1) There is no such country as Thailand! The country is called Thailand!

2) What currency should I bring to Thailand?

The country's currency is the Thai baht. Stable regional currency. Widely used in Laos, partly in Cambodia and in the border states of Myanmar. No one needs dollars, euros, and especially rubles, they are not accepted for payment - you will still change at exchange offices - it is better to do this not on the street but in bank branches: in any of them there is an exchange, but there are no queues or rudeness. It is better to change large sums of over 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 you don’t have a dollar card. For insurance (if your cash is stolen), you can get a credit card, the best one is from Alpha and

3) If you see an elegant image of a man on calendars inside houses, on framed portraits, on billboards or in any other places, it is almost certainly the King. If there is a woman in the image, it 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)

>>Last minute tours to Thailand from RUR 11,200 – public shock tariffs VKontakte

4) You shouldn’t joke about the King, even in Russian. For insulting the Royals there is a punishment, including prison. For the same reason, you should not throw money, burn it, tear it, or step on it. There is an image of the King on every banknote and coin.

5) Thais are extremely tolerant. Tourists will be forgiven for any ridiculous appearance, treacherous violation of local customs, or minor offenses. But this does not mean that you should behave like a complete pig, get drunk until you squeal, or walk around the city center in only swimming trunks.

6) Thais do not know how to say the word “no”. Therefore, if you cannot get an answer to some question for a long time, then you just need to retreat: 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 you can move along the coastline without hindrance, lie free on your mat 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 territory of national parks, for which a fee is charged for visiting.

8) Everything is fine with aviation in the country. There are large low-cost airlines, the most famous: Nok Air and Thai Smile. Traditional airlines: and. And regional airlines, for example Kan Air and R airlines, the existence of which even local residents hardly know. 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 get 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 negligible, especially when you factor in baggage 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, with a metro going to it.

From the second (Dong Muang) low-cost airlines and nok air. There is a free shuttle between airports. It is better to go from the city to it by taxi. The airports are located at different ends of the city, but are connected by toll highways

10) The bus network covers all populated areas. Comfortable buses with air conditioning, comfortable sleeping chairs and toilets operate over long distances. 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 a small number of direct buses between tourist centers. A wide variety of transport operates on regional routes: buses with air conditioning and regular seats, buses without air conditioning, minibuses, songthaew (pickup truck with a closed passenger body).

Unfortunately, according to one statistics, the number of accidents on the roads remains first in the world. It is advisable to buckle up on 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 purchased at the bus station at the ticket office. This will provide you with a guarantee of safety and liability for lost or stolen luggage.

In tourist areas they 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, from where it is not easy to get out. And it is in such buses that cases of theft occur.

12) Less luck with trains. If memory serves, there are only five branches. North to Chiang May, south to Malaysia and further to Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and so on all sorts of shoots and stubs. Trains are incredibly late. on a 12-hour route they may be 6-9 hours late. There was a case when in 2 weeks a train derailed in the same place 6 times. After major repairs to open this section, the train derailed once again along with the Minister of Transport.

13) Bangkok is a name for foreigners. The Thais call the city Krungthep. Plan a stop in Bangkok for at least 2 days, in addition to the royal palace and Wat Arun, there are even alien sectarians there!

14) Farang is a name for a foreigner. Contrary to popular belief, it is not offensive. Applies to people of European appearance.

15) Thais are terrible nationalists. Foreigners will never be put on the same level as themselves, but this does not mean that they will put themselves higher - no, just as if on the sidelines. Europeans are treated well, in wild places they even idolize them. They don't like Hindus, Chinese and blacks.

16) Absolute tolerance in matters of sexual orientation. In this country, everyone can identify themselves as 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 without one hundred grams it is impossible to understand it.

17) Contrary to popular misconceptions, outside the tourist zones of debauchery, the country is extremely puritanical. After drawing a picture of breasts on a federal channel, without any hint of eroticism, a huge scandal broke out.

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. For consumption, a tourist can be fined and deported, but most likely they will extort a bribe. There are raids 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 actions.

Martial law is still in effect, giving the military and police virtually unlimited power.

In practice, everything is not so scary. Foreigners are of interest only to officers from the migration service, and even then only at the moment 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.

If you speak English, you can watch excursions and entertainment, if not, here:

20) Tipping is not accepted in Thai places. In very 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 do this, no one will be offended.

21) The rainy season is an amorphous concept. He is in different places in the country at different times.

The rain does not interfere in any way; it usually falls no more than an hour a day and mainly at night. You can and should go to Thailand at any time. Moreover, in the off-season in 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. However, you will definitely need one warm item. There's a creepy glacier on planes, buses, movie theaters and shopping malls. Always take warm clothes to such places.

23) If in Bangkok they tell you that some place is closed and today is a day off, don’t believe it. This is the most important wiring. You will be offered an alternative excursion with a stop at shops.

For the same reason, you shouldn't take a tuk-tuk in Bangkok. You are almost guaranteed to be taken to a store whose owner issues gas coupons to the driver.

24) It’s better to get around Bangkok by taxi. No matter how strange it may sound, if there are two or more of you, then a trip by metro will be more expensive than a taxi.

If you have the skill to put on a serious face and point your finger at the meter, then you will be taken at the official price. A trip within 2-3 metro stations will cost 50-60 baht. A trip through the whole city, if there are no traffic jams, costs 100-120 baht. My most expensive trip lasted 2 hours and 37 kilometers and cost 210 baht.

You only have to catch a taxi that is coming. A red light means it is free. If there is no light, it means it's busy.

You can get away with a meter from special stands near large shopping centers. True, 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 along the meter.

In Chiang Mai, the most affordable transport is Song Thaew, here it looks like big red cars (you can’t go wrong) - for 20 baht they will take you in a taxi 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 they just idolize the children of foreigners. You will never be left in trouble and will be happy to look after your child anywhere.

You can often see mothers taking their children with them to work. To a massage parlor, hairdresser or store. This is absolutely normal. Children do not bother anyone and children in Thailand can do anything.

38) Contrary to popular misconceptions, not all dishes in Thai cuisine are extremely spicy. There are a huge number of completely non-spicy dishes. Just really, really.

A tourist has virtually no chance of distinguishing a spicy dish from a non-spicy one. The only way out is to order another dish, some kind of pancake. Food still costs pennies.

39) In Thai, the emphasis is on the last syllable of a word. Foreign words (mainly names) should also be pronounced with emphasis on the last syllable, so they will understand you faster. I asked for a long time whether there was a mAcro store in Krabi and they refused to understand me. But when I asked about macro, they immediately told me the way to it. The same applies to popular stores 7-11 not sEven, but sevEn

40) A SIM card can be bought at any 7-11. They are often given out free of charge 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, complex and incomprehensible to a foreigner. Therefore, everyone who works in tourism seems to have a simple and understandable name for a foreigner consisting of 2-3 letters: em, pie, may, fight...

42) You are almost guaranteed not to get malaria. Unless you're wandering around remote jungles for months at a time. Although Dengue fever exists (it exists even in space-modern Singapore), it is also carried by mosquitoes, there are no vaccinations or treatment for it, but no more people die than from the flu. There are more dangers in Russia.

43) Snakes, scorpions, scolopendras - there are somewhere in the forests. Sometimes you can see them from afar, but they are more afraid of you than you are of them.

44) Thais do not eat beetles, worms and locusts. This is entertainment for tourists and food for migrant workers from Cambodia. Thais eat chicken and rice, sometimes pork. But cows are not held in high esteem, both with meat and dairy products. Cheeses and sausages are a terrible delicacy.

45) There is a separate tourist police for tourists. She speaks reasonable English and helps resolve any everyday conflicts, look for forgotten things and lost documents.

Sometimes foreign volunteers are on duty at public events; they are registered with the tourist police and speak different languages.

Using Thai driving directions (on business cards or in brochures) is AD. The scales are not observed on them, but simply the indicated guidelines are 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, train stations, the national anthem can be performed at 7 and 8 o'clock in the morning, and at 5 and 6 o'clock in the evening. If all the Thais stopped or stood 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.

49) Until last year, Bangkok and Chiang Mai were confidently included in the top 10 best cities for tourism in various numerous authoritative rankings. After the military coup, Bangkok lost its position. But Chiang Mai is predicted to have a great tourism future.

50) Thailand is the best country for your first independent trip.

- shock tariffs appear there earlier than on social networks.
It’s cheaper to purchase tickets to museums and attractions in advance and avoid standing in line for hours.
Flight delayed - take 600 euros

Important point: from November 22 to citizens of Ukraine for a tourist trip to Thailand for up to 30 days.

Who is this article for?

• for those who are going to visit Thailand for the first time and do not know where to start planning their trip;
• for those who are traveling to Thailand, but do not know what to expect from this country;

1. How to choose a time for a trip?

When going to, it is worth remembering the peculiarities of the local climate: it is tropical here, but the length of the country from south to north is large, and therefore the weather in different parts of Thailand can differ significantly.

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The best time for tourists to travel to Thailand is from November to February-March. From May to November there is a rainy season, but again it can occur differently in different parts of the country: there are times when tourists come in the middle of summer and hardly ever see the rain.

From March to May, it is not recommended to travel to the central and north-eastern parts of Thailand, as at this time it is very hot here: the temperature can rise to +40°C, forests can burn, and in the cities there is smog, which makes it difficult to breathe .

The only thing that needs to be taken into account for those who are interested not only in a beach holiday, but also in an excursion holiday: while in the southern and central parts of Thailand the temperature rarely drops below +25-30°C, in the north from November to February it is much cooler . At night the temperature can drop to +10-15°C, so you should stock up on warm clothes and take this into account when choosing housing.

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The most comfortable period for a holiday in Thailand is the winter months. It is for this reason that if you decide to go to Thailand in winter, you should worry about tickets in advance, preferably several months before the intended trip.

2. How to plan a trip and do I need a visa?

One of the most cost-effective ways to get to Thailand is to fly to Bangkok, from where you can get to the coast and islands. Many people plan their trip in such a way as to fly to Bangkok (tickets usually cost 400-450 euros round-trip), spend several days there, as this is one of the most interesting metropolises in Asia, and then head towards the beaches. This can be done using domestic flights, or by bus or bus with ferry.

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Flights to Pattaya, Phuket or Krabi usually cost more (500-550 euros round trip per person).

If you are interested in the history and culture of the northern part of Thailand, then pay attention to Qatar Airways flights to Chiang Mai for 350-400 euros.

For a stay in Thailand of up to 15 days, you can apply for a visa upon arrival, right at the airport. To do this, you need to have with you: a foreign passport with a validity period of at least 6 months as of the date of entry into the country, 2 photographs 4x6; a migration card - it is usually issued on the plane, a copy of an air ticket from Thailand (if you flew from Kiev, the air ticket may be to a third country, for example to Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur - the very fact of departure from the country is important), a visa application form issued by migration services Thailand.

If you are traveling for the purpose of tourism for a period of more than 15 days, then a visa must be issued in advance through the Consulate.

The visa fee is 2,000 baht (approximately 53 euros).

3. Local etiquette rules

Perhaps the first thing Thailand is interesting for tourists is the differences in lifestyle and traditions. But this is exactly what can become the “fly in the ointment” of your Thai vacation if you don’t at least know the basic cultural features of the exotic country.

For example, in Thailand it is not customary to gesticulate loudly and excessively in public places, or indeed on the street. Locals may simply consider you unrestrained and ill-mannered. Excessive display of romantic feelings in public will also cause disapproval among decorous Thais.

This rule applies to communication in general: Thais are very calm and reserved people. Any fussiness and aggression is simply incomprehensible to them, and therefore, even in conflict or controversial situations, it is recommended to maintain an even tone and be respectful towards the interlocutor.

You should also avoid touching another person's head or shoulder, as this will be considered an unfavorable sign (the head is considered a sacred part of the body among Thais).

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When visiting temples, as well as when entering a house, it is customary for local residents to take off their shoes. You will show your respect for local traditions if you do the same. And if you decide to go to one of the temples (or any other sanctuary open to the general public), remember that clothing must be appropriate: no bare shoulders or legs for both women and men. Ladies should also avoid clothes with a low neckline.

The country professes Buddhism, hence another feature of the Thais - a very reverent, respectful attitude towards Buddha. Therefore, any offensive or disrespectful actions or gestures towards statues or any other images of the Great Enlightened One will be frowned upon. The same goes for the ruling royal dynasty of Thailand: any disrespectful attitude towards their images (even on money) will definitely not endear you to the locals.

It is not customary in Thailand to treat our smaller brothers rudely - according to the canons of Buddhism, any life is considered sacred and animals are treated with the same respect as people.

4. Safety rules

Thailand, of course, is not a wild jungle, but even here it is worth remembering basic safety rules that will help save your nerves and leave only the most pleasant impressions of your trip.

So, when going for a walk (especially in large tourist cities), leave all valuables in the hotel safe. It is better to have only copies of your passport and insurance with you in case of a police check. It is also better to keep bags, purses, and laptop cases with you.

If you are going not to check into a hotel, but to rent housing from the owners, be sure to make sure that this person is reliable, and also enter into a rental agreement with him and take a receipt.

Be wary of meeting new people, especially if it happens in nightclubs, cafes or bars. Cases of fraud and serious “scams” ​​from neighboring residents or posing as locals are not uncommon.

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Many beach resorts have fairly free morals - almost 24-hour discos and bars, street food, cocktails with dubious composition, soft drugs and other entertainment that force tourists to go all out. We advise you to refrain from suspicious places, since, among other things, such clubs are often subject to raids.

The official penalty for drug use in Thailand is the death penalty, but most often tourists here get away with a lot. They also have the right to fine and deport you for any violations, but most likely they will simply demand a bribe.

By the way, for tourists there is a separate tourist police, representatives of which speak good English, and it is better to contact them if something happens.

5. What to consider?

Be sure to take out insurance before departure. This is universal advice that applies to everyone traveling to Asia. Firstly, due to unusual food there may be problems with digestion. Secondly, sanitary standards in Thailand do not correspond to European ones. Thirdly, even if you are only going to relax on the beach, exotic insects, animals and local diseases have not been canceled. When going to these parts, many people ask about malaria - well, it practically does not occur here, but the risk of contracting, say, Dengue fever, which is carried by mosquitoes, is not excluded.

However, one of the most common insurance cases in Thailand is injuries from falling from a bike. Before renting, consider whether you are confident in your abilities, or whether it is better to move around in a more traditional way.

Make a copy of your passport in advance - this is often necessary to rent a car or even a bike. For some reason, they usually don’t ask for your rental license, but if you are stopped by the police and it turns out that you don’t have a license, you can get a fine.

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If you are going to Thailand for a long time - on vacation for several weeks or going here for the winter, it is best to immediately get a local SIM card (costs about $4).

6. Getting to know the country

Thailand is a real treasure trove for a traveler; there are so many interesting and unusual things to see here. In addition to the intricate architecture of Thai temples and shrines, it is also worth appreciating its other beauties.

For example, in the Nong Nooch Orchid Park, in addition to these fragile beautiful flowers, you can also see colorful tropical butterflies and birds, admire the subtlety of the work of gardeners in the bonsai park and the exquisite geometric designs in the flowerbeds of the French Park. This is the Big Buddha Hill with an impressive statue on its top, and the island of Koh Larn - a real corner of paradise on earth with clear azure water and snow-white sandy beaches. You can feel the spirit of Thai culture in the magnificent, carved Temple of Truth, and you can completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere and way of life of the Thais at the Pattaya Floating Market - even if you are not going to buy anything, a simple walk through this colorful place will bring a lot of impressions.

There are probably people who, just like that, for no reason at all, can fall off a plane to Thailand for permanent residence. Here, as they say, either self-confidence is off the charts, or indifference.

Most of us, sensible people, before making a decision to change location, first come to Thailand on vacation and conduct online reconnaissance. If one trip is more exciting than another, and there is peace and grace in your soul, then the thought comes to settle in this warm place for a longer time.

Look, touch, try - this is the only way to move. Are the plumbing and household appliances fixed, is there Internet access, are there termites in the house (ants escape after special treatment, termites never). Look at the condition of the pool and the surrounding area, whether there is a construction site nearby - evaluate these and other points and try them on for yourself. Arranges?

Make a deposit and live healthy. Advice - immediately go with a realtor to the office of the management company. Meet the employees, usually one or two people, and write down the office's mobile number. Just in case. The faucet is leaking, the sink is clogged, the refrigerator has stopped freezing, the heater in the bathroom is not heating - you really can’t do without English.

Write down the necessary words from the dictionary in advance to simply explain the problem. It is possible that you will have to wait several days for a specialist. Call or come to the office and calmly remind them of your problem. Thais are generally smiling and friendly, but they become disoriented if they hear an emotional conversation in a raised voice. In addition, slowness and regularity are a purely Thai trait. And why should they rush? It's always +30 outside!

Safety is in your hands

In Thailand, like in any country, there is crime. This unpleasant fact should not be forgotten. As a rule, tourists are targeted by various scammers. They are robbed, robbed and this is reality. Tourists have their bags snatched, gold chains torn off, money stolen from their rooms, apartments, etc. To avoid becoming a victim, protect yourself.

The main thing is not to carry your passport with you, make a copy and always keep it in your bag or pocket. If you lose a copy, it doesn’t matter if you have a passport, it won’t be a hassle. By the way, choose small bags with a long strap and wear them over your head and shoulder. This bag has enough space for a mobile phone, a compact camera and money. Gold chains that you won't part with are best worn under a T-shirt or shirt. “Don’t wake up Dashing while it’s quiet,” says popular wisdom!

Decide for yourself where to store your savings. Either rent a locker in a hotel or open an account in a Thai bank. If you rent an apartment, buy a padlock for the front door. If you periodically order room cleaning, be careful. Staff stealing petty items in hotels and condominiums is not a rare occurrence.

If you don’t want trouble, don’t bring prostitutes and katoys (lady boys) to your place. Most often these are criminals and friendship with them can end badly, naturally, for you. But if you still contact the police, know this! First of all, the law is on the side of the Thai citizen. Yes, they will accept your statement and assure you with a sincere smile that the offender will be found and punished, but the matter may end there.

And most importantly. God forbid you to contact! This potion is not only prohibited - the law of the kingdom stipulates execution for its use and trade. Moreover, how many grams were discovered and for what purposes is not important.

About Thai food

To be honest, I don’t know much about Thai food yet, because I’m in a pleasant state of familiarity with unusual tastes and aromas. I advise you to introduce yourself to new food slowly, remembering the names of the dishes. This way you will have your own Thai menu. At the same time, do not forget the main principle of a gourmet: “How many people, so many opinions.” For example, the stars of Thai cuisine are and. Most foreigners like these dishes, but there are those who can't stand them. So try, try and try again!

You can do this useful activity not only in good restaurants, but also in street cafes, of which there are many everywhere. You can also eat deliciously and cheaply at makashniks. These are street cooks. They fry and steam on cart stoves, which Russian tourists call the field kitchen.

Don't be surprised when you taste a mixture of flavors in Thai dishes - hot, sweet, sour, salty and bitter. This typical mix is ​​achieved using different spices. These include lemon grass, kaffir leaves, different varieties of ginger, chili peppers, garlic, cilantro, basil, coconut milk, lime juice, etc.

The fact is that Thai cuisine was formed under the influence of India, China and Portugal. The traditions of these countries have evolved over time into Thai culinary uniqueness. I am not going to describe the numerous local dishes and their merits. You will find out and feel everything yourself.

However, my job is to warn. The abundance of pepper is the first shock that the taste buds of our compatriots receive. Therefore, remember, like our Father, the phrase “no spice!”, which means “no pepper!” No, pepper is in the dish, of course, but in a more edible quantity.

Traditionally, Thais extinguish pepper fires in their mouths with unleavened rice. I tried to calm the burned receptors in this way, but it didn’t work. The native, familiar method is a few sips of cool water, which is also not a special help. Watermelon juice with ice turned out to be more effective.

Today, in any restaurant and even a small cafe you will be offered a menu in Russian, where there is a wide field for imagination. Read carefully, choose and “kin khao” for you, which means “bon appetit”!

Roads and means of transportation

In the resort of Pattaya you will not see buses or trolleys that are familiar to Russia, but you can quickly and easily get to any point in the city you need. From early morning until late at night, fast pick-up minibuses, nicknamed “tuk-tuk” by tourists, scurry through the streets. Transport specialists grumble, they say, a real “tuk” can only be seen in Bangkok and it looks completely different - it’s a miniature four-seater carriage attached to a moped. Practically the great-granddaughter of a Japanese rickshaw puller. A pickup truck with benches in the back is a songthaew.

What is true is true, but experts realized it too late. The Pattaya version of the tuk-tuk has been adding up kilometers of roads for many years and will not change its name. Nimble, reliable, convenient and cheap - this is why both tourists and locals love it. Just 10 baht and you will travel through the entire central part of the city, and with one transfer you will get from one end to the other.

Connoisseurs of time and speed can use another equally popular transport - a motorbike. Guys in bright vests with numbers can be seen on every corner. While waiting for clients, they sit in armchairs, sleep in hammocks, read, listen to music and drink energy drinks. The price is negotiated on the spot and depends, of course, on the distance. Remember - it is appropriate to bargain with a motorbike driver.

And further. Throw your hotel's business card in English into your wallet. This is in case the buyer doesn’t understand where to take you. For example, the Caesar Hotel is pronounced “Cesar” in English, etc.

Tourists who are not in Pattaya for the first time and are confident in their bearings prefer to rent vehicles. Some choose motorbikes, others cars. The common advantage of these options is complete independence, and the only difference is the amount of rent.

Smiles in Thailand!

Many years ago, when Thais saw a European, they bowed their heads and raised their folded palms up. This traditional greeting is “wai”. Today there are so many foreigners that they no longer qualify for the status of prominent people, and the modern rhythm of life in Thai cities has made familiar relationships easier. Thais now say “hello” to each other, and “wai”, as they say, is for holidays or very important people.

Only the smile on the faces of the Thais remained as wide. It’s true that not everything is clear here either. It's no secret that hiding real feelings under a smile is an Asian and Buddhist tradition. Sources claim that they are officially recognized in Thailand, which means that even in case of extreme dissatisfaction, a Thai will smile. Getting him to openly show irritation or anger is not easy, but some of our compatriots manage to do it. This reduces the authority of all Russian tourists. Alas. Although most Russians, naturally, relax here according to the principle “man pei rai!”, which in Thai is “no problem!”

Tourists who have recently arrived in Tai Russo are immediately given away not by their burnt noses, but by their facial expressions. They resemble soldiers at a military parade. Well, very serious. Amazing metamorphoses occur in two weeks. People open up like lotus buds, smile, laugh, and even the intonations of their voices become soft. An acquaintance of mine from Ussuriysk in Thailand often vacations and once again, getting ready to go to Russia, he told me: “Here again, for the first few days, I’ll be smiling on the street like a fool. Then people will start looking at me askance and I will close my mouth. I’ll become like everyone else.”

In fact, the Thai sun and air filled with joyful lightness melted many impregnable ice floes. Russians come to Thailand again and again to immerse themselves in a wonderful state of serenity and spiritual comfort.

About taboos

King. A particularly respected and revered personality in Thailand is His Majesty Rama X. The Kingdom is developing along a democratic path, but the personality of the monarch is inviolable in every sense. If you want to find out more about his respected person, look on the Internet, but there is no need to discuss the Majesty with his subjects, or joke about him. A well-known example is when one foreigner, for the sake of laughter, drew a mustache on a portrait of the king. The result is a real prison sentence.

Temples. The majority of the Thai population professes Buddhism. Even in resort towns there are many temples and behavior in them is strictly regulated. For example, it is not recommended to enter there in short shorts and T-shirts. Shoulders should be covered. When seeing a monk, a woman is forbidden to speak to him, touch him or give him anything. If you absolutely want to give a gift to a minister of worship, give it through some man, for example, a guide. If you are taking a photo in or near a temple, do not sit or lean on the Buddha statue.

And one more thing – people go into temples and other public places barefoot. Most often these are spas, hairdressers, massage parlors, photo studios, Thai homes, etc. In a word, take off your shoes wherever you see shoes at the doorstep.

Children. Residents of Thailand love small children, including strangers, and are not shy about expressing this. They look at the babies with adoration, say kind words to them and can gently touch the child, but not his head. Touching the head or familiarly patting the shoulder of a Thai of any age is not a good idea. This again ties back to the basics of Buddhism.

Beer. In Thailand, it is not customary to drink beer on the street, but if you meet a person with a bottle in his hand, rest assured, this is a Russian who is here for the first time. It is noticeable that our people quickly switch to local rules and become regulars at beer bars. In Pattaya they are at every step. An open view of the street, comfortable chairs - what else is needed for a pleasant beer drinking experience. Interestingly, there is no beer bacchanalia in local stores, as in Russia. There are only a few varieties on sale, but they are of very decent quality.

Pattaya has been given the status of a sexual libertine, but this does not mean that sin rules the city. For Thais, all aspects of life are regulated, that is, everything has its place, time and rule.

In Thailand, it is not customary to show feelings in public, as well as to swim and sunbathe in the nude. It is considered completely unacceptable to appear in public in dirty clothes and drunk. If your feet are dirty, no one will pay attention to it, but if you point your foot at objects or a person, you will be called a rude person. And another important taboo. In Thailand, it is indecent to loudly sort things out in a raised voice and raise a hand against children. This way you risk losing your authority forever.

About carrots and Thai customs

In Thailand, everyone sees what they want to see. Some enjoy the sea, elephants and waterfalls, while others spend their entire vacation testing local alcohol and drinking in bars with carrots (as the Russians call prostitutes).

Pattaya is a city without complexes and the Thais here can hardly be called puritans. Sex services here are relatively cheap and you can rent a girl or boy not only on the famous Walking street, but also in any bar. After dark, in popular tourist areas, butterflies of different sexes attack clients under every bush.

We found something to surprise you, you say, this side of Thailand is known to the whole world. I agree and will add several Pattaya characters to your Thai collection. Here, at every step, young Thai women walk hand in hand with elderly Europeans - a common picture, interesting only to Russians. Until they get used to it. These girls are often girlfriends, but in any case, their work is paid - sexual relations in Thailand are placed on a financial basis.

In shops, salons, in tuk-tuks, and anywhere else, other girls catch your eye, but completely different ones. A low voice or, on the contrary, squeaky, male hands, knees, a mannered gait, but at the same time makeup, a short skirt and heels. This is a ladyboy, which in local terms is “katoi” - a village guy who has partially changed his gender, either the lower part of the body or the upper part. In the hierarchical hierarchy of prostitution, they are at the lower levels, but there is also a demand for this product.

Sometimes on the streets there are even comic specimens - aged trannys who have long gone into circulation. But life goes on with the grandfathers and they shop in stores, relax, ride bikes with the usual long hair and... impressive female breasts. What a spectacle!

You may need it in this case.

Tattoos from the heels to the top of the head and an indigo-colored body, a close-cut haircut, piercings wherever possible, a leather vest with chains - this is what German fans of hard rock, Harleys and other metal paraphernalia most often look like. The motley crowd in Pattaya is a reflection of the whole world.

This is far from paradise, but at the same time the feeling of lightness and freedom does not leave you. People for the most part are smiling and friendly, compliant and reserved, calm and helpful. Russians look at many things with bewilderment and slight envy. For example, the Thais who, after a hard day’s work, gather together at tables in street cafes.

By the way, in Thai families, fathers are more likely to care for children and elderly parents live with children. There are no shelters for the elderly in Thailand. And further. In the evenings, you won't see teenagers hanging around the city's faces. From idleness they do not break benches and kiosks. But if you find yourself in a crowded tuk-tuk, don't be surprised if a teenager gives you his seat. The more often you come to the Kingdom, the more you understand that we have a lot to marvel at and learn in Thailand. That's for sure.

Located in Southeast Asia, it is an amazing country that attracts tourists from all over the world with its diverse values ​​and characteristics.

Firstly, these are wonderful beaches on the coast; secondly, the availability of exotic entertainment in the form of elephant riding, Thai massage, diving, studying martial arts, and watching Buddhist festivals. Thailand is known for its vibrant nightlife and the prevalence of sex tourism. Even for connoisseurs of historical values, there is a place here; many temples, palaces, monasteries, and pagodas have been built in Thailand. Thai dishes are also worth mentioning. Before your first visit to any exotic country, you need to study the features of a holiday in Thailand in order to get only positive memories from it.

We will outline the main points that will help you make your holiday in Thailand as comfortable and unique as possible.

Respect Buddhist Values

- in Buddhist temples (for example, in), shoes must be removed, and knees and shoulders must be covered with clothing;

Wat Phra Kaew - temple in Bangkok

— behave respectfully towards Buddhist values ​​(shrines, relics);

- do not speak disrespectfully about the royal family, Thais highly respect the king;

- women cannot touch or give anything from their hands to a Buddhist monk;

— men do not shake hands with Buddhist monks.

A frequent smile on your face, a positive and friendly attitude will help you have a good rest in Thailand and enjoy all the variety of experiences that it offers to tourists.

Naturally, in this material we were not able to display all the features of a holiday in Thailand. After all, every tourist will see this country in his own way. We will be grateful if you tell us in the comments why Thailand has become special for you.