especially with children, because. you are unlikely to be able to buy.

Another thing is the period from December to March. At this time, there are few waves, no underwater currents, precipitation is very rare, and the sea is much more transparent than in the popular Thai resorts located in the Gulf of Thailand. In a word, perfect place recreation.

In our opinion, if you are traveling for the first time, then you should choose one of three places- Pattaya, Phuket or Koh Samui are the best resorts in Thailand.

The rest are quite long to get to (with transfers) and they will not give you a complete picture of the country (i.e. you will see natural beauty, but with man-made attractions, shops and many entertainments there is tight). Another thing is the three above-mentioned resorts in Thailand, which have everything - tropical nature and cultural monuments, temples and shopping centers, massage parlors and entertainment venues, restaurants with national cuisine and bars with girls. Although each, of course, has its own characteristics, the main ones are as follows: Pattaya is the cheapest and closest to Bangkok (and the country's best attractions are located there), Phuket is expensive, but with the most transparent sea and beautiful landscapes, and Koh Samui is the most exotic and "wild" of the three. Consider each of the main resorts of Thailand in more detail.

Pattaya is the best place to experience Thailand

Located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, 2 hours from the capital of the country - Bangkok. This the oldest resort Thailand, where tourism began to develop in the 60s of the 20th century. During this time, the entire infrastructure was built - paved roads, hotels and guesthouses (expensive and cheap), restaurants, bars, adult establishments, banks and ATMs, massage parlors, a bunch of shopping centers, markets and souvenir shops. Available public transport, rental of motorcycles, cars, in a word, everything is here.

Prices in Pattaya are the lowest among all resorts in Thailand. Wherever you go, everywhere they will delight - be it restaurants, shops, entertainment. There are a lot of inscriptions in Russian, since Pattaya is the most popular place recreation for domestic tourists. IN travel agencies and restaurants in the city also have our staff, so this the best place for those who do not speak English.

In the past, Pattaya was popular with lovers of affordable girls (read), but now it is increasingly turning into family place vacation, where you can spend inexpensively. Another plus is the proximity to the international airport (only an hour and a half by bus) and Bangkok with its sights.

Since this popular Thai resort is located in the center of the country, it is an excellent starting point for excursions to the north, east and west.

Another plus in the piggy bank of Pattaya is the dry climate all year round. The rainy season is not very pronounced here and you can relax all year round. It's just that from June to October there are more cloudy days and it rains mostly at night. high waves at sea are also rare.

The only negative of this place is a rather dirty sea, especially on central beach. But there is also good news- only 30 baht (30 rubles) and 40 minutes on the ferry and you are on, where the sea is visible several tens of meters deep.

Phuket - the best resort in the Andaman Sea

Located in the south of the country, in the Andaman Sea. For many years it has been connected to the mainland by a bridge, so that it can be reached by land. Available international Airport, where there are direct flights from Russia.

In the dry season from November to April - this is perhaps best resort Thailand. The main beaches are Patong, Karon and Kata. The entire infrastructure is well developed there with hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment. Patong is especially good in this regard, but Karon and Kata are calmer there too fewer people. Among Russians, Bang Tao Beach is also popular, where there are inscriptions in Russian everywhere. It is quite secluded and there are almost no people in its northern part.

The sea is transparent, as in other resorts located in the Andaman Sea. There are all possibilities for water activities, many interesting sights and a large selection of beaches, including semi-wild ones. And in Phuket about a dozen viewing platforms with excellent panoramic views.

This island has only two minuses - bad weather from May to November and high cost. Although the high cost is a relative thing, and when compared with Russia, the prices will be cheaper.

Koh Samui is the best vacation spot in the Gulf of Thailand

Also located in the south of the country, but only in the Gulf of Thailand. Because of this, the sea is not so blue, although, of course, you cannot call it dirty. main feature this resort - the opportunity to relax in the summer, when greater territory rainy season countries. Here, there is little precipitation during this period, and the main blow of the elements occurs in November. It is also the least developed in relation to the above-described places in Thailand, there are more green areas. The entire infrastructure is present on the two main beaches - Lamai and Chaweng, on the rest it is smaller, and the south is generally semi-wild.

Koh Samui has one significant disadvantage - it is not here and, therefore, you will have to make a transplant, and this Extra time and money.

In addition to Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand has many other interesting places worth visiting, all this can be found in the article.