Koh Samui is all about white beaches, coconut trees, amazing rocks, islands and islets, crazy full moon parties, waterfalls and, of course, eternal summer. An important difference between Samui and other resorts in Thailand is the absence of large waves on the sea all year round. And the rainy season on the island is not as pronounced as on the territory of everything. This is a "bounty" resort where you can endlessly enjoy magnificent views of unspoiled nature, blue sea and white sand.

Koh Samui is the second largest island after the island. Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand in the Pacific Ocean and covers an area of ​​about 230 square kilometers. The distance to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is about 700 kilometers. To get from Koh Samui to the nearest point on the mainland, you need to overcome about 40 kilometers along the waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Tours in Koh Samui

The prices are for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with a departure from Moscow

There is everything for vacationers, but it is still worth noting that the infrastructure of the island is not as well developed as, for example, on the island, and in other major resorts in Thailand. If you choose Koh Samui tour, you are making the right choice. It is worth coming here both for couples in love in search of a romantic getaway, and for families with children.

Weather

The climate of Koh Samui compares favorably with the climate of other resorts. The rainy and hot seasons are less pronounced here. It is important to note that rest on Koh Samui will be comfortable not only in winter, but also in summer. Big waves and muddy sea on Koh Samui are absent all year round. Most rainfall occurs between October and December, but short showers during this time of year are unlikely to spoil your holiday. The average annual air temperature in Koh Samui is 30-31 ° С, water - 27-29 ° С.

Hotels

The main feature of the island's hotels is the close location of buildings or bungalows to the sea. In addition to five-star hotels offering luxury holidays, you can even stay in a small house without water and electricity.

The latter option is suitable for those who want to plunge into the atmosphere of nature untouched by civilization as much as possible.

Beaches

The clean beaches of Koh Samui are covered with white sand and surrounded by coconut palms. In total, there are more than 30 beaches along the perimeter of the island. During your vacation, you can visit several beaches to get to know the island better.

The most beautiful beaches are located on the east coast, such as the famous Chaweng, the island's largest and busiest beach and the center of tourist life. Tourists with children will love Bangpo Beach. If you're looking for seclusion, head to the cliff-lined Talingngam Beach coastline.

Interesting entertainment is available on the island's tourist beaches: kayaking, jet skiing, banana rides.

On the territory of little-visited beaches, any infrastructure may simply be absent. Only you, the transparent sea and the gentle sun above your head!

sights

Both adults and children can find something to do on Koh Samui. If you do not want to spend the whole vacation on the seashore, you can get acquainted with a large number of interesting sights of the island. It will be comfortable for both elderly tourists and young people. For example, young people flock to the neighboring island of Phangan, where huge open-air discos are held: Full Moon Parties.

Those who have gone on a well-deserved rest go to cozy Maenam Beach, where you can admire the stunning sunsets. From Koh Samui, you can go to many islands, such as the "turtle" Tao for diving or snorkeling.

The very beautiful island of Madsum awaits its guests on the white beaches that embrace the pristine tropical jungle. In the heart of Samui, there are stunningly beautiful waterfalls, butterfly parks, snake farms. Tourists with children will not be disappointed by visiting a tiger and leopard show, an aquarium with tropical fish.

Sightseeing lovers will not miss the famous rocks Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandmother and Grandfather), Big Buddha and many beautiful stupas and temples.

Kitchen

The island's Thai restaurants are located literally at every turn. Wherever you stay during your vacation, you will always find a cozy place where you can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. A large number of cafes, restaurants and bars are located on the coastline, where you can not only eat deliciously, but also admire the views of the Gulf of Thailand. In addition to restaurants offering Thai cuisine, lovers of European, Russian, Indian, Chinese cuisine will always be able to find an institution of interest to them.

If you want to get a complete picture of Thai food, we advise you to try some of the local dishes prepared on a makashnitsa (scooter equipped for cooking).

Transport

Songthaew is considered public transport on the island. Songteo is a brightly colored truck equipped to carry passengers. But it is worth noting that during the day songteos usually follow a certain set route, while in the evening or at night they operate exclusively as a private taxi. Day and night travel prices are certainly very different. To avoid misunderstandings, be sure to check the cost with the driver before the start of your trip, and not at the place of arrival.

The rest of the transport options to the island will invariably consist of a ferry crossing. The closest city on the mainland is Donsak, from the pier where ferries and boats depart daily to Koh Samui. The ferry will take you to the bounty island in an hour and a half. You can get to Donsak by bus from Bangkok.

Another option of how to get from the capital of Thailand to Donsak is to take a train to Surat Thani, and from there take a regular bus to Donsak.

Souvenirs

On Koh Samui, you can buy natural pearls, which will be a great gift for you or your loved ones. Another gift option is natural coconut oil, which is produced on the island.

Thailand cannot be classified as one of the largest countries on our planet. Nevertheless, it is ready to offer a lot for an unforgettable vacation: stunning beaches from the Bounty advertisements, rich natural potential, a rich cultural program, unrestrained fun until the early morning, and that's not all. Each Thai resort has its own characteristics, which must be taken into account when planning a trip. To help you choose a place to stay, I have described the best resorts in the country.

Phuket is the largest island in the Thai Kingdom, which in turn is considered one of the best holiday destinations. The resort has a well-developed infrastructure, transport interchange, and a road bridge connects it with the mainland. Phuket is truly a heavenly place. It has many benefits for relaxation:

• Long white beaches and clear sea. concentrated in the western part of the island, and their abundance makes it possible for any tourist to find their heavenly place.
• Picturesque nature and mountains.
• There are enough various sights and interesting places to make your vacation bright and eventful.
• The infrastructure is well developed. Everyone will find restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops and more to their taste.
• Lots of excursions. Excursions to neighboring paradise islands are especially popular.
• In Phuket, young people, couples with children, and older people will feel as comfortable as possible.
• The presence of an international airport. At the moment, charter flights to the island are carried out from almost all large cities of Russia.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• Visiting the resort is recommended from November to April. The rest of the time on the island is the rainy season, which makes its own adjustments to the recreation program.
• In Phuket, prices for many travel services are higher than in other resorts.

Pattaya

One of the most famous resorts in Thailand in the world is Pattaya. Due to its location near Bangkok, thousands of tourists from all over the world visit it every year. Despite such a tourist flow, the resort cannot be classified as one of those who are proud of their cleanest sea and beautiful beaches. They mainly come here for entertainment and outdoor activities. Pattaya is the epicenter of nightlife. Most of the nightclubs and go-go bars are concentrated here, at any time you can become a spectator of the show program.

For family recreation, there is a large selection of water attractions, sports entertainment. Numerous will appreciate the fans of sightseeing rest. The advantage of the resort is the relatively low prices for tourist services and a convenient location in relation to the Thai capital. Disadvantages - the minimum choice of beaches suitable for swimming, as a result of which tourists go swimming to the neighboring islands.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is another fairly large island and, in turn, a fairly well-known resort. In recent years, it has become more and more popular with our compatriots, but unlike Phuket, it offers a more calm and measured vacation. There are few nightlife venues here; peace and quiet reign everywhere.

As a rule, elderly people or families with children come to Koh Samui to rest. The hotels are presented in all categories, including first class 5 stars. Koh Samui has its own airport, so you will have to fly with transfers to get to the island (there are no direct flights from Russia).

Among the disadvantages of recreation, it is worth noting the slightly overpriced prices for basic travel services and accommodation. The island is famous for its incredibly beautiful long beaches. White sands combined with coconut palms and clear coastal waters create a sense of a completely different reality. Time just stands still here. The infrastructure is represented by hotels, restaurants, bars, sports grounds. There are all conditions for diving and snorkeling.

Koh Phangan

Relatively small located near Koh Samui. This is a real paradise for romantics. Magnificent landscapes and beautiful sunsets can hardly leave anyone indifferent. Phangan is famous for its, which attracts party-goers even from the most remote corners of the planet. Despite such a noisy event, the island is perfect for those who are used to a more relaxing holiday. The abundance of beaches will make it possible to find a truly heavenly place for every traveler.

Phangan's popularity is growing every year. When planning a trip during the high season, it is worth taking care of accommodation in advance. Recently, many have begun to come here for the winter. The convenient location of the island near Koh Samui allows you to visit it during an excursion tour. A great advantage of resting in Phangan is the half-empty beaches. The resort is not as popular as Pattaya or Phuket.

Geographically, the island of Chang belongs to the province of Trat, and is located near Cambodia. This is a fairly large resort that has managed to preserve its virgin beauty to this day. Due to the fact that the island is part of a national marine park, it is not allowed to engage in mass development or industrial development. The resort attracts connoisseurs of relaxation and quiet pastime.

Long clean beaches are concentrated here, there is a small selection of cozy hotels, a catering system is established. There is no airport on the island, to get to it you will have to combine land and sea transport. Such a trip may seem tiring, but given the beauty that will open before you at the end of the route, it is worth making it.

The best time to visit the island is from November to May, the rest of the time it is the rainy season. There is an asphalt road on Koh Chang, which allows you to move along it, for example, by motorbike. The advantage of a holiday is relatively low prices. The peak of tourism development has not yet reached here, so you can save on tourism services and accommodation.

Hua hin

Hua Hin Resort is one of the oldest in the Kingdom. Its name translates as "Stone Head". The advantage of the resort is its beaches, which stretch along the city for 10 kilometers. There are hotels of all levels, including 5 stars. Hua Hin is preferred by both connoisseurs of secluded recreation and couples with children.

There is almost no nightlife in the city. For some, this may seem like a plus, for others - a minus. The main attraction of the resort is the Palace of Love and Hope, which houses the museum of the royal residence. There are many interesting places in the city and its surroundings, which makes it possible to diversify the excursion program.

Good transport links allow you to get to Bangkok by regular buses. In terms of time, such a trip takes about 3 hours. There is almost never a large crowd of tourists on the beach. Among the disadvantages is the relatively shallow sea. After stormy weather, a large number of jellyfish are thrown ashore.

Krabi province

Krabi is a great place for those who wish to retire and enjoy a paradise vacation. Small beaches with white sands, azure sea, an abundance of hotels for every taste and budget, good infrastructure, a large selection of attractions - this is all that the resort can be proud of.

The province consists not only of the mainland, but also of numerous islands, the most famous of which are. This is a real paradise for youth recreation. Restless fun, discos until the morning, fire shows and all this in combination with incredibly beautiful landscapes and beaches awaits everyone who decides to stay here for at least a couple of days.

Krabi will also be appreciated by lovers of outdoor activities. Natural resources allow climbing, snorkeling, diving or fishing here. Despite the presence of an international airport, direct flights from Russian cities practically do not fly here. Therefore, to get to the hotel, you will have to fly to Phuket, and then change to ground transport and cover the remaining distance.

Which resort is better to choose?

It is impossible to say with certainty which resort is better. It is worth choosing from your preferences, taking into account what type of vacation you are inclined to. Some resorts are well suited for youth recreation, while others are considering traveling with children, while others are ready to accept all categories of tourists.

If you are looking for a place where the maximum entertainment is presented, as well as good shopping conditions, then Pattaya or Phuket are the ideal options. For a perfectly clean sea, it is worth going to the islands. Krabi province and its Phi Phi archipelago offer good diving conditions. If you want to spend a vacation far from civilization, then you can stay on Koh Phangan. If you visit the island during the full moon period, you will be part of the Full Moon Party dancing until the early hours of the morning.

Thailand resorts on the map

On this map, I marked all the resorts that I talked about in this article.

The variety of resorts allows every tourist to choose the perfect vacation spot. Whichever option you choose, you can be sure that not only beautiful beaches, but also an interesting tourist program await you, because the Kingdom of Thailand is a country with a long history, which has found its reflection in numerous attractions.

Thailand is considered to be suitable exclusively for beach holidays, but this is not at all the case, although this opinion also has a right to life. Going on vacation to Thailand, most tourists believe that the country has only beach resorts, tropical fruits, uninhabited islands in the "Bounty" style, etc. But the country is big enough, in it you can find rest for every taste and budget. When planning your trip, you should check the weather at the resort you are going to.

You can spend your vacation in Thailand in different ways, it will definitely be interesting and memorable. You can swim in the warm gentle sea or make deep dives into the culture and religion of the country (completely forgetting about the sea and white beaches). Party-goers and other life-seekers can find a bottomless sea of ​​entertainment and an ocean of debauchery in Thailand. In short, Thailand is looking forward to all of you and everyone will receive what they expect in full.

Major cities and resorts in Thailand

The cities and resorts of Thailand are different, from quiet and peaceful, to insanely noisy and "never sleeping". It all depends on how you want to spend your vacation, but first of all, the country is famous for its beaches and natural beauty, for which they come here.

Many package tourists buy combined tours (excursions + beach vacations), within which they plan to visit several cities (Bangkok and Pattaya). As a rule, such travel offers are more common when traveling on vacation to Pattaya. After all, any tour to Pattaya, one way or another, runs through Bangkok, so why not give this metropolis a few days of vacation.

What are the benefits of visiting two cities in Thailand? At the very least, this is saving on air travel, and there is no direct flight Moscow - Pattaya (at least now). In addition, it is always interesting to see the sights of the Thai capital on the way to the resort.

All tourist cities and resorts can be roughly divided into several types, the list is clearly not complete, so you can add it in the comments to this post. Some cities can be safely placed in all categories, for example, Bangkok is the main transit point on the map of Thailand and an excellent sightseeing city, but there are no beaches in Bangkok.

Beach resorts:

• Pattaya;
• Koh Lan island;
• Phuket island;
• Koh Samui island;
• Koh Phangan;
• Tao Island;
• Krabi province;
• Koh Chang Island;
• Huahin;
• Koh Samet island;
• Rayong;
• Cha-Am;
• Koh Kood island;
• Koh Lipe island;
• Chumphon;
• the island of Tarutao;
• Pranburi.

Excursion cities:

• Bangkok;
• Chiang Mai;
• Chiang Rai;
• Lopburi;
• Mae-hong-son;
• Kanchanaburi province;
• Ayutthaya;
• Phetchaburi.

Transit cities:

• Hat Yai;
• Surat Thani;
• Satun;
• Chumphon.

Thai beaches are considered the best in the world, and they deserve this title by right. In Thailand, you can find individual resort cities (Pattaya), island resorts (Phuket) or whole resort provinces (Krabi province). Whichever beach resort you choose, you will be satisfied with your vacation and will definitely want to come back here.

Sometimes, tourists scold Pattaya for the dirty sea and tourist overcrowding, but what prevents you from waking up early and taking a public ferry to the nearest tropical island of Ko Lan, where there are all the conditions for an ideal beach holiday, and in the evening to return to the noise and unrestrained fun of Pattaya?

The same is true for the magnificent Phuket island. Most of the package tourists settle in hotels in Patong, and tourists do not expect that Patong is an analogue of Pattaya and naturally begin to resent. But what is worth taking a ride on all the beaches of Phuket and choosing the best one for your vacation?

Unfortunately or fortunately, the vast majority of organized tourists, I'm not talking about independent ones (they go wherever they look and wherever they like better), choose between the main beach resorts of Thailand - Phuket or Pattaya. It is easy to guess that these resorts are the most crowded, especially during the peak tourist season.

For those tourists who have not yet decided which beach resort they want to visit, I wrote a short post comparing Phuket and Pattaya, which will probably help you decide on the choice of a resort for your vacation.

The best resorts in Thailand

It is difficult to choose the best resort in Thailand, as difficult as choosing which is better juicy Thai mango or juicy Thai watermelon (you must try), so I will describe several tourist places in this country. Just like with mango, Thai resorts need to be "tried", especially since some of them are within transport accessibility from each other (Phuket and Phi Phi, Phuket and Krabi, Pattaya and Koh Lan island, etc.)

Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the gateway to all of Southeast Asia. Bangkok can be safely called the main metropolis, as in any major city in Asia, here the modern and the old get along well with each other. Huge skyscrapers coexist with street markets, the modern metro, although unsuccessfully, is still trying to compete with the usual tuk-tuk and water trams. In short, if you are a lover of Asian chaos and vivid emotions, then you will definitely like Bangkok.

In Bangkok, you can go for a great walk in shops and markets, explore the sights and religious artifacts of antiquity, visit many nightclubs and private parties, the city is full of all this, the choice is yours. But there are no white beaches in Bangkok, so it is not suitable for a beach holiday.

The two metropolitan airports are familiar to all independent tourists; it is through Bangkok that the cheapest way to get to Thailand. However, package tourists traveling to Pattaya also arrive in the country through them.

Pattaya

The resort town of Pattaya is one of the country's popular beach resorts for tourists from all over the world. If you fly to Thailand on a package tour, and even more so if the tour is burning, then with a probability of 99.99% you will find yourself in Pattaya, but you should not be afraid.

By the abundance of tourists, Pattaya is ready to compete with Phuket, but it is not the beaches and the warm sea that attracts some vacationers to Pattaya (strange, isn't it).

The nightlife in this tropical resort is so intense and varied that most tourists come back again and again (especially single men). The abundance of restaurants, bars, discos, nightclubs, entertainment attractions for men and other piquant establishments puts Pattaya next to another Thai entertainment island, Phi Phi Don, where nightlife is no worse than in Pattaya.

What to do in Pattaya if you are not a single man? This resort has fun for everyone, or explore the nearby islands, or if that's not enough, head to the extraordinary temples of world famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

In addition to unbridled fun and debauchery, Pattaya can be quite calm and suitable for families with children, you just need to choose the best area for living.

Phuket

The second most popular tourist destination in Thailand is the island of Phuket, which is the largest island in the kingdom. Unlike Pattaya, Phuket has much more place to "hide" from the whole world, but nevertheless there is a street of debauchery on the island, I would even say a whole area - Bangla Road district in Patong.

The city of Patong is the most tourist destination of the island, it is here that most of the package tourists settle, but it is worth noting that even in Patong you can find quiet corners.

There are several undeniable benefits of a Phuket holiday:

• Phuket international airport is located right on the island - it is very convenient and significantly saves transfer time;
• many interesting sea excursions - from Phuket you can get to the stunningly beautiful Similan Islands in one day and just as easily visit the famous Maya Bay from the movie The Beach;
• many beaches - choose any of the beaches and enjoy your vacation.

Krabi

The province of Krabi is perfect for all lovers of unspoiled nature and pristine beaches, and the abundance of islands (most of which are uninhabited) will make you think about a longer vacation in this fabulously beautiful province of Thailand.

The most famous resort in Krabi, all tourists know about it, is the Phi Phi island, or rather, the Phi Phi Le island (it was here that the film "The Beach" was filmed). However, on the island itself there are no hotels or other infrastructure, and the island is the size of several football fields. In the neighborhood there is the island of Phi Phi Don, it is on it that everything that a tourist needs is present.

Recently, the province of Krabi has begun to actively attract a tourist flow, especially since all the conditions and infrastructure for this are already in place. So hurry up to see the natural beauty of these amazingly beautiful places on our planet.

Samui

If you are traveling to Thailand for a long time and can afford to live for your own pleasure, then head to the island of Koh Samui. The island has one peculiarity - the rainy season, which lasts here a little "not standard", read about the rainy seasons in Thailand, at this link.

Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are located very close and very similar to each other, with one difference, Koh Phangan is much quieter and quieter than Koh Samui.

Due to the fact that getting to Koh Samui is much more difficult and dreary (bus + ferry) than to Phuket, the vacationers here are slightly different, which in some cases can be a huge bonus.

Koh Chang

It takes no more than 6 hours to get to Koh Chang from Bangkok, which is great for most travelers. The island is tourist, but there is no obvious influx of tourists like in Phuket. All the essentials on the island of Koh Chang are available, but only the most necessary, as they say, "Nothing more."

On Koh Chang, you can find both secluded places for recreation and places with an abundance of tourist services and a simple tourist infrastructure.

Hua hin

Hua Hin Resort is located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, a few hours' drive from Bangkok. Hua Hin is the summer residence of the King of Thailand, and as a result, the place is quite safe. In terms of recreation, the Hua Hin resort is expensive, but savings can be settled on the outskirts, then the price of rental housing will be more humane.

The quality of the beaches in this resort is similar to the beaches of Pattaya, a little cleaner, there are a little less people, Hua Hin is quite suitable for a beach holiday.

Ko Samet

The island of Ko Samet is somewhat similar to the island of Ko Chang. Ko Samet will definitely appeal to all tourists who appreciate natural beauty and are not very picky about the tourist infrastructure.

There are few shops and bars here, but there are excellent beaches and a pleasant sea, however, the sea in Thailand is pleasant everywhere.

Chiang Mai

If you can compare Bangkok with Moscow, then Chiang Mai is Thai St. Petersburg. Chiang Mai is considered the cultural capital of Thailand and with good reason.

Chiang Mai is located in the north of the country, surrounded by mountains, so the temperature in the winter months here can be around zero (there has never been snow in Thailand). In Chiang Mai there is no sea, no beaches, but there are many attractions (many of which are completely free) and a kind, welcoming population, which is better than the population of the tourist coast.

Unique tribes live in mountain settlements near Chiang Maya, they manage to preserve their identity in the modern world (they have kept their foundations and practically do not use modern technologies). Nevertheless, they are actively in contact with the outside world and are very friendly and open to foreigners.

). All maps are in Russian and have detailed information, for some resort areas there are even more detailed maps and descriptions.

Enjoy your holiday in Thailand.

Tourist cities of Thailand are located conditionally in three regions of the country: in the southern part, central and northern. For your convenience, we have marked all the islands and tourist cities of Thailand on one map (see the google map at the bottom of the page).

A little help. The largest cities in Thailand - a list of the 10 largest in terms of population (according to Wikipedia):

• - about 9 million people
• Nonthaburi City (Nonthaburi) - 270,609
• - 174,332
• - 174,235
• Hat Yai - 157,467
• - 155,339
• Pak Kret - 152.881
• Chaophraya Surasak - 132,172
• Khon Kaen (Kon Kaen) - 129.581
• - 107,289

Thailand cities in the central part of the country

The cities of Thailand, located in the central part of the country, are very popular due to their accessibility. It is here that the main international airport Suvarnabhumi is located, where many countries of the world are served. From it you can easily get to the resorts and islands located in the north and northwest of the Gulf of Thailand.

Bangkok

The capital and main city of Thailand, where you can see modern skyscrapers with shopping centers and ancient temples, which are several hundred years old. The main attractions of the country are concentrated here: the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of Wat Po and Wat Arun. There are all kinds of entertainment - water parks, zoos, nightclubs, discos, bars with affordable girls, all kinds of exotic shows for adults. It makes no sense for a tourist to live here (because there are a lot of cars, motorcycles and people), but it is definitely worth coming for a few days on an excursion. Bangkok is half an hour from Suvanabhumi Airport and is the starting point for travel to other resorts.

Pattaya city

The most famous and popular city in Thailand. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, 1.5 hours drive from Suvarnabhumi. Its distinctive features are cheapness, well-developed infrastructure, a huge number of people on the beach and a large selection of nightlife (clubs, discos, bars). If you are a single man and want strawberries, then this is the place for you. Prices for girls are the lowest in the country (from 400-500 baht per hour), and the choice is very wide. But as for the sea, in Pattaya it is the dirtiest in Thailand. Therefore, if swimming is the main thing for you, then choose another resort or every day go to the island of Ko Lan, where the sea is very clean (45 minutes and 30 baht by ferry from Pattaya or 15 minutes by speedboat).

Koh Lan Island

A small island paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand, near Pattaya. You can come here for one day or stay for the entire vacation. For the second option, there is all the necessary infrastructure - hotels, restaurants, bars, motorcycle rental, etc.

The sea is very clean here. In total, there are about a dozen beaches on the island, there are both populous and uncrowded ones. Prices for hotels and food are higher than in Pattaya. There are practically no sights, except perhaps statues of Buddhas, and several viewing platforms.

Rayong city

This is the city of Thailand and the capital of the same name. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, 60 km southeast of Pattaya. The sea is cleaner than in Pattaya, and there are much fewer people. Rest on the sea here is not limited only to the capital - the province offers about 100 km of sandy beaches - choose any. And from here you can get to Samet Island.

Samet Island

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, south of Rayong. It is part of the National Reserve, so the entrance for foreigners is 200 baht. Unlike other islands in Thailand, they try to keep nature as intact as possible, there is not even an asphalt road on Samet (there is only asphalt from the pier to the entrance to the National Reserve - about 500-600 meters). Despite its small size, the island has about 20 beaches, although they are all small, some 100-150 meters long. The majority of tourists prefer to settle near the entrance to the reserve. The farther from it, the fewer people are, and the beaches are less crowded. There are no special entertainments and attractions. The main thing that people come here for is to relax in the bosom of nature and forget about civilization with its fast rhythm. There are no shopping centers or large stores.

Koh Chang Island

This is the easternmost of the popular resorts in Thailand. Located in Trat province, 300 km southeast of Bangkok, near the border with Cambodia. It is the second largest after Phuket. Only the western and southern parts are inhabited by tourists. Almost all hotels and guesthouses are located on the coast and are detached houses and bungalows.

Koh Chang Island is part of the National Marine Park, so the ecology is strictly monitored - the sea is clean here, and there are no water activities (motorcycles, skis). For fans of "strawberries" there are several dozen bars with girls. There are no nightclubs and discos, no shopping centers either.

Ayutthaya city

Located 70 km north of Bangkok. It has no outlet to the sea. This city of Thailand is the ancient capital of the country that was it before Bangkok. A huge number of old temples, which are more than 300-400 years old, have survived. In all other respects, this is an ordinary provincial town, where there is little point in staying for a long time. It is better to come here on an excursion for 1-3 days.

Hua Hin - the resort of Thailand, loved by kings

It is located 200 km southwest of Bangkok, on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This city of Thailand is the very first resort in the country, where foreigners came 100 years ago. At that time, these were the rich and aristocracy of the European powers. Loved to rest here and. Currently, the place is not as popular as Pattaya, Phuket or Koh Samui and the city has long lost its status as the main resort in Thailand. Despite this, it is definitely worth a visit, since Hua Hin is somewhat different from other cities in its architecture and aura (many old palaces and sights). And since it is located on the seashore, you can stay here for the entire duration of your vacation. By Thai standards, this is a rather expensive place, especially in terms of housing (cheaper than 500 baht per day, you are unlikely to find an overnight stay).

Cha-Am city

A small town in Thailand, located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, 170 km southwest of Bangkok and 30 km north of Hua Hin. It is quieter and less crowded here than in Hua Hin, and the sea is cleaner. Hotels and guesthouses are also inexpensive. Therefore, for budget travelers and beach lovers, this resort will be better than the previous one.

Islands and resorts of Thailand located in the south of the country

Southern Thailand is the most popular destination for travelers looking for a great beach holiday. There are many islands, a gorgeous clear sea, magnificent white sand beaches. It should be understood that this is exactly a beach vacation, you will not see any special national attractions here - all that these places are famous for is nature. However, observation decks, trips to uninhabited islands for relaxation and diving will leave the best memories of Thailand.

Phuket - island, city and resort

Located 800 km south of Bangkok, on the coast of the Andaman Sea. Phuket has long ceased to be an island, as it is connected to the mainland by a 400-meter bridge. Thus, you can get here by land. It is the most popular in the south of Thailand and the largest in the country. It is 50 km long and 20 km wide. There is an airport that accepts direct flights from Russia. Phuket has more than a dozen beaches, which are noticeably different from each other. Some are very crowded, well-developed infrastructure (comparable to large cities), many shopping centers and large shops, discos and bars with affordable girls. On other beaches there are only a few bungalow hotels, one restaurant and that's it. After sunset, life freezes there and there is no one on the coast.

Contrary to popular belief, prices in Phuket are not very high, except for a taxi. But housing is quite possible to find and inexpensive, especially far from the sea. Another feature of the island is that there is a road on most of the beaches near the coast. Therefore, there are few hotels on the first line, while most of them are multi-storey buildings, and not detached houses and bungalows.

Koh Samui

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, 750 km from Bangkok. It is the third largest after Phuket and Koh Chang. The resort's infrastructure is developed only on the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai, Bo Phut, Maenam and in the capital Nathon. There are many hotels, restaurants and bars. Chaweng has a fairly large selection of girls for single boys. There are large hypermarkets - Tesco Lotus and Big C. On other beaches, infrastructure is limited to a few hotels on the coast and a couple of restaurants, there is no nightlife.

Koh Phangan

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, north of Koh Samui. The hallmark of Koh Phangan is the Full Moon Parties, held once a month. They are open-air discos, which attract tens of thousands of party-goers from all over the world. At this time, all hotels are overcrowded and there are no places. In fact, they host various parties almost every day, such as the Black Moon or Mid Moon Parties and smaller ones. Almost all of them take place in the south and southwest of Koh Phangan, while the rest of them are quite quiet and calm.

Koh Tao Island

Small. Located north of Koh Phangan. Quiet location perfect for relaxation, diving and snorkeling. There are few tourists, especially during the low season. Prices are slightly higher than on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.

Krabi

This is both the city of Thailand and the name of the province. But by no means an island, as it is written on some unscrupulous sites. Located 800 km from Bangkok, on the Andaman Sea coast. The province and all its resorts are distinguished by amazing and bizarre landscapes - sheer rectangular cliffs overgrown with greenery. In fact, in the city of Krabi, tourists rarely stop, because there is no bathing sea. After him go to the beaches of Ao Nang, Railay and others, which are located southwest of the capital. The beaches of the province are very clean. People come here mostly for relaxation, although there are quite a few shops, restaurants and bars with girls on Ao Nang. There are large hypermarkets in the city of Krabi.

Lanta Island

It is located in the Andaman Sea and belongs to the Krabi province. One of the few large islands in Thailand, where civilization only partially penetrated. There are no buildings higher than 4 floors (mostly one-story buildings), there are no shopping centers and large stores, there are almost no attractions either. The beaches are uncrowded and suitable for lovers of silence. More or less active life takes place in the north of the island, not far from the pier and Klong Dao beach. Yes, and there in the evenings, apart from restaurants and a little shopping in tents with clothes and souvenirs, there is nothing special to do. The further south you go, the fewer people are, after sunset there is almost no one on the coast.

Phi Phi Islands

Consists of 5 islands located in the Andaman Sea, 40 km southeast of Phuket. In terms of tourism, only two islands are of interest - Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lei. The first is the entire infrastructure with hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, banks, etc. And the second is practically uninhabited, but is famous for the fact that the film "The Beach" was filmed here with Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role.

On Phi Phi Don, the main thing is not to go wrong with the beach. If you stay in the village of Tonsai (where all ferries arrive), then from 19-20 hours open-air discos await you. The scale, of course, is much smaller than on Koh Phangan, but the music is heard all night long, so if you want peace and quiet, then settle on other beaches.

Koh Lipe

It is the southernmost tourist resort in Thailand and is still little known among Russian tourists. Located in the Andaman Sea, near Malaysia. Ko Lipe is small and can be easily walked around. It has several beaches with clear water. There are no special entertainments and attractions.

Cities and resorts of Thailand, located in the north of the country

The cities of Thailand located on are quite different from the rest. Firstly, there is no sea here, which means that a beach holiday is impossible (although, if you wish, you can swim in a river, for example, on the beach of Chiang Rai city). Secondly, in the north there is a more comfortable climate, somewhat similar to the Russian one (in summer): although during the day it is +30, but after sunset the temperature drops sharply and at night drops to + 15 ... + 20 (and on some days generally up to + 10 ... +12). Thirdly, the local nature and landscapes are markedly different from the rest of the country and are considered by many to be the most beautiful in Thailand.

Chiang Mai city

It is the most important city in Thailand, located in the north. It is the cultural capital of the country, where a lot of old sights, which are 500-700 years old, are concentrated. Chiang Mai for many centuries was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, which later became part of Thailand. Some of the city's old temples differ markedly in their architecture from those that you are used to seeing in popular resorts or in Bangkok. The infrastructure is well developed - there are many hotels of different price ranges, shopping centers and hypermarkets, markets, etc.

Pai - a resort in Thailand for hippies

Another interesting city in Thailand, located in the north. Rather, it is a village or urban-type settlement, since it has only a few streets. It itself is not of particular interest, but its surroundings are something: kilometer-long meadows and green hills create an amazingly beautiful and harmonious landscape. This is just a paradise for lovers of nature and silence. In the Pai Valley there are very vast territories without buildings and settlements, there are several waterfalls and a canyon. And this place is also called the last hippie haven in Thailand. Indeed, there are quite a few of these peaceful "flower children" here. There are also many rastamans. It's no secret that both of them love weed and you might think that this is a den of drug addicts. In fact, there are much more ordinary tourists in Pai, and those who like to smoke gather with their companies at home. No one will offer you weed on the street.

The village is very calm, there are no discos, nightclubs and bars with girls. In the vicinity, housing is presented in the form of bungalows and cottages. Prices for everything are very low - guest houses from 150 baht per night, motorbike rental - 80 baht for a semiautomatic device and 100 baht for an automatic machine, massage - 150 baht per hour, meat on skewers - 5 baht, a kilogram of bananas - 10 baht.

Golden Triangle

This is not a city or a resort, but just a small place on the map where the borders of three countries converge - Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos. Located an hour and a half drive from Chiang Rai. In the past, it was the main drug route in Southeast Asia, and now it is a tourist attraction. In fact, you shouldn't come here to see the Opium Museum (and only it reminds of the past times). But nature lovers should come, because very beautiful views of the river and its surroundings open up from here.

Mae Hong Son city

This city of Thailand is almost unknown to Russian tourists. Nevertheless, there are quite a few foreigners here. It is located northwest of Chiang Mai and is the capital of the province of the same name. Despite the status of the capital, it is a small town and almost all buildings are 1–2 stories tall.

The city is interesting because there is a lot of beautiful nature in the vicinity and various tribes live, for example, long-necked women. It is quite suitable for long-term residence - there are hotels, restaurants, excursion bureaus. Quiet place.

Tatiana Solomatina

Where to go to rest in Thailand: choose a resort and compare prices for tours 2018

Good day, dear readers! Today we'll talk about Thailand.

Everyone has heard about this country, and many dream of coming here, isn't it? World-class hotels, all sorts of international cuisine, heavenly beaches, enchanting natural beauty, and most importantly, the hospitality of the local people. Not sure where to go to Thailand? Wondering which resort to choose? I will help you.

In the article I will tell you about the best resorts in the country: Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Chang, Krabi, Hua Hin, Samui and Chiang Mai. Read the specifics of recreation in each place, seasonality, pricing policy, quality of beaches and leisure activities. In addition, I will try to highlight directions for various types of recreation - relaxation or active pastime. Go!

Thailand is the tourist center of Southeast Asia. Most people who come to the region immediately strive to Bangkok, which beckons with its authenticity and madness.

However, Thailand is much more. With its lush jungle, famous beaches, world class diving, amazing food, friendly Thais and relatively affordable prices, Thailand will definitely become your favorite country!

Thailand is an easy country to travel to. She never sleeps. You can go to Thailand both for active pastime and for pacification. It will be comfortable for both families with children and young people, thanks to the variety of entertainment and the abundance of resorts. What are the most popular ones you know?

Overall, Thailand speaks for itself. When you hear his name, you are probably already thinking of clean sandy beaches, beauty, jungle and food. What do you say to that? And there is?

Excluding the capital city Bangkok, statistically the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand are Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Samui, Hua Hin, Ko Chang and Krabi (including Phi Phi). Of these, only the ancient Thai capital Chiang Mai is not a beach resort. There are many other popular alternatives as well, but more than half of the people who visit the country spend their holidays in one of these places.

Would you like to laze on the beach in the shade of palm trees, learn about local customs, see exotic nature and get into the spirit of Asia? Welcome to Thailand! A country with a rich cultural heritage and ideal nature.

Tourism Mecca: Pattaya

If you want quiet beaches and hammocks swaying in the breeze, Pattaya will not live up to your expectations. The resort, located 160 km from Bangkok, certainly deserves attention, but rather, from young people and lovers of nightlife and entertainment. This city of sin beckons travelers with a variety of go-go bars, discos, transvestite shows, and street prostitution. Looking for fun and entertainment? Then you should go here.

Of course, you can also go to Pattaya for a family pastime. In this case, it is worth settling further from the center of the parties. Ready to come here with your kids? No problem. Pattaya is quite safe. The infrastructure is well developed here. There are few historical sites, but they are irresistible - the Big Buddha Hill Temple and the Temple of Truth. Here you can also go to the Bottle Museum, visit the elephant village or leave the children to the nanny and go to the transvestite show - the Tiffany Show. They say that even men are delighted with him.

Pattaya can be called a mecca of tourism, but for an ideal paradise vacation, as for me, it is hardly suitable. Pattaya beaches are not the cleanest (compared to the beaches of other resorts). True, there are islands very close to which tourists are regularly transported by ferry (30 minutes).

The best time to visit Pattaya is from November to April. It is during this period that you can fully enjoy all the advantages of the tropical climate. However, in the summer, the resort is quite inhabited. The bad weather is not as clearly felt here as on the islands, while the prices are much lower. A huge plus is that it is not difficult to get to Pattaya, there are good transport links with Bangkok.

Prices for holidays in Pattaya are slightly lower than other resorts in Thailand. You can find a hotel and entertainment here for every taste and budget. The approximate cost of a full package tour for two for 7 days in a 3 * hotel in the season is 70/100 thousand rubles.

Attention! Meals are not included in the price of the tours indicated by me below. Each hotel is different with this. Choosing a direction, you can independently choose the desired type of food. In Thailand, food prices are reasonable. Therefore, many tourists prefer to eat outside the hotel walls. In addition, the cuisine of the local restaurants is varied. You can even find establishments that offer traditional Slavic dishes.

For example: a tour for January 2018 to the Pattaya Park Beach Resort hotel, well-known to Russian tourists, costs about 90 thousand rubles. I will not say that this is the best option for living in Pattaya, but as a budget hotel in the city center, it is quite suitable. Well worth the trip, isn't it?

Pattaya Resort is suitable for young people and active tourists who want to be in the center of an entertaining life. For tranquility and relaxation on a clean and beautiful beach, it is better to go, for example, to the islands of Ko Chang, Koh Samui or Phuket.

Respectable Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, connected to the mainland by a bridge. To go here follows the white beaches, azure sea, picturesque coral reefs and coconut groves. Most of Phuket is covered in rainforest. Here you can admire the waterfalls and find out what a real jungle is. The main attraction of the island is nature.

People fly to Phuket both for the purpose of lying on the beach and for entertainment. Because there are both calm beaches and places where all the attributes of active recreation are present. The first is small. Silence and relaxation on a picturesque beach without waves is guaranteed for you. And the center of active life in Phuket is Patong. We can say that this is the second Pattaya in terms of the variety of entertainment for tourists. You will definitely not be bored here.

Merging with nature: Koh Chang island

Koh Chang Island is located 300 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. This is a protected National Park. The pristine nature of the jungle, clean white beaches, coral reefs with exotic marine life - all that confirms that Thailand is heaven on earth. Ko Chang - unity with nature, peace and the preserved traditions of Thai culture.

There are all conditions for mountain tourism, hiking, diving, regardless of the level of training. The sights of the island are waterfalls and caves, interesting fishing villages and jungles. There is no developed infrastructure and other similar benefits on Ko-Chang. What for? After all, you need to go here for solitude and complete merging with nature. Do you dream about it? Welcome to Ko Chang!

To ensure the perfect vacation, it is best to come to Ko Chang between November and April. Getting here is not easy. The lengthy transfer from Bangkok, which includes a ferry crossing, stops many tourists. This is the main disadvantage of resting on the island.

To go here in January 2018 for 7 days, you need to pay at least 90 thousand rubles. per tour. The price includes flight to Bangkok + transfer to Koh Chang + accommodation in a 3-star hotel + insurance and return trip to Moscow.

Koh Chang is an ideal place for those who are tired of the city noise, who want solitude with nature and complete relaxation. Tourists looking for an active nightlife should choose a different resort. There are no colorful show programs and "cool" clubs here.

Enchanting province: Krabi

Krabi province is located on the Andaman coast. It has everything that Thailand is famous for - clean sandy beaches, palm groves and archipelagos of exotic islands. Moreover, many of the islands are National Parks. It is full of picturesque bays with natural grottoes that attract tourists who are fond of snorkeling and diving.

Local travel agencies offer both sea and mainland excursions. There are many noteworthy Temples in the province, there is a unique Blue Lake and thermal springs.

Tourist infrastructure is well developed in Krabi. Cafes, bars and other establishments are found at every step in the resort area. There are hotels of different levels, but the cost of living in them cannot be called low. Especially when compared to Pattaya.

From Krabi it is easy to get to the famous Phi Phi Don island, in addition to gorgeous beaches, the island is famous for its special, unique nightlife. If this format of rest is important for you, then it is better to spend a little more time on the road and stop there.

The best time to travel to Thailand in Krabi is from November to May. In this case, you will definitely get a lot of pleasure and the weather, most likely, will not spoil your vacation.

The disadvantage of the resort is inaccessibility, and as a result, high prices for tours. Of course, planes fly here and trains run from Bangkok. But, if we talk about organized recreation, the road is always "roulette". By purchasing a package tour with direct charter to Krabi, you may know before departure that the tour operator has changed the route and your plane will land at Phuket airport. This means that a long bus transfer to Krabi is waiting for you, this, of course, cannot please. As for independent travel, not everything is smooth here either. The cheap option, in the form of a train or bus from Bangkok, takes a lot of time and effort. A comfortable flight on local airlines, of course, is convenient, but the cost of this method of travel bites heavily.

See: tours to a 3 * hotel for two (7 days) with arrival in Krabi (see details above!) In January, cost from 105/120 thousand rubles. - a little expensive. Do you agree?

Who should go to Krabi? As I already noted, Krabi is suitable for everyone who loves nature, although I would argue about solitude. Families with children and young people come here in search of the best places to practice water sports, tourists of the age who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle in a chic star hotel on one of the islands.

Royal Resort: Hua Hin

Hua Hin is an old resort in Thailand. There is a developed infrastructure and a large beach line. Hua Hin is located 198 km south of the capital, on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand.

Hua Hin - Royal Resort. It is here that the summer residence of the King of Thailand is located. There are practically no noisy bars, clubs and other entertainment of this type in the resort. Relaxing beach activities can be harmoniously combined with visits to Buddhist temples, picturesque caves and National Parks. There is also an interesting Night Market here.

The resort's beaches are clean. The entire tourist coastline is covered with tropical greenery. There is a long distance between the hotels to ensure peace of mind for travelers.

The disadvantages of Hau Hin, from the point of view of a budget tourist, include the high cost of living. The hotels here are mainly of luxury class, with their own territory. But for wealthy travelers, this is a great place. In addition, Hua Hin is home to one of the best golf courses in the country.

You can get to Hua Hin from Bangkok by train (5 hours) or by bus (3 hours). The best vacation time is from November to May.

A full package tour to Hua Hin for two to a 3 * hotel will cost at least 80 thousand rubles. for October. Tours for January will go on sale a little later, then I will definitely update the information.

Young people have nothing to do here. It is best to travel to Thailand in Hua Hin for a measured time with the family or a romantic getaway on a honeymoon.

Tropical paradise: Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a tropical paradise with white sand and coconut palms. Koh Samui is part of an archipelago of about 50 islands. The beaches here are luxurious, and coconut palms are the hallmark of Samui. The islands of Ko Tao and Phangan are nearby.

In addition to a wonderful beach holiday, there are Buddhist temples on the island. You can go to the Oceanarium, the Magic Buddha Garden, visit the Romovarnya, the Khin-Lad waterfall, watch the Elephant Show, go on a safari, windsurfing, parasailing, diving and other activities. Nightclubs and bars are provided for young people. Beach parties are held. How do you like this leisure?

You can get to Koh Samui by plane from Bangkok or, if by land transport, then part of the road is a ferry crossing, the only way to the island. The best time to travel to Thailand on the island of Koh Samui is from January to April. It is at this time that you will not find tropical showers here, and you can enjoy the beautiful weather.

Rest on Koh Samui is expensive. A tour to a 3 * hotel for two for a week will cost at least 100 thousand rubles. Is this cost acceptable to you? I wonder if you think the prices in Thailand are overpriced? Write in the comments.

Koh Samui is the ideal island for all types of tourists. What do you prefer? Doing water sports or sunbathing? How do you like to spend your vacation?

The Ancient Spirit of Thailand: Chiang Mai

The second largest city in the country is Chiang Mai. It is the ancient cultural center of Thailand. It is located among the mountains, 750 km north of Bangkok. Chiang Mai has over 300 ancient temples, and you can also get in touch with Thai traditions by visiting the Art and History Museums. The city is famous for its mountainous landscapes. The original tribes have survived here, still living in the jungle.

In Chiang Mai, you can experience the spirit of Thailand. Doi Suthep, Chedi Luang and Chiang Man temples are recommended to visit. Also look out for the oldest monasteries in the region - Wat Phra Singh, Doi Suter Shrine and Wat Chiang Man.

There are no beaches here. However, the beauty of Chang Mai is a must-see for everyone. In addition, the infrastructure developed by the standards of Thailand will make you feel comfortable in this amazing city.

You can travel to Chiang Mai by bus from Bangkok. Also planes fly here. The tourist season here begins in November and ends in February. It rains in the rest of the months. Which, in principle, is not surprising. It's the tropics!

Housing prices in Chiang Mai are affordable. This is not a beach resort. Basically, excursion tours are bought here. Information on cost, found here.

Chiang Mai is a city with a rich history dating back over 700 years. It will be interesting for everyone who wants to get to know the history and culture of the country better, and wants an active excursion vacation.

What is the bottom line?

Where to go to rest in Thailand? Which resort to choose from the mass of offers? I think that you already have a general picture. But still, I will summarize and express my opinion.

• If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and be alone with nature, then you should definitely choose the island of Koh Chang. If you are traveling with a family with active children over 6 years old, they may get bored on Koh Chang, so it is better to look for a livelier resort - the islands of Koh Samui, Phuket or the Krabi province. In principle, Hua Hin is also suitable, subject to a good hotel and an intensive excursion program. But in this case, you will have to forget about complete merging with nature.
• Set for an active holiday, craving night adventures, vibrant shows and other entertainment, your Pattaya resort. I also want a clean sea with beautiful beaches, consider a vacation on the islands of Phuket or Phi Phi Don.
• In your dreams, imagine a picture - a transparent sea, white sand and palm trees, you want a respectable stay in a good hotel on a beautiful beach, with the opportunity to sometimes have fun, go to Koh Samui or to the Krabi province.
• If you dream of visiting northern Thailand, buy a combined tour with an active program. Thus, you will visit Chiang Mai and relax on the coast.

Comparing the cost of tours to different resorts in Thailand, we can say that if you moderate your appetites and tune in to rest with modest living, then it is quite possible to relax with a "relatively" limited budget. It is difficult to save money on the road, flights are quite expensive, after all, not low beam. But accommodation in Thailand can be found cheap. Of course, you will have to sacrifice living conditions and a convenient location relative to the sea. But in my opinion, this is better than giving up the trip altogether!

Thailand is a wonderful place. I know. Was. And I am sure that I will come back here more than once. Here you forget about everything in the world and just enjoy every minute of your time. And the point is not only that Thailand is an exotic nature for a Russian tourist. The atmosphere itself gives a relaxing effect: the good-natured locals, their measured way of life. Even in the noisy places of Thailand, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle. Nothing bothers you here.

Leave comments, subscribe to blog updates and share the article on social networks. I am always glad to new readers. More useful information is coming soon.

On this I say goodbye for a while. Until next time!
Tatiana Solomatina