Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia, located in the southwestern part of the Indochina peninsula and in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula. It borders Cambodia and Laos to the east, Myanmar to the west, and Malaysia to the south. Until 1939 it was called Siam; Thai (ไทย) is the Thai word for freedom. “Thailand” (Thailand) – an anglicized version of the name of the country, introduced into use in the 30s. XX century, – means “country of Thais”, the Thai version sounds like “Muang Thai” or “Prathet Thai”. The very name “Thai” is interpreted by the Thais themselves as “free”, hence Thailand is “the country of Thais” or “the country of the free”. The name justifies itself: Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has retained its independence, while all neighboring countries were colonies of France or Great Britain.

Geography

The Kingdom of Thailand is a state located in Southeast Asia, on the peninsulas of Indochina and Malacca, from the west it is washed by the Andaman Sea, from the east by the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea. The territory of Thailand is stretched from north to south (the distance from the northernmost point to the southernmost point is 1860 km). Due to its central position in Southeast Asia and the longest north-south stretch among the countries of the region, Thailand has the most diverse climate in Southeast Asia, so the main crops are harvested several times a year, and the tourist season “flows” from some climatic zones. to others, making Thailand one of the world’s few year-round tourist destinations. Forests occupy 10% of the country’s territory: tropical deciduous in the north, tropical evergreen in the wetter southern regions.

Geographically, climatically, in terms of natural resources, variety of landforms and even the ethnic composition of the population, Thailand is divided into five main regions.

Central Thailand

This is a region of vast fertile plains, lying partly below sea level and formed by the valley of the Chao Phraya River, its tributaries and branches, as well as the foothill belt adjacent to them. The bulk of the population is concentrated here, mainly engaged in agriculture – the cultivation of rice and fruits. Central Thailand became the cradle of the rice-growing civilization. It is here that most of the industrial enterprises are located, up to a third of Thailand’s agricultural products are produced here, there is a well-developed transport network, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is also located here.

This is a modern industrial metropolis with a population of up to 12 million people and a large number of industrial enterprises of all industries, a commercial port and the main railway and road hub of the country. The Bangkok Plain begins in the north where the Ping and Nan rivers merge to form the Chao Phraya. Also, the Pasak River descends to the Bangkok Plain, originating on the Korat Plateau. The plain is also drained by two rivers, the Meklong and the Prachinburi. Low hills rise to the very edges of the plain, behind which steep mountains rise at a short distance. To the west of the plain, along the banks of the Suphanburi River, low hills stretch, separated by wide plains. Every year during high water, numerous rivers and streams cover the plain with a new layer of silt.

At least once a year, most often in October – November, almost the entire Bangkok plain is hidden under water, turning into a huge freshwater lake, above the surface of which the trunks of palm trees and piled buildings of villages rise. Industrialization has changed the face of Central Thailand in many ways over the past 30-40 years. There have never been large forests here, and recently those forests that still exist have disappeared. Today, only the mountainous regions of the provinces of Ratchaburi – on the border with Myanmar, Chanthaburi and Trat – on the border with Cambodia are covered with forest.

East Coast

Covers several provinces – Trat, Chantburi, Rayong. In the north it reaches the hills and mountains, in the west and south it reaches the Gulf of Thailand and in the east to the border with Cambodia. The heavily indented coast of the bay is bordered by rocky islands covered with forest, and numerous rivers flowing south form mangrove swamps. White sand beaches stretch along the coast. The east coast is popular primarily due to the resort area in the province of Chon Buri: the most popular tourist city of Pattaya is located here. However, in the same region in the province of Rayong, one of the largest trading ports in Southeast Asia, Laem Chabang, is located, and a number of “export production zones” – free economic zones in which industrial giants such as Michelin have located their production ”, “Mitsubishi”, “Ford”, “General Motors” and others.

Northern Thailand

This region of the country with its mountain ranges and fertile mountain plains is still called Lanna after the name of an independent and powerful kingdom that existed here until the second half of the 19th century. Topographically, the north of the country and part of the northeast are mountains (shared with China, Myanmar and Laos) and mountain valleys, the southernmost of them is the Korat plateau in the northeast, reaching almost to Bangkok, and accounting for about a third of the territory. The undulating surface of the Korat plateau is dotted with low hills and small lakes. During the rainy season, significant areas are flooded here, but in the dry season this region suffers from a lack of moisture.

The highest point in Thailand is Mount Doi Inthanon (2576 m) in the mountain range on the western border. In the north, the mountains are covered with forests consisting of trees of valuable species, and in the valleys, due to the drier climate and favorable temperature conditions, “northern” types of fruits and vegetables are grown in abundance, which have not taken root anywhere else in the country: potatoes, apples, strawberries. These crops have been grown here relatively recently, largely as a result of a joint program between the United Nations and the Thai government to replace opium with other types of agricultural products that bring a stable cash income. The program is implemented under the patronage of the royal family and personally His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej. Woodworking and mining industries are also developed here, as well as folk crafts and souvenir production.

Northeast Thailand

This part of the country is the Korat mountain plateau, located at an altitude of 300 m above sea level, inhabited mainly by ethnic Lao. Due to frequent droughts and floods, as well as a thin layer of fertile soil, this is the poorest region of the country. However, along with the central plains, it is the rice granary of the country, as well as an area that produces the famous “jasmine” rice for export. Here in Isan, as the area is otherwise called, much more effort is required to grow crops than in the center of the country, but in Isan two crops a year are harvested, achieving this with more intensive labor and extensive use of fertilizers. The second occupation of the population after rice growing is the cultivation of freshwater fish and freshwater shrimp. In recent decades, industry has also been developing in Isan, more – textile and food,

Southern Thailand

This region is represented by the Malay Peninsula. The coastal zone here is formed by plains, and the axial part is represented by mountains. Between the mountains there are small, strongly dissected valleys. In terms of relief, climate, and ethnic composition of the population, the East Coast is very different from the West Coast. It has an almost even and regular shape, there are only a few bays, but there are many beaches stretching for long distances. In addition, the valleys and basins of several rivers protrude far into the depths of the peninsula. To the north of Songkhla is a large inland sea, Lake Thaleluang.

The western coast of the peninsula has a less regular shape and is heavily indented by river estuaries, it is also replete with islands, but unfortunately there are few beaches here. The mountains approach the sea in many places, and the coastline is usually very narrow. There are many mangrove swamps, and the river banks resemble flooded valleys. This region of the country is inhabited by both Thais themselves and peoples of Malay origin. Much of the south is covered in wooded hills interspersed with plantations of tropical fruits and rubber trees. Of the industry, the food industry is the most developed here – processing and freezing of seafood. The south attracts a significant number of tourists: if you calculate the length of all the beaches on the islands visited by tourists, then their total length will exceed three thousand kilometers.

Climate

The climate of Thailand is humid tropical and subtropical . This is due to the location of most of the country in the tropical and subtropical zones and the influence of the southwest and northeast monsoons.

The distance between the extreme northern and extreme southern points of Thailand is 1860 km, and the latitude difference is about 15. Such a length from north to south makes Thailand’s climate one of the most diverse in Southeast Asia. The southwest monsoon brings rain and relative coolness in late May – mid-July. By November, the rains stop and the “cool dry” season begins, lasting until mid-February. At this time, the influence of the northeast monsoon also affects, which does not affect Northern, Northeastern and Central Thailand directly, but brings coolness. After the weakening of the monsoons, in February – May, a strong heat sets in, and the humidity of the air gradually increases until the beginning of the new monsoon season, and then the cycle repeats again.

The duration of the rainy season is very difficult to determine. It usually starts in May-June and can last until November. In the center of the country and on the east coast, heavy rains fall in August – September. October is usually the last month of the wet season, when significant volumes of water have already accumulated in irrigation systems and urban drainage, resulting in quite severe floods with infrequent and not very heavy rains. In particular, when the Chao Phraya River bursts its banks, some quarters of Bangkok are flooded, because about a third of the city is below sea level. The rainy season in Thailand is incomparable with the same season in other countries of Southeast Asia. Of course, dirt roads are made impassable, and clouds hang over tropical beaches for part of the day, nevertheless,

You also need to say about the air temperature – the closer you are to the equator, the smaller the temperature difference. So in the coolest months (from December to February, when the average temperature ranges from +20 to +27), the night air temperature can drop to zero in the mountains in the north, while during the day it reaches +25. In the mornings in Chiang Mai (the capital of Northern Thailand) at this time there is about +10 degrees Celsius, and in other areas it is above +20. The hottest months are April and May, when temperatures above +35 are the daily norm, and +40 in the shade is not uncommon.

Population

The population of Thailand is mainly composed of ethnic Thais (~80%) and Laotians. There is also a large community of ethnic Chinese (~10%), to which former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra belongs. Other ethnic groups are represented by Malays, Mongs, Khmers, as well as Vietnamese, who have settled in eastern Thailand since the Vietnam War.

94.6% of the people of Thailand practice Buddhism. 4.6% are Muslims – mostly Malays living in the south of the country.

Religion

In Thailand, the king is not only the head of state, but also the patron, protector of all religions. In times of crisis, he acts as a reconciling mediator, without taking sides. The king is the leader and national symbol above politics, and as such he only intervenes in political affairs when necessary to prevent bloodshed. Love and respect for the royal family is almost religious in Thailand. This love is a response to that interested participation in the well-being of his people, which characterizes King Bhumibol.

In addition to faith in their king, Thais profess Buddhist teachings. In the XIII century. In Thailand, Hinayana Buddhism was officially recognized, meaning “small vehicle” (the second major branch of Buddhism is called “Mahayana” – “great vehicle”). At present, the term “Hinayana” is considered to be obsolete and it is falling out of use, having been replaced by the self-name of this branch of Buddhism – “Theravada” – “teaching of the elders”. Theravada is the most ancient variant of Buddhism, having received the earliest written record (the so-called “Pali Canon”) and, formally, the closest to the original teachings of Gautama Buddha. This teaching has its own strict rules, in relation to which a dismissive tone is unacceptable (especially by tourists) – this is respect for the image of the Buddha, for temples, monks, as well as some restrictions on the freedom of behavior for women,

Buddhism and other beliefs and religions are reflected in Thai art and in the life of monasteries. Historically, there were two cultures in Siam: a court culture based on Buddhist values ​​and absorbing elements of Hinduism; spirits, fairy tales, rites of the agricultural cycle and the cycle of human life. Folk culture can also be attributed to folk crafts – the manufacture of household items, woodworking, home silk weaving, weaving from vines, rattan and much more. The court culture includes the Thai classical theater “khon”, accompanied by the traditional orchestra of Thai music “phi phat”, singing and recitative of readers, the architecture of Buddhist monasteries, wall frescoes of temples, sculptural images of the Buddha. The traditional sculpture of Thailand is represented primarily by its images and is one of the most significant manifestations of Buddhist art in the world. The Buddha is depicted in certain canonical poses that make sense for a Buddhist, and there are also many styles of sculptural representation – all of which are in the National Museum in Bangkok. The second most important religion in Thailand is Islam, which is practiced by about 3% of the population – mostly residents of the southern provinces close to Malaysia. there are also many styles of sculpture – all of which are in the National Museum in Bangkok. The second most important religion in Thailand is Islam, which is practiced by about 3% of the population – mostly residents of the southern provinces close to Malaysia. there are also many styles of sculpture – all of which are in the National Museum in Bangkok. The second most important religion in Thailand is Islam, which is practiced by about 3% of the population – mostly residents of the southern provinces close to Malaysia.

Christianity is also represented in Thailand, which became known from the 16th and 17th centuries AD. e., thanks to the Catholic missionaries. Currently, there are Catholic and Protestant communities in the country, as well as a parish of the Russian Orthodox Church. In total, according to various estimates, from 0.7% to 1.7% of the country’s population profess Christianity – these are mainly inhabitants of the mountain tribes of the North.

Architecture

Thai architecture, represented mainly by monasteries, intricately combines Indian and Chinese elements. They, like sculpture, differ in style according to the period of construction and local traditions. The most striking example of the original architectural creativity of the Thais is the complex of temples and the Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok. The buildings located on the territory of the temples have a different form and meaning – these are usually sanctuaries, halls for religious ceremonies, libraries and schools. The walls can be decorated with scenes from the Hindu epic (“Ramakian”) and images of mythological animals. The sacred Bodhi tree is often found in the courtyard of monasteries. There are also numerous sculptures of mythical creatures with supernatural powers and guarding the monastery.

Artistic crafts

Thailand is famous for its folk art crafts. They are found everywhere – the largest centers of crafts in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Thailand is one of Asia’s largest producers of silk and cotton products, furniture and carved wood products. Numerous shops offer ceramics, caskets, painted fans and umbrellas, bronze and brass products, Thai dolls, etc. In Thailand, you can find a lot of inexpensive jewelry made of silver and traditional Asian “yellow” gold with precious stones (rubies, emeralds , sapphires).

Agriculture

Thailand is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of rice: the country annually supplies up to 9 million tons of rice of various varieties to the world market. Including – the famous “jasmine” rice, so named because of the subtle natural aroma. The share of agricultural products in Thailand’s GDP is currently about 10% with an upward trend. Other popular crops are cassava, corn, sweet potatoes, pineapples, coconuts (mainly in the southern region), bananas. The country receives large incomes from the export of the “king of fruits” – durian, which was first learned to be cultivated here.

Some little-known information about the country

His Majesty the King of Thailand is the only monarch in the world to hold American citizenship.

Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice.

For the first time in the history of mankind, rice, as a cultivated plant, was bred in Thailand, more than 6,000 years ago.

Until 1913, most Thais did not have surnames, only first names.

Thailand is the only country in the world where the King, the patron saint of all religions, is required by the Constitution to be a Buddhist.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the Thai alphabet is the second largest in the world. The largest alphabet in the world is Khmer.

Thailand is the country with the highest percentage of Buddhists in the world. More than 95% of the population are its adherents.

The smallest mammal in the world is the bumblebee bat, native to Thailand.

The construction project of the new Bangkok Suvannaphum Airport is the longest in the history of airport construction in the world. The idea of ​​building it on the site where it is now was proposed by the Thai government back in the 60s!

Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been a colony.

Muang Boran (Ancient City) in Samut Prakan is the world’s largest open-air museum.

Thailand ranks second in the world (after the US) in the production of 4WD pickups.

Thailand is the second largest exporter of cane sugar in the world (after Brazil).

Thailand ranks fifth in Asia (after Japan, China, South Korea and India) in car production (2006).

At the beginning of 2009, Asia’s largest shopping center “Central Festival” is planned to open in Pattaya.

Don Mueang Airport officially opened on March 27, 1914 and was originally only a military airport.

Thailand is the world’s largest supplier of natural rubber.

Thailand is in second place in the world in terms of the volume of fish and seafood caught. In the first place – China, and in the third – Norway.

There are more than 32,700 Buddhist temples in Thailand, where about 370,000 monks and novices live. This is approximately 1 monk per 170 citizens.

Contrary to popular belief among tourists, Thailand, outside the “tourist zone” of Pattaya or Phuket, is a country of very strict family values ​​and Buddhist religious morality.

In 1888, Russian composer Pyotr Shurovsky wrote the music for the Siam anthem. In gratitude for this, King Rama V presented him with a personalized silver snuffbox.

The son of King Rama the Fifth, Prince Chakrapong, was married to the Russian sister of mercy Ekaterina Desnitskaya, who gave birth to a son from the prince. But the prince cheated on his wife and she could not forgive him. Ekaterina Desnitskaya, having divorced her husband, refused the decent maintenance that she was supposed to have as an ex-wife, and left for China in the early 1920s. When Chakrapong died in 1925, Katya wept at his grave. Desnitskaya herself died in Paris in 1960, at the age of 72.

Story

The history of the country dates back to the kingdom of Sukhothai, formed in 1238. His successor was the kingdom of Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya) founded in 1350. Thai culture has been heavily influenced by China and India. In the 18th century, Siam suffered from predatory raids by the Burmese, which were stopped by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, in 1782 he ascended the throne as King Rama I, founding the Chakri dynasty. Thanks to his heirs, Kings Rama IV and Rama V, Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized. True, Thailand was forced to leave 3 of its southern provinces, which later became the three northern states of Malaysia. This was caused by the interests of Great Britain, which was trying to conquer Thailand.

The Thai people are proud that their country has never been a colony. There are two reasons for this: They wanted to keep Thailand as a buffer between parts of Asia that had already been colonized by Britain and France. The second reason is that Thailand had very strong rulers at that time. A largely peaceful revolution in 1932 saw Thailand become a constitutional monarchy. Formerly known as Siam, Thailand was first given its current name in 1939, and for the second time, definitively, in 1949, after World War II. During this war, Thailand was an ally of Japan and after its defeat fell into the zone of influence of the United States.

One of the most famous representatives of Thai culture of that period was Prince Damrong Ratchanubab. He became the founder of the country’s modern education system and the provincial government system. He was also a historian and one of the most influential intellectuals in Thailand of his time. Damrong Ratchanubab became the first Thai to be included in the UNESCO list of the most honored people.
The official Thai calendar is based on the Buddhist Era and differs by 543 years from the Western calendar. For example, 2006 is equal to 2549 in Thailand.

On December 26, 2004, a tsunami hit the southwest coast of Thailand. 5,000 people have died in Thailand, half of them tourists.

Political structure

The king has long lost power, but still remains the protector of Buddhism, a symbol of unity and the Supreme Commander. The current king enjoys the full respect of the nation, which is sometimes used during political crises. The prime minister is de jure appointed by the king, but de facto it is the leader of the majority in parliament. Двухпалатный Тайский парламент – Национальное Собрание (รัฐสภา, ратхасапха) – делится на Палату представителей (สภาผู้แทนราษฎร, сапха пхутхэн ратсадон) на 480 мест и Сенат (วุฒิสภาผู้แทนราษฎร, вутхисапха пхутхэн ратсадон) на 150 мест. Members of both chambers are elected by the people of Thailand, with the exception of 50 percent of the Upper House (Senate), they are appointed by the monarch. The lower house (House of Representatives) is elected for 4 years, the Senate – for 6 years.

PATTAYA

Pattaya is the largest resort in Thailand, located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 140 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Due to its “urban status”, unlike other beach resorts, Pattaya does not slow down the pace of life after sunset. Evenings here are as full of fun and movement as in the daytime.

Pattaya is a very diverse resort. To have a great vacation, you should choose the right area of ​​\u200b\u200bresidence. North Pattaya is focused on a measured family vacation. The central part of the resort, Pattaya Beach is more suitable for young tourists under 30 and lovers of a bright nightlife. Many water activities, proximity to the shopping and business center of the city compensate for the inconvenience of the busy road located next to the beach. The Pratumnak area is famous for its greenery and famous five-star complexes, while Jomtien is an excellent choice for an economical holiday.

PHUKET (KOH PHUKET)

Located 867 kilometers south of Bangkok, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. A flight from Bangkok to this region on a comfortable liner takes just over an hour. You can visit various excursions in numerous natural parks, get acquainted with the architecture of the administrative center of the island, which at different times was under the strong influence of Portugal and Great Britain. Fans of deep sea fishing and scuba diving will find everything they need for their hobbies on the beaches of Phuket.

Phuket is chosen not only by connoisseurs of real comfort and exquisite service of luxury hotels.

KOH SAMUI (KOH SAMUI)

Koh Samui is located 600 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, 80 kilometers from the mainland. This is an island of “coconut” palm trees (there are more than 3.5 million of them) and the cleanest tropical beaches covering almost its entire coastline. In the evening, in the bays of the island, you can taste seafood skillfully prepared by local chefs, buy local souvenirs, have fun in bars and discos.

On Koh Samui, you will find quiet fishing villages, and thickets of coconut trees, the fruits of which are collected by monkeys, and amazingly beautiful waterfalls, and viewing platforms, and breathtaking mountain roads. Another important attraction of Koh Samui are the famous wellness centers of SPA-therapy and massage. It is rare that anyone leaves here without having tried at least once the magic of the hands of local massage specialists and the magic of rejuvenating procedures.

Koh Samui is an island for a wide variety of recreation, the main thing is to choose the right coast. The beaches of Bophut, Maenam and Bangpo in the north of the island are more suitable for a secluded and romantic getaway and are distinguished by calm seas. The northeast coast with Choeng Mon Beach will enchant family tourists with small children. The east coast and Chaweng Beach is the busiest place on the island. It has everything for outdoor activities and shopping, this place will appeal to young people and sports lovers. The southern coastline with Bangkao Beach is perfect for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. There is a rocky bottom and a beautiful reef nearby. The west coast with Laem Yai bay is famous for the most beautiful sunsets on the island.

CHANG (KOH CHANG)

Koh Chang is part of an archipelago of more than 50 islands nestled off the east coast of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand, 340 kilometers from Bangkok. Being the second largest in Thailand (an area of ​​429 sq. km – second only to Phuket), the island has become one of the most popular resorts in Southeast Asia over the past few years due to its natural conditions.

The territory of the island is declared a national park. The landscapes here are amazingly beautiful, the mountains are covered with tropical forest, which is inhabited by a variety of animals and birds (there are more than 70 species here). Koh Chang has an active holiday – hiking in the mountains, to waterfalls, swimming in rivers and the sea. Of the many waterfalls on the island, the most interesting are the three-level Tan Mayom on the east coast and Klon Plu on the west coast. The most picturesque beaches and bays with snow-white fine sand are located on the west coast of the island. Hat Sai Khao is the longest and busiest, Klong Prao is more picturesque and quiet. There are several almost deserted beaches in the south of the island.

BANGKOK

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, the main political, economic, spiritual, cultural and educational center of the country. The city was founded by the king of the current ruling dynasty, Rama I in 1782. The city-forming factor for Bangkok for two centuries was the largest Chao Phraya river in Thailand and diversion channels. Thanks to the branching of the network of canals, Bangkok received another name given to it by the Europeans – “Venice of the East”. The Thais themselves call Bangkok – Krung Thep – “City of Angels”, which is probably due to the accumulation of national shrines of the Thai people here. Tourists will be interested in its ancient temples sparkling with gold, cool channels, fragrant exotic flowers and incense, aromas of delicious Thai dishes.

Riverside is a picturesque historical district of the capital with popular luxury hotels, proximity to attractions and a comfortable microclimate. Rachatevi-Lumpini is a shopaholics paradise with huge malls, wholesale stores and different markets. Klong Tan Sukhumvit is a tourist area in Bangkok. Proximity to the airport, a large number of hotels and a rich nightlife have made it very popular with both foreigners and locals. Silon-Satom is the business and financial center of the capital. Consulates, corporate headquarters, banks and luxury hotels are stepping on each other’s heels here. From the restaurants on the roofs of skyscrapers offers a magnificent panorama of Bangkok.

KHAO LAK

Khao Lak resort in Phang Nga province is one of the most exotic places on the coast of the Andaman Sea. It is located 100 km from Phuket International Airport. Khao Lak means “mountain by the sea” in Thai. Indeed, a mountain range overgrown with jungle stretches along the coastal strip. This is the land of mangroves, evergreen trees and fantastic beaches.

Khao Lak is a young resort, quieter than Phuket. It is surrounded by three national reserves and is most popular among diving and ecotourism enthusiasts. Water sports that use the power of motors cannot be found here. But in the immediate vicinity is the Tap Lamu pier, from where ships go to the famous Similan Islands – one of the most interesting places for scuba diving. Magnificent coral reefs and a rich underwater world are the dream come true for diving and snorkeling lovers. There are no hotels here – the islands are famous for their picturesque granite boulders, wonderful beaches and serve exclusively for relaxation, enjoying the sea and the sun.

The hotels built in Khao Lak over the past few years have been designed with the utmost care. The architects pursued two goals – to preserve the natural environment and create the most comfortable conditions for recreation.

This resort, without exaggeration, can be called the pearl of Southern Thailand.

KRABI

his continental resort is located in the southwest of Thailand, on the shores of the Andaman Sea. White sand beaches, forested mountains, caves, mangroves, hot springs and hundreds of small coastal islands created by karst deposits – this combination of all the beauties known to nature creates a breathtaking landscape. Among other things, layers of limestone come to the surface here, which, in combination with the rough tropical vegetation covering them, forms fantastic figures.

The coast of Krabi is increasingly being built up with new hotels, bars and restaurants. The most developed infrastructure is in the Ao Nang beach area, which is famous for its picturesque sunsets. In Krabi, tourists will find many interesting sights: the sacred cave of Pranang fishermen, Railay rock climbing beach, Tham Sya temple, Klong Thom hot springs and Sa Morakot lake will be remembered by travelers for a long time

HUA HIN

Hua Hin gained popularity among the Thai nobility when there were no foreign tourists in Thailand yet. In 1928, King Rama VII built the magnificent Kangwon Palace (which translates as “Far from Sorrows”) here, which is now the royal summer residence. It is not surprising that the recreation infrastructure here is also “royal” – this is the kingdom of golf, where some of the best courses in the world are located. The resort is distinguished by extraordinary cleanliness, well-groomed, abundance of parks and, of course, top-class hotels.

Not far from Hua Hin, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is located with an amazing landscape, where there are green hills, narrow valleys, caves, waterfalls, mangroves, and secluded bays.

The resort, due to its local flavor, is more suitable for tourists who love and know how to travel on their own, who only need to book hotels. If you want to take a break from the bustle of the city and you like to walk along quiet, clean streets, admire exotic nature, in this case Hua Hin is exactly the place where you should go.

THAILAND – GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COUNTRY