Thailand
A country of incredible architecture, paradisiacal islands, fantastic cities, golden Buddhas framed by stunning natural landscapes with islands floating above the water – Thailand is associated with an exotic dream of an amazing and eventful vacation.
Thailand Travel Guide
- Regions of Thailand
- Central Thailand
- Eastern Thailand
- Northern Thailand
- Northeast Thailand (Isan)
- Southern Thailand
- Capital
- Sights of Thailand
- Types of temple buildings
- What to see in Thailand
- Climate
- Thai Culture
- Religion in Thailand
- Traditions and customs
- Thai Cuisine
- Official holidays in Thailand in 2023
- The state symbols of Thailand
- The local currency of Thailand
- How to get
Overview
Some places are ideal for beach holidays, others for tourist discoveries. Ancient temples, the splendor of golden sculptures can lure travelers to the world of Asia, which you did not know yet. And Bangkok, an Asian metropolis glowing with lights, will not leave a chance to remain unimpressed.
Regions of Thailand
Rice terraces in Papongpeang area near Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand consists of five regions: Central, Eastern, Northern, Northeastern, Southern and 77 provinces (Changwat). The capital of the country, Bangkok, has the independent status of a province. Each province is divided into districts (amphe), which are divided into tambons (communities), which in turn are divided into mubans (villages). In Bangkok, the districts of the city are called Khet, which consist of kwangs (neighborhoods).
Central Thailand
Angthong, Ayutthaya, Greater Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Lopburi, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathumthani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetburi, Ratburi, Samutprakan, Samutsakhon, Samutsongkhram, Saraburi, Singburi, Suphanburi, Chinat
Eastern Thailand
Prachinburi, Rayong, Sakau, Trat, Chachengsau, Chanthaburi, Chonburi
Northern Thailand
Kamphaengphet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mahongson, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Phayau, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, pHichit, Phre, Sukhothai, Tak, Uttaradit, Uthaithani, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai
Northeast Thailand (Isan)
Amnatcharen, Buriram, Byngkan, Kalasin, Khonken, Lei, Mahasarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhonphanom, Nakhonratchasima, Nongbualamphu, Nongkhai, Royet, Sakonnakhon, Sisaket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Yasothon
Southern Thailand
Chumphon, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang, Yala
Capital
Everyone used to think that the capital of Thailand is Bangkok. But in Thai, the capital of Thailand has always been called Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. However, now this name has become official and means "The City of Angels, the Great Capital" in abbreviation. The name Bangkok remains in unofficial use. The change of the official foreign language name occurred as part of a reform aimed at unifying geographical designations.
The capital of Thailand is Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Bangkok
The full name of the capital of Thailand sounds like Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintarayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Nopparat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasatan Amon Piman Avatan Satit Sakkathattiya Vitsanukam Prasit (Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Nopparat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit), which means: "The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (Ayutthaya) of the god Indra, the great capital of the world endowed with nine precious stones, a happy city teeming with a huge royal palace resembling a heavenly abode where a reborn god reigns, a city donated by Indra and built by Vishnukar." Such a long title was awarded a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
Sights of Thailand
All the exoticism of Thailand lies in its unique attractions: shrines of Buddhist architecture, ancient cities, unforgettable picturesque nature, ancient culture of Asia – Thailand is large and diverse. We can say that the whole country is one big exotic attraction.
Buddha's head entwined with tree roots at Wat Mahathat Temple
Types of temple buildings
Very often, during excursions and studying guidebooks about the sights of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia, you can find the terms Wat, Prang, Chedi and others. For the convenience of terminology, travelers in Thailand will need information about the types of temple buildings and structures:
Wat is a temple or temple complex related not only to Buddhism, but also to Islam and even Christianity. The Cotton wool includes not only halls for parishioners, but also a monastery, educational buildings, massage rooms and other facilities.
Bot or Ubosot (Bot or Ubosot) is usually a sacred hall, a hall of initiation, where newly minted monks are ordained and ritual ceremonies are held. Ubosot is not always the largest building in the complex, and may not always be open to tourists.
Viharn or Vihara (Wiharn or Wihara) is a temple with iconic images of the Buddha, where parishioners pray. If there can be only one ubosot in a Wat, then there can be several viharns. There are temples consisting of only one Viharna. Usually, the Viharn is the largest building on the territory of the temple complex.
A Chedi, stupa or pagoda (Chedi) is a domed or bell–shaped tower in which the remains of the Buddha are kept. It can also be erected to bury the ashes of a monarch or an important monk in it. A good example of Chedi is Wat Yai Chai Mongkon in Ayutthaya.
Prang is a corncob–shaped tower. A typical Angkor or Cambodian building, which appeared in Thailand under the influence of the architectural period of Ayutthaya. Most of them are ancient monuments today, and only a few work as active places of worship.
Hotray or Mondop (Ho Trai or Mondop) is an example of a building in the Grand Royal Palace of Bangkok. Both of these terms are translated as "library". Ho Trai has always been built on stilts on the pond to protect against pests. A Mondop (or mondopa) usually has a square shape and is intended for storing Scriptures and cult images.
Kuti is a temple structure of any shape and size, which performs the functions of a monastery and has cells for monks.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower (Bell or Drum Tower) – several Temples in Thailand have bell towers for inviting believers. However, today drums are used more often than bells.
Naga is a mythical Indian snake deity who, according to legend, protected the Buddha during meditations. In the traditional version of the legend, this is a cobra, which was also often depicted next to the Buddha. In architecture, Naga is used as decoration for railings or roof edges. Naga should not be confused with dragons, which usually accompany the construction of temples in the Chinese style.
Sema (Bai or Sema) are stone markers in the shape of leaves. Usually, the ubosot was surrounded by eight such stone leaves, enclosing the sacred ground of the temple.
Chofah is an architectural decoration on the roof of the pediment. In Temples in Bangkok and the central provinces, these ornaments are often shaped like the head of an antelope or birds.
Sala is an outdoor tent or gazebo. In Temples, the Sala is used as a place to read sermons. Some viharnas are built in this style, for example Wat Sudan Dok (Chiang Mai).
What to see in Thailand
Royal Palace in Bangkok
Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Temple in Bangkok
Wat Rong Khun Buddhist Temple in Chiang Rai
Wat Arun Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) in Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaew Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaew Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Big Buddha of Phuket (Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri)
Koh Samui Island in the Gulf of Thailand
San Kampfaeng Thermal Springs in Chiang Mai (San Kamphaeng Hot Springs)
Historical cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya
Doi Inthanon National Park
Prasat Mai Temple of Truth in Pattaya
Wat Lan Kuad Temple (Wat Lan Khuat)
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Monastery in Chiang Mai Province
Phi Phi Islands (Phi-Phi Islands)
Climate
Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand's climate is humid tropical in the north, subequatorial in the central and southern parts, and equatorial on the border with Malaysia.
The monsoon coming from the southwest brings rains and coolness to Thailand in late May and mid—July. By November, the rains end, and the "cool dry" season begins until mid-February. From November to February, the country has a "velvet season". And in February – May, there is a strong heat wave with high humidity, which eventually "pours out" in the monsoon season.
Thai Culture
From the medieval state of Sukhothai, through the era of Ayutthaya, Rattanakosin, and under the influence of the peoples of Asia, Thailand has developed for thousands of years. Traditional Thai culture has traces of Indian, Chinese and other Southeast Asian cultures, and Buddhism and Animism have played a key role in shaping the country's traditions and culture.
Religion in Thailand
Buddhist monks in traditional clothes
More than 94% of the Thai population professes Buddhism in two main directions: Theravada and Mahayana. The rest profess Islam, Christianity, Protestantism and other branches. Theravada Thai Buddhism is supported by the government, and monks receive government benefits. Buddhism is combined with beliefs in spirits, which form the basis of Buddhist mythology.
Traditions and customs
Traditional decor in Thailand
The desire for sophistication has remained from the ancient Siamese culture in Thailand. Politeness and the absence of rudeness is the basic norm of the daily life of the people. The traditional Thai greeting and smile are signs rooted in Thailand for centuries. Manifestations of anger or rudeness are alien to Thai culture, disputes and disagreements are usually resolved calmly and with a smile.
The cult of reverence for the Royal Dynasty and the King in Thailand is the foundation of the foundations. The social hierarchy is very pronounced – the attitude towards elders, teachers and guardians is always respectful. In Thailand, it is not customary to show intimacy in public, so physical contact is minimized.
Thai Cuisine
Thai cuisine has been largely influenced by climate and culture. Three harvests a year allow you to add variety to the diet of Thai residents. Thais use all kinds of meat, fish, as well as a variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs in their cuisine, but nevertheless, most dishes are based on rice and noodles. Spicy spices are very popular – all kinds of curries, peppers and seasonings significantly distinguish Thai cuisine from European cuisine.
Spicy spices and seasonings of Thai cuisine
The aesthetic appearance of the dish is another feature of Thai cuisine. Carving (cutting out vegetables and fruits) in Thailand is brought to perfection. When traveling in Thailand, it is worth trying the spicy Tom Yam soup with shrimp and mushrooms, spicy green papaya salad Som Tam, Tom Kha Kai soup with coconut milk and chicken, local rolls with sausage, grilled meat and rice noodles.
Perfect serving of Thai dishes
Official holidays in Thailand in 2023
Thailand celebrates many holidays, some of them are unique and have no analogues in European culture. New Year's Eve alone is celebrated here three times: in the European, Chinese and Thai style.
January 1 – New Year
January 22nd – Chinese New Year
April 13 – 15 – Songkran, Thai New Year
May 1 – Labor Day
May 4 – Coronation Day
June 3, 5 – Queen Sutida's birthday
July 28 is the birthday of King Vajiralongkorn
August 12-14 – Mother's Day
October 23rd – Chulalongkorn Day
December 5th is Father's Day
December 10 – Constitution Day
December 25 – Christmas
December 31st – New Year's Eve
The state symbols of Thailand
The national flag of Thailand
The main symbol of Thailand is the national coat of arms, which depicts the national Buddhist symbol — the Garuda riding bird.
The flag consists of five horizontal stripes. A wide blue stripe is framed by two narrow ones – white and red. The three colors symbolize the foundations of the state — the people (red), religion (white), and the king (blue).
The local currency of Thailand
The baht is the monetary unit of Thailand. 1 Baht equals 100 satangs. Graphic symbol: a.
How to get
Air travel is the only available way to get to Thailand from Russia. The largest Suvarnabhumi Airport is located in Bangkok. Aeroflot and Thai Airlines operate daily flights to the Thai capital.
May 12, 2024
