On your own in Thailand โ route, photo, description, prices 2021, reviews, map
The amazingly beautiful kingdom of Thailand is one of the pearls of Southeast Asia. The exotic land is deservedly called the country of a thousand temples, millions of smiles and primordially free people. For centuries, the state has never been a colony. Lush tropical jungle, dazzling white sandy beaches, azure sea bays and architectural monuments โ all this attracts a huge number of people from all over the world. It harmoniously combines amazing natural attractions and ancient temple complexes with objects of modern developed infrastructure. Visiting Thailand on your own means getting enough of an unforgettable beach holiday and at the same time having fun visiting any place in the kingdom without restrictions. Thai resorts offer their guests to feel the world of the unique richness of the cultural traditions of the ancient state, as well as to spend the daytime hours on the seashore. The undoubted advantage is a variety of types of entertainment that guarantee to leave unforgettable positive emotions in the memory of guests.
How to get on your own
Travelers planning to go to an exotic Asian kingdom without resorting to the services of travel agencies are best to use the Aviasales online aggregator. One of the leading and proven flight search engines will help you choose the best offers from various carriers. From Moscow to popular Thai resorts, both direct flights and flights with transfers are carried out.
Airlines such as Aeroflot, Russia, Nordwind Airlines and THAI Airways fly non-stop to Bangkok and Phuket. Travel time is about 9-10 hours. The ticket price starts from 20,000 rubles.
You can get to Thailand with a transfer on a single ticket, which will significantly save your flight costs and take advantage of the widest choice of air carriers. In this case, the duration of the voyage can reach more than a day. Flights are operated by the following world famous carriers: S7 Airlines, Turkmen Airlines, AirAstana, Smartavia, Ural Airlines, TurkishAirlines, Etihad, GulfAir. Routes run through Novosibirsk, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Manama, Astana. A ticket for a flight with transfers can be purchased for 16,759 rubles. Flying to Phuket will cost 2,000-3,000 rubles more.
There are no direct flights from Russia to Koh Samui. Arriving in Bangkok, tourists are advised to use the domestic budget Asian routes. The flights of the low-cost airline Air Asia are popular. Planes of this airline will deliver vacationers to the island in just one hour. The ticket price for the promotion can be $33.
Visa
Tourists from Russia who wish to spend an unforgettable vacation in the country of thousands of temples for no more than 30 days do not need a visa. Upon arrival at the territory of the Royal State, it is necessary to present to the border officer a completed migration card and a passport, where a stamp is placed indicating the date of entry into the Asian kingdom. There are no fees. If the trip is planned for a long period, then you should obtain an appropriate permit at the visa department of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand, located in Moscow.
To open a visa, you will need to provide the following package of documents:
For a single entry visa, you will have to pay a consular fee of $40. In addition, an additional service fee is charged, the amount of which is 1,530 rubles. The validity of the visa is 3 months. The processing time for an application is five days.
Which insurance to choose
It is advisable to take out an insurance policy before an independent trip. Its presence will allow the tourist to significantly secure his long-awaited vacation from unwanted troubles caused by changes in climate, environment and diet. In any exotic country, unexpected incidents can happen to vacationers, due to which they will need to seek medical help. Particularly relevant are such misfortunes as injuries from riding a motorbike, food poisoning, bites from dangerous insects, as well as tropical and venereal diseases. Without an insurance policy, even an appointment with a Thai doctor will be very expensive.
When choosing an insurance company, you should study the content of the contract and familiarize yourself with the list of accidents subject to insurance. There are organizations that offer their clients a no-refund package for the treatment of various infectious diseases (eg dengue fever), sunburn or injury from traffic accidents. It is worth paying attention to the assistance, which is the link between the insured and the insurer. The intermediary firm provides the necessary assistance and organizes treatment at the place of stay of the vacationer.
It is important to find out about the presence or absence of a franchise. This is the part of the costs that the affected person undertakes to pay in the event of an emergency. Most companies apply a franchise, the amount of which is $50. Transportation to the hospital is paid by the client for cash. Upon return from a trip, transportation costs will be reimbursed by the insurance company.
The list of reliable insurance organizations and assistance companies with a large credit of trust and a lot of positive reviews includes: AlfaStrakhovanie-Best Service (no deductible), Aliahz-Modial assistance (no deductible), Consent-Best Service (no deductible, but does not cover treatment Dengue Fever) and Arsenal-Balt Assistance ($50 deductible). It is recommended to issue a policy using the Cherehapa.ru service. The online aggregator offers to compare the package of services and offers from different companies.
Best time to travel
Thai resorts welcome their guests all year round. This is favored by geographical proximity to the equator. The Asian country stretches in a narrow strip from north to south, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Malay Archipelago. A pronounced tropical climate prevails on the territory of the kingdom, which indicates a significant difference in weather conditions in different resort regions. The cost of rest is determined largely depending on the high and low season.
Nevertheless, during all twelve months, tourists can have a pleasant and unforgettable time, enjoying swimming in the azure warm sea bays, sunbathing and visiting historical sites. From November to mid-February is the ideal period to visit the Asian kingdom. Comfortable dry and moderately warm weather is established over most of the territory. The disadvantage of this time period is the establishment of high prices for tourist services. The air temperature reaches +20-32 degrees.
These days vacationers from all over the world flock en masse to the Thai islands. In the northern provinces of the country, the air temperature drops to +10 ยฐC at night. Those who are interested not only in a beach holiday, but also in long trips around the country, need to take warm clothes with them. The rainy season lasts from May to the end of October. At the same time, short, but heavy rainfall often falls at night. Monsoon rains can suddenly give way to sunny clear weather, allowing holidaymakers to sunbathe.
During the rainy season, a riot of colors dominates the amazing tropical nature, reaching its zenith. The main advantage of a holiday in the low season is a significant drop in the cost of accommodation, food and all kinds of entertainment. From March to May, travelers are advised not to travel to the central and northeastern parts of the country. In these parts, the air can warm up to +40 degrees. A scorching heat sets in, from which even the locals are exhausted, and visiting guests are saved on the beaches.
Which resort to choose
Thai resorts attract people from all over the world with their natural resources, historical sites and numerous national reserves. The territory of the kingdom is riddled with wooded hills, mountain ranges and picturesque rivers. Tourists are expected by snow-white sandy beaches with palm groves, aquamarine waters of sea bays, a lot of entertainment and original cities, saturated with Thai national flavor.
The land of smiles offers a wide range of opportunities for an unforgettable and first-class pastime surrounded by breathtaking tropical landscapes. The choice of various resorts largely depends on how people want to enjoy their vacation. Here everyone will find the perfect place to relax. Some resorts are aimed at those who prefer to bask on luxurious beaches and swim in the emerald bay. Other Thai corners are famous for the abundance of Buddhist temples and protected park complexes. There are many places waiting for fans to have fun all night long under the loud music of establishments.
One of the most famous resort areas is the island of Phuket. It is washed by the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea and covered with high mountains. Groves of coconut palms and secluded sandy beaches, crystal-clear sea bay and coral reefs, cozy bays and tropical greenery of forests, mango jungles and waterfalls โ all this creates an extraordinary feeling of harmony and peace.
Among the picturesque landscapes, you can see traditional Buddhist temples and quaint buildings of a religious nature. The developed infrastructure will appeal to both family travelers and a noisy young company. They have at their disposal hotels for every taste and budget, as well as bars, restaurants, discos, shopping centers and all kinds of entertainment centers.
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On the shores of the Gulf of Thailand is the popular mainland city of Pattaya. It is famous for its numerous hotel complexes and the presence of a large number of bars, clubs, cabaret theaters and legitimate brothels. A special atmosphere of carefree and unbridled fun reigns here. The long coastline and the sea bay are not particularly clean, which is the main disadvantage of the resort. You can not only experience the vibrant and daring nightlife of the city, but also visit a crocodile farm, an elephant village, a botanical garden and a tiger zoo.
View prices for tours in ะะฐััะฐะนั
The notorious Thai island of Koh Samui preserves the natural beauty of tropical nature. Travelers who want to enjoy a calm and measured rest away from the hustle and bustle of big cities rush here. The pristine silence is barely broken by the splash of azure waters on snow-white beaches and the rustle of leaves of sprawling palm trees. In the impenetrable jungle with exotic flora and fauna, picturesque waterfalls rush down.
The coasts are framed by bizarre cliffs covered with dense thickets of plants. Modern hotels, comfortable cottages and cozy bungalows are located in close proximity to the coastline. On the island you can find both secluded wild bays and noisy places with bars and restaurants.
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Which hotel to choose
The developed hotel base should be attributed to the important advantages of the resorts. In the kingdom of temples, smiles and freedom, there is a huge selection of various budget and luxury hotels. Guests are hospitably greeted by beautifully equipped villas with all amenities, cozy romantic bungalows and modern complexes with their vast territories.
It is worth noting that in the Asian state there is no official system for classifying the star rating of hotels. The main principles for choosing hotels are infrastructure, the range of services provided, design, room interiors and remoteness from the coastline or city center. Regardless of the price category of the place of residence, guests can expect a first-class level of service and a wide range of comfortable apartments.
For those who wish to dedicate their holidays to traveling around the country and excursions, it is recommended to choose budget accommodation options. If vacationers prefer a measured rest and do not plan to go anywhere, then the ideal option would be to choose a hotel complex built on the first coastline.
Among the luxury hotels in Phuket, the Millennium Patong Phuket complex is popular. It is located in the heart of Patong city within walking distance from the famous Patong Beach. It offers a spa, two outdoor pools, a fitness room, five restaurants. The spacious rooms are furnished with comfortable upholstered furniture.
An excellent option for a secluded and relaxing holiday is The Nai Harn Hotel, located on the hillside of Nai Harn Beach (Phuket Island). All apartments are equipped with air conditioning, bars and TVs, satellite dishes. They must have a bathroom with a shower. The balconies offer amazing views of the sea bay. Guests can swim in the pool, relax in the spa, visit the fitness center.
In Pattaya, Grande Center Point Pattaya, Hilton Pattaya and Royal Cliff Beach Hotel are among the most luxurious hotels. These are modern complexes with all the achievements of a modern developed infrastructure. At the disposal of vacationers there are comfortable luxury apartments, bars, restaurants, swimming pools, gyms, sports grounds, gaming areas and various entertainment venues.
On the amazing island of Koh Samui, magnificent cozy villas are built, surrounded by tropical forests and coconut palms. Noteworthy hotels such as Erawan Villa and Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort. It offers a private pool, park gardens and luxurious sandy beach. Villa apartments consist of bedrooms, living room, bathroom and kitchen.
What to try from food
Colorful and exotic cuisine takes pride of place among the main attractions of the Asian kingdom. Spicy aromas of national dishes accompany guests throughout the journey. Food for local residents is not only the satisfaction of physiological needs, but also a kind of art. The variety of dishes is amazing. The main products of Thai dishes are rice, noodles, chicken, pork, seafood, vegetables and fruits.
A gastronomic feature is an amazing and sometimes unexpected combination of spicy, salty, sour and sweet taste at the same time. This is facilitated by the addition of numerous flavoring ingredients to food, including lemongrass, ginger, chili, cilantro, garlic, basil, lime juice, coconut milk.
All inclusive services are not available in hotels. Guests are offered buffet breakfast only. Therefore, tourists are given the opportunity to independently get acquainted with the culinary traditions of the country. Often, food is prepared right in front of customers, which causes interest and appetite. You can satisfy your hunger both on the street and in restaurants or cafes.
It is recommended to try the following popular Thai delicacies:
What to see
Picturesque tropical nature, magnificent parks, unique architectural monuments and impressive religious buildings โ this is not a complete list of reasons why you should go on an independent trip to exotic places. At the disposal of the guests of the resorts a huge number of stunning places, visiting which will leave an unforgettable pleasant experience.
These are numerous reserves with wild animals, water parks with dizzying water slides, ancient palace complexes, as well as museums, oceanariums, botanical gardens, dolphinariums, elephant farms and cabaret theaters. Thailand is famous for its national natural parks, where you can enjoy the view of the mesmerizing jungle, mountains, mangrove forests, rivers, cascading waterfalls, caves and uninhabited islands.
It is impossible to ignore the majestic sculpture โ the Big Buddha. A huge statue 45 meters high rises on a hill, from where an amazing panorama of the western coast of Phuket opens. Marble snow-white Buddha sits in the lotus position. Temple complexes are of interest. Shrines amaze the eye with their bizarre and festive forms of Buddhist architecture, which are characterized by three-level roofs, exquisite decorative elements, sculptural plastic and colorful paintings. On the territory of the temples you can see a considerable number of large and small statues, personifying divine and mythical creatures.
The Temple of Truth in Pattaya deserves special attention. The grand building is a masterpiece of wooden architecture. The facade of the temple is magnificently decorated with carved ornaments and sculptural compositions, spiers and columns. Each decorative element is hand carved from wood. The palm among popular and unforgettable places is held by the extraordinary island of Koh Tapu. It is a vertical limestone pillar rising above the turquoise surface of the bay, surrounded by majestic rocks. Its height is 20 meters.
Overgrown with greenery, the karst spike has a thin base and a wide top. The island of Koh Tapu gained worldwide popularity after the release of one of the James Bond films. It was in this region that the filming of the film โThe Man with the Golden Gunโ took place.
Excursions
It is difficult for active vacationers to imagine a vacation without informative and exciting excursions to interesting places in the kingdom. Popular resorts are famous for their abundance of historical, natural and cultural attractions. Excursions provide an opportunity for vacationers to entertainingly diversify beach activities and fully imbue the cultural wealth of the country.
Professional English-speaking guides are always ready to organize rich road, sea and land tours. Exciting itineraries include visits to picturesque uninhabited islands and original cities, sightseeing of architectural monuments and temple complexes, acquaintance with the pristine wildlife and ancient traditions of the Thais. Tourists can book the voyage they like in advance, which will allow them to plan a trip even for every day of their vacation. Prices for excursions will pleasantly surprise tourists and will not become a burden on the budget.
Participants of the tours are expected to walk through the mangrove forests, climb mountains, rafting on bamboo rafts along the river surface, dive into the amazing underwater world of coral reefs. Wildlife lovers are advised to visit the national reserves, where elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, tigers and many other animals live. It will be interesting to see a floating village, majestic Buddha sculptures and numerous Buddhist shrines.
An indelible impression is made by kayaking surrounded by massive sheer high cliffs, along cozy bays, mysterious caves and secluded wild coastlines. In travels, the riot of jungle vegetation will appear in all its glory. All-knowing guides will tell you about each picturesque corner, answer any questions of tourists and give valuable advice.
Transport rental
Independent travel around the country of thousands of temples on foot means that tourists deprive themselves of the pleasure of seeing a significant number of interesting places and become tied to one resort region of the country. Renting a vehicle will allow you to feel the freedom of movement and not depend on the schedules of excursion routes. By car or scooter, you can visit all sorts of secluded corners of different provinces, as well as quickly and comfortably get to protected areas.
Both local rental organizations and large network companies operate in the state.
It is recommended to book a vehicle in advance through popular online aggregators that cooperate with reliable and trusted international companies. Services sort relevant and profitable offers from various distributors. Customers are invited to take out insurance without a deductible plus the option of an additional driver.
To rent a car, you must provide a passport and an international driver's license. When concluding a car rental agreement, you will need to leave a cash deposit. Often, network offices block a certain amount from a bank account, which will be returned to the client after the end of the rental period. The average car rental price starts from 800 baht ($27) per day. In this case, the deposit amount can reach 5,000 baht ($160).
Far from all vacationers, a car trip can bring complete pleasure and comfort. Significant disadvantages of driving a car include the following factors:
The most popular and optimal vehicle is the scooter. The number of motor scooters on the roads far exceeds the number of cars. This is a mobile, budget and nimble transport that does not cause problems with finding a parking space and consumes little fuel. Numerous scooter rental points are located in all major settlements of the kingdom.
Guests can rent two-wheelers in advance through the aggregator Bikesbooking.com. It is recommended to choose a powerful scooter with an automatic transmission in order to successfully navigate the mountainous terrain. The cost of renting a motorbike per day starts from 500 rubles and more. It is important to follow the rules of the road and exercise caution when driving a scooter. It is necessary to ride in a helmet at a safe speed, as well as to refrain from sudden maneuvers and braking.
How and what to save
As a result of unexpected fluctuations in the exchange rate, many domestic tourists are thinking about how to organize their vacation as profitably as possible. With a prudent approach to solving this issue, you can relax at Thai resorts at no extra cost and get a pleasant experience from the trip.
It is worth paying attention to the following ways, representing the opportunity to meet the planned amount of the budget: