Where is Thailand: geographical location and features of the country. History of Thailand - from antiquity to the present day Thailand name of the country

Thailand's national cuisine is influenced by three factors: climate, location and culture. Fertile lands, the possibility of year-round harvesting, the absence of religious restrictions on food - all this has shaped the gastronomic picture of the country. The basis of many dishes is rice; side dishes of meat, vegetables, fish are added to it, and all this is seasoned with a huge amount of spices. The latter fact is a big problem for Europeans, whose stomachs are simply not accustomed to such a load. However, when ordering, it is enough to ask “not hot” (“not spicy”), then the tourist will be brought a less spicy version of the dish.

Thailand is famous for its hot and sour soups tom yam and tom kha. The fiery dish with shrimp and spices will not leave anyone indifferent. Due to the large amount of garlic and chili pepper, people with stomach diseases are not recommended to eat it.

When you come to a restaurant, you should also try sauces with curry and coconut milk. They are served with a side dish of potatoes (kaeng karee), peanuts (kaeng massaman) or greens (kaeng khieo).

Another important component of the national cuisine is noodles (rice, wheat and egg). It is boiled, fried, and added to the broth. It serves as a side dish for marinated pork or chicken, meat or fish balls and even dumplings. Pad Thai - fried rice noodles - is one of the most popular dishes among travelers. In addition to the main ingredient, it includes an egg, bean sprouts, garlic, spices, and fish sauce. As an additive, you can choose shrimp, pork or chicken.

Seafood lovers will find many interesting and very tasty dishes for themselves. For example, you should definitely try sea fish baked in salt with palm leaves (Salt fish grilled on charcoal). The meat prepared in this way is very tender and aromatic. Another option for cooking fish is steaming. It is seasoned with lime, garlic and chili, resulting in an unforgettable spicy-sour taste.

One of the most unusual fruits in Thailand is durian. It has such a disgusting aroma that some establishments even deny entry to people who have previously bought it, so as not to scare away visitors. This spiny green fruit with creamy flesh has earned the title of "King of Fruits." For the first time, it is recommended to eat it by holding your nose, but in the future even the unpleasant smell will not be able to scare you away - its taste is so delicate and unusual.

What to bring as a souvenir and as a gift

When buying souvenirs, foreigners try to choose something that will remind them of the country and the time spent here. Since the tourism business in Thailand is very well developed, vacationers are offered a huge range of souvenirs - from magnets and small ceramic figurines to clothing from world brands.

Figurines and images of elephants

Since the elephant is a symbol of Thailand, tourists most often buy figurines of this animal and objects with its image (masks, kitchen utensils, panels) as souvenirs. You will also be pleasantly surprised by the favorable prices for such little things as beads, handmade boxes, bags and shoes made from natural materials. This will be a great solution for those who need to buy gifts for the whole family.

Alcohol

A great gift for men is Sang Som Thai rum. It is usually drunk with soda water or used as a base for cocktails. Rice wine would also be an interesting option. It tastes a little like champagne, but without the prickly bubbles. For lovers of the exotic, you can buy a tincture of scorpion or cobra (they are simply credited with miraculous properties).

Silk products are something you should definitely buy for your wardrobe. Local markets sell traditional clothes, as well as modern models that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear for a walk around Moscow. The best places to buy silk are in Korat and Surin - although the price is a little steep, the quality of the products will be excellent.

Jewelry

Thailand continues to be a leader in the production of gemstones, so jewelry lovers should definitely check out the local jewelry stores. However, when choosing such a purchase, it is important to obtain from the seller a document confirming the authenticity of the product and an export license.

Silver products

A good and practical souvenir is items made of blackened silver. In Chiang Mai there is a whole street where shops of local craftsmen are located, here you can choose something for yourself at an affordable price.

In Thai markets and stores whose counters are not equipped with cash registers, it is customary to bargain. However, you can save money in large shopping centers. To do this, you need to choose stores where they prepare documents for a VAT refund of 7%. They will be indicated by a sign with the inscription VAT Refund (analogous to the European Tax Free). You can get money in Thailand, at the airport, but in this case it is better to arrive at the gate a little earlier: the procedure takes some time, and there may be a queue near the window.

What can be taken out of the country

Carried away by shopping, many tourists forget that customs has clear restrictions on the export of goods from the country. For example, you can only take a liter of alcoholic beverages per person. Exotic fruits are best placed in the luggage compartment. To export seeds or plants from Thailand, you must have a special permit. The same applies to animals or products made from their skin and wool.

To avoid unpleasant misunderstandings that will end with all purchases remaining at the airport, it is important to familiarize yourself with the list of what is prohibited from being taken out. So, it is better to refuse the purchase:

• drugs, weapons;
• stuffed animals;
• durian fruit;
• ivory, turtle shells and products made from them;
• religious objects and Buddha figurines above 13 cm;
• unprocessed gold bars, precious stones, corals (products made from them must be accompanied by certificates);
• rare representatives of flora and fauna.

Money of Thailand

The national currency of Thailand is the baht (THB), and the small change is the satang. As of November 2, 2015, the baht to dollar exchange rate is 1:0.03. The best way to exchange currency is at banks or licensed exchange offices. Airports and hotels tend to have the least favorable deals. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs. However, in this case, in addition to the loss of interest on conversion, you will also have to pay a commission of 150 THB.

Credit cards are accepted in restaurants and shops. However, when paying in cash, it is easier to keep track of your expenses, since the exchange rate constantly fluctuates.

It is recommended not to accept banknotes (both baht and dollars) that have visible damage: it will be difficult to pay with such bills in the future. They can only be exchanged at certain branches of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited or Thai Farmers Bank, and this, in turn, is a waste of time and money.

Where to stay in Thailand

Thailand offers a huge selection of options for accommodation for any period of time. In large cities, even small guest hotels offer quality service, and the price will be a pleasant surprise. In the provinces, it is better to stay in trusted hotels belonging to global chains.

Bangkok

The most popular streets in Bangkok among tourists choosing accommodation are Sukhumvit and Silom streets, as well as Siam Square and the surrounding area - the largest shopping centers and restaurants are located near the hotels. These areas are also convenient because Rattanakosin is nearby, a real tourist mecca with a lot of attractions.

When choosing a hotel room, it is better not to skimp on comfort. The fact is that such amenities as air conditioning and the availability of cold and hot water are simply necessary in hot climates.

Of the five-star hotels in the capital, President Solitaire, Landmark, Royal Orchid Sheraton and InterContinental received the best reviews from guests. They are located in the city center, additional services include swimming pools, massage and spa salons, gyms, and there are also shops and restaurants on site.

The Ariyasom Villa 4* hotel is an excellent option for those who decide to plunge into the atmosphere of Thailand without giving up their usual comfort. The hotel rooms are decorated in a traditional style, using natural materials - wood and silk. The restaurant offers a vegetarian menu as well as fish dishes.

Phuket

On the island of Phuket, travelers will find a wide variety of offers for long and short-term stays. It is best to stay in hotels for a few days. Thus, tourists who have vacationed on the island more than once recommend JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa 5* and Centara Grand Beach Resort 5*. Among the inexpensive options, the hotels Kamala Beach Resort 3*, Thanthip Beach Resort 3* and Bamboo House 3* stand out.

Pattaya

A large selection of housing in different price categories is available in Pattaya. Quite a few affordable hotels and guesthouses are located on Soi Buakhao and the surrounding area. Room prices vary depending on the proximity of the coastline and the season.

Royal Cliff Beach Terrace 5* is a hotel designed for a romantic getaway. It is simply surrounded by greenery, and the sound of the surf gives peace and serenity.

Travelers choosing a beach holiday may prefer the Pinnacle Jomtien Resort & Spa 3* hotel. The water in this part of the coastal zone is much cleaner, and if there is a storm at sea, visitors can swim in one of four pools located on the territory. However, this hotel is not suitable for those who plan to frequently travel to the city - the journey to the parking lot with a taxi or tuk-tuk will take about 15 minutes. Sabai Lodge 3* also earned good reviews from tourists.

Samui

Finding accommodation on Koh Samui depends on the preferences of travelers. For example, young people who love fun parties and nightlife are better off staying in the Chaweng area. Hotels Bhundhari 4*, Poppis 4*, located on the coast, offer quality service at a competitive price. The five-star Nora Buri Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel. There are both regular rooms and private villas.

Along Lamai Beach, which is just beginning to gain popularity, you can find both fashionable large hotels and more colorful economical options. For example, when choosing Rummana Boutique Resort, guests rent not a room, but a bungalow. On site you can rent a bicycle or car, as well as book a diving tour.

Transport

Travelers who have purchased a tour to Thailand from an agency can count on a transfer to the hotel. If vacationers planned their trip on their own, they have a choice of how to travel to the city. You can get from the airport to the center of Bangkok either by taxi or by train. The first option is the fastest, but also the most expensive. The approximate price will be from 300 to 400 baht (THB) (including clerk's surcharge).

The most economical form of transport is City Line trains. The cost of the trip is from 15 to 45 THB depending on the distance, but the tourist will have to put up with a large number of intermediate stops, and the journey will take half an hour. There are also direct Express Line buses from the airport, which will take you to the city center without stops in 15 minutes (fare 150 THB). Public transport boarding takes place on the ground floor of the airport, so there is no need to leave the building. Tickets are sold in vending machines near the platform and ticket offices, and for this you will need local money, which can be bought at exchange offices on the upper floors.

Stops in the city center are Makkasan (MRT Petchaburi Station) and Phaya Thai (BTS Skytrain Phayathai Station). It’s convenient to plan your next route from them.

Those who fly to Bangkok for the first time will be pleasantly surprised by how well all the directions are marked - knowing English even at the most basic level, it is very difficult to get lost here. If you have an international driver's license, you can rent a car. There are windows of companies providing similar services in the airport building.

Visa information

Russians do not require a visa to visit the Kingdom of Thailand for up to 30 days. All you need to enter the country is a foreign passport (for minors - a birth certificate) and a completed migration form. If children are not traveling with their parents or guardians, you will also need a notarized power of attorney.

Good news for those whose travel is not limited only to Thailand: the authorities have lifted the ban on the so-called visa wounds. That is, tourists whose stay in the country may exceed 30 days have the opportunity to avoid additional fees. All they have to do is cross the border with Cambodia and return back - they will no longer need a visa.

Safety

Tourist police urge foreign citizens to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their property. Pickpocketing is common in public places, and particularly absent-minded travelers risk losing even their suitcases.

Despite the hot tropical climate, the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Thailand is under control. Of course, this does not mean that you can forget about basic security measures. So, drinking raw water and eating street food is quite a big risk, just like in any other country.

When going for a night walk, especially in nature, it is worth taking repellent with you: there are mosquitoes that carry malaria and dengue fever, for which there are no vaccines.

You should also be careful when interacting with wildlife. Monkeys, jellyfish, sea urchins - these are the animals that most often do not reciprocate people’s attempts to take pictures with them and can cause minor but very painful wounds.

Another way to get into trouble is to commit a crime, even without malicious intent. It is important to remember that in Thailand it is prohibited to smoke in public places (fine 2000 TNV). In addition, it is important to choose expressions when speaking on the topic of religion and power: insulting the king and Buddha is punishable by law. This also applies to the desecration of their images and statues.

Useful addresses and telephone numbers

If a vacationer finds himself in an unpleasant situation, for example, he was robbed or there is a threat to his life and health, you can always count on help. Most offenses are dealt with by the police - tourist (telephone 1155) and local (123 and 1644 - English-speaking). The emergency telephone number is 191, the fire service is 199. On the islands and in the provinces, the tourist police telephone numbers are different: o. Phuket – 07 633-50-15, o. Samui - 07 742-12-81, Chiang Mai - 05 324-89-74, Surat Thani - 07 642-53-61.

If a citizen of the Russian Federation loses his passport, he must contact the Embassy, ​​where he will be given a free certificate to return to his homeland. To do this, you need to provide a police report on the loss of your passport, an identity card and two photographs. The document is issued absolutely free of charge.

The Russian Embassy in Thailand is located at 78 Sap Road, Surawong, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, the entrance to the consular section is from Soi Santiphap, emergency phone number - (+66 90) 403-36-45, email - [email protected].

Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Pattaya (Chonburi and Rayong provinces) - 353, Pra Tamnuk, Pattaya, Chonburi 20150, Royal Cliff Beach Resort hotel, Royal Cliff Grand building, 1st floor. Tel: (+66 38) 25-04-21 (ext. 2888).

Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Phuket (Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga provinces) 75/149, Patak Road, Chalong, Phuket, 83120. Telephone/Fax: (+66 76) 38-44-69.

How to get to Thailand

The capital receives the majority of international flights. The presence of a direct connection between Moscow and Bangkok greatly simplifies the journey. Aeroflot ships operate daily from Sheremetyevo to Suvarnabhumi, departures are at 19:40 and 21:35, the approximate flight time is 8 hours 50 minutes. In addition, Thai Airways operates direct flights several times a week. If you buy a ticket shortly before departure, the price will be just over 43,000 rubles (as of November 2, 2015), however, if you book in advance, you can find more profitable options. Also significantly cheaper are flights with transfers from S7 and Qatar Airways.

The ancient history of Thailand is sometimes as mysterious as the country itself. Scientists all over the world are struggling with its secrets, but Siam does not give everyone the keys to its secrets.

For thousands of years, the territory of present-day Thailand was covered with impenetrable jungle. The construction of roads through these thickets was carried out by the then monopolists in this industry - elephants. Other animals and, a little later, people used their paths.

The impenetrable jungle of Thailand

The fertile territory came to the taste of the first people in the history of Thailand a long time ago - five hundred thousand years ago, who populated the territory of Siam with entire civilized tribes. According to scientists, he was a homo erectus, and he lived in the northwestern part of the country. There, ten thousand years ago, these tribes left the first rock paintings in Thailand.

Ancient rock paintings in Thailand

In addition to drawing, they were engaged in farming and pottery, and also quite successfully processed metal. There is an assumption that later the metal processing technology of these tribes migrated to China, but where the settlers themselves went is not known for certain.

River beds - the main trade routes of Ancient Thailand

It is generally accepted that the modern people inhabiting Thailand descended from settlers from China, mentioned in history as tribes " Tai" (Chinese 泰; pinyin: tài) - which means "Dawn". Migrants moved deep into the new land along river beds for several centuries until they reached the Khmer Empire with its capital in the city of Angkor.

By the way, the mysterious Angkor, forgotten in the jungle and overgrown with vines, still exists. You will hardly find a more mysterious and enigmatic place on earth, exactly created for the adventure stories of books and films.

The once prosperous city with the highest level of culture was abandoned by its inhabitants to the will of fate and Mother Nature. The latter gradually destroys the stone, and with it the traces of a person’s presence in its womb.

Cultural and social development proceeded at a rapid pace

But let's return to the ancient Thais, also known as the Pro-Thais. The first Tai appear in chronicles as Siamese. The Tai quickly reached a fairly high level of culture, had a developed social organization, and after some time the newcomers began to play a very important role in the life of the Khmer Empire. They maintained active contacts with both local residents and other tribes, thanks to which they rose highly in the level of their culture and social life.

The birth and formation of a new country

The history of Thailand is generally very peaceful. There are practically no bloody coups or heavy wars, although there are some armed conflicts. Having settled on the territory of the Khmers, the Siamese first achieved autonomy, and already in 1238 independence.

Everything, of course, is peaceful and without bloody civil wars. Having received the long-awaited freedom and independence, the Thais founded their own state - as it is traditionally called, or Sukhothai, as it sounds in modern transcription.

Kingdom of Siam - how it was

It was located in the north of the central lowland territories. Small separate principalities of the Thais also arose in the northern part of Thailand (the Principality of Lanna), in the south of what is now Laos (the Principality of Phayau), as well as in the southern part of the central plains (the Principality of Lop Buri).

The kingdom of Sukhothai happily existed for only 150 years, until the fourteenth century, when it was subjugated by another state - Donburi, also called the kingdom of Ayutthaya. Its capital was, now known as Ayutthaya.

Donburi subjugated the southern territories of Laos and Burma, most of the peninsula. The history of Thailand received a new page - the so-called Ayutthaya period.

Ayutthaya period

Over the four centuries that this period lasted, a unique culture of Thailand was formed, and a management system was also formed and streamlined. This is a period of unprecedented flowering of all kinds of arts, and the desire of various segments of the population to move to Ayutthaya.

Traditional Thai painting on the wall of Ayutthaya temples

The first contacts began with Europeans, in particular the Portuguese, who at that time were active sailors and very influential people in the region. The Thais were among the first in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with Europeans. It was the Portuguese who shared the secrets of weapon making with the Thais. But the Thais still used it extremely reluctantly.

In the north, Ayutthaya was adjacent to another kingdom - Lanna, with its capital Chang Mai. Now this is the north of modern Thailand. The two young states fought with Burma and the Khmer Empire until one day it ended quite as expected: in 1569, the Burmese captured Ayutthaya, but the ruler, Prince Naresuan, managed to defend his country and drive out the invaders. He had to rebuild the city again. The common victory united the kingdoms. Ayutthaya and Lanna unite with some other neighboring lands to form the Kingdom of Siam.

The Quiet Life of Siam

For almost two more centuries, Siam successfully developed its culture and economy, but its prosperity collapsed again. Inspired by previous successes, the Burmese rush into the city of Ayutthaya and burn it, this time to the ground. Thousands of people were forced into Burmese slavery.

This time the country was defended by General Piya Thaksin - under his leadership the Burmese were defeated and expelled from the country. The country was headed by an ally of the general. The newly proclaimed king Pya Chakrit (Rama I), who founded the Chakri dynasty of kings, which still rules in Thailand, moved the capital to another city, 30 kilometers to the south.

So the main city of Siam in 1782 became at that time a small Thai settlement, which was sharply different from the developed and successful Ayutthaya.

About kings and kingdoms

The history of Thailand is usually of little interest to most tourists. We believe that it is completely in vain. It may not be as famous and popular as the history of Greece or Egypt, but it is no less interesting. Unlike almost all neighboring countries, Siam was not colonized by Europeans, and managed to preserve its originality as much as possible.

England and France directly threatened Siam with colonial seizure of territories

England and France, having shared influence in the region with other European countries, decided to leave Siam as a buffer, “no man's” zone. There is a period in the history of Thailand that is conventionally called “colonial,” but it was not fully so. Colonization manifested itself only in the signing of a large number of cooperation agreements with various European states.

It was almost always like a fairy tale here - the kingdom of Thailand and its kings, the quiet life of a peaceful ancient country, mysterious and unlike anyone else.

Peaceful life of the Kingdom of Siam

After unification into one state, Siam continues to actively develop and gently, as is typical for the inhabitants of this country, resists the colonization of Europeans. During its first 100 years as the capital, Bangkok grew from a small village into a thriving city of half a million inhabitants.

Streets of historic Bangkok

In 1878, the Thai army captures and plunders Vientiane (Laos), and captures several thousand enemy Lao, who are then sent to central Thailand.

King Rama V[

In the first half of the 19th century, during the reign of two kings, Rama the Second and Rama the Third, Siam developed unusually quickly. The reason for this is the policy of trade and openness, which is rarely practiced by other states. Rama the Fourth expanded relations with Europe, and the management system was also modernized under him. The next king, Rama the Fifth, was the only one in Thai history to receive the name "Great". Rama the Great actually brought Siam to the international level as an independent country.

Siam-Thailand in the 20th and 21st centuries

In 1932, an almost peaceful revolution took place, making Siam a constitutional monarchy. In the new century, compulsory education was introduced, Thais received surnames (before that there were only first names). In 1939, which became significant for the whole world, Siam was renamed the Kingdom of Thailand, which translated into Russian means “land of the free.”

Coup d'etat in Siam in 1932 - the change from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one

In World War II, the country sided with Japan; after the war, Thailand was supported by the United States.

The Thais are fighting on the side of Japan

For the next two decades, all kinds of political upheavals took place in the country. Now the Kingdom of Thailand has become a democratic state. Secular laws reign here along with Buddhism. This is a unique country with a similar history that is worth exploring more closely. Despite the sometimes aggressive colonial policies of various countries, the speed of the modern world and globalization,

Thailand-Siam remains popular among tourists mainly due to its unique culture preserved over the centuries, which is so sharply and vividly different from the culture of other Asian countries.

To be honest, the first time I went to Thailand without much desire, just for company. But when I arrived there, I fell in love with this country and now I go on vacation to Thailand almost every year.

Thailand is located in Eurasia

To be more precise, this kingdom is located precisely in Southeast Asia. The country is located on two peninsulas at once - Indochina and Malacca. The state is divided into five regions. The area of ​​Thailand is slightly more than five hundred thousand square kilometers.

The sea zone here is only two thousand kilometers. Most of the kingdom's borders were established at the end of the nineteenth century. Thailand's neighbors are:

• Malaysia;
• Myamna;
• Laos.

More than half of this state has flat terrain. Doi Inthanon is considered the highest mountain in Thailand. It is located in the province of Chiang Mai. Its height exceeds 2500 meters.

In general, the climate in this country is characterized as subequatorial and monsoon. Forests here occupy almost 30% of the country's territory. This is not so much, because 65 years ago this figure was 60%.

The best resort in Thailand

This is only in my opinion, there are no comrades according to taste and color! It seems to me that this is Phuket. It is the largest and most popular island in Thailand. It is located off the western coast of the country. The ideal time to visit this place is November-April. There is also a large international airport, so getting here is not difficult. Regular flights to the island are carried out from many Russian cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Krasnoyarsk, etc.). Phuket also has bounty-style beaches. Here you will find snow-white sand, palm trees, and clear water.

An environmentally friendly beach is Nai Yang. There are practically no waves here because it is surrounded by coral reefs. I also like Kata Beach, there are not many cafes and restaurants here. In the low season people come here to learn surfing.

The most fashionable area on the island is Bang Tao. This is where almost all the “fives” are located. The prices here are, of course, exorbitant.

It’s not for nothing that Thailand is called the “Land of Smiles”, because there live very polite and hospitable people who love to smile. Probably, Thais develop the habit of smiling from an early age under the influence of Buddhism. This is not surprising considering that there are over 18,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand. Another amazing thing about Thailand is nature, mountains, palaces, ancient monasteries and temples, pagodas, floating markets, Thai cuisine, Thai massage, coral islands, and, of course, white sandy beaches surrounded by palm and coconut groves.

Geography of Thailand

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

There are several geographical regions in Thailand. There are mountain ranges to the west, south and north, and the Korat plateau to the east. The highest peak is Mount Doi Intanon, whose height reaches 2,565 m. In the central part along the Chao Phraya River is the Menam Lowland. It is the Chao Phraya that is considered the largest river in Thailand.

Capital

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

Official language of Thailand

The official language of the population of Thailand is Thai, which belongs to the Thai-Kadai language family.

Religion

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

Government of Thailand

According to the current Constitution, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the King, and the head of government is the Prime Minister.

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

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

Climate and weather

The climate in Thailand is tropical with high rainfall. On the west coast of the country, the monsoon brings rain from April to November, while on the east coast the rainy season lasts from September to December.

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

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

The monsoon season continues from July to October in Thailand. Floods often occur in the country at this time.

Sea in Thailand

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

Rivers and lakes

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

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

Story

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

Buddhism began to spread in the territory of modern Thailand around the 3rd century BC. From the 9th to the 11th centuries, Thailand was part of the Khmer Kingdom.

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

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

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

Thai culture

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

In April, Thai people celebrate the New Year (Songkran). To be more precise, Thais celebrate this holiday for three days - from April 13 to April 15. Before the New Year, Thais do a thorough cleaning of their homes to throw away all the bad luck of the past year.

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

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

Kitchen

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

We warn you that most Thai dishes are very spicy. Therefore, if you do not like a lot of spices, in a restaurant simply tell the waiter “No spicy.”

In Thailand, we recommend that tourists try rice in oyster sauce, “khao phat” (rice with vegetables and crabs), “laap” (fish salad with spices), “mee crop” (noodles with sweet and sour sauce), “naem” ( pork sausages), “mu daeng” (marinated meat), “salaphao” (pies with various fillings).

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

Fruit season in Thailand:

lychee – June
durian – May-August
mangosteen – May-September
rambutan – May-September
Longan – June-August
Long Kong – August-October
mango – March-May
sapodilla – January-May

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

Sights of Thailand

In Thailand, tourists will find a huge number of different historical, cultural and architectural monuments. According to official data, Thailand now has several thousand temples, palaces, pagodas and other attractions. The Top 10 most interesting attractions in Thailand, in our opinion, may include the following:

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

Cities and resorts

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

Excellent beach resorts await tourists in Thailand. The most popular of them are Cha-am, Krabi, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Samet Island, Samui Island, Phuket Island, Phi Phi Island, Chan Island.

Many tourists believe that Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world. Which ones to choose? In our opinion, the top ten best beaches in Thailand include the following:

1. Patong is the largest beach on Phuket, soft white sand, warm sea, a large number of hotels and restaurants. Shopping as well as a lively nightlife.
2. Railay Beach – Accessible only by boat, this small beach near Krabi is surrounded by clear water and majestic mountains.
3. Maya Bay, Koh Lay - the beach is located in a small bay, surrounded by high cliffs. This beach can only be reached by boat.
4. Hua Hin – This beach, located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, is considered an ideal beach for families with children.
5. Kata Beach - this beach is located in the quiet southern part of Phuket, in the low season the waves are quite large and therefore there are many surfers there.
6. Lamai Beach, Koh Samui – this beach combines beautiful nature and dozens of bars.
7. Sairi Beach, Koh Tao is considered an excellent place for beach holidays and diving.
8. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang – This beach, located on an island, is surrounded by palm and coconut groves.
9. Haad Rin, Koh Phangan – Once a month this beach hosts a fun all-night music party.
10. Ko Mun Nork – this beach is located on an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Thailand. The white sandy beach is surrounded by palm trees. You can get there in 45 minutes by ferry.

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

Souvenirs/shopping

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

Office hours

Thailand is perhaps one of the most advanced countries in terms of tourism. Well, who hasn’t heard of the famous Thai massage or boxing? Where is Thailand located on the world map? Read about the geographical location and features of this country further in the article.

Thailand, Southeast Asia: general description

The state traces its history back to 1238. At that time, the Kingdom of Sukhkotai was located on the territory where Thailand is located. The modern name is derived from the word “thai”, which translates as “freedom”. The name fully corresponds to the country, because Thailand has never been a European colony. Where the state is located partly influenced this fact. England and France, having subjugated many Asian lands, wanted to leave Thailand as a neutral territory.

And now the state remains independent, successfully developing agriculture and tourism. The capital and largest city of Thailand is Bangkok. The country ranks 20th in the world in terms of population - approximately 70 million inhabitants. The main language is Thai, which is also perfectly understood by the residents of Laos.

The head of state is the king. His role is extremely important. The King of Thailand is considered the ruler, and in addition, the patron of the country's religion and a national symbol. The state religion is Buddhism. It is professed by 94%. The rest of the population adheres to Islam, most of them Malays.

Thailand on the world map

The country occupies the northern part and southwestern part of Indochina. Thailand is located almost in the center of Southeast Asia. What countries does Thailand border with? It is surrounded in the east by Laos and Cambodia, Myanmar in the west, and Malaysia is its southern neighbor. The state border is mainly divided by natural objects. The border is defined by a mountain range; in the northeast, the edge of the country adjoins the Mekong River.

The outline of Thailand resembles an elongated part of the territory (the supposed trunk), bordering Malaysia, washed by the seas on both sides - in the west by the Andaman, in the east by South China. The southern and eastern coasts of the country are also washed by waters. The length of Thailand from north to south reaches 1650 kilometers, from west to east - about 780 kilometers.

The country includes a large number of islands, they are located near the Malay Peninsula. The largest is Phuket. Thailand is well endowed with water resources. There are many deep rivers flowing through the country, the largest being the Chao Phraya. On the contrary, there are few lakes in the country, but there are several reservoirs. The largest lake in Thailand is called Thaleluang.

Climate

The location of Thailand and its considerable extent are the main factors in shaping the climate in the country. Due to these reasons, the climatic conditions in different parts of Thailand differ. This allows for multiple harvests throughout the year, because after the end of a favorable season at one end of the country, one begins at the other. The same applies to tourism, so Thailand can be visited all year round.

Geographically and climatically, the country is divided into five regions: Northern, Northeastern, Central, Southern and Eastern. In the center and south the climate is subequatorial, near Malaysia it is equatorial, and in the north it is tropical humid. Thailand is characterized by a rainy season. In total, it rains in the country for about 6-8 months. In some areas they begin in May, in the central and eastern parts - in August.

Temperature differences decrease as you approach the equator. In December the temperature ranges from +20 to +27 degrees. At night the temperature drops, in the mountains it can reach zero. The highest temperature is observed from April to May, when it can reach +40 degrees.

Tourism in Thailand

Rarely does a traveler not know where Thailand is, because millions of tourists arrive here every year. During the day, hundreds of beaches are available for swimming, and in the evening, noisy entertainment and discos await guests. The northern part of Thailand is rich in historical monuments and religious architecture. There are ancient temples and ruins here. In this area of ​​the country there is one of the most ancient Thai capitals - the city of Chaeng Mai.

The largest metropolis, Bangkok, is located in the central part. In this region, tourists get acquainted with urbanized Asia, visit national parks and nightingale farms. The southern part of the country offers a lazy coastal getaway. There are many picturesque islands here, and some of them have even appeared in cinema.