Thailand - one of the most popular destinations of exotic tourism. It is amazingly hospitable country, full of bright colors and spicy aromas. It is a country with an ancient culture and rich Buddhist traditions, varied excursion program, affordable prices, combined with a decent level of service. And gentle sunshine, golden beaches and the Gulf of Thailand "city of angels" Bangkok is a great opportunity for shopping, the sea of exotic fruits, seafood and original Thai cuisine restaurants, and virtually unlimited realization of sexual fantasies.
Geography
   
Thailand is an area almost equal to France - 513 thousand square meters. km. It is located in South-East Asia, in the west and north of the Indochina peninsula of Malacca, and subequatorial in tropical latitudes. From the south, the country is washed by the Gulf of Thailand, on the south-west - Andaman Sea. In the east and north-east Thailand borders with Cambodia and Laos to the north-west and west - with Myanmar in the south - with Malaysia
Climate

The climate is humid-tropical. There are three weather seasons: "hot" - (March-May), "wet" - (June-October), "cold" - (November-February). With an average annual temperature of 28-30 ° C "hot" season is different from the cold temperatures mostly in the evenings and at night. Season "rain" though the name is only alarming, but not a handicap for the rest. Precipitation falls in large quantities, usually far from the coast in the central provinces. In Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui rare rains are persistent and mostly at night.
Capital

Bangkok.
Population

Thailand's population - about 60 million people - are Thai people, including more than 15 ethnic communities: Khon-Thai (Siamese), Lao, Thai, Korat. The country is also home to Malays, Chinese, Khmer, the peoples of the Tibeto-Burman groups, tribes Mao, Yao, etc.
Language

Official language - Thai. English is widely spoken. In the capital, it is the main business language. In English and other European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist centers.
Currency

The currency of Thailand - Thai Baht. One baht is divided into 100 satang. $ 1 is approximately 42 baht. In circulation are banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht. In some exchange offices do not accept American bills 1990 and 1993 model years.
Time zone

Kiev ahead of time at 5:00 (GMT +7:00).
Religion

95% of the population practices Buddhism. There are both Muslim - Malays. In Bangkok, is also home to Hindus, Sikhs, Christians.
Political Structure

The Kingdom of Thailand (Pratet-Tai) - a constitutional monarchy. Head of Government - Prime Minister. It becomes party leader will get the majority in the election. The highest legislative body - the bicameral National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives). According to the 1997 Constitution, the Senate was elected previously appointed by the king. And by law, and in the tradition of offensive speech or address on the members of the royal family, as well as offensive actions against them, which is a state crime.
Customs regulations

The import:
All types of drugs (marijuana, opium, cocaine, morphine, heroin), obscene literature, pictures or objects. For transporting drugs the death penalty is a minimum sentence - life imprisonment. Import restrictions:
Firearms. Importation of firearms and ammunition can be done only with a permit issued by the Police Department or local Registration Office.

Personal items. Foreign visitors have the right to import personal effects and other goods that are not prohibited by applicable customs regulations. Allowed to import duty-free reasonable amount of clothing and items for personal use, toiletries and professional instruments.

Photos and video. Duty-free import of one camera or camcorder. Also allowed to import duty-free five films for the camera and three rolls of 8 mm or 16-mm camera.

Tobacco, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages:
Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, or smoking tobacco) weighing up to 250 grams are not subject to customs duty, the number of imported cigarettes shall not exceed 200. Allowed to import duty-free no more than one liter of alcoholic beverages.

Household items and appliances:
Allowed to import duty-free, in reasonable numbers, used household items and appliances, imported by the owner on relocation.

Plants and Animals:

To import banned certain types of fruits, vegetables and plants. For more information, please refer to the Office of Agriculture (Agricultural Regulatory Division), address: Bangkok, Bangkhen, tel.: (+66) (2) 579-15-81, (+66) (2) 579-35 -76. Permission for importation of animals by air can be obtained at the airport, you must provide proof of vaccination of animals.

Prohibited to be exported:
The export of corals in the raw form.

Export of antiques and works of art from Thailand.

Prohibit the export of Thai Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, or fragments thereof. (Except for the clergy of the Buddha, in connection with the activities of cultural exchange, and for research purposes. Export license must be obtained from the Department of Fine Arts - Department of Fine Arts).

Thai also banned the export of gold bullion, precious stones, platinum jewelery, stamps and antiques without an export license.

For the export of antiquities and works of art, regardless of whether they are originals or reproductions, you must obtain a license to export in the Department of Visual Arts (Department of Fine Arts).

In addition to personal effects, departing entitled to the export of goods purchased in duty-free shops, precious stones, jewelry made of gold and platinum.
Transport. Car

First of all, we recommend you get a map of the city. You can find it at the reception desk in almost every hotel or a tour guide. Be sure to take the card of your hotel before you go out into the city. Passports and other important documents are best left at the hotel in a safe, it is sufficient to have a copy of your passport.

Taxi. In Bangkok, all taxis are officially acting board with the inscription «TAXI-METER». Payment is carried out in the taxi on the counter, the scoreboard is displayed immediately after planting 35 baht, and then added with 3-5 baht per one kilometer. Usually a trip to the central part of the city is 60-150 baht. Tipping in taxis are not envisaged.

"Knock knock," or three-wheeled taxis are very popular among tourists for short trips to Bangkok. The fare is negotiated with the driver in advance. Payment for one trip within the city ranges from 80 to 300 baht. The cheapest and unusual - River taxi, but to use its services, it is necessary to know the city well.

Elevated Metro BTS. System "Sky Train" runs through the whole central part of Bangkok, the windows of trains city views. Runs from 6 am to 12 midnight. Trains travel at intervals 3-6 minutes (2 minutes in rush hour). Subway entrance is marked letters BTS. Two-level station: at the first level of cash machines and to purchase tickets, shop for money-changing machines and throughput. On the second floor platform for embarkation / disembarkation of passengers. The cost of one passage depends on the distance traveled (zonal system, as in the Ukrainian commuter trains) and varies from 0.25 to 1.5 dollars. Be sure to save your ticket before the end of the trip, it serves as a pass to enter the city. The most profitable ticket DAILY PASS, if you plan a few trips. He is entitled to unlimited travel for one day. Costs about $ 3. Underground subway MRTA. Bangkok Metro was opened in 2004. The air-conditioned subway trains can take you to many remote areas of the city. At the station, in contrast to the Skytrain BTS, purchased at the cashier counters, not magnetic cards. They also need to keep the end of the trip. Trains run from 6 am to midnight.
Shops

Thai silk and cotton, silver and bronze, teak, gems and jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones, ceramics, handicrafts will be a pleasant and memorable souvenir gift.

Inexpensive high-quality ready-made clothing for sports and leisure.

Shopping centers and markets of Bangkok. Near the Pratunam area, at the intersection of Ploenchit (Plenchit) and Ratchadamri (Rachdamri), shopping centers Gaysorn Plaza and Central World Plaza (Plaza Central WORLD). Near them, focusing on the branch Skytrain Station, you will find Siam PARAGON - this is the new store in Bangkok, where there is still the largest aquarium in Asia.

Not far away, on the opposite side of the street, located at the intersection of Mah Boon Krong (Ma Boon Krong) - trading empire with hundreds of shops and stalls, part of which is the Tokyu Department Store, popular among young people of Thailand. Once you arrive at the Skytrain station Phrom Phong, you will find yourself in the center of Emporium, which sells the most fashionable brands of women's, men's and children's clothing. Opening hours of shopping centers from 10:30 to 21:00 without a break for lunch.
 
If you are interested in buying a computer or digital device, you need to visit a computer mall Panthip Plaza (Pantip Plaza).

In addition to comfortable shopping malls, you can visit the colorful markets in the city that offer products at low prices. The most famous market of the city, of course, Chatuchak market, however, most of it works only on weekends. All markets in Bangkok are usually open from early morning to sunset.

Fixed prices for goods in Bangkok only in major shopping centers. But even there, obliging sellers for large purchases often provide a 5 percent discount. In the shops and bazaars made bargain. There are no clear rules on how to bargain, it all depends on the individual abilities of the buyer and seller. In most cases, the price can be reduced by at least 30% of the initially named. It should always be remembered that the Thais like good manners and a sense of humor, do not lose patience, or raise his voice. Then the process of bargaining will be pleasant.
Link

The telephone system is modern and efficient, and you can dial directly from your international destination to a nearby hotel room. Public telephones (for cards) is available, but not all are for making international calls. Cards can be purchased at most hotels and kiosks with the press. Local calls on land line, generally stand for 3 baht per connection, but it is unpaid time. Code for Thailand - 66.

You can also buy a prepaid card Thai mobile communications. Recharge cards are face value of 100, 200 and 300 baht for the initial purchase card will be charged a small tax.

Standard GSM - 900/1800MHz

Internet service is available throughout the country. Even the smallest town can boast of having an internet cafe with the cost of services is less than US $ 1 per hour.

   Electricity

220 V, 50 Hz. Most hotels have 110V wiring
Tip

Despite the ubiquity of complex pricing, including payment of all services in Thailand tipping taxi drivers and hotel workers so that you are well served. In those restaurants where service is not included in the bill, tip, usually is 10 - 15%.
Health. Water

Vaccination against cholera is better to make long before departure.

General state of the body's immune system before the trip useful to be vaccinated against hepatitis A is transmitted through food. In Thailand, there are almost no traditional tropical diseases, particularly so do not worry.

Not recommended to drink tap water without boiling wash fruits and the water. Use purified water in bottles, which are given free of almost all the hotels. It is advisable not to buy food from street vendors and beach, as possible food poisoning.

Be careful when using very cold drinks (especially with ice) on very hot days. Subject to colds. Pay attention to the quality of ice used for drinks. It is better to stop using it because he may have made from tap water. Try not to expose your skin to sunburn. Even for short periods in the sun, always use the funds from the sun and hats.

If you have an accident, call the customer service of the insurance company, report your insurance claim. Then consult a doctor. Keep receipts after payment of medical services for reimbursement insurance company.
Standards of conduct and national characteristics. Tips and tricks

All Buddha images are sacred and all, including foreigners are punished for violating Buddhist shrines.

The royal family - respected and not open to discussion, insulting the royal family is punishable.

In Thailand, every head is considered sacred, supreme in the literal and figurative sense, whether worthy or not it fulfills its purpose. Thai belief, the head sits spirit protecting human life. Therefore touching another's head and even affectionately ruffled his hair - then for no reason at all to offend people.

Leg is lower, and therefore contemptible part of the body, so indicate who or what is considered rude or leg, foot show, but even more to hurt the Thai foot - an insult.

Before entering the temple or in a private home, remove the shoes. . If you are invited to visit and politely say "you can not take off one's shoes," still leave shoes at the door. The temples are not allowed in shorts with bare shoulders, in ragged clothes or calling.

For Thais good tone - restrained tone. No familiarity pats on the back or raising your voice: this treatment causes Thais uncomfortable.

If you are dissatisfied with something, it is best to keep emotions and calmly find out. Do not talk loudly - you just do not hear! Thai language is similar to the soft singing or, more precisely, to tweet. Try to tweet with them - you will see what will be a fantastic success with partners and staff.

Never swim or sunbathe in the nude.
 
Sitting cross-legged anywhere in the country - by Thai traditions is impossible, even for a man: it will be perceived as an insult to others.

If you went to a movie theater, then be sure that before the session will play the royal anthem, and then have to listen to his standing as everyone else.

In all other respects quite Thais are tolerant to disadvantage people, at least, very discreet. They are very hospitable, and cordially welcome foreigners, especially as the country's tourism brings considerable income.

If the traveler, parting with Thailand, wants to come back again, he should not throw coins into the water, as is done in Europe. Better to buy a turtle in its shell to scribble his name or initials, and bring to a pond near the Marble Temple in Bangkok. Desire to speak on this occasion certainly come true.
Weekends and holidays

January 1 - New Year's European. C Thailand began in 1940 to celebrate the New Year is not the 13th of April and the 1st of January

The end of January - beginning of February - Chinese New Year. With the exception of the Chinese community in Nakhon Sawan, arranging the day and fireworks "dancing dragon," in other parts of the country, he is a modest family holiday Chinese minority. Ethnic men, Lahu and Lisu celebrate their New Year celebrations in the village on different days, but at about the same time and with great pomp. At this time, especially tempting trips to the north of the country.

Moon third lunar month - Mach Puig (Magha Puja). Celebrated in memory of the famous sermon of the Buddha. All shops, offices close for three days. Candlelight procession around the Buddhist temples.

1st week of February - Flower Festival in Chiang Mai. The very name of the city means "many colors." There are processions, beauty pageants, bustling bazaars.

The first half of April - Poi Sang Long Festival in Mae Hong Son. Well-dressed children ethnic Shan in the day - the main participants in a festive procession. Amazingly colorful and touching sight.

April 6 - Day royal Chakri dynasty. The only day in the year when the doors open in the pantheon of the royal Grand Palace, where people go with flowers and scented sticks.

April 13 - Songkran, the water festival, the traditional Thai New Year. This is the hottest time of the year. All Buddha images sprinkled with water as a sign of respect and reverence. On this day, Thai sprayed each other with water. . wearing flower garlands and face paint in all the colors of the rainbow. This holiday throughout the country, especially in Chiang Mai, is celebrated with such fury that the ritual of pouring water into a noisy orgy. So leave it in the hotel all that can spoil water - and join in the celebration. On the last day the streets are carried statues of the Buddha, as hard watered.

End of April - Temple festival in Phanom Rung, Buriram Province

May 1 - Labor Day. Public holiday

May 5 - Coronation of the present monarch. National holiday

May 7 - Feast of the first furrow. Action on the Sanam Luang area before the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The King makes a symbolic ritual began planting rice. Court officials in traditional dress symbolizes the field, and on the behavior of a special bull judge future harvest. At the end of the ceremony the peasants organize comic brawl germinated for bringing happiness to the rice grains.

Full moon days in May - Visak Puig. Temple festivals across the country in memory of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and attainment of nirvana dive.

2nd half of May - Bun Bang Fai. Noted in Yasuthone and other cities in the northeast of Thailand. On this day the sky soar huge homemade rockets, symbolizing prayer for rain. The sight is very colorful and sometimes scary. Full moon day in July.

Holiday Asalaha Puig - In memory of the Buddha's first sermon on this day in all the temples are candlelight processions. In Ubon held noisy folk festival, central to which occupy huge candles.

The day following Asalaha Puig - Holiday Khao Phansa. The beginning of the Buddhist Lent. Over the next three months monks to leave the monastery. Traditional time of initiation into san.

August 12 - Birthday of Queen Sirikit. The current Queen is considered the most beautiful in the history of Thailand, her birthday - a very nice holiday in the country.

September / October - Vegetarian Festival in Phuket.

September, October and November - Regatta. At the end of the rainy season and the Buddhist Lent in many provinces are organized regattas (races) large boats, the size of which corresponds to the length of the royal boat.

October 23 - Chulalongkorn Day. The solemn ceremony in memory of King Rama V the Great.

Full moon day in November - Loy Krathong. Is accompanied by an unusual ceremony. Kratong - structures made of banana leaves, paper and colors - start with the onset of darkness in all waters, with lit candles inside Krathong or sticks, so the water float whole flotilla of tiny boats. This is the most beautiful holiday in the country. Thai people worship the goddess of water.

November - a church holiday in Nakhon Pathom.

End of November - "Taming the Elephant" in Suriname. The world's largest show featuring elephants, which involved up to 100 animals, this is purely a tourist show, without equal.

November / December - Week River Kwai in Kanchanaburi. Majestic sight around the "Death Railway" attracts thousands of tourists.

December 5 - Birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Public holiday, as the Queen's birthday. On the eve of his Bangkok a colorful parade of the Royal Guard.

December 10 - Constitution Day

December 31 - New Year's holiday weekend.

If a public holiday in Thailand falls on a holiday, then the next day is also considered to be a non-working
Main Attractions

Cultural attractions:

Buddhist temple. In Bangkok, founded in the XVIII century on the small fishing village, a lot of wonderful monuments mature Thai architecture. There are about 300 temples. Grand Palace, a huge complex of beautiful buildings (60 hectares), with more than two centuries of history - now a museum. It is the oldest royal residence of Chitralada Villa. The most impressive creations of Buddhist architecture - Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), decorated with carved jewelry and statues. Wat bench-mabofit (Marble Temple), built at the turn of the century - a modern example of Buddhist architecture. Phra Paisan Tinang Takshina - the temple, which is part of the complex of the old residence - the place of the coronation of monarchs.

Floating Market. 110 km south-west of Bangkok is the "Floating Market" - Damnoen Saduak. Near the "floating market" can see 120-meter Chedi, one of the tallest buildings and ancient Thailand. Crocodile Farm and the ancient capital of Siam, Ayutthaya, located 90 kilometers north of Bangkok. Temples "Panama Choeung", "Chao Mongkol" Palace Bang Pa-In - the summer residence of the first kings of the Chakri dynasty.

North-east of the country - a place of prehistoric finds. Ban Chiang - a place where culture was discovered Bronze Age about 5,000 years ago - rock paintings. Nearby are the monuments of the Khmer period (IX-XI centuries) - Phanom Rung temple at Phimai, and with images of gods and heroes, and the later monastery Phra Tat Phanom. In the south-west of the country in this period include the following Dvaravati Buddhist empire - in Nakun Pathom, Khu Bua, Phong Touquet and Lavo (Lopburi) the remains of a temple with statues and bas-reliefs; Chedi Wat Phra Si Thammarat in Nakhun - more than a thousand ruins.

In the XIII-XV centuries in the west came the magnificent city of Sukhothai - the first capital of the Thai state. Currently defeated the ancient city of great archaeological park with the ruins of the ancient temples of ponds (Wat Phra Si Rattana, etc.), studded with lotuses. Thai architecture develops the traditions of Buddhist temples. In the north, in Chiang Mai, the second largest city of the country, is the monastery of Doi-srnu Suter.

Ayuttai ruins. The ruins of the temples. Ayutthaya - the most beautiful ancient capital of Siam (XIV-XVIII centuries) is a hundred kilometers north of Bangkok. It was destroyed by the Burmese. The ruins are extremely beautiful - fabulous temples, elegant towers of pagodas and stupas in the shape of a lotus flower and the bells of raw or burnt brick, decorated with fantastic.

Natural attractions

National Parks. Seaside resorts in Pattaya, Phuket, holidays on the islands at Siam h-ve, the most famous on-in Samui.
 
In Thailand, there are about 50 national parks and reserves, which cover an area of over 25,000 square kilometers. Nature lovers can enjoy the beauty of Thai flora and fauna and recreational areas, which can be found in every corner of the kingdom. The most popular, accessible and interesting are the following national parks:

Khao Yai National Park (200 km north-east of Bangkok) occupies an area of over 540,000 acres at an altitude of 800 to 1351 meters above sea level. This park is home to elephants, tigers, bears and other protected animals, grow a huge number of different wild flowers, trees, orchids. The park has many beautiful waterfalls and trails for walking.

Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province is located around the highest peak in Thailand (2565 meters above sea level). In the forests at an altitude of 1800 meters grow lichens and wild orchids. In the lower part of the park there are several beautiful waterfalls and mountain villages of ethnic Meo and Karen.

Island of Samet in Rayong province is a major part of the national marine park. The narrow, 6 miles long, the island of Koh Samet is one of the most beautiful islands of Thailand. He edged magnificent beaches, dazzling coral reefs and calm waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Erawan National Park is located in the province of Kanchanaburi. In a hilly and wooded park is seven-tiered Erawan waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful natural cascades of Thailand.

National Park Sam Roi Yot in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan (Prachuap Khiri Khan) was the main film set of the famous film "Field of killing." Huge limestone cliffs covered with sparse forest stands majestically over the coastal marshes and are home to a large number of nesting waterfowl. Caves, islands, beautiful beaches and the chance to see wild animals attract large numbers of tourists.

Park Falls Khut Khu in the province of Songkhla is not the territory of Songkhla Lake and covers an area of over 520 square kilometers. This park is home to 140 species of resident and migratory birds.

Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga province was the site of the filming of the James Bond films. In the park there are islands of green limestone, which is pierced with caves and sea caves. The great interest in these places are the prehistoric rock paintings and Muslim fishing village on stilts.

Tarutao Marine National Park in Satun province, is situated 31 km from the southern coast of Thailand, near the Thai-Malaysian sea border in the Indian Ocean. The park covers an area of 1,400 square kilometers and consists of 51 islands. The waters around the islands are the best in South East Asia for diving.

Samui Island Marine National Park and Ang Thong occupies more than 250 square kilometers and is located in the province of Surat Thani. This park consists of a large number of islands with silver sand and beautiful coral reefs. The island can be reached via Ban Don (Ban Don), Surat Thani or the Don Sak (Don Sak) in the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.